Disney Dining -- Lunch at the San Angel Inn

On our Epcot day, we had lunch at the San Angel Inn.  We had a 12:20 reservation, and we were seated promptly.  The ambiance of this restaurant is spectacular.  You walk inside a Mesoamerican pyramid, where you find yourself in a Mexican marketplace at twilight.  You can see the stars overhead and in the distance you see a smoking volcano overlooking a river, winding its way through the jungle.  The restaurant is right by the water, with just enough light to enjoy your meal, while still maintaining the illusion of night time.

The last time we visited this restaurant (three years ago), I was disappointed; but they have improved greatly.    I was skeptical at first, when the server told me that I didn't need to talk to the chef because almost everything on the menu was gluten free (except for the flour tortillas), but I took a chance and ordered a tortilla soup (Sopa Azteca on the menu).  They brought out a bowl filled with tortilla strips, avocado, and cheese, then poured the broth over it in front of you.  It was one of the best tortilla soups I've ever had, with just enough spice to make it flavorful, but not hot. (I did not get glutened, but I still would have preferred to hear it directly from the chef instead of the server.)

For an entree, I shared an order of  Loma de Pue en Pipián, a pork tenderloin served over roasted vegetables and pipián - pumpkin, chiles and almond sauce.  As I expected, there was more than enough to feed myself and my son, who always orders the most expensive thing on the menu, but is too tiny to be able to eat it all himself.  He has great taste buds, but small capacity.  It was very good, but the soup was the real winner.

Sandy