The Wave of American Flavors is a restaurant located in the Contemporary Resort. Its menu focuses on using fresh ingredients and juxtaposing unique flavor combinations. The lunch and dinner menu also has two plant-based options; cauliflower tacos and tikka masala. Vegetarians can also choose from the protein bowl, dashi bowl, and pappardelle pasta.
The decor of the wave had heavy autumnal color scheme, which caught me by surprise. Given the name and signage, I was expecting cool colors (similar to the ones at Coral Reef) to be prominent. The decor felt a little dated, but the atmosphere was a pleasant refuge from the hustle and bustle of the Magic Kingdom.
We tried the cauliflower tacos first. These came with cauliflower, slaw, avocado, and salsa verde. I really enjoyed these. They had a refreshing tanginess to them and were very filling for being only an appetizer. I could easily make this a satisfying meal on its own.
Next, the tikka masala came out. This also had the cauliflower. The tikka masala came with tofu, carrots, and jasmine rice. I liked the way the tofu was prepared. It was firm and crisp without tasting geasy. I greatly appreciated a plant-based menu item that didn’t rely too heavily on faux meat. The tikka masala had a great sweet and spicy flavor. For those afraid of spice, it definitely leans more towards the sweet end of the spectrum. My only complaint was that the cauliflower was a little overcooked, but that could be my personal preference.
I enjoyed both of these items and would definitely return to have them again…or maybe try something new.