Erikarate
07-23-2004, 10:43 PM
RECAP...
The players:
Me, DH, DD 9, DS 7.
Where we stayed:
4 days at Portofino Bay Concierge(Universal Studios), 9 days at BoardWalk Villas (1 BR unit)
Rating Scale:
10- everything perfect...food, service, atmosphere (very rare)
9- excellent, almost perfect
7-8- very good, overall great experience
5-6- mediocre, might not return
3-4- bad, not returning
1-2- should close this place down!!!
Sunday, July 11
Check-out day at Portofino Bay. We enjoyed our stay very much, but longed to be "home" at our beloved BoardWalk. Again we ate the usual in the lounge for breakfast (see part I)
We went to Islands and rode a few rides (I got DH to do the Hulk coaster) and attractions we had missed the day before...we left around lunchtime and decided to grab a bite in CityWalk.
Lunch, Margaritaville
I had been to the Margaritaville in Key West many years ago and recall that it had decent burgers and sandwiches. Also the kids love Jimmy Buffet music and wanted to try a "cheeseburger in paradise".
The restaurant is appropriately decorated with tropical beach/nautical artifacts lending a Keys/Caribbean feel. There are tv's everywhere playing of course fliks of Jimmy Buffet concerts. Also at one point during the meal the lights began to flicker and a simulated hurricane occured (much like that at the Rainforest Cafe). It was pretty cool...the kind of place that would be nice to kick back a few drinks with some friends...
I stuck with a diet coke however, along with a turkey wrap. Defeating the purpose of choosing a healthy sandwich I chose to substitute onion rings for french fries...oh well, they were GOOD...nice thick slices with a crunchy beer-batter (I like this style better than the breadcrumb type). The wrap was good, what you would expect. DH had the same but with fries. DD had the chicken fingers and DS the kiddie cheeseburger in paradise. They ate this up, so I assume it was good.
Service was good, but hard to compare to Tchoup Chop.
Overall rating: 7 1/2 - nice atmosphere, good food. Would come back.
We left Universal Orlando, stopped at Goodings (the supermarket in Crossroads Plaza) and picked up PB & J, bagels, salads, snacks, and plenty of water. We checked in to BoardWalk and were pleased to find our room ready. We unpacked, put groceries away and did our first of many loads of laundry. After a quick nap we meandered downstairs to grab a bite on the BoardWalk.
Dinner, Spoodles
DH and I had eaten here once for breakfast and enjoyed it. The mediterranean decor is less obvious than some of the more trendy places on-site (i.e. Flying Fish) however I find it warm and inviting.
I had the Sauteed Chicken Breast with couscous, spinach, tomatoes, and a lemon olive sauce. It was flavorful and delicious. DH had Filet of Beef with pancetta mashed potatoes, wild mushroom ragu, chive creme drizzle and sun-dried tomato jam. DH says it was good, but just adequate. I think he's been spoiled by amazing steaks like the one from Tchoup Chop!!
I can't remember what the kids ate, but I'm pretty sure it was either Pizza, nuggets, or mac & cheese!!!
Our server was incredibly warm and engaging. She was also helpful in selecting our entrees as I indicated I wanted something light but flavorful. Our tip reflected our appreciation...
Overall rating: 8 - very good food, excellect service, nice atmosphere...and the convenience to our room could not be beat.
Since I had such a healthy, light meal, of course it was easy to rationalize a sinful dessert from the BW Bakery...
Dessert - BoardWalk Bakery
This is IMO the best bakery on property. We dream about the vanilla donut rings when back in CT. Surprisingly I did not get one this trip. Instead, this evening I ordered a peanut butter bar, DD got a bowtie and DH and I think he and DS had chocolate cake as well as some of of my PB bar. I have had this before and it is heavenly. It is also very rich, so a few bites is satisfying.
Bellies full, we peacefully slept knowing we would have yet another amazing day at our favorite place on Earth...
Still to come...reviews of:
California Grill
Grand Adventures in Cooking
Grand Floridian Cafe
Pecos Bill
The players:
Me, DH, DD 9, DS 7.
Where we stayed:
4 days at Portofino Bay Concierge(Universal Studios), 9 days at BoardWalk Villas (1 BR unit)
Rating Scale:
10- everything perfect...food, service, atmosphere (very rare)
9- excellent, almost perfect
7-8- very good, overall great experience
5-6- mediocre, might not return
3-4- bad, not returning
1-2- should close this place down!!!
Sunday, July 11
Check-out day at Portofino Bay. We enjoyed our stay very much, but longed to be "home" at our beloved BoardWalk. Again we ate the usual in the lounge for breakfast (see part I)
We went to Islands and rode a few rides (I got DH to do the Hulk coaster) and attractions we had missed the day before...we left around lunchtime and decided to grab a bite in CityWalk.
Lunch, Margaritaville
I had been to the Margaritaville in Key West many years ago and recall that it had decent burgers and sandwiches. Also the kids love Jimmy Buffet music and wanted to try a "cheeseburger in paradise".
The restaurant is appropriately decorated with tropical beach/nautical artifacts lending a Keys/Caribbean feel. There are tv's everywhere playing of course fliks of Jimmy Buffet concerts. Also at one point during the meal the lights began to flicker and a simulated hurricane occured (much like that at the Rainforest Cafe). It was pretty cool...the kind of place that would be nice to kick back a few drinks with some friends...
I stuck with a diet coke however, along with a turkey wrap. Defeating the purpose of choosing a healthy sandwich I chose to substitute onion rings for french fries...oh well, they were GOOD...nice thick slices with a crunchy beer-batter (I like this style better than the breadcrumb type). The wrap was good, what you would expect. DH had the same but with fries. DD had the chicken fingers and DS the kiddie cheeseburger in paradise. They ate this up, so I assume it was good.
Service was good, but hard to compare to Tchoup Chop.
Overall rating: 7 1/2 - nice atmosphere, good food. Would come back.
We left Universal Orlando, stopped at Goodings (the supermarket in Crossroads Plaza) and picked up PB & J, bagels, salads, snacks, and plenty of water. We checked in to BoardWalk and were pleased to find our room ready. We unpacked, put groceries away and did our first of many loads of laundry. After a quick nap we meandered downstairs to grab a bite on the BoardWalk.
Dinner, Spoodles
DH and I had eaten here once for breakfast and enjoyed it. The mediterranean decor is less obvious than some of the more trendy places on-site (i.e. Flying Fish) however I find it warm and inviting.
I had the Sauteed Chicken Breast with couscous, spinach, tomatoes, and a lemon olive sauce. It was flavorful and delicious. DH had Filet of Beef with pancetta mashed potatoes, wild mushroom ragu, chive creme drizzle and sun-dried tomato jam. DH says it was good, but just adequate. I think he's been spoiled by amazing steaks like the one from Tchoup Chop!!
I can't remember what the kids ate, but I'm pretty sure it was either Pizza, nuggets, or mac & cheese!!!
Our server was incredibly warm and engaging. She was also helpful in selecting our entrees as I indicated I wanted something light but flavorful. Our tip reflected our appreciation...
Overall rating: 8 - very good food, excellect service, nice atmosphere...and the convenience to our room could not be beat.
Since I had such a healthy, light meal, of course it was easy to rationalize a sinful dessert from the BW Bakery...
Dessert - BoardWalk Bakery
This is IMO the best bakery on property. We dream about the vanilla donut rings when back in CT. Surprisingly I did not get one this trip. Instead, this evening I ordered a peanut butter bar, DD got a bowtie and DH and I think he and DS had chocolate cake as well as some of of my PB bar. I have had this before and it is heavenly. It is also very rich, so a few bites is satisfying.
Bellies full, we peacefully slept knowing we would have yet another amazing day at our favorite place on Earth...
Still to come...reviews of:
California Grill
Grand Adventures in Cooking
Grand Floridian Cafe
Pecos Bill