Spoodles - disappointed

[jkp464]

We just got back from our 10-day vacation -- awesome trip! The only disappointment on our trip was our dinner at Spoodles. We had reviewed menus in advance to make sure the restaurants were good choices for us. Spoodles had a steak kabob that seemed to be a good item for even my 12-year old less adventerous eater. 4 of the 5 of us ended up ordering the steak kabob. Not only did they not like the flavor, the texture of the meat was tough. I had the lemon shrimp which was just okay -- the lemon flavor was too overpowering for the meal. The creme brulee was good, but the other desserts were less than average. We would definitely NOT recommend this restaurant to anyone!

 

[SauceBoss]

Sorry you didn't like it. Sounds like the menu was maybe just a bit adventurous for you. True Mediterranean food is not for the "meat and potatoes" crowd.

 

[n2mm]

We just got back from our 10-day vacation -- awesome trip! The only disappointment on our trip was our dinner at Spoodles. We had reviewed menus in advance to make sure the restaurants were good choices for us. Spoodles had a steak kabob that seemed to be a good item for even my 12-year old less adventerous eater. 4 of the 5 of us ended up ordering the steak kabob. Not only did they not like the flavor, the texture of the meat was tough. I had the lemon shrimp which was just okay -- the lemon flavor was too overpowering for the meal. The creme brulee was good, but the other desserts were less than average. We would definitely NOT recommend this restaurant to anyone!

I agree. I've eaten at Spoodles in the past (before the menu change) and it was a great meal. We ate there in May with the new choices and I too had the kabobs. I thought the meat was tough and chewy and too much work cutting off the grissel and fat. I will revisit if/when the menu changes again, but crossed them off my list for now. My husband had the game hen and he was unimpressed with it.....he said, "it taste like chicken"....

 

[starbox]

I totally agree with your assessment. True, authentic mediteranian cuisine is my all-time favorite food, and I am lucky enough to live in a city large enough to have some excellent ethnic restaurants. I was really looking forward to Spoodles, and the menu sounded great, but the food was very dissappointing.

 

[Minniespal]

Such a pity that you had such a negative experience.

 

[marcyinPA]

We ate at Spoodles before the menu change, and we were completely disappointed with the food and service. The service was actually worse than the food itself, but the food was unimpressive.

So many people here on the DIS rave about this place, and we left there just scratching our heads wondering why...

 

[SauceBoss]

What exactly is everyone expecting to see there? Spaghetti & Meatballs? Pizza? Chicken Parmesan? I've been trying to figure out what everyone's expectations are. Seems that most are looking for a dumbed down American menu with a few italian flares. But then, I see thousands of complaints on the boards that all the TS restaurants have the same menu. Strange... any thoughts? Personally, I like unique food... but that's only one opinion.

 

[DisOrBust]

SB I don't think it has anything to do with the offerings being exotic but moreso the quality has slipped. Spoodles had a scallop and steak option that many people loved. Also a lemon shrimp that "was" made with Meyer lemon and Feta but I'm not sure they use that anymore. The menu has also decreased the amount of choices .

 

[starbox]

What exactly is everyone expecting to see there?

Good mediterranean food.

Sangria that does not taste like Boone's Farm. Hummus that is creamy and balanced and served with fresh lavash, flatbread, or warm pita. Meat that is tender and juicy. Service that is friendly.

 

[gppnj]

When did the menu change? I ate there in February 2006, and it was delicious. My guess is that the menu change must have been after that. And did it change because of the dining plan? If so, that's disappointing. I'd hate to think that the dining plan is spoiling some good aspects of certain restaurants.

 

[Meredisney]

Hmmmm…. One of the advantages of living in the Orlando area is the phenomenal food at Walt Disney World. In fact, we visited the BoardWalk last week and had dinner at Spoodles. We really enjoyed the Margherita Flatbread. My husband had the Rigatoni and I had the Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Linguine. We shared both pasta dishes and left very happy.

Funny you mentioned the sangria…..I LOVE IT!!! It’s actually homemade with fruit juice and some other secret ingredients. I asked the server for the recipe, but she refused to share the Disney secret! Believe me, I remember lots of Boone’s Farms from my college Days…..This is nothing like that.

 

[TruBlu]

I felt the same way about Spoodles. It was one of my least favorite meals of the trip. I LOVE spicy, exotic foods. BUT - the beef kabobs were not the best cut of meat and loaded down with an overpowering spice. I think this may have been the first food that I've ever had in my life that had too much spice! But, DH liked them. I guess it just boils down to personal taste. Unless the menu changes again we will not return to Spoodles.

 

[TigerKat]

Funny you mentioned the sangria…..I LOVE IT!!! It’s actually homemade with fruit juice and some other secret ingredients. I asked the server for the recipe, but she refused to share the Disney secret! Believe me, I remember lots of Boone’s Farms from my college Days…..This is nothing like that.

We love the sangria as well and our server gave me the recipe, I'd be happy to share!

 

[Robert P]

I would love to have the recipe for their sangria as well. I thought it was quite good.

 

[HockeyMomto2]

I have to agree with the OP. My family of 4 all ordered the Shrimp Linguine. We all love different food. (My 12 year old's favorite food is sushi.) He couldn't finish the pasta becuase of the overpowering lemon flavor. I felt the same way, but was forcing it down because I am the Mom. I set the example. But, the calamari appetizer was fantastic. I wish I could have made that my meal.

 

[TigerKat]

Our server at Spoodles was sweet enough to go and ask if she could share the recipe and came out of the kitchen with a handwritten recipe for me. I haven't tried it yet, but this is for one small pitcher:

1 oz. brandy
1 oz. triple sec
1 oz. lime juice
4 oz. orange juice

Fill with wine! Enjoy!!

Kathy

 

[Robert P]

TigerKat,
Many thanks!
I have been tinkering with both red and white sangria recipes, and this one seems pretty straight forward.
Robert P

 

[daisax]

What exactly is everyone expecting to see there? Spaghetti & Meatballs? Pizza? Chicken Parmesan?

People have stated that the meat was tough and gristle-y and overseasoned (in spice and lemon), etc.

Why turn that into an attack on their palates?

They didn't complain that "there was nothing to eat." They complained that it wasn't up to par with the experience they were expecting.