Great review of the luncheon! It does look nice and the variety they give is exceptional.
You give such wonderfully descriptive reviews. Just like last year's, your review causes me to consider the additional special offerings of F&W
Your luncheon pics are wonderful! The F&W special events are always a bit of a gamble and I've been horse shy of them save for the inexpensive deminars. Very helpful to see your photos and to have your previous year experience to weigh. Glad you enjoyed despite the terrible weather. I think I was in Epcot the same day - braving the rain and thunderstorms. I ended up finding shelter in the France pavilion and watched the film for the worst of the storm. Nasty day. I had a dinner ADR at Chefs and the duck was good as always.
Your meal at Tutto Gusto looks AMAZING! I have always considered doing one of these lunches but I didn't realize just how much food you got for the price. $94 looks to be well worth it.. there is so much variety there. Wow!
I had to take a second look at all those glasses!
It is nice to have 3 choices, much easier for someone to find something to like! It looked delicious!
We collected the wine glasses, too. I thought that it was a really nice thing for Disney to do.I was there when the special area set up for Annual Passholders opened at 11:00, so was able to get my 3rd stamp and collect my 20th Anniversary port wine glass
I like the idea of having three items for every course. This looks like a really nice event.Though it didn't work out quite as well for me, generally speaking I applaud their decision to serve a trio of items for each course this year. Also, the service was again wonderful, the food was very good, the wine pours were fairly generous, and like last year my tablemates were all friendly so overall I felt that the Italian Regional lunch was well-worth its $94 (plus tax) price. This luncheon is definitely on my wish list of F & W special events to attend next year!
I love that song.And the last one, Dennis singing my favorite STYX song, "Lady"..
We ate at La Hacienda the week before you did. I can't remember if the red salsa was different from San Angel's, but I think it might have been. All I really remember is the meltdown that our six year old granddaughter had when Mommy told her that she couldn't have any more chips.I can't recall if I had any of these and there's nothing in my notes about them so unfortunately I can't tell you if this was the same "yucky" red salsa ( think smoky barbecue sauce) that is served at San Angel Inn. Perhaps someone can chime in to answer this question??
I think the rice was different from when we ate there in March of 2014. The corn was definitely different. All in all our meal wasn't as good as it was in 2014. We were slightly disappointed, although the five of us ate everything. We were all hungry.I only had room for a taste of each of these but they were both good. The rice seemed to be different though than what I remember being served here previously...not better or worse but different. Can anyone confirm??
We prefer San Angel, too, and I think that La Hacienda is off our rotation, especially since they don't take the TiW discount.But then again, I think I actually prefer San Angel Inn, plus they accept Tables in Wonderland.
But if you are like me and are a fan of Dennis DeYoung and STYX (or are at least somewhat familiar with their music), then here are a few photos from the 6:45 show held by Dennis and his band that night.
We prefer San Angel, too, and I think that La Hacienda is off our rotation, especially since they don't take the TiW discount.
Looks like they put on a great show, though. We considered using a Fastpass for it, do you think it was worth it?! Sounds like it would be if you don't want to have to wait in line.
I gotta say that margarita looks quite tasty At least that was a winner!
Interesting review of La Hacienda. It is not on my radar to try and reviews like this one confirm I am not really missing anything.
Of course I know who Dennis DeYoung is - I even had dinner with him! And by having dinner with him, I mean he was two tables away at the Fly Fish!
Thanks as always for your reviews.
Great review, Barb! When La Hacienda first opened,it was really good. On my first visit my nephew and I shared the Del Mar platter and ti was delicious! it was only on my last trip there (maybe 2 years ago) that I noticed it wasn't up to it's earlier standards. So disappointing. And no TiW so it's not on my list of must-dos.
Nice update Barb. I was a big fan of Styx while growing up. I saw them several times including their last tour as Styx as we knew them to be, Kilroy Was Here (Mr. Roboto) Tour. I have to admit, I was not a big fan of that album or tour and the artistic differences between the band and Dennis DeYoung became irreconcilable during this time. I have to admit though Barb, I liked Tommy Shaw better than Dennis DeYoung. I did like Dennis with Lady and Don't let it End, but as a big fan of Styx and as a teen at the time I did not like Babe at all (like it now)... But my then girlfriend loved the song. LOL... I was a bigger fan of Tommy Shaw on his songs, Boat on a River, Fooling Yourself, Too Much Time On Your Hands, Renegade and Blue Collar Man. However, I will admit my favorite Styx song of all time was sung by Dennis DeYoung in Grand Illusion as was Come Sail Away (another favorite). So there you have it Barb, my favorite band growing up was Styx and I would love to have seen Dennis DeYoung even if it wasn't with Tommy, Chuck, John (RIP) and James.
As for your dining review of La Hacienda, I'm glad to have read it. I have read many mixed reviews of this place and yours was not exactly a glowing one either. I have tried a few restaurants in the past based off of your opinions and liked them. I have also gone to a couple of ones you didn't like and I should have listened to you. We had been tossing this restaurant around for going there for dinner and hoping for a good seat to watch Illuminations; after really mulling it around we decided to pass, but kept thinking perhaps we should. This review has reinforced that thought on just passing on it, dine elsewhere (we love SAI) and then stake out our claim around Crescent Lake to watch Illuminations.
Glad you had a great Eat to the Beat concert experience. I still love Mr. Roboto One of the songs I turn up and my kids complain...loudly
You confirmed that eating at the La Hacienda location for lunch is the best time to go there. Sorry your meal was not great
I got a it behind - love the Tutto Regional Lunch review. I wasn't sure if DH and I would enjoy doing one of those lunches in October but you may have changed my mind!
La Hacienda has been a consistently good meal for us. I am sorry yours was off. I don't know that I will get there this year but I do hope to return in the future. Hopefully my experience will be a good one!
Great review! I always love the shrimp tacos at the Mexico Booth at F&W and noticed the same item? is on the menu at La Hacienda. Haven't been in to try it yet. ps I remember Mr. Roboto from the 80s! Long live STYX.
So what was I missing? Why would anyone choose to pay more money by ordering from the Prix Fixe Menu?
Overall this meal was not really worth the $83 price (plus tax) for me, especially since it was void of any meat or seafood.
Hi Barb! I love your report and the pictures! I am now following you on Instagram to torture myself with the gorgeous food photos. I am late to the party but all caught up (except I have not read all the comments) - forgive me if someone has pointed this out already:
You didn't factor in one of the courses at Monsieur Paul on the prix fixe menu - the escargots are their own course in addition to the appetizer selection. So if you are a hearty eater and love escargots this can be an ok value.
Would love to know more about the mystery cupcake at Boardwalk bakery! Can't wait to see what the renovations at Flying Fish and the sweet shoppe bring (hopefully an awesome bar)!!!
We love The Wave - I know it brings differing reviews but have never had a bad meal there. And the breakfast buffet is so good there. I'll be eagerly awaiting the next installment and salivating all the while...
I agree - strange that it was meatless. Were they pouring seconds on the wines or one glass per course?