Uncleromulus
Plain grey will be fine
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2001
Had been a couple of trips since we'd done FF so we were excited about going back. Dinner was set for 7:00 PM--a little later than our usual time, but necessary because we had the Backstage Magic tour for most of the day and we needed that extra hour to get ready. We arrived at the Boardwalk a little early and after the obligatory stroll from one end to the other, we wandered up to the restaurant at about quarter til seven. We were looking at the menu posted outside when one of the hostesses at the podium walked out and casually suggested we should try the restaurant. When we informed her we had ADR's for 7, she invited us in and said we could be seated immediately. So we got in early! That's when noticed the FF was not as crowded as usual. Last time there, it was SRO in the small lobby and folks were also standing outsde. They were turning away walk-ups. This nite it wasn't very crowded and the restaurant wasn't even full--.
Once inside, Mrs U and I had predetermined that we were NOT going to sit in the back "Cabana Room". Not a problem--our table was up front, in the open, and right in front of the kitchen. Just as at Citricos, we were along a railing that separates the kitchen and the walkway from the dining area. Yet another "poor mans" chefs table! So we had a great look at all the food being cooked over the open oak grilling pit--and the pit was full of burning oak. Remined me of my fireplace on a winter's night---.
First up were our drinks--Mrs U had wine, I had a Bass Ale from what is a pretty sad beer list. When the dinner rolls came out, they weren't much either. Round and rather hard--. But everything was fine from then on. For an appetizer, Mrs U had Chardonnay Steamed Mussels, with fennel, pesto cream sauce, and sourdough bread (for sauce dipping purposes, I guess). She liked it a lot and I was able to sneak a dip or two of the sauce as well--very tasty. My appetizer was the peeky-toe crabcake w/ Flying Fish Slaw. I'd had it before--the peeky toe crab is tasty-sweet. Great for an appetizer, but certainly didn't make me forget the Md. style crabcake. The slaw had just a bit of a "kick" to it, probaly from the chili remoulade.
Our entrees were (along with dessert) the meal highlites. I'd been observing the chefs cooking the steak over the oak fire, but noticed the Atlantic Salmon being grilled there too. So--I made it a point to mosey on up to the kitchen and get a closer look. The steak looked great--but they seemed to be charring it a lot on the outside. The salmon looked great also and when the chef saw me looking at it, he suggested that "The salmon is excellent tonight". So that decided it--Oak-grilled Salmon for me and Mrs U as well. It came with Roasted Fingerling potatoes. artickokes, Pancetta, cipollini onions, and roasted tomato jus. And it was GOOD!! The fish was cooked to order (medium) and the sauce did little to to take away from that fresh oak wood taste. This salmon is better--I think--than what you get at Artist Point. And that is good salmon over there.
Dessert followed and both selections were hits. Mrs U got a Chilled Fruit "soup"-- Fresh berries, California Reisling, Orange Cake, and Yogurt-style Ice Cream. I had a creme brulee--this one had caramelized bannanas and chantilly cream. Both were reasonanbly light and perfect to finish off an enjoyable meal.
I should note that the "Chef's Thunder" was back on the menu. I'd heard that once in awhile it dosen't appear, but this night it was right there. They had an interesting cheese selection as the dessert--.
Next up: Portobello Yacht Club.
Once inside, Mrs U and I had predetermined that we were NOT going to sit in the back "Cabana Room". Not a problem--our table was up front, in the open, and right in front of the kitchen. Just as at Citricos, we were along a railing that separates the kitchen and the walkway from the dining area. Yet another "poor mans" chefs table! So we had a great look at all the food being cooked over the open oak grilling pit--and the pit was full of burning oak. Remined me of my fireplace on a winter's night---.
First up were our drinks--Mrs U had wine, I had a Bass Ale from what is a pretty sad beer list. When the dinner rolls came out, they weren't much either. Round and rather hard--. But everything was fine from then on. For an appetizer, Mrs U had Chardonnay Steamed Mussels, with fennel, pesto cream sauce, and sourdough bread (for sauce dipping purposes, I guess). She liked it a lot and I was able to sneak a dip or two of the sauce as well--very tasty. My appetizer was the peeky-toe crabcake w/ Flying Fish Slaw. I'd had it before--the peeky toe crab is tasty-sweet. Great for an appetizer, but certainly didn't make me forget the Md. style crabcake. The slaw had just a bit of a "kick" to it, probaly from the chili remoulade.
Our entrees were (along with dessert) the meal highlites. I'd been observing the chefs cooking the steak over the oak fire, but noticed the Atlantic Salmon being grilled there too. So--I made it a point to mosey on up to the kitchen and get a closer look. The steak looked great--but they seemed to be charring it a lot on the outside. The salmon looked great also and when the chef saw me looking at it, he suggested that "The salmon is excellent tonight". So that decided it--Oak-grilled Salmon for me and Mrs U as well. It came with Roasted Fingerling potatoes. artickokes, Pancetta, cipollini onions, and roasted tomato jus. And it was GOOD!! The fish was cooked to order (medium) and the sauce did little to to take away from that fresh oak wood taste. This salmon is better--I think--than what you get at Artist Point. And that is good salmon over there.
Dessert followed and both selections were hits. Mrs U got a Chilled Fruit "soup"-- Fresh berries, California Reisling, Orange Cake, and Yogurt-style Ice Cream. I had a creme brulee--this one had caramelized bannanas and chantilly cream. Both were reasonanbly light and perfect to finish off an enjoyable meal.
I should note that the "Chef's Thunder" was back on the menu. I'd heard that once in awhile it dosen't appear, but this night it was right there. They had an interesting cheese selection as the dessert--.
Next up: Portobello Yacht Club.
