16 quick rest. reviews --3/1-3/9

[Mainebound]

Hi all,

Here’s a summary of our gastronomic adventure. We judged the restaurants by their level -- obviously, an “A” for Crystal Palace doesn’t mean the same as an “A” at the Palm! Feel free to reply with any specific questions you might have. We stayed at the Swan and Hard Rock, and this is reflected in our dining choices. Our most disappointing meal was at Chefs de France, where we encountered a very subpar, downright rude, waiter. Our happiest surprise was Blue Zoo.

Rest. Meal Atmo. Food Service
Fresh B/L B A A
Blue Zoo D A A+ A
Tubbis B/D C B+ A
Shulas D B A-/B+ A+
Akershus L A A- A
ChefdFrn D A B- C-
Marakesh L A B+ B+
Kimonos D A- A B+
CrysPal L A A A
LibTrTav L A A- A-
RFC/AK L B+ C B-
HousBlus D A- B+ A-

Palm (HR) D A- A A-
Kitchen(HR) B/L/D Varies considerably. Mostly good
NBACity D C C C-
Mythos L A A- A-

Happy eating!

 

[MikeWazowski]

I'd like to here about Shulas and BlueZoo. Thanks

 

[Mainebound]

Originally posted by MikeWazowski
I'd like to here about Shulas and BlueZoo. Thanks

Ok. Blue Zoo has an underwater at night/Asian feel. It's very hip and cool, with a prominent bar and raw bar and mellow techno music. The drinks are large -- the cosmo I ordered almost put me out for the night. The service was not super professional, but was very earnest. The menu is fresh seafood. That's pretty much it.

I took my mother there for dinner. She had oysters which she said were great. Then she had the sea bass with red onion salad which she said was the best she had ever tasted. I had the poached jumbo shrimp. The shrimp were terrific. The sauces were either great (avacado puree, fennel) or plain (bloody mmary sauce). Then I had the crisp filo bakes salmon which was outstanding, with tempura haricots vert which were also great.

At Shula's, the atmosphere is very masculine. Dark wood, photos of football all around. Crowded. Menu is presented on a football. Then the waiter comes by with a cart to show you the lobster and steaks. He also shows you the $6.95 baked potato. Well, it looks like the .30 one in my Hannaford. LOL! I thought this was a bit ridiculous. I know what a potato looks like, for Pete's sake.

My husband ordered the BBQ shrimp. It was hard to taste the shrimp under the thick BBQ sauce. I had the stone crab, which was very good, but not super special. Then we both had the 28oz porterhouse steaks, which were really great, but way too big obviously. Also I ordered the creamed spinach which was not special in any way.

Service was the strongest point. Three very professional, experienced people assigned to our table. Just outstanding. But we had just as good of a meal at the Palm Steakhouse with no pretense.

Hope this helps.

 

[jacksmom]

I would love to hear more about Mythos and the Kitchen?

 

[Mainebound]

Originally posted by jacksmom
I would love to hear more about Mythos and the Kitchen?

Well, Mythos is one of only 2 sit-down restaurants at IOA. It is across from Poseidon's Adventure. It is inside a huge grotto. It overlooks the other side of the lagoon and you can see the Hulk coaster and other rides across the way. It is cool and dark, with mythic faces carved into the high walls. Very comfortable. Offerings included a lot of salads and fish dishes, but also hamburgers, wraps, chicken clubs, etc. I had a caesar salad with grilled chicken which was excellent. DH had a good burger. My mother had chinese chicken salad which she loved.

The Kitchen is the new restaurant at the Hard Rock. The decor is great. You can eat outside by the pool or inside. It's very cool looking, kind of clubby. Big open kitchen, which you can sit next to if you want. Child's playroom with TV off to the side. GREAT children's buffet for dinner. We ate there for breakfast -- once was great, once was just ok -- some food was cold. Also for lunch -- burgers -- were pretty good. The best was dinner. I wish I could tell you more about the menu but I wasn't feeling well and went upstairs to the room before my entree came. But my husband and mother raved about their meals. The service varied tremendously. At dinner it was superb, but it varied at bkfst and lunch. This one server we dreaded getting because she was flighty and sometimes would just disappear.

In general, I felt that we did not have as many good food options at Universal, although we loved our stay there for other reasons.

Hope this hels a little!

 

[QBUSH]

Thanks for the initial post and then the details on your BlueZoo dinner. We plan to dine there April 5 and are most anxious to experience it. What was the attire? I'm thinking no shorts no matter how dressy they are but maybe a dress or nice slacks????

Also, Kimonos is on our list to try this time. We adore sushi and have heard good things about it.

Thanks again!

QBUSH

 

[Epcotgal8]

Originally posted by Mainebound


He also shows you the $6.95 baked potato. Well, it looks like the .30 one in my Hannaford. LOL! I thought this was a bit ridiculous. I know what a potato looks like, for Pete's sake.

LOL! I almost spit my diet coke onto the computer screen when I read this.

To the poster that inquired about Mythos: I didn't get to go personally but my dh, bil, dd, and ds did on the day they went to IOA (I stayed at WDW with my youngest son since he was a tad too young to ride very much at IOA) and they said they loved Mythos. Mainebound gave a wonderful description but I thought I would add another thumbs up from my family (who still teases me because while they were eating lunch at Mythos where was I? Eating at MCDONALD'S in DD since I told my son we could go and do what he wanted so he wouldn't feel left out not getting to go to IOA.)

 

[Mainebound]

Originally posted by QBUSH
Thanks for the initial post and then the details on your BlueZoo dinner. We plan to dine there April 5 and are most anxious to experience it. What was the attire? I'm thinking no shorts no matter how dressy they are but maybe a dress or nice slacks????

Also, Kimonos is on our list to try this time. We adore sushi and have heard good things about it.

Thanks again!

QBUSH

In general, my experience dining at the Swan and Dolphin restaurants has been that attire is a notch above what you find in the theme parks, probably due to the high number of business guests. To Blue Zoo, both my mother and I wore heeled sandals, slacks and silk blouse, and fit in well. At Shulas, I wore the same, and felt comfortable, but there were more guests who really dressed.

We have eaten at Kimonos many times. It's terrific. Believe it or not, Bangor Maine is not a great place for sushi. It's as casual as you want it to be. You have to go on a Sat. night to see the Karaoke!

 

[QBUSH]

Thanks so much for the attire info. Now I know how to 'safely' dress. It will be me and DS(12) who loves fine dining and especially raw oysters and fresh fish. We love Flying Fish but are so excited about another place so close to us at YC.

Hope you will return soon with more wonderful dining memories.

QBUSH

 

[fam4jc]

Hi. You rests review and info have been great!! I am calling in am for my ps' and was interested in which rests you would recommend for a family. two little girls and two adults who enjoy good food. we are on a budget, but not too terribly tight. Husband is a cop and we have saved twoyears for this trip... I want to enjoy every part, icluding making dining an experience to remember. Also, any special advice on ps? trying for cindy's for the girls. What does their message sound like? I heard it's changed recently.
Thanks to everyone!! For a newbie, this site and your knowledge is SOOOOO helpful! The problem is, I think I am already getting adicted to WDW! i've already asked my hubby for a anual pass for christmas!!
fam4jc

 

[Mainebound]

Originally posted by fam4jc
Hi. You rests review and info have been great!! I am calling in am for my ps' and was interested in which rests you would recommend for a family.

Honestly, unless you are eating after 9:00pm at Cali Grill or Shulas or V&A's I do not believe there is a single reaturant at WDW that is not appropriate for families with children. Take your pick! We do love the character meals at MK for our kids. Were not as thrilled with Chef Mickeys at the Contemp, but many also love that one. Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge is also great for families. Flying Fish on the Boardwalk is also terrific.

Also, any special advice on ps? trying for cindy's for the girls. What does their message sound like? I heard it's changed recently.
Thanks to everyone!! For a newbie, this site and your knowledge is SOOOOO helpful! The problem is, I think I am already getting adicted to WDW! i've already asked my hubby for a anual pass for christmas!!
fam4jc

I am no expert on Cindy's as I have two boys. If Cindy's doesn't work you might want to try for the Princess Storybook Breakfast at Norway in Epcot.

But you might want to start a new thread by resending this message. You will get a lot more replies!

As for the addiction -- don't even bother trying to fight it. The Disney addiction is a losing battle in which you always win! .

 

[QBUSH]

I am so glad you found the DisBoards! You will learn so much here. Its like getting good advice from your family and friends. I have learned so much here.

And, as Mainebound says: don't fight it - because in the end you will enjoy it!!!!!!!

QBUSH