Blu Zoo Mini Review

[ducklite]

Yesterday afternoon DH and I decided to have dinner out, and wanted to try something new. We easily got a reservation at Blu Zoo for 7:00pm, and were seated promptly.

Service was excellent through the entire meal--attentive and prompt without being hovering.

We started with appetizers, the "Olivia's Flatbread" which was very good, just the right combination of tomato, cheese, and garlic, although it could have used a twitch more basil. We also ordered the Jumpo Shrimp appetizer, which was excellent but was only three shrimp, a bit pricey for the quantity.

For our entree's I ordered the chicken which was tasty although perhaps a bit dry, and Jim had the Paella Swordfish which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Unfortunately I can't recall what he had for dessert. I had the choclate fondue, and they replaced the chocolate pound cake with extra berries due to almond paste in the pound cake. A note to anyone with nut allergies, every dessrt on their menu contains nuts, although they can make some modifications to find you something, such as the cohcolate fondue or sorbet.

All in all it was an excellent dinner. They do not accept DDE (we didn't think so but inquired just in case). Dinner with appetizers, entrees, and dessert for two, two beers anda glass of wine was $150 including tax and a 20% tip. Definitely worth the price.

The only downside was the rude people coming in from the theme parks--taking a short cut through the back door and parading through the restaurant to the lobby. This is something that Blu Zoo needs to address, as it was quite disruptive with parents letting kids run ahead of them through the place and people who were smelling a bit ripe after a day in the heat strolling past our table.

Anne

 

[Docsknotinn]

I'm confused. Blue zoo is on the lower level and the lobby is upstairs. The doors that open to the walkway from the boat dock go directly to an escalator that is outside the entrance to the Blue Zoo. I can't understand why anyone would walk through the restaurant coming back from the park but then I'll be the first to admidt I don't understand a lot of things that others do.

 

[goofy4tink]

You know Anne, living down there is starting to look better and better!! After driving to Tampa last month, and seeing how easy it was, we started talking about how great it would be to be able to pop over to S/D and grab a bite to eat.
Thanks for the review...I may just have to add it to the list for our 'ladies' trip in Oct!!! Or perhaps during MouseFest in Dec.

 

[ducklite]

I'm confused. Blue zoo is on the lower level and the lobby is upstairs. The doors that open to the walkway from the boat dock go directly to an escalator that is outside the entrance to the Blue Zoo. I can't understand why anyone would walk through the restaurant coming back from the park but then I'll be the first to admidt I don't understand a lot of things that others do.

The only thing I can think of is that they cut through Blu Zoo to get to Fresh. Either way, there were about four families who trudged/ran/shrieked/pushed strollers with cranky babies through during our dinner, which was really disruptive in a quiet, adult atmosphere.

And BTW--to the family that was there with two boys and a young lady (around 8-ish?) in a cute yellow floral sundress, your kids were amazingly well behaved and a delight to be seated near! (and mom--I LOVED your sweater!)

Anne

 

[ufgator]

Thanks for your review!

 

[Robert P]

I agree. The paella swordfish was most excellent on our last visit as well.

I think I have a possible explanation for the foot traffic:
As I recall, facing the Dolphin from the boatdock, along that sidewalk to the right, around in the far corner (right at the back of the Zoo) is a side door. It goes to the elevators (and restrooms maybe) somewhere back in there, but doesn't just connect through to the lower level. If people were clueless (and then rude), they could be coming in that door, thinking it is a shortcut to the lobby, and upon getting stuck, for some nonsensical reason went through the restaurant, instead of going back outside and following the sidewalk around another 75 yards. And alot of people also don't realize that the lobby is up a level.

Not condoning it at all, but that may explain the foot traffic coming through.
Still very rude. Clueless yes, but still rude to traipse through the restaurant.

Glad you enjoyed your meal Anne.

 

[PixieDustTink]

Oh, thank you!!!! We have added this restaurant to our plans! YUMMMM!!

 

[Docsknotinn]

Dang they must have been really confused because fresh is way down the hall in the other direction. Kinda crazy. Maybe they walked from someplace like the beach & Yacht club. Go figure. I'm glad you had a great meal. BZ is on our short list.

 

[ducklite]

Dang they must have been really confused because fresh is way down the hall in the other direction. Kinda crazy. Maybe they walked from someplace like the beach & Yacht club. Go figure. I'm glad you had a great meal. BZ is on our short list.

Fresh is actually directly across the hall from Blu Zoo, for someone walking from Epcot back to the Dolphin, cutting through Blu Zoo us probably the shortest route.

Anne

 

[Docsknotinn]

I recall the main entrance on the lower floor being really prominent. BZ is on the right and across the hall is an ice cream sandwhich shop but fresh is a ways down the hall. It's no farther to go around to the main door. Either way it's a bummer that anyone would just walk through the BZ like that and they should make that a one way door on the restaurant. Not very quaint for thoose eating.

 

[Minniespal]

Enjoyed reading your review ~ Thanx for sharing.

 

[swankybeth]

Thanks for the review. Blue Zoo is definitely on my list of places to try.

 

[oybolshoi]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

DH and I have ressies here for an evening in October and it's good to read that people are enjoying their visits (other than the short-cutting guests). The food sounds divine... I can't wait to try it!

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Thanks for the review. We will be eating at Blue Zoo for the first time in October.