Bull and Bear as a solo UPDATE, review included

[mmackeymouse]

I have a Bull and Bear reservation coming up...party of one. My first time, and I am so excited.

That said, I have lots of places and things on my "To Eat" list, and I don't want to underestimate how little room I will have by that point. On top of that, as a solo, since I won't have anyone to share with, I suspect I will order a main and a dessert. And that would probably do me just fine. Plus, they bring bread!

I don't drink alcohol, so I'd probably be just fine with a water. I'm also a little on the picky side, so while there IS food on the menu I will order and eat- I am not the type of person to order a bunch of things just to sample. And, I am not sure how they will feel if I order the Tableside Caesar and ask for Ranch instead of Caesar. So, I am going to stick to what I know what I will like.

I don't want to come across as cheap, and I don't want my "team" of servers treating me like a lost cause. I know they are used to people ordering multiple courses. But, I just want to be realistic and sensible.

I'm thinking about cancelling the reservation altogether, and just doing a walk-up at the bar or something. That way I'm not taking up a table.

Has anyone done Bull and Bear alone? Thoughts?

 

[zackiedawg]

Can't help on the decision to dine solo there - only to say I wouldn't hesitate to myself...I have no problem getting a table for the full experience at a higher end restaurant. I've only been to the lounge - not the restaurant itself...I was up there for a conference and met up with a coworker staying at Waldorf - I was at Boardwalk in my DVC since I was staying an extra few days after the conference was over.

He did eat there on one of the other nights and raved - said it was one of the best restaurants he's eaten at in the state.

 

[OKW Lover]

Don't cancel! It will be fine. May I suggest an appetizer of Pasta Explosion? Your mouth will thank you.

 

[mmackeymouse]

Don't cancel! It will be fine. May I suggest an appetizer of Pasta Explosion? Your mouth will thank you.

You may.

But, I don't eat pork or ham, so...sadly I don't think it's for me.

Trust me, I looked at it because I do love me some pasta and it looked delicious.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I've been in the main dining room as a solo and it was a lovely experience. I have no issue dining alone and have done in various restaurants many times. I didn't feel treated "less than" by the servers, in fact I think I might have even gotten a little more interaction ... but that could have been because I love food and asked a lot of questions. I'll also say they aren't "snooty" at all. I've since been back many times (only that once as a solo but I wouldn't hesitate to do it again) and all of the staff I've encountered have been terrific and do a good job of reading the table and adjusting service accordingly. Some of my favorites are the corn soup, fried chicken, steak frites, and "the lemon" dessert. I hope you love it as much as I do! Have fun!!!

 

[mmackeymouse]

I've been in the main dining room as a solo and it was a lovely experience. I have no issue dining alone and have done in various restaurants many times. I didn't feel treated "less than" by the servers, in fact I think I might have even gotten a little more interaction ... but that could have been because I love food and asked a lot of questions. I'll also say they aren't "snooty" at all. I've since been back many times (only that once as a solo but I wouldn't hesitate to do it again) and all of the staff I've encountered have been terrific and do a good job of reading the table and adjusting service accordingly. Some of my favorites are the corn soup, fried chicken, steak frites, and "the lemon" dessert. I hope you love it as much as I do! Have fun!!!

That sounds lovely. I think my problem is not only that I am alone, but also that I am picky. So...it's like.....a combination of multiple factors.

I am tempted to try the frites side, but I suspect they are fried in duck fat, which is kind of a non-starter for me.

 

[OKW Lover]

That sounds lovely. I think my problem is not only that I am alone, but also that I am picky. So...it's like.....a combination of multiple factors.

I am tempted to try the frites side, but I suspect they are fried in duck fat, which is kind of a non-starter for me.

No problem being picky at B&B. They aim to please. Just tell them what you like or don’t like. They will work with you.

Yes, the frites are fried in duck fat. Is that an allergy issue for you? Or a preference? Either way, they can be prepared differently. Just ask.

 

[auntfrannie]

I dined there solo and didn't have any problems. I sometimes think the staff goes out of their way for solo diners just so they don't feel alone. I had the sole and the pb dessert...I should have gotten the lemon dessert because it would have been much lighter.

The breakfast buffet that they have in the morning (I think it's called Oscar's) was also excellent!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

That sounds lovely. I think my problem is not only that I am alone, but also that I am picky. So...it's like.....a combination of multiple factors.

I am tempted to try the frites side, but I suspect they are fried in duck fat, which is kind of a non-starter for me.

I don't recall but you may be right about the frites - there's definitely more to them than "plain" fries. So long as there are things on the menu that appeal to you, I'd go ahead and give it a try! You don't need to apologize for what you like (or don't like) and I really don't think they're going to turn down their noses to you. In my experience they are all ultra focused on offering great hospitality. But if it is a concern that is going to keep you up the night before or worry you throughout (& believe me - I get it... I have extreme anxiety about certain things) then as you said the lounge could be a good compromise where you still have access to a lot of the menu but feels a little more casual. Either way, I hope you have a great time!

 

[mmackeymouse]

No problem being picky at B&B. They aim to please. Just tell them what you like or don’t like. They will work with you.

Yes, the frites are fried in duck fat. Is that an allergy issue for you? Or a preference? Either way, they can be prepared differently. Just ask.

Actually, I found on the Waldorf site, it is not duck fat. However, it's beef tallow, which is why I don't eat McDonalds fries. Either way, either one would be a no-go for me.

Not an allergy issue. A preference.

I'm picky; I fully acknowledge it.

I don't recall but you may be right about the frites - there's definitely more to them than "plain" fries. So long as there are things on the menu that appeal to you, I'd go ahead and give it a try! You don't need to apologize for what you like (or don't like) and I really don't think they're going to turn down their noses to you. In my experience they are all ultra focused on offering great hospitality. But if it is a concern that is going to keep you up the night before or worry you throughout (& believe me - I get it... I have extreme anxiety about certain things) then as you said the lounge could be a good compromise where you still have access to a lot of the menu but feels a little more casual. Either way, I hope you have a great time!

Thanks! I may get up the nerve to ask them about the frites being fried in a vegan way. But...I may also bypass the frites and get 2 desserts instead. Haha.

 

[jimmymc]

Bull and Bear is the level of restaurant where the chefs will go out of their way to make you something you can eat. If there are things on the menu that are close, they can almost always make a modification that you request.

 

[mmackeymouse]

Bull and Bear is the level of restaurant where the chefs will go out of their way to make you something you can eat. If there are things on the menu that are close, they can almost always make a modification that you request.

That's awesome. We have places like that here. Not the same class of restaurant, of course, but "If we have the ingredients, we can make it for you" kind of thought process.

That said, I have watched a lot of restaurant/server YT lately, which I know is for humor, but it does make me skittish to be picky or ask for substitutions or anything like that.

 

[OKW Lover]

Just wondering if the OP went through with this reservation. How was it?

 

[Jennasis]

Actually, I found on the Waldorf site, it is not duck fat. However, it's beef tallow, which is why I don't eat McDonalds fries. Either way, either one would be a no-go for me.

Not an allergy issue. A preference.

I'm picky; I fully acknowledge it.




Thanks! I may get up the nerve to ask them about the frites being fried in a vegan way. But...I may also bypass the frites and get 2 desserts instead. Haha.

McDonald's stopped using beef tallow for the fryers a loooong time ago. Must be 20+ years now?

 

[mmackeymouse]

McDonald's stopped using beef tallow for the fryers a loooong time ago. Must be 20+ years now?

Yes, I know...

But people complained, so they started using "beef flavoring" instead.

Unfortunately, there is no conclusive evidence on whether the beef flavoring has actual beef in it or not. People have said that it does not, but McDonalds has not released information on it, so...I tend to rather be safe than sorry.

 

[mmackeymouse]

Just wondering if the OP went through with this reservation. How was it?

I did go through with it...it was an experience I am glad I had. I may or may not go back. I will be writing a review shortly.

 

[mmackeymouse]

Oh my goodness, I just lost my whole review...I will be posting a review. Eventually.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Oh my goodness, I just lost my whole review...I will be posting a review. Eventually.

Argh! How frustrating! I'm looking forward to hearing about it when you're able to share -- no rush.