Convention Trip Dining Reviews

[jeepgirl30]

I was just at a convention and was lucky enough to get in some great meals. We ate at: ESPN, Kimonos, Jiko, California Grill and Narcossee.

ESPN: A coworker and I stopped there for a quick snack. I was surprised at the limited menu, I don't remember such limited choices. It was a quick decision so I had not even considered checking allears for the menu. Service was fine, we just grabbed a side salad and decided to go to Kimonos for sushi instead.

Kimonos: Same coworker and I went to Kimonos and each ordered a different roll, she had some type of veg roll and I had the eel. Both were very good.

Jiko: Met another co worker and headed to Jikos for dinner. We sat at the cooking table and had an amazing dinner. The wines are amazing. A fourth member ended up joining us so we had quite a few wines throughout the night. The food at Jiko is amazing. We shared the Taste of Africa app, I had the strugeon and was very impressed. Other dinners were the Artic Char, Scallops and the Lamb. Everyone was pleased with their meals, I thought the scallops were the best though. The chefs were fun and made recommendations as we went. The service was top notch.

The wine, oh the wine! We had a Syrah blend, then a Shiraz and then a Cab. All were absolutely outstanding.

Next up: California Grill

 

[TigerKat]

Wasn't sitting at "the cooking place" awesome???? We enjoyed it so much on our last trip and the chefs were so much fun not to mention how incredible the food was. Can ya tell I love it there?

 

[Motherofboys]

I can't wait to hear about Narcoose's!! My sister and I are going there for the first time on Sunday and we are very excited!

BTW, can anyone tell me what is included for a drink on the ddp as far as Narcoose's? Is there just soda, tea, coffee?

TIA

And thanks for your reviews!

 

[jeepgirl30]

So next dinner was at California Grill. It was myself and 2 co workers.

We sat at the bar while waiting for our table. We were starved so we ordered appetizers at the bar. I had the mushroom flatbread. Now, a bit of a side story. I have a strong adversion to mushrooms. I can not stand the sight of them or to touch them. Everyone that knows me knows I refuse to eat a mushroom. So my coworker was completely shocked when I ordered this! I was scared but really wanted to try it. So glad I did! I did end up picking about 1/2 off but I did branch out and try some. Outstanding! My one coworker had the tuna three ways and was in heaven. Other co worker did not order apps. Dennis and Ray at the bar are so nice and helpful. We again sampled several wines and found them outstanding.

We were seated at a window table. I wanted to try more new things but I just had to have my pork tenderloin and polenta. It has changed. In the past it was pork medallions, this time it was 2 strips of pork. There was not very much of the creamy polenta either. It was okay but just not the same. Its okay though because it just gives me the reason I need to try other new things there! My coworkers had combinations of sushi for their meals. All in all we were pleased. My coworkers raved about their sushi.

 

[Minniespal]

Excellent

 

[jeepgirl30]

Last night of the trip it was just one coworker and I. We had a late start and did not get to Narcoossee's until about 9:15. We were greeted with a very warm and friendly Disney welcome! I really felt like a vip.

We were seated at a lovely window table. Our waiter was a bit off, I had asked for an Oregon Pinot Noir and a Sauvignon Blanc. My coworker defers to me on wines, the waiter brought a Pinot Gris. I said oh no, we wanted the noir. He got a bit huffy and walked away. Took awhile, came back and said I had order incorrectly! After we got squared away on the wine, we ordered appetizers and had decided to just share everything, this coworker and I are pretty good friends so it was fun. We ordered the mussels, the tartar and swordfish.

The mussels were to die for! Oh my. We considered ordering another round! The tartar was good but too much citrus.

The swordfish was wonderful. Very mild and tender. The rice was mouthwatering. I was very impressed.

We were treated to fireworks as well! It was a very nice dinner.

One thing I did not enjoy was watching a child devour his surf and turf like a caveman. I was pretty disgusted and normally do not care or notice what others do however i could not help this scene. The mother had an assortment of drinks infront of her, wine, martini, etc. She had 4 children with her ranging from about 8-9 up to maye 21. Not sure about the one i'm putting around 21 since she had a drink but her back was to me and really appread younger. The next oldest was the caveman, i'd put him around 12. The two younger children were passed out on the table. Heads down and arms stretched out in front of them. Sound asleep. The cave child had picked his filet up with his hands and was eating it as though it were a turkey leg. Mom never batted an eye, kept talking to the older child/person and sipping her collection of drinks.

Now I can see a young child sleeping in the stroller or sleeping in the booth seat or whatever. But these children passed out across the table. I'm happy they were not running around screaming but I felt sorry for the kids.

This was my first time t Narcoosees and will definately be on my agenda for a return trip!

To recap, we loved all three dining experiences. It is a toss up how I'd rank them. Atomsphere wise I'd have to go with Jiko or Cali Grill. However Narcoossees food was probably the best for what we ordered. I would recommend all three without any question!

 

[TigerKat]

We plan on trying Narcoossee's for the first time next trip and we love mussels!!!

 

[Ms. Heimlich]

One thing I did not enjoy was watching a child devour his surf and turf like a caveman. I was pretty disgusted and normally do not care or notice what others do however i could not help this scene. The mother had an assortment of drinks infront of her, wine, martini, etc. She had 4 children with her ranging from about 8-9 up to maye 21. Not sure about the one i'm putting around 21 since she had a drink but her back was to me and really appread younger. The next oldest was the caveman, i'd put him around 12. The two younger children were passed out on the table. Heads down and arms stretched out in front of them. Sound asleep. The cave child had picked his filet up with his hands and was eating it as though it were a turkey leg. Mom never batted an eye, kept talking to the older child/person and sipping her collection of drinks.

Oh my....

Sometimes I have to wonder... What are these mothers thinking?