Coral Reef Dining Review 4/17/06

[Cplofdisneynutz]

Well, thanks for being paitent, we are finally getting around to beginning our reviews. The move has slowed us up a bit, but we are ready to go now. The Coral Reef won the poll on which review we would do 1st. We were kind of surprised as our chef's table came in a VERY close 2nd. So here we go:

We had 12:30p ADR's for this meal and we were greeted quickly. We were taken to our table on the top tier of the restaurant. We still had a great view of the tank. We like being farther away, you seem to see more (IMHO). The turtles are huge so there is no missing them, and the sharks loom in and out of view. This was our 2nd visit to the CR and were anxious for the return. Our first visit was absolutely wonderful. This visit wasn't quite as superb, mainly due to the downsized menu. We were not on the DP for this meal so we began by splitting a shrimp cocktail (which we did not take a picture of). The shrimp were chilled thoroughly and very tender. The cocktail sauce that accompanied it was amazing. It packed quite a spicy punch. Kat had the Blackened Catfish served over pepper jack cheese grits, topped with smoked tomato compote, and drizzled with a balsamic glaze ;

The grits really enhanced the flavor and texture of the catfish. The balsamic glaze really stood out with sharp flavor that finished marvelously. While the catfish itself wasn't the best she had ever had, its accompaniments more than filled the void.

I had the Grilled Mahi Mahi served over Israeli couscous and tatsoi with a honey soy glaze;

I was excited to have the Mahi again, as I enjoyed it on our last visit, but was slightly disappointed they had changed the dish a little. I found myself plesantly surprised by the couscous. Having had a few bad experiences with this i was hesitant, but really wanted the mahi. The fish wasn't as good on this visit and i found myself very quickly looking towards dessert.

Ahhhh the dessert..........the chocolate wave
Warm dark chocolate with a white chocolate Grand Marnier center with chocolate ganache and white chocolate ice cream

This did not disappoint the palate at all. The balance between the warm cake and the cold white chocolate ice cream is like a symphony in your mouth. On our last visit our server told us what the "perfect bite" was, a little piece of all the flavors together on the spoon.....this is truly perfection. An extremely rich dessert worth saving room for, even if you have to leave some of the entree on the plate!!

This meal didn't wow us like most meals at disney do, but we still think this is a great restuarant to experience.

please let us know if you have any questions and we will do our best to answer them for you.

 

[dandelion garden]

Great review! Thanks so much for sharing.

 

[lookingforward]

Great review! Thanks, looking forward to more.

 

[Minniespal]

Enjoyed reading your review ~ Thanx for sharing.

 

[Mister Disney]

SLURP! More cake please!

 

[Cruz Family]

Thanks for the review!

 

[pennyplanner]

Keep 'em coming!

Thanks for finding the time!

--penny

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Wow, that looks fantastic. Wondering if they have said, they are closing at all with the rehab of Living Seas? And did the construction start / or affect the resturant / or tank any?

Thanks, Mky

 

[kaysmommie]

Can't wait to take my little ones to Coral Reef. We have never dined here before but looking forward to it this trip. Good review, more please.

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Thanks for the thread. We are headed there in Sept.

 

[lillygator]

thanks for sharing - we'll de dining here for lunch in 2 weeks!

 

[TwingleMum]

We really enjoy Coral Reef also and I'm allergic to seafood!! I always find something good to eat here and the kids love watching the fish.

 

[lisamomof3]

Thank you for the review. My family will be dining there in June and I am hoping we made a good decision. Would my two DD's be able to share a meal here?

 

[MickeysMommy]

Thanks for posting. We'll be going to CR for the first time in Sept. The mahi mahi looks good.

 

[Nancyg56]

Thank you for the review and the Pics! The chocolate wave looks like something I would like to start my meal with. You can't be too careful, ya know....what if there is no room?

We are going on our next trip, and I love reading about thhis place. DO you think there is an area that is preferable? We have a 4 YO who love the sea animals, so I would like her to be able to get a nice view.

 

[DISNEY180]

Thanks for the review. We are going there in July on the DP. It has been changed to One Table service instead of two. Knowing that I grabbed the chance. Can't wait to have the desert. hhhmmm

 

[2nd childhood]

Thanks for the review and pictures. We’ll be at the CR on our next trip and the menu has been a concern or mine. We’re not big on seafood. Have you ever had the steak here?

 

[ctnurse]

We are eating at CR our 1st night in Sept. Thanks for the review and I finally know what the choc wave looks like. Yummy

 

[Goofy_4_WDW]

Thank you so much for the great review and for the "yummy" pictures. I'm excited to try it for the first time in August!

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Wow, that looks fantastic. Wondering if they have said, they are closing at all with the rehab of Living Seas? And did the construction start / or affect the resturant / or tank any?

Thanks, Mky

Just bumping my question that has not been answered.