Food Bar at Tschoup Chop?

[harmonize4me]

Hi. I just made a reservation at this restaurant and they only had the "food bar" where I guess they cook in front of you available for the time I wanted. Can anyone tell me if the ambiance of the restaurant is going to be compromised by taking this? Is it a neat experience at the food bar or would you recommend I change my time and take a regular table? Thanks!

 

[JessicaR]

I would keep it, it looks cool to me. If you have small kids maybe not. The atmosphere will not be compromised at all.You will be able to see foods being prepared. I would love to do that but not with my kids. Let us know what you decided and how it was when you get back please! Thanks.

 

[webray]

Nope, atmosphere will not be compromised. This is a smaller restaurant..very intimate. Water runs down the wall on both sides of the counter you will be seated at. Very cool.

 

[harmonize2gether]

Thanks guys! We don't have kids "yet" so we'll give this a try. Based on what you described it does sound neat. I'll let you know how it is when we get back after Memorial Day.

 

[kikipug]

We just ate at Tchoup Chop for the first time last week... had we known that we could request that seating, we would have! The place is wonderful no matter where you sit, and the food is even better!!!

Make sure to order a side order of Emeril's Fried Rice.... Yum!!!!!!!

 

[kellymonaghan]

I've eaten at the food bar a few times, but only when I've been having the special chef's tasting menu. This is a five or six course extravaganza where a personal chef cooks right in front of you and whoever else has opted for the tasting menu (10 person max).

It's a great experience, since you get to kibitz with the chef and ask all sorts of questions and get to see the kitchen in operation, which if you're into that sort of thing is a lot of fun.

However, if you were not taking part in the tasting menu, I'd think you'd feel kind of left out. Also,the way it's set up, you can't really soak in the atmosphere of the rest of the restaurant unless you completely turn around.

Of course, maybe they won't be doing the chef's tasting menu thne night you'll be there, which is why they put you there. Or here's a really terrible thought -- they've discontinued the tasting menu!!! I hope not.

 

[kikipug]

Or here's a really terrible thought -- they've discontinued the tasting menu!!! I hope not.

It was offered last weekend when we were there... we didn't opt for it, as there were other good specials on the menu that we wanted to try. Have no fear, it's not gone.

 

[JessicaR]

I was having a look at Emeril's website, looking at menus and came across some great pictures of Tchoup Chop! They show the food bar in a few photos.

Here is the link to view them all if you are interested.
http://www.emerils.com/restaurants/orlando_tchoupchop/gallery_restaurant.php

 

[harmonize2gether]

One more question just to clarify... Can we order off the regular menu if we sit at the food bar? That's the most important thing to me and I didn't think to ask when I made the reservation. Thanks!