Foodies - What do you think of these?

[cassi06403]

Don't pass up Yachtsman Steakhouse because of one poor review. The Chateaubriand was amazing. Saying you could cut it with a butterknife seems to be an understatement.

We've had the same server both times we've been there and he made the experience that much better.

If it weren't for the fact that we have been there twice and have other places we want to try, we would be going again this trip. There's a pretty good chance DH will find a way to get us back there this trip anyhow. LOL

The only other we've been to on your list so far is Jiko - we're going back this trip. Best filet mignon in all of Disney. We're not very adventurous eaters (the only thing keeping me from terming us true "foodies") but the food is good enough to bring us back!

HTH

 

[adrock1976]

Two thumbs up for Artist Point...one of our all time favorites. Never been to Tchoup Chop, but have never heard a bad review about it. Enjoy.

 

[majortom]

Brown Derby's menu seemed like they stepped it up a bit, and I figured it would work well with the fantasmic package. That being said, do you still feel it's that awful? I have yet to dine there.

I am trying to check, but I think Douglas, Crystal Palace's former Executive Chef moved to Brown Derby. If he did, I would definitely give it a try.

We have eaten at Bistro and thought it was not worth the money. I've had much nicer meals at cheaper french restaurants. Plus, it didn't hold a candle to Emeril's Kitchen Table, which we had the night before. Chefs seems like a descent choice for lunch.

While I agree about Bistro de Paris, I think comparing it to Emeril's Orlando's Kitchen Table as a guest of a friend of the chef's (from your previous review), is a bit unfair. You should check with the concierge at your hotel, he might know someone over there and you could try it again.

I've heard so many good things about Yachtsmen. That's too bad. It was one on our list that we were debating. Maybe now I'll think twice.

thanks again!

I have not been to Yachtsmen for quite some time, but I do remember eating there with some cast member friends and learning all about flaming drinks from our server.

/carmi

 

[majortom]

Emeril's Kitchen Table/Tchoup Tchoup - haven't been to either, but have been to his three New Orleans restaurants plenty of times (we're right up the road!) ... if he pulls off in Orlando what he does in N.O., you'll have a special treat on your hands.

While not identical menus, all nine of Mr. Lagasse's restaurants maintain his standards for food and service.

/carmi

 

[Docsknotinn]

We have been to Emerils in Naaawlens and the Fish House in Vegas. The difference in both quality and service were noticible. Emeril may hope to maintain the integrity of the origional establishments but pulling it off is another thing. From our perspective in Vegas they fell short of the mark. We are going to try Emerils Orlando this time or at least we think we are. We are still capitulating between Emerils and Tchoup chop.

 

[majortom]

We have been to Emerils in Naaawlens and the Fish House in Vegas.

Out of curiosity, how many times at each place and how long between them? (I am not discounting your experience, just trying to quantify it.)

The difference in both quality and service were noticible. Emeril may hope to maintain the integrity of the origional establishments but pulling it off is another thing.

No question that it is not an easy thing to do. That is why Chef David McCelvey (director of Culinary Operations), Chef Bernard Carmouche, Chef Chris Wilson and Chef Lagasse himself, spend time traveling among his restaurants, and why all menus must be approved by Chef Lagasse.

From our perspective in Vegas they fell short of the mark. We are going to try Emerils Orlando this time or at least we think we are. We are still capitulating between Emerils and Tchoup chop.

Having eaten in every one of his restaurants, I understand that not every meal will be exactly like every other meal. Having said that, my personal experience is that Emeril's New Orleans Fish House in Las Vegas has had three of Emeril's best chefs in charge (Chef Michael Jordan - now at Rosemary's, Chef Sean Roe - now at Hank's and currently Chef J.P. Labadie) and has always been an amazing service experience.

If you have eaten at Emeril's and ENOFH, I would strongly suggest that you try Tchoup Chop. It is a very different experience (much less formal), but is great fun.

/carmi

 

[Docsknotinn]

How many times a particular patron has visited a given establishment or over what time frame is a fairly moot point. If they had a poor experience or one that simply did not live up to their expectations their is no way to alter that. Emeril is indeed a great chef and clearly we enjoy his restaurants, thus we are returning. However, lets not confuse sound bites with facts. Every restaurant has good days and bad. Not all restaurants are equal and never will be. Different cities with different vendors, staff, kitchens, product quality etc. will contribute greatly to the end result. I've been to Vegas more times than I would care to recall and my opinion of ENOFH remains that it is well below the New Orlens counterparts. With different pricing structures I would certainly hope, if not expect that both service and product quality would be better at some Emeril restaurants. Emerils Orlando is a bit pricier than Tchoup Chop and I would hope the service and food quality would reflect that. I would also say that the measure of any great restaurant would not be the Chef's that used to work there. Running through several head chef's is more indicative of a problem than success but if you are familar with the labor in Vegas then I expect you already understand that.
This trip we are looking for a bit more upscale dinner for a special event but interestingly enough my wife did pick Tchoup Chop based on the menue. Either way IMO every Chef owes Emeril a tip of the Toque for putting the fun in cooking for so many.

 

[jpmom]

Jiko is our favorite.

We happen to like Yachtsman. Usually stay at the Boardwalk or Beach Club, so we like to the proximity. Also love Le Cellier as well.

Just went to Narcoosees for the first time. Great meal.

Also went to Flying Fish for the first time. Also very good. We ordered the Snapper and loved it.

Actually, we liked the food better at Narcoosees compared to Flying Fish. But the atmosphere at the FF is terrific.

You should also add Kona Cafe to your list. Excellent food.

Have fun!

 

[majortom]

How many times a particular patron has visited a given establishment or over what time frame is a fairly moot point.

Not at all. What I was trying to understand was were you basing your comments on one visit to each place, or on several? Were they months apart or years apart? There is a big difference between comparing two restaurants based on a single visit to each, 4 years apart, and comparing them based on many visits to each that are close together in time.

As I said, I am not discounting your experience, just trying to understand what it was.

I would also say that the measure of any great restaurant would not be the Chef's that used to work there. Running through several head chef's is more indicative of a problem than success but if you are familar with the labor in Vegas then I expect you already understand that.

They are on their third Chef du Cuisine in 10 years, I would hardly say that qualifies as "running through" chefs. Both Chef Jordan and Chef Roe left to open their own restaurants after many years with Emeril's Organization.

This trip we are looking for a bit more upscale dinner for a special event but interestingly enough my wife did pick Tchoup Chop based on the menue.

While I love Tchoup Chop, it will not be an upscale dinner. It is much closer to NOLA and is much less formal than Emeril's or Delmonico. If you are really looking for something special, I would suggest Emeril's Kitchen Table.

/carmi

 

[Docsknotinn]

We will have to agree to dissagree on some points. My take as someone who works in the field is a bit different. I hope the OP found the info they were looking for and we haven't wandered too far off the path.
Dave

 

[majortom]

My take as someone who works in the field is a bit different.

Where in Michigan do you live? Ever been to Zingerman's in Ann Arbor? What kind of work do you do?

/carmi

 

[Docsknotinn]

I've been to Zingermans many times. I'd be happy to continue the conversation via PM's but I really want to respect the OP and not digress on their strand.

 

[ufgator]

Emeril's (kitchen table) - Only eaten in the regular part of the restaurant, but our food and service were great.

Tchoup Chop - Never been.

Artist Point - I love the salmon and berry cobbler. Good service and nice, quiet atmosphere.

Victoria and Albert's - excellent. We ate here for the first time last fall and loved it. Food and service were excellent. We loved how they made the coffee at your table. I enjoyed the harp player. Even if you don't think you'll like something try it. I ate some squash sauce, and it was great although I dno't like squash.

Flying Fish - Just ate here again a couple of weeks ago. I love the potato snapper! I also like the hearts of palm salad. Great service and fun atmosphere (I particularly like the columns that look like gills).

Brown Derby - Never been.

Jiko - We ate here a year ago and didn't care for it. I know I'm in the minority here. Our food was ok, and service was awful. We ate here for our anniversary and were disappointed. One day we'll probably give it another shot because I know restaurants can have off days.

Chefs de france - Always had a good meal here. Good food and service. It does remind of being in Paris (except service is better here than in Paris ).

Bluezoo - Never been but always read good reviews.

Yachtsmen Steakhouse - First, I don't eat steak. Our food was good, but service, hostess and manager made this a really bad experience. Would rather eat at Le Cellier.

Hoop de doo!!!! - We didn't enjoy this and walked out. I know most people love it. Food was ok. Some of our family went (we weren't there) and everyone got really sick from the food.