How great are the themes?

[emma'smom]

Ok...so I was in a local mexican themed restaurant the other day. It's a typical chain kind of place where the food is ok..but certainly not authentic. The ambience is "mexican" with stucco walls, mexican blankets, the usual look.

There's nothing wrong with this restaurant...we go there a lot. However, I got to thinking- How different will the Disney restaurants really be? In other words, are they all just your typical theme restaurants set in Disney surroundings or are the something above and beyond? In other words, is Alfredos really just a Disney version of the Olive Garden/Macaroni Grill? Is the San Angel Inn really just a Disney version of Don Pablos/Chi Chis?

Thanks!

 

[La2kw]

The theming is better, the food is not. I've had better food at Chevy's, El Torito, On the Border, or most other small Mexican joints around L.A. than at San Angel Inn.

 

[mickeyfan1]

I think the food in San Angel is a lot more authentic Mexican than what you find at most chain Mexican Restaurants. But it all depends on the type of Mexican you are used to. Different areas of Mexico serve different types of food.

Alfredos gets lots of waygood and way bad reviews, but as far as it being an olive garden? I don't think so.

 

[phyllis1966]

I think the food in San Angel is a lot more authentic Mexican than what you find at most chain Mexican Restaurants. But it all depends on the type of Mexican you are used to. Different areas of Mexico serve different types of food.

Alfredos gets lots of waygood and way bad reviews, but as far as it being an olive garden? I don't think so.

I absolutely agree!

 

[tjmouse]

It's really all in the theming at Disney. Don't get me wrong, there are some restaurants where the food is really good (Kona Cafe comes to mind), but most are just standard fare. I mean, look at how many people they cook for on a daily basis and you know that things can't be gourmet everywhere. Nothing can beat the atmosphere at San Angel or Le Cellier or 'Ohana or Crystal Palace - you get the picture.

 

[La2kw]

I think the food in San Angel is a lot more authentic Mexican than what you find at most chain Mexican Restaurants. But it all depends on the type of Mexican you are used to. Different areas of Mexico serve different types of food.

Alfredos gets lots of waygood and way bad reviews, but as far as it being an olive garden? I don't think so.

Being hispanic, living in LA, and having traveled quite a bit in Mexico, I have had plenty of exposure to authentic Mexican. IMO, San Angel is a weak, Americanized representation of Mexican. Just because the food is not what you typically find in a chain, does not mean it's more authentic. There are plenty of authentic meals to be had in some of the better chains and most of the ones I have had are better prepared than the stuff San Angel serves you. San Angel tries to be unique by offering the atypical, but the execution is not very well done, IMO. My advice is to go for the atmosphere, not the food.

 

[Forever42]

Being hispanic, living in LA, and having traveled quite a bit in Mexico, I have had plenty of exposure to authentic Mexican. IMO, San Angel is a weak, Americanized representation of Mexican. Just because the food is not what you typically find in a chain, does not mean it's more authentic. There are plenty of authentic meals to be had in some of the better chains and most of the ones I have had are better prepared than the stuff San Angel serves you. San Angel tries to be unique by offering the atypical, but the execution is not very well done, IMO. My advice is to go for the atmosphere, not the food.

I completely agree with your post, especially this line: "Just because the food is not what you typically find in a chain, does not mean it's more authentic." I think that might be the thing that catches people and makes them think it's "authentic."

Every time we try it, we're very disappointed by the quality of the food - which is sad because the interior of the pavilion is beautiful.

 

[Mister Disney]

Interesting thread.....

San Angel is one of our must dine spots when we go to see the Mouse.

I've never had a bad meal there or horrible service (a little slow yes, but nothing worse than other places I've eaten). Thats not to say the food was stellar...but it sure beats Mickey D's golden arches.

I have to admit though, we go to San Angel for the atmosphere. We always go for a late lunch, when it is hot and steamy outside, as it is a respite from the weather. Its always a cool calm evening at San Angel.