Sci-Fi at MGM 12/22, 12:30pm lunch ADR, 2nd time eating here
The last time we ate at Sci-Fi was 1999 and for dinner, so we thought we'd try lunch...we arrived a few minutes early and were seated within 5 mins. Granted we did share our car with a party of 2, who were seated in the back row, it did not lessen our dining experience at Sci-Fi.
DS had a burger with cheddar, served with fries $11.19 added bacon $0.79, BLT soup $4.99, vanilla shake $3.49
DH had the reuben with fries $11.99, a Mars Martian shake (with glowing cube) $9.50
I had a burger with swiss, served with fries $11.19, added bacon $0.79, an Orbiting Oreo shake (with glowing cube) $9.50
DH and I split a spinach artichoke dip appetizer $6.19
After our DDE 20% savings ($13.92) our total with tax was $59.33. We left a $12 tip.
Okay, yes, it's a pricey for burgers, fries and shakes, but we all know we're paying for the ambiance, which was fun again. Sci-Fi isn't a place we'd go every trip, but once every 6 years...yeah.
DS said the BLT soup was really good and his shake was nice and thick.
DH thought the reuben was tasty, better than most he'd had except at home. He commented that he could taste the Baileys in his shake, but I couldn't. He did say it was pretty thick, but likes the shakes at 50s Primetime better.
My burger was good, but I really like the one at Le Cellier much better. As for the shake...if there were any chocolate liquor or any oreos in it, I didn't find them, but it was nice and thick.
DH and I both agreed that the best part was the spinach and artichoke dip made with asiago cheese. It was delish!!
So, as many here at the DIS have said...go for the shakes, maybe the burgers, but Sci-Fi isn't the greatest place for food, but we LOVE the old movie clips and the cars!!!
Grade: C+
Flying Fish at the Boardwalk 12/21 7pm dinner ADR, first time eating here
The whole family absolutely agrees that Flying Fish was the best meal of this trip!!!
Here's what we had...
I had a Red Snapper cocktail $9.00, a caesar salad $9.00, wrapped red snapper entree $34.00, and the Happiest dessert $9.00
DS had a soda $2.19, caesar salad $9.00, NY strip steak $38.00, chocolate souffle $10.00
DH had a soda $2.19, crab cakes $14.00, wrapped red snapper entree $34.00, and the dessert special, a yule log cake $9.00
With our DDE 20% savings ($35.88) our total with tax was $152.83. We left a $30.00 tip.
As I stated, this was the best dining experience of our trip!! Everything about it was fabulous! The quality of food, the presentation, the ambiance, the friendly staff, the relaxed feeling, everything was wonderful!! Okay, it is a very pricey meal, but we've paid more for something not as good locally. No, we don't eat like this everyday, despite what some of ya might think after reading these reports...this trip we chose to eat at some of the more pricey locations.
Here's our take on Flying Fish...
We arrived a few minutes early and were promptly seated. As we start to leave the podium DS noticed the Chef's table and asked if we could sit there and we were told "certainly, not a problem". When we approached the location, all seats were available and we were given our choice...nice! We sat just to the right of the grill. As soon as we sat down, the kitchen staff noticed and smiled at us...nice reception.
NOTE: I am a firm believer that it doesn't matter that DS is 3 or 33, he is a patron of the establishments we go just as we are. Since he has always had a liking to steak, cooked the way he wants as it should be, I've taught him to speak up for himself repectfully in a restaurant when need be. He has good manners and has frequented fine dining establishment as well as the local greasy spoons, so he is acustom to restaurants and conducts himself accordingly. I say this because often times my opinions of a restaurant is influenced by how each of us is treated, including DS. So, with that said...
Our server, Wes, was excellent! He was very personable, chatted with us thru the evening, not once did he rush us and answered all of our questions, including those from DS. Wes, sensing DS, apprehension about FF...DS isn't a seafood person at all...Wes talked to him at length about the "land lover" options as well as explaining the souffle to DS, who again was aprehensive about trying it even though it was chocolate.
Throughout the evening the chefs working in front of us would ask how things were, did we have any questions, and when we did, they answered them fully. Once our entrees were served, the head chef, came behind, put his arms across the tops of DH's and DS's chairs, and asked, "So, how is everything?" He meant it...he listened to both of them and myself with great interest.
Later as we were eating I noticed one chef working on a dish that practically each person, including the servers, were tasting. One chef was even making notes on a PDA...clearly something was in the works so leaned toward them and asked, "So, what are you making now?" He was happy to tell me...a new white truffle risotto to accompany the sea scallops dish. Well, if it's as good as the looks on their faces...outta be tasty!! As someone who's cooked since I was a wee kid...yeah, my granny started letting me cook when I was 3...scared Mom to death...
I find it comforting to know that the chefs are so concerned with their products...that they want to ensure it'll taste good before they serve it.
And about the food...
The cocktail was good...I could taste the alcohol, but not too strongly.
DS and I loved the Hearts of Romaine caesar salad...the asiago cheese crisp was perfect...lightly browned and not overly seasoned allowing the flavor of the cheese to come through.
DH said the "Peeky Toe" crab cakes were fantastic...lots of crab, not too overpowering on the ancho chile sauce. He wouldn't even let me try it...
As for the Char-crusted NY strip steak with red onion compote, belgian endive, roasted yukon gold potatoes, and sauce foyot, well, DS was very pleased.
As we watched the steak go on the grill it looked like it'd been rolled in oreo crumbs and we just weren't sure. DS requested the sauce on the side and was happy with that choice. He's learned to do so when in doubt. The steak was a perfect medium, perfectly seasoned...not too spiced, not too blah and the potatoes were tender yet firm. Here's a shot of the grill (seafood was cook on the left and steaks on the right)...
The Potato wrapped Red Snapper on a creamy leek fondue with red wine butter sauce was divine!!! The potatoes were so crispy, but not a hint of being over done. The snapper was thick..a little over an inch...firm, beatifully white and delicate all by itself, but the sauce did add a nice flavor. I'm not fond of leeks, except in soup, but this was quite tasty.
We did receive a bowl of risotto that we can't seem to locate on the menu...it is not listed as a side dish for any or our entrees. It was delish also..made with cheddar cheese or a blend of cheeses. DH and I are neither fond of risotto, but ate half the dish it was so good.
The "Happiest Celebration on Earth" chilled fruit soup was really good with fresh berries, California Reisling, Orange cake and yougurt ice cream. The reisling added an unique flavor, but not too strong.
DS fell in love with Valrhona chocolate souffle with Fragelico Sabayon...he said it was way better than any ol' piece of chocolate cake. He was generous enough to share a small bite with me and I concur..quite good!
DH had the dessert special, "Buche de Noel", a white chocolate chestnut filling, spice cake, chocolate fudge icing and vanilla Anglaise. It tasted good, but seemed to lack something for his taste that evening as I think he was expecting something different that he may have had in the past.
Overall, we LOVED Flying Fish!! We will go back again!
Grade: A+
The last time we ate at Sci-Fi was 1999 and for dinner, so we thought we'd try lunch...we arrived a few minutes early and were seated within 5 mins. Granted we did share our car with a party of 2, who were seated in the back row, it did not lessen our dining experience at Sci-Fi.
DS had a burger with cheddar, served with fries $11.19 added bacon $0.79, BLT soup $4.99, vanilla shake $3.49
DH had the reuben with fries $11.99, a Mars Martian shake (with glowing cube) $9.50
I had a burger with swiss, served with fries $11.19, added bacon $0.79, an Orbiting Oreo shake (with glowing cube) $9.50
DH and I split a spinach artichoke dip appetizer $6.19
After our DDE 20% savings ($13.92) our total with tax was $59.33. We left a $12 tip.
Okay, yes, it's a pricey for burgers, fries and shakes, but we all know we're paying for the ambiance, which was fun again. Sci-Fi isn't a place we'd go every trip, but once every 6 years...yeah.
DS said the BLT soup was really good and his shake was nice and thick.
DH thought the reuben was tasty, better than most he'd had except at home. He commented that he could taste the Baileys in his shake, but I couldn't. He did say it was pretty thick, but likes the shakes at 50s Primetime better.
My burger was good, but I really like the one at Le Cellier much better. As for the shake...if there were any chocolate liquor or any oreos in it, I didn't find them, but it was nice and thick.
DH and I both agreed that the best part was the spinach and artichoke dip made with asiago cheese. It was delish!!
So, as many here at the DIS have said...go for the shakes, maybe the burgers, but Sci-Fi isn't the greatest place for food, but we LOVE the old movie clips and the cars!!!
Grade: C+
Flying Fish at the Boardwalk 12/21 7pm dinner ADR, first time eating here
The whole family absolutely agrees that Flying Fish was the best meal of this trip!!! Here's what we had...
I had a Red Snapper cocktail $9.00, a caesar salad $9.00, wrapped red snapper entree $34.00, and the Happiest dessert $9.00
DS had a soda $2.19, caesar salad $9.00, NY strip steak $38.00, chocolate souffle $10.00
DH had a soda $2.19, crab cakes $14.00, wrapped red snapper entree $34.00, and the dessert special, a yule log cake $9.00
With our DDE 20% savings ($35.88) our total with tax was $152.83. We left a $30.00 tip.
As I stated, this was the best dining experience of our trip!!
Everything about it was fabulous! The quality of food, the presentation, the ambiance, the friendly staff, the relaxed feeling, everything was wonderful!! Okay, it is a very pricey meal, but we've paid more for something not as good locally. No, we don't eat like this everyday, despite what some of ya might think after reading these reports...this trip we chose to eat at some of the more pricey locations.Here's our take on Flying Fish...
We arrived a few minutes early and were promptly seated. As we start to leave the podium DS noticed the Chef's table and asked if we could sit there and we were told "certainly, not a problem". When we approached the location, all seats were available and we were given our choice...nice! We sat just to the right of the grill. As soon as we sat down, the kitchen staff noticed and smiled at us...nice reception.
NOTE: I am a firm believer that it doesn't matter that DS is 3 or 33, he is a patron of the establishments we go just as we are. Since he has always had a liking to steak, cooked the way he wants as it should be, I've taught him to speak up for himself repectfully in a restaurant when need be. He has good manners and has frequented fine dining establishment as well as the local greasy spoons, so he is acustom to restaurants and conducts himself accordingly. I say this because often times my opinions of a restaurant is influenced by how each of us is treated, including DS. So, with that said...
Our server, Wes, was excellent! He was very personable, chatted with us thru the evening, not once did he rush us and answered all of our questions, including those from DS. Wes, sensing DS, apprehension about FF...DS isn't a seafood person at all...Wes talked to him at length about the "land lover" options as well as explaining the souffle to DS, who again was aprehensive about trying it even though it was chocolate.
Throughout the evening the chefs working in front of us would ask how things were, did we have any questions, and when we did, they answered them fully. Once our entrees were served, the head chef, came behind, put his arms across the tops of DH's and DS's chairs, and asked, "So, how is everything?" He meant it...he listened to both of them and myself with great interest.
Later as we were eating I noticed one chef working on a dish that practically each person, including the servers, were tasting. One chef was even making notes on a PDA...clearly something was in the works so leaned toward them and asked, "So, what are you making now?" He was happy to tell me...a new white truffle risotto to accompany the sea scallops dish. Well, if it's as good as the looks on their faces...outta be tasty!! As someone who's cooked since I was a wee kid...yeah, my granny started letting me cook when I was 3...scared Mom to death...
I find it comforting to know that the chefs are so concerned with their products...that they want to ensure it'll taste good before they serve it.And about the food...
The cocktail was good...I could taste the alcohol, but not too strongly.
DS and I loved the Hearts of Romaine caesar salad...the asiago cheese crisp was perfect...lightly browned and not overly seasoned allowing the flavor of the cheese to come through.
DH said the "Peeky Toe" crab cakes were fantastic...lots of crab, not too overpowering on the ancho chile sauce. He wouldn't even let me try it...
As for the Char-crusted NY strip steak with red onion compote, belgian endive, roasted yukon gold potatoes, and sauce foyot, well, DS was very pleased.
As we watched the steak go on the grill it looked like it'd been rolled in oreo crumbs and we just weren't sure. DS requested the sauce on the side and was happy with that choice. He's learned to do so when in doubt. The steak was a perfect medium, perfectly seasoned...not too spiced, not too blah and the potatoes were tender yet firm. Here's a shot of the grill (seafood was cook on the left and steaks on the right)...
The Potato wrapped Red Snapper on a creamy leek fondue with red wine butter sauce was divine!!!
The potatoes were so crispy, but not a hint of being over done. The snapper was thick..a little over an inch...firm, beatifully white and delicate all by itself, but the sauce did add a nice flavor. I'm not fond of leeks, except in soup, but this was quite tasty.We did receive a bowl of risotto that we can't seem to locate on the menu...it is not listed as a side dish for any or our entrees. It was delish also..made with cheddar cheese or a blend of cheeses. DH and I are neither fond of risotto, but ate half the dish it was so good.
The "Happiest Celebration on Earth" chilled fruit soup was really good with fresh berries, California Reisling, Orange cake and yougurt ice cream. The reisling added an unique flavor, but not too strong.
DS fell in love with Valrhona chocolate souffle with Fragelico Sabayon...he said it was way better than any ol' piece of chocolate cake.
He was generous enough to share a small bite with me and I concur..quite good!DH had the dessert special, "Buche de Noel", a white chocolate chestnut filling, spice cake, chocolate fudge icing and vanilla Anglaise. It tasted good, but seemed to lack something for his taste that evening as I think he was expecting something different that he may have had in the past.
Overall, we LOVED Flying Fish!! We will go back again!
Grade: A+
So glad to hear when other families enjoy it so much as well!! We have always had excellent service and amazing food! We also sat at the chefs table a couple of times!
