Napa Rose or Blue Bayou

[rentayenta]

I made a PS for the BB and am seriously second guessing that choice especially after looking at the Napa Rose menu.

I am kinda shaking my head at what the BB gets away with charging. Their lunch menu is pretty spendy. I know it's all about the location but wowzers.

Any thoughts?

We also plan to eat at Ariel's for the WoC (unless I cancel and do the picnic), Carnation Cafe, and Storyteller's as far as table service goes.

 

[ArchOwl]

Napa Rose has no competition for food, so I vote for them! But I understand why some people really enjoy BB, but it is all about atmosphere there. I have not been impressed by the food.

 

[sonnyjane]

Napa Rose because of something you hinted at - I have eaten at BB, I have paid the BB prices, and I was not impressed at all with the food, especially for the price I paid. Could have been an off night, but Napa Rose receives much better reviews so I'll try Napa Rose first before I go back to BB again.

 

[rentayenta]

Napa Rose has no competition for food, so I vote for them! But I understand why some people really enjoy BB, but it is all about atmosphere there. I have not been impressed by the food.

The BB doesn't look all that great. I can't believe what they charge.

Napa Rose because of something you hinted at - I have eaten at BB, I have paid the BB prices, and I was not impressed at all with the food, especially for the price I paid. Could have been an off night, but Napa Rose receives much better reviews so I'll try Napa Rose first before I go back to BB again.

That's where I am at! I've been once to BB, DH and the kids haven't. We always say we are going to take them but I am seriously considering giving them a hall pass for a couple of hours in DCA and surprising DH with the Napa Rose just he and I.

 

[rentayenta]

I am not generally one to complain about Disney food costs either. We are a captive audience and I totally know that going in.....but $12 for a split plate charge with an extra garden salad?

 

[ArchOwl]

The Chef's Counter at NR is especially fun! The BB is really not any better than a mediocre steakhouse to be honest. NR is a five star restaurant with five star service.

 

[rentayenta]

The Chef's Counter at NR is especially fun! The BB is really not any better than a mediocre steakhouse to be honest. NR is a five star restaurant with five star service.

Tell me about the Chef's Counter? DH is a total foodie. Like total. I am past my 60 days by about 4 days. Think I'll have trouble getting in?

 

[Hoku]

Have you actually eaten at BB before? It's such a special place to be, especially if you get a railing spot. That's why I voted for it. Napa Rose is very sophisticated and has great food. But it's not unlike many places all across the country that have a good menu and a contemporary atmosphere. Very few places anywhere else can give you the ambiance of BB - it's Disney through and through. The food isn't great, but it isn't cardboard, either. It will nourish you and it tastes fine. But if the food is that important to you, don't make what should be a fun experience bad.

 

[ArchOwl]

Here is the thread with lots of pics (some from yours truly):
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2656163&highlight=chef+s+counter

It is a lot of fun! You sit at a counter that overlooks the huge kitchen. The chefs will create a 5 course menu specific to you and it will be different from your dining companions. They will pair with wine for an additional fee. The chefs come up and talk with you and sometimes give you little samples and chat about what they are doing.

I have eaten in the lounge at NR, the regular dining room, and twice at the counter. The counter is by far my favorite way to dine because it is so customizable and you get such great service. They only do two seatings for the counter, 5:30 and 8:30.

ETA: I have called just a few days before a major holiday (President's Day) and had no trouble. I don't know if a lot of people know about the counter seating. You do have to call the restaurant directly to book the counter, not Disney dining.

 

[sonnyjane]

The food isn't great, but it isn't cardboard, either. It will nourish you and it tastes fine.

Lol, not exactly the glowing endorsement toward which a restaurant should aspire.

 

[Malcon10t]

I can't understand spending $45 per person for food that "isn't great". My preference of the two would be Napa Rose. Blue Bayou is simply for atmosphere, not for a foodie.

 

[rentayenta]

Here is the thread with lots of pics (some from yours truly):
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2656163&highlight=chef+s+counter

It is a lot of fun! You sit at a counter that overlooks the huge kitchen. The chefs will create a 5 course menu specific to you and it will be different from your dining companions. They will pair with wine for an additional fee. The chefs come up and talk with you and sometimes give you little samples and chat about what they are doing.

I have eaten in the lounge at NR, the regular dining room, and twice at the counter. The counter is by far my favorite way to dine because it is so customizable and you get such great service. They only do two seatings for the counter, 5:30 and 8:30.

ETA: I have called just a few days before a major holiday (President's Day) and had no trouble. I don't know if a lot of people know about the counter seating. You do have to call the restaurant directly to book the counter, not Disney dining.

Thank you, thank you! Going to check it out now. The 5:30 would be perfect. The kids can have a little freedom inside DCA while we eat. We are staying at the GCV so they can go back. Heck, I'll get them room service. Their prices aren't bad at all.

Have you actually eaten at BB before? It's such a special place to be, especially if you get a railing spot. That's why I voted for it. Napa Rose is very sophisticated and has great food. But it's not unlike many places all across the country that have a good menu and a contemporary atmosphere. Very few places anywhere else can give you the ambiance of BB - it's Disney through and through. The food isn't great, but it isn't cardboard, either. It will nourish you and it tastes fine. But if the food is that important to you, don't make what should be a fun experience bad.

I have been once to the BB, the kids and DH have not. DH loves good food. I agree the ambiance is a lot of the draw but I don't way to pay good money for subpar food.

Lol, not exactly the glowing endorsement toward which a restaurant should aspire.

 

[rentayenta]

I can't understand spending $45 per person for food that "isn't great". My preference of the two would be Napa Rose. Blue Bayou is simply for atmosphere, not for a foodie.

That's what I am gathering. I appreciate the feedback.

 

[ArchOwl]

If you DH is any kind of foodie, he will love NR and especially love the Counter. It is a foodie paradise from start to finish. The prices are what you would expect for that level of food.

If he is any kind of foodie, he will not be impressed with the food at BB. It is the same food you can get at a mid-level steakhouse at about double the cost. I am not sure the atmosphere is worth the cost. It isn't for myself and DH, who never go to BB anymore.

 

[Hoku]

I have been once to the BB, the kids and DH have not. DH loves good food. I agree the ambiance is a lot of the draw but I don't way to pay good money for subpar food.

Sounds like your mind is made up.

 

[ArchOwl]

I also forgot to mention that you can order whatever you like at the Counter as well, so don't think you have to have a 5 course tasting menu. But I would highly recommend the chef selecting the menu if you can, just because they know the best stuff!

 

[MyYearWithTheMouse]

If you DH is any kind of foodie, he will love NR and especially love the Counter. It is a foodie paradise from start to finish. The prices are what you would expect for that level of food.

If he is any kind of foodie, he will not be impressed with the food at BB. It is the same food you can get at a mid-level steakhouse at about double the cost. I am not sure the atmosphere is worth the cost. It isn't for myself and DH, who never go to BB anymore.

Couldn't agree more. The BB is something you do once for the experience. The atmosphere is awesome for sure, but I really think if you do the BB your best bet is to go for lunch. The food is really just as ArchOwl describes and lunch is cheaper. If you want great food, it's the NR hands down. We are local and do the NR for very special occasions (anniversary, birthdays) at least a couple of times a year. When we've got something to celebrate and a sitter lined up, it's one of our top choices. For a foodie, particularly if you appreciate a deep cellar and wine list, it's the way to go.

 

[Angrypenguin]

I agree with the folks here. NR is a first class restaurant that foodies will love.

I've been to the blue bayou as well, and I can honestly say that if you want to know what the food is like, vomit in your own mouth. It kind of tastes like that.

 

[goofycathy]

IMO, you cant even compare the two restaurants. Ive been to both and probably will never go back to BB, I mean atmosphere? not worth it...to me.

I will always pick NR over, as what someone else put, the over-glorified steakhouse. In fact we have ressies for the chefs table on friday the 21st of this month, couldnt be more excited!

 

[rentayenta]

If you DH is any kind of foodie, he will love NR and especially love the Counter. It is a foodie paradise from start to finish. The prices are what you would expect for that level of food.

If he is any kind of foodie, he will not be impressed with the food at BB. It is the same food you can get at a mid-level steakhouse at about double the cost. I am not sure the atmosphere is worth the cost. It isn't for myself and DH, who never go to BB anymore.

He is a total foodie. He does all of the cooking here at home. Fresh everything when available. Our grocery bill is outrageous but we eat well.

I think the Monte Cristo would send him over the edge.

Sounds like your mind is made up.

Pretty darn close.

I also forgot to mention that you can order whatever you like at the Counter as well, so don't think you have to have a 5 course tasting menu. But I would highly recommend the chef selecting the menu if you can, just because they know the best stuff!

I read that thread you linked me to. It seems Chef Andrew is the man. Neither DH or I are picky so I think we'd let him choose if he's there.

Couldn't agree more. The BB is something you do once for the experience. The atmosphere is awesome for sure, but I really think if you do the BB your best bet is to go for lunch. The food is really just as ArchOwl describes and lunch is cheaper. If you want great food, it's the NR hands down. We are local and do the NR for very special occasions (anniversary, birthdays) at least a couple of times a year. When we've got something to celebrate and a sitter lined up, it's one of our top choices. For a foodie, particularly if you appreciate a deep cellar and wine list, it's the way to go.

DH loves wine, especially reds. I like a Melbac but nothing with a stronger bite. I am a wimpy wine drinker.

I agree with the folks here. NR is a first class restaurant that foodies will love.

I've been to the blue bayou as well, and I can honestly say that if you want to know what the food is like, vomit in your own mouth. It kind of tastes like that.

I really just LOL'd! Yummy!

IMO, you cant even compare the two restaurants. Ive been to both and probably will never go back to BB, I mean atmosphere? not worth it...to me.

I will always pick NR over, as what someone else put, the over-glorified steakhouse. In fact we have ressies for the chefs table on friday the 21st of this month, couldnt be more excited!

So fun! I am going to call in a bit and see what I can get. Looks like we may be ditching the kids for dinner. They can manage for 2 hours in DCA. I'm sure they'll love the freedom.




Thank you for all of the responses so far.



Anyone ever do BB just for dessert or is that a no-no? I'd love for the kids to experience the atmosphere. I guess I could smuggle in a churro while riding POTC and tell them to look across the water and pretend.