CR is definitely one of those love or hate type restaurants. There are few middle grounders when it comes to CR (DebIreland a noted exception
). Perhaps it's the expectations folks have when going there, or perhaps CR just isn't a consistently great experience, having too many peaks and valleys as it were. However, our experience there last year was superb. We (DW, DD5, me)did dinner with an ADR of 6 p.m. We arrived early and asked for table by the tank. We waited an extra 20 minutes, but it was worth it. Asking for a table like that for a larger party may not be possible. . .I just don't know.
The food was delicious. I've lived near the Gulf Coast, in Maryland, and in Alaska, and good fish and seafood dishes were easy to come by in all of those areas. The blackened catfish I had was topnotch, very comparable to dishes I've had in my travels. My wife's dish (grouper, I think) was also tasty. Some complain about the size of portions vs. cost, but they are quite in line with upscale restaurants in large metropolitan areas. We didn't find the portions small at all, especially since we had an appetizer, soup or salad, and like our parents taught us years before, we ate our veggies! We were plenty full.
The service was exemplary that night, though I know that's one area that can be a real coin toss. Our server was prompt, friendly, and helpful. When our daughter was having trouble deciding which of two sauces to have with her pasta (marinara or alfredo), the server wound up bringing out both on the side so she could choose. We didn't ask her to do so--that is good service, especially when done so in such a friendly manner. Our server checked with us frequently, would chat with us momentarily to see how things were going or to talk to our daughter, and our water glasses were always full.
Finally, the desserts were excellent! The chocolate wave is one of the best desserts I've tasted on property. It's a chocoholic's dream dish. And our daughter loved her build-your-own sundae--they bring all the fixings to the table and let the child do the rest.
Naturally, the tank was a big hit, moreso with my wife than daughter, I think. I don't know how nice of an experience it would be to be farther away from the tank, but it was exceptional being up close and personal like we were. For us, CR was a wonderful experience. We'll go back at some point after we've eaten our way around all of WDW. For now, we give it
out of five.
aw:
