Portabello or Puck's Express?

[Bedknobs/Broomsticks]

Hi! DH and I are planning a night at PI on Wed. 10/30. I very much want to see the show at the Adventurer's Club and maybe do a little bar-hopping after that but the highlight of our evening will surely be dinner together (without DD 8 and DS 5). After checking out the menus of all the PI restaurants, I think we would most enjoy Portabello Yacht Club or Wolfgang Puck's Express. Any recommendations?

Sharon

 

[madcoco]

IMHO go to PYC or Puck cafe or Pucks dining room( upstairs) at Westside. Bypass the Express at West side and Marketplace.( since you say dining will be the highlight of your evening).Puck Express at the Marketplace really seemed to go downhill these last couple times we were there, and it was a favorite quick stop when shopping.
The Yacht Club has won quite a few awards for their wine list if you like wine.However, if you are looking to save a few bucks the Express will be cheaper.hope you enjoy your nightout together.Have fun at the AC.We love it.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Wolfgang's Express appears to be more of a pizza/burger spot than a nice restaurant. Wolfgang's upstairs is different, of course.
But of the 2, Portobello would be my choice. As noted it has a fine wine list and the food is quite good. I've dined there a # of times, most recently last December. If you go, ask for John Coombs as your server and mention this site. He's a fine server and is an expert on his own restaurant.

 

[Bedknobs/Broomsticks]

Thanks for the replies! I didn't realize that Puck's Express was more of a "burger joint". That's definitely not the atmosphere we're looking for.

I think we'll have go to PYC, especially since this dinner will be a delayed 13th wedding anniversary celebration. And thanks for the server recommendation, Uncleromulus. I will ask for John Coombs.

Sharon

 

[Jdubbs]

I was not impressed by pucks menu and the food which is lying right in front of you did not look appitizing.while portebello was very good, but pricey

 

[Uncleromulus]

Sharon:
I think you'll like PYC.
Here's a link to John's web page about the restaurant

www.geocities.com/johncombs2000/english

 

[Nagle]

No question. Portobello. We have only eaten there once and can't wait to return.

 

[cd&kids]

I've never even heard of Portobello, so I can't offer advice there, but just for clarification, we did eat at Puck's Express and I wouldn't call it a "burger joint." BUT, it is a cafeteria-style fast food place. Good pizzas...good, interesting sandwiches on fresh rolls...but, you walk in, grab a tray...move along the line and then find a seat to eat.
We all enjoyed it, but it was exactly the type of place we were looking for at that moment. Portobello, from the descriptions here, sounds more like it for you. Have fun!

 

[Bedknobs/Broomsticks]

Portabello, here we come! 'Just made ressies for 6:15pm on Wednesday 10/30.

Now, what would you order if you were meeting us for dinner?

Sharon

 

[madcoco]

Have fun.Our favorites we have had in the past are the pizzas, Funghi Arrostiti Con Polenta, and DD loves the Calamari for apps. Spaghettini alla Portobello (pasta w assorted Seafood)Aragosta di Griglia con Spaghettini (chargrilled Lobster tails w pasta. Not sure if this is still on the dinner menu)Farfalle alla Primavera con Pollo Only ate lunch there this past summer and we each shared Calamari for an appetizer and each had the Seafood pasta.Don't forget about the wine list and try to save room for dessert Here is a dinner menu from wdwig:
http://www.wdwig.com/menu/menu_pyc.htm
Hope you enjoy.

 

[webray]

Portobello Yacht Club for sure.

We have given pucks several chances...no more...the food is just not good and way over priced.

 

[Nagle]

We ate there last December.

DW had the rack of lamb. Absolutely loved it. Served with roastedvegetables. Also great. Don't remember the risotto cake.

DS had the kids cheese pizza and was happy with his choice.

I had the bistecca alla griglia. A great ribeye steak crusted with paragian cheese. It was done perfectly as I asked for it.(medium rare) I asked for the grilled veggies instead of the mashed and seasonal veggies. Can't remember how much extra that cost.

Trust us to order things that are not considered Italian (lamb & steak) but the food was fantastic. Just looking at the menu posted on the link above, and next time I would go for the Menu Degustazione and not be able to make up my mind until the very last second between the pasta and the steak.

Nagle

 

[Muffy]

You will love Portobello! WolfgangPuck Express has excellent fast food.

 

[DisneyKidds]

Originally posted by Muffy
You will love Portobello! WolfgangPuck Express has excellent fast food.

Agreed. For a night out Puck Express is not the place to go. However, they have very good food for a place to get quick eats. It is like fast food, self service and all, but the food is great.