Possible Changes at LeCellier

[skier_pete]

We ate here for the first time last year - and have another booking this October. While we enjoyed it quite a bit, I don't think I would go to it as a 2 TS restaurant...we would rather try some new restaurants at 2 TS if that were to happen.

My feeling is sort of meh...I thought the steaks were decent...and the sides were super-yummy. There's no restaurant at WDW that is so good we can't live without it.

SkierPete

 

[CandyMandy]

Which, from the sound of it, they have already done. (Securing Canadian Beef again, which they got rid of a while ago)

Is the use of beef from Canda a "national pride/authenticity" thing?

Asking because most Canadian cattle are fed corn or barley, which results in the same sort of marbling (read relative fatiness and its impact on taste) one finds in American grain fed cattle.

So people shouldn't think that a switch to Canadian beef is going to result in getting some sort of so-called "greener" (pasture grazing, grass fed) beef, which are leaner.

Because it won't.

 

[Bonnie40]

Is the use of beef from Canda a "national pride/authenticity" thing?

Asking because most Canadian cattle are fed corn or barley, which results in the same sort of marbling (read relative fatiness and its impact on taste) one finds in American grain fed cattle.

So people shouldn't think that a switch to Canadian beef is going to result in getting some sort of so-called "greener" (pasture grazing, grass fed) beef, which are leaner.

Because it won't.

I mentioned the Canadian beef because the whole point of WS restaurants is to try and give customers a 'Canadian' experience. LeCellier used to serve Canadian beef until there was a mad cow scare and the borders were closed to our beef. So....borders are open, Canadian beef will be served again....

I have to agree with other posters here....LeCellier is so popular because people feel it's great value for a 1TS credit. I certainly wouldn't pay OOP for anything served there....waaaaay overpriced for what you get!

 

[Bonnie40]

Is the use of beef from Canda a "national pride/authenticity" thing?

Asking because most Canadian cattle are fed corn or barley, which results in the same sort of marbling (read relative fatiness and its impact on taste) one finds in American grain fed cattle.

So people shouldn't think that a switch to Canadian beef is going to result in getting some sort of so-called "greener" (pasture grazing, grass fed) beef, which are leaner.

Because it won't.

I mentioned the Canadian beef because the whole point of WS restaurants is to try and give customers a 'Canadian' experience. LeCellier used to serve Canadian beef until there was a mad cow scare and the borders were closed to our beef. So....borders are open, Canadian beef will be served again....

I have to agree with other posters here....LeCellier is so popular because people feel it's great value for a 1TS credit. I certainly wouldn't pay OOP for anything served there....waaaaay overpriced for what you get!

 

[Lewisc]

LewisC is absolutely correct. There is no restaurant at WDW that serves Prime (unless V&A's do). The Shula cut is close and they claim it to be "better than Prime" but it does not meet all of the Prime criteria.

All of the other steak at WDW, Yachtsmans, FF, CG, AP, Jiko serve USDA choice. Now some do serve a better cut of choice than others (Yachtsmans cut is better than Le Cellier) but it's choice nonetheless.

My source is information from three head chef's from WDW (friends ... one still working there).

Thank you. I checked the Yachtsman menu on Disney's website. It promises nothing more then high-grade steaks a term without any real meaning.

Shula's serves good steaks. People like to think it's almost prime. Exceeds prime in many areas. An accurate description is the very best choice grade beef.

Outback is very popular. Le Cellier has similar quality, maybe a little better. I'm not sure why Disney can't just add a true steakhouse somewhere in EPCOT.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Well-I still think Le Cellier has a long way to go if it wants to improve and compete with Shula's and Yachstman. At the moment I consider them in the "Outback-ish" category.
If they do get better beef and raise prices (and TS credits) it will be interesting to see if enough people actually go there such that this change will have been worth the effort. Personally if I eat at a "high end" steakhouse, I expect a large variety of excellent grade steak. And a lot of appetizers and a good wine list as well. And I don't want a rushed/crowded feeling (as I find with most Epcot restaurants) while I dine.
So let's see if this change actually happens and if so, what the result will be!!

Pirate: Of interest, V&A dosen't even offer steak as an entree any longer. All they have is Kobe and Wagyu beef at an ADDITIONAL $35 or $80 cost. I have no idea what "grade" that beef may be.

 

[MichaelColey]

The New York Strip at the Yachtsman is definitely USDA Prime. All of their beef is very well marbled (which is much more important to me than an official certification) and I think most of it is dry aged for 3-4 weeks on site (which gives it the tremendous flavor), but I think you're correct that their other steaks are USDA Choice.

At least a half dozen knowledgeable posters claimed Yachtsman only serves USDA Choice meat. I'll defer to the two posters in this thread. Does the menu say Prime? FWIW even the Outback sometimes has Prime on their menu.

LewisC is absolutely correct. There is no restaurant at WDW that serves Prime (unless V&A's do). The Shula cut is close and they claim it to be "better than Prime" but it does not meet all of the Prime criteria.

All of the other steak at WDW, Yachtsmans, FF, CG, AP, Jiko serve USDA choice. Now some do serve a better cut of choice than others (Yachtsmans cut is better than Le Cellier) but it's choice nonetheless.

My source is information from three head chef's from WDW (friends ... one still working there).

Here's what the Yachtsman's menu says on Disney's site:

“Prime” New York Strip Steak
12-oz Strip Steak with Peppercorn
Brandy Sauce and Potato Gratin with Diamond White Cheddar 42.00

I know I asked last time I was there and was told that the NY strip was USDA Prime. Perhaps I was told wrong and perhaps the menu is deceptive. I don't think so, though.

Here's an older menu:

USDA Prime New York Strip Steak - 12 oz. strip steak, served with peppercorn brandy sauce and potato gratin $36.00

 

[Lewisc]

The point is Shula's doesn't serve USDA prime meat and at most one of the steaks at the Yachtsman is prime. Evidently the older menu said USDA Prime (a designation that has specific standards) and the newer menu just says "Prime" which doesn't necessarily mean anything.

Both Peter and Uncleromulus have pretty good information regarding signature restaurants. I suspect the NY Strip Steak is no longer USDA Prime but am willing to accept the possibility I'm wrong.

The point is the Yachtsman isn't the equivalent of steakhouses like Peter Lugar, the Palm or even Shula's.

Disney should be able to offer a 1 credit restaurant at approximately Outback quality. Maybe Disney needs a larger restaurant for that market.

A poster claimed Shula's serves prime meat and provided a link to their website. The problem is Shula's website makes it clear their beef isn't USDA Prime.

Outback restaurants frequently have some Prime steaks available. Special "blackboard" menu. The fact that they offer a prime steak doesn't mean Outback is in the same category as steak houses like the Palm, Peter Lugars etc.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

The point is Shula's doesn't serve USDA prime meat and at most one of the steaks at the Yachtsman is prime. Evidently the older menu said USDA Prime (a designation that has specific standards) and the newer menu just says "Prime" which doesn't necessarily mean anything.

Both Peter and Uncleromulus have pretty good information regarding signature restaurants. I suspect the NY Strip Steak is no longer USDA Prime but am willing to accept the possibility I'm wrong.

The point is the Yachtsman isn't the equivalent of steakhouses like Peter Lugar, the Palm or even Shula's.

Disney should be able to offer a 1 credit restaurant at approximately Outback quality. Maybe Disney needs a larger restaurant for that market.

Right again Lewis! "Prime" is not "USDA Prime" ... It's silly semantics but is so nonetheless. We have a steakhouse nearby named "951 Prime Steakhouse" ... They don't sell USDA Prime rather the next confusing level of beef catagories we haven't touched on, Certified Angus beef.

 

[chrisw127]

I don't have a problem with it if it means the quality goes up along with the price, but ideally, they'll do it 180+10 out (as a PP mentioned) so that guests can make an informed decision when making their ADRs. It seems highly unfair--and frankly, unlike Disney, which is usually pretty smart about these things--to do it any other way.

 

[Lewisc]

Disney's GF is able to charge 5* pricing for a 4* hotel. Disney realized there isn't any reason to spend the $$$ necessary for a real 5* hotel.

Disney found they can charge prime steakhouse pricing without providing prime meat.

A number of guests think the GF is a 5* hotel. This thread shows a number of customers think the Yachtsman serves prime beef. We're discussing if one menu item might be prime. I suspect it's not USDA prime but even if the posters I find credible are wrong (unlikely) the Yachtsman isn't in the same category as real steakhouses like the Palm.

I suspect a number of WS restaurants will go to signature. Disney will probably use that as a way to promote the deluxe dining plan. Stop taking reservations today and Disney can open the restaurant for the holiday crowd without impacting guests with an existing reservation.

It sounds like the restaurant is going to be closed for renovations prior to becoming a 2 credit restaurant. I'll speculate some guests will have their ADRs cancelled. I'll speculate ADRS will get cancelled from the date renovations starts through the end of the year. Restaurant opens early people will make new reservations as a signature restaurant.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Disney's GF is able to charge 5* pricing for a 4* hotel. Disney realized there isn't any reason to spend the $$$ necessary for a real 5* hotel.

Disney found they can charge prime steakhouse pricing without providing prime meat.

A number of guests think the GF is a 5* hotel.

The GF is probably closer to a 3.5* to be honest.

 

[yitbos96bb]

Thank you. I checked the Yachtsman menu on Disney's website. It promises nothing more then high-grade steaks a term without any real meaning.

Shula's serves good steaks. People like to think it's almost prime. Exceeds prime in many areas. An accurate description is the very best choice grade beef.

Outback is very popular. Le Cellier has similar quality, maybe a little better. I'm not sure why Disney can't just add a true steakhouse somewhere in EPCOT.

I'm sorry but you both are dead wrong. Shula's meat is USDA prime. You are 100% incorrect. I have had menu items at yachtsman that are listed on the menu as USDA prime. So either Disney is breaking the law or you guys are wrong. Now it has been a year since I went to yachtsman so maybe they have stopped having 1-2 USDA prime cuts, but it has been on the menu in the past as I have had both a usda strip and ribeye from there.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

I'm sorry but you both are dead wrong. Shula's meat is USDA prime. You are 100% incorrect. I have had menu items at yachtsman that are listed on the menu as USDA prime. So either Disney is breaking the law or you guys are wrong. Now it has been a year since I went to yachtsman so maybe they have stopped having 1-2 USDA prime cuts, but it has been on the menu in the past as I have had both a usda strip and ribeye from there.

Nope, you're wrong. Shula's serves the 'Shula cut' which does not meet all USDA Prime criteria. Shula's claim their standards in certain areas are tougher than the USDA prime standards but still they do not meet ALL of the USDA standards for prime meat.

If the Yachtsman's menu says "USDA Prime" then it must be. But my chef friends (both formally of Flying Fish) and my current chef friend (who has to remain a mystery man) all have told me they do not have the ability to order Prime beef from their listed vendors. I don't know what else to say but I will, as I said, agree that Yachtsman's must be serving USDA Prime if, in fact, the menus says so. However, my last two steaks at Yacthsman's (a rib eye and a NY strip) were little more than Outback quality although I know this comment will upset many people. Le Cellier's quality isn't even close.

 

[Lewisc]

I'm sorry but you both are dead wrong. Shula's meat is USDA prime. You are 100% incorrect.

Then Shula's website is 100% wrong. I provided the quote from their website where they acknowledge the fact that Shula's cut doesn't meet USDA Prime Standards in at least one category. It makes absolutely no sense for Shula's to understate the grade of their beef on their website.
http://www.shulas.com/thestory.php?sub=7

Seven (7) of these standards exceed those of USDA PRIME and all eight (8) exceed those of USDA choice

I don't know if the Yachtsman is currently offering USDA Prime steaks. I know you're incorrect with respect with Shula's. I have no reason to doubt those posters who say Yachtsman is no longer serving USDA Prime graded beef.

Outback frequently offers a couple of prime graded steaks "blackboard specials". It doesn't mean it's a top steak house. Yachtsman isn't is top steak house, even if you're correct regarding one or two USDA graded prime steak on the menu.

edited to add--Peter Yachtsman current menu (Disney website) says Prime but doesn't say USDA Prime. It could be USDA Prime. It could also mean Disney thinks the beef is as good as prime.

DDP no longer includes appetizer or tip. Absolutely no reason why Disney can't offer Outback quality.

Didn't someone say there is a sucker born every minute? A poster insists Shula's serves prime beef even though the link he provided says otherwise. GF is able to "theme itself" as a 5* hotel and charge 5* pricing but only provide a 4* experience.

 

[PHILCT]

All this debating about prime or not prime steak, is just making me ache for a good steak regardless of the label. Medium Rare please, with mushrooms and grilled onions on the side. Marinate it and pound it all you want, it tastes pretty good to me once it is tenderized.

Now you are all going to get mad at me for saying that the Disney Dining Plan has ruined a lot of their restaurants. I am for anything that stops people from thinking they deserve free dining especially.

I really would like to see Disney just give out something like 30 percent off Table of Wonderland discounts in the future for Table Service and something like 40 percent off for Counter Service Discounts, with a maximum use and limit per day, during the September season. I can even understand that kids can dine free within limits. The free dining program even discourages people from buying into DVC, because DVC members won't get free dining, they have to pay for it, and others know that every September Disney is going to give free dining again.

When dining is totally free it ruins the restaurants and the ability to get a reservation within a week or two during your stay.

So if Disney has to make more of the restaurants Signature status to get around the over crowded Dining Plan usage, then that is a good start.

Nothing is ultimately free. There is always a price to pay.

 

[yitbos96bb]

Nope, you're wrong. Shula's serves the 'Shula cut' which does not meet all USDA Prime criteria. Shula's claim their standards in certain areas are tougher than the USDA prime standards but still they do not meet ALL of the USDA standards for prime meat.

If the Yachtsman's menu says "USDA Prime" then it must be. But my chef friends (both formally of Flying Fish) and my current chef friend (who has to remain a mystery man) all have told me they do not have the ability to order Prime beef from their listed vendors. I don't know what else to say but I will, as I said, agree that Yachtsman's must be serving USDA Prime if, in fact, the menus says so. However, my last two steaks at Yacthsman's (a rib eye and a NY strip) were little more than Outback quality although I know this comment will upset many people. Le Cellier's quality isn't even close.

As I said it's been a year since I have been so maybe it's changed. Another possibility is the last two times I was there were holidays so maybe it was a special and I didn't realize. The regular steaks are definitely over priced for the quality.

As for shulas I was at the one in Chicago a month ago and was told by several people including the manager and waiter they served USDA prime. It's possible they lied to me but that is where I heard it from. Personally my visit there reminded me that as far as premium steakhouses go Shulas is near the bottom and doesn't hold a candle to lugers or David burkes.

So is there a USDA prime steakhouse in Orlando?


And agreed... I far enjoyed the sideband appies at LC than the steak.

 

[Lewisc]

As for shulas I was at the one in Chicago a month ago and was told by several people including the manager and waiter they served USDA prime. It's possible they lied to me but that is where I heard it from. Personally my visit there reminded me that as far as premium steakhouses go Shulas is near the bottom and doesn't hold a candle to lugers or David burkes.

So is there a USDA prime steakhouse in Orlando?


And agreed... I far enjoyed the sideband appies at LC than the steak.

Did you take the time to check Shula's website? It's possible the waiter and manager lied. Just as likely they were mistaken. Shula's uses terms that makes it sound like they use Prime Beef.

AFAIK The Palm still serves Prime beef. Their Orlando restaurant is located in the Hard Rock Hotel by Universal.

Ruth's Chris serves USDA prime beef. They have a restaurant on West Sand Lake Road.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

Did you take the time to check Shula's website? It's possible the waiter and manager lied. Just as likely they were mistaken. Shula's uses terms that makes it sound like they use Prime Beef.

AFAIK The Palm still serves Prime beef. Their Orlando restaurant is located in the Hard Rock Hotel by Universal.

Ruth's Chris serves USDA prime beef. They have a restaurant on West Sand Lake Road.

The Palm at Hard Rock is a great place (the service has been above exceptional, for us at least). Also there's a Morton's, Del Frisco's (which is oft considered the best in Orlando, though I've not been) and as Lewis mentioned Ruths' (which is always my fave).

Note: The Shula's original (in Miami Lakes) is for some reason WAY better than the others. I've eaten at it many times and Orlando many times, NY twice and Ft. Lauderdale once. But the Original is at the top of National steakhouse quality.

 

[lovemickeyshouse]

Any updates on the Lecell status?Goin in December and hpping for 1 credit dinners there,