Relaxing adult dinner out - ?

[CyndiLooWho]

We're staying offsite at WBC, 2 older parents with teens. Both adults really appreciate good food, with an emphasis on something more inspired than Carrabas (which we also enjoy, but not on vacation). We plan to leave the boys at the resort with pizza and a movie one night and head back to Universal on our own for dinner.

Right now, the top choices seem to be Emeril (dh), Tchoup Chop (sounds interesting to both) and Bice (me). We can't quite decide. Dh has had good European more recently than I have, as he travels overseas a lot. So Bice is a little less interesting to him. I have no real opinion on anything Emeril, though the Asian twist sounds really good to me.

Which is better? And is there something I'm missing? I'm definitely looking for something that's not readily available in KY, and preferably not a chain. We'll be taking the boys to HRC and Cowfish, so definitely not those.

Thanks!

 

[zbsigpi]

If you are looking to go to Uni then either place is good. If you are making the trip then possibly look off property, Orlando is filled with great restaurants. Maybe some of the locals on here can chime in on this but areas like Winter Park, College Park and downtown I know have some James Beard nominated restaurants in them. I would say Cress in DeLand but that is too much of a drive for you. Either way I hope you enjoy.

 

[Kae]

We love Emerils at City Walk and love love Tchoup Chop it is one of the most beautiful and relaxing places to eat. Kinda hard to get to be a gem it is. all of Emerils place are top notch but Tchoup Chop is amazing.

Kae

 

[TXTransplant]

I thought Tchoup Chop was fantastic. The complimentary appetizer they bring out (some kind of shrimp "puffs") is unlike anything I've ever had before. Highly recommend this place, and my 10 year old son liked it, too (although, I got the impression that kids are not a common occurrence at the dinner service; it was definitely an adult vibe).

 

[gatordoc]

You can't go wrong with any of those three, though Emeril's is my least favorite. Tchoup Chop has outstanding food and interesting decor, though it can get quite loud. Bice is easily the most romantic, with impeccable service, piano music, and beautiful views. Plus it's hands-down the best Italian food in the area (I will admit to being an Italian food snob). Everything we've ever had there has been outstanding, especially the house-made pastas.

 

[schumigirl]

Not a fan of Italian food so I discount Bice as we didn't have the best experience there..........

Tchoup chop we have been unlucky with for a couple of reasons but it would be my place of choice regardless of that..........consistently good food and good atmosphere.......

Yes there are children around, it's not just for adults.......there are usually children in when we have gone, it can be loud at times but not overly so. The staff in here make it an amazing experience, always.

I find Emerils quite dull.......but we may give it another try this year........the reviews are always good.

So really, not much help.......you can't really go wrong with any of them..........we are going back to The Palm at HRH this year........very romantic and consistently good reviews........

Hope you get somewhere nice wherever you choose........

 

[macraven]

Palm.
hands down for me, thought this place was great in all ways.
food, service, staff, etc.

 

[CyndiLooWho]

Thanks for the comments.

I hadn't thought of the Palm. I'll show dh the menu.

And we have no issues driving someplace else if there are better choices for a nice night out. We will have our own car and gps, and are offsite anyway, so we are open to try something else. I was trying to keep it simple b/c dh didn't want to do Orlando and I was using the lure of City Walk restaurants to help him like it better. Fortunately, he came around on his own and is now looking forward to the trip. :cheer

 

[zbsigpi]

Here is a link to the current James Beard chefs in the Orlando area heard all are excellent. http://www.visitorlando.com/blog/in...ed-Semifinalists-for-2015-James-Beard-Awards/

 

[macraven]

The Palm (you can get your parking validated when you dine there)


Bringing the legacy of its famous New York steakhouse to Universal Orlando® Resort, The Palm restaurant is the perfect place for a hearty meal in a classic New York Style atmosphere. The cartoon caricatures of celebrities drawn on the walls harken back to the original Palm restaurant's roots in the newspaper district of Manhattan, where famous cartoonists would often exchange drawings for their meals.

Cuisine & Dining Information

World-renowned for its prime cuts of meat and succulent Nova Scotia lobsters, along with classic American fare and Italian specialties, the Palm’s legendary menu and exceptional wine list is sure to leave you satisfied.

Open daily dinner for at 5:00 pm.
Reservations recommended.
Call (407) 503-7256.
Click here to view menu

Private Dining

Legendary food and impeccable service in an atmosphere like no other. The Palm - where every special event is an occasion to remember! Private rooms available for 10 to 55 guests. Contact our Sales Manager Marisa Mathews at mmathews@thepalm.com or 407-503-2384 to start planning an exceptional occasion today.

Attire

Resort or Business casual attire is recommended. However, smart-casual attire is completely acceptable. We ask for no beachwear in the restaurant and no sleeveless shirts for gentlemen.

News & Events

Click here to see latest news & events

Parking

Validation for complimentary Self or Valet parking is available for guests not staying in the hotel.

 

[lborne]

We have 2 boys and do this often. Feed them first, then let them go down to the pool to watch the movie. Another thing (depending on their age) is to leave them in the park and go to the spa at Portofino. Anyway, you are close to West Sand Lake Blvd which has lots of excellent choices. One of our favorites is Vines Grille & Wine Bar as they have one of the better selections of wine - and great food.

 

[gatordoc]

Food is still very good at the Palm, but the atmosphere has really gone downhill. When we were last there a few weeks ago, there were lots of kids running around, and at the table next to us was a man in a tank top and shorts, and a woman in a bathing suit with a cover up and flip-flops. Sorry, but when I'm dropping $200 on a romantic dinner, I expect a more elegant atmosphere. We politely mentioned it to the manager, but his shrug indicated that they just don't care. So I'll take my business elsewhere.

 

[agavegirl1]

I vote for Emeril's Tchoup Chop...very relaxing, adult vibe. Don't forget to save room for the Banana Cream Pie!

 

[macraven]

Food is still very good at the Palm, but the atmosphere has really gone downhill. When we were last there a few weeks ago, there were lots of kids running around, and at the table next to us was a man in a tank top and shorts, and a woman in a bathing suit with a cover up and flip-flops. Sorry, but when I'm dropping $200 on a romantic dinner, I expect a more elegant atmosphere. We politely mentioned it to the manager, but his shrug indicated that they just don't care. So I'll take my business elsewhere.

thank you for sharing that information.
last time i went to the Palms, they had one section for those in park attire and with littles and the rest was set up for more upscale dressed guests.
that was on a saturday night and man did some of the couples really did dress up......

 

[CPanther95]

Another vote for Tchoup Chop - but only if you're a seafood family.

 

[Bluer101]

DW and I enjoy a pizza at Sal's later when it's slower. Nice and simple.

 

[CyndiLooWho]

Just got back very early this morning.

We went to Cuba Libre, which was not on this list, but does have a chef that is a past James Beard award winner. It was great!

We had an early dinner Friday night, and the restaurant was not at all crowded when we arrived. It was starting to fill up when we left about 7pm. The atmosphere was nice, kind of an upscale resort feel. The wait staff was super attentive, and knew the menu extremely well. Both of us opted for the 15 Tastes of Cuba menu, which was absolutely awesome. It came with 3 courses, and multiple items for each course. We don't have any Cuban cuisine in our area of KY, so this was special and fun. And if you really want fun, there was dancing starting at 10:30, and the place is also a rum bar, so lots of interesting opportunities.

 

[zbsigpi]

Not knocking any of the restaurants at disney or uni but I am glad you decided to try a different restaurant. Orlando has some great restaurants outside the parks. Happy to hear you were not dissapointed.