Tchoup Chop or Emerills?

[Mike Jones]

My DD has a 'thing' about Emerill, having spent an inordinate amount of time last Xmas watching his TV series while we were in Orlando and Sarasota.... she doesn't know that we're booked for two nights in the Royal Pacific Resort next Easter (so don't tell her! ) and I'm going to book a meal at one of the two Emerill restaurants.... question.... which one? I've looked at both through the windows, and am drawn more to TC than E, but which ahs the better food? Atmosphgere? Prices? Any views? How about you Vernon? - you mentioned both in another thread?

Mike

 

[UKDEB]

Depends what you mean by 'better food'. Emeril's is <i>definitely</i> the more upscale of the two. Tchoup Chop has very strong oriental leanings with some interesting interpretations, but simply not as well executed as the offerings at Emeril's. Emeril's has a more refined feel about the place. Tchoup Chop is hip, happening and <b>very</b> loud - think California Grill if you've been there.

We first tried Tchoup Chop in May 2003 and I was smitten. I loved every second of it. The restaurant was stunning and the ambiance perfect. (If you do a search, you may be able to find the review I posted around the time). We took my brother and s-i-l there in January this year and I was incredibly disappointed. The place is starting to look jaded. The water which is supposed to cascade down the wall above the open kitchen was gone. We waited forever for our meal - they brought so many prawn crackers we weren't hungry by the time the food came.

All that said, if you are staying at the RPR, there is a lot to be said for eating at Tchoup Chop. I know CityWalk isn't far, but it's not quite the same as being able to stroll downstairs from your room.

 

[Mike Jones]

Thanks Deb! I suppose the answer may be to do both, but do TC first....

 

[vernon]

Emeril's itself I've only pondered over the menu and had a look inside. I would agre with Debs view that Emeril's has the more "upscale" feel, perhaps formal or conventional convey the atmosphere more accurately. I would also agree that Tchoup Chop is more "happening" , I didn't think it was overly loud, but then that's more down to the guests on a particular night. I can understand with the tiled walls etc that it could reflect a lot of the noise on a loud evening. I also loved the atmosphere and I thought the food was excellent. I'd be disapointed if they had allowed it to slip and were having maintenence problems, maybe because it was January they were fixing up things that they didn't feel they could touch during the busy Xmas period.

Would like to know of any recent reviews.

Mike I don't think you'll go wrong with either, maybe check out Tchoup Chop before you decide to book it just to make sure.