The Food Was Not Undelicious: May 25-June 1, 2007!! Completed - Post #794

[50 years Too!]

I'm calling first thing tomorrow to try to change the reservation to Flying Fish.
My husband will B.... about the fact that we aren't even trying the restaurant where we are staying, but too bad.
I tried to get as excited as he was about the menu, but it just sounded too much like all the fancy Northwest lodges (remember Twin Peaks opening credits, I bet you do Brenda) that we've dined in in our long existence together.
I might even decide to sell my WL points and add more BCV. (Not because of AP, just because).
Can you tell I don't feel very much in the anniversary trip mood tonight.
I have my best friend on standby for this trip!
Deb

 

[DisneyJenn18]

Hi Brenda!

I've been lurking, and reading your latest food reviews. sorry you had a bad experience at AP...I thought everything looked halfway decent until I saw your picture of your chicken dish...seemed weak. Sounds to me, that they were trying to get "creative" on the menu writing, and someone said...hey lets call it potato risotto..

Looking forward to the next happy installment!

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

Bleh- sorry your night at AP sucked! It reminds me a little of the night we had at the Territory Lounge where our server not only got Katie's drink totally wrong, but then ignored us the whole time we were there. It sounds like the WL food staff is kinda sucky!

 

[BriarRosie]

Thursday, May 31st - You Ruined Our "Perfect" Vacation You Ruiner; You Ruined Everything!

Upon checking in at the podium we were seated promptly at a table for two right next to a family of five that included a rather screechie baby. I just checked with Jason to make sure that I am not being unduly harsh about said baby; I tend to be noise-sensitive and I don't want to be unfair, but Jason...who comes from a monstrous-huge family agreed that this baby was annoying. It was the kind of noise that makes you think, "Should that family really have a baby in this kind of restaurant?"

And the parents weren't doing anything to lessen the noise or distract the baby; they just kicked back with their wine and pretended that all was right with the world. Maybe they had earplugs.

Oh, I don't tolerate that. When my niece and nephew were at the fussy age, my brother or SIL would not hesitate to remove the kid from the dining room until the kid calmed down a bit. I guess I think that should be the norm for everyone.

There were a lot of kids in the restaurant too, which I always expect at Disney, but I was a little surprised to see so many at AP given their menu. And these were the "running around" kids who, quite frankly, annoy the crap out of me. I'm not looking to turn this into a debate and I'm not ragging on kids in general, but an upscale signature restaurant is not the place for parents to allow their children to wander around disrupting the staff and other guests.

Oh great, from bad to worse! That's another pet peeve of mine, too! I want to yell at the parents for allowing their children to potentially create a danger to themselves and the other diners by their kids running around. It's always fun until someone gets the contents of a hot meal spilled on them!

And then there was our waiter, who made me sad by not even noticing our anniversary buttons. Let this be a lesson - wear your button but don't get your hopes up because someone will just come along and crush them as carelessly as a cigarette butt under the heel of his shoe. Don't misunderstand...it wasn't just the button, although I do think I was starting to get a little spoiled by all the attention we'd received elsewhere during the week. I thought the waiter was slow and his service was spotty at best. We ordered a bottle of Pellegrino and not only was it not chilled but he didn't bring us any ice and he didn't give us a chilling bucket to help cool it down. When we finished that bottle he never brought us a second one, even though that was the only beverage I had all night.

He also reeked of cigarette smoke, which really turns my stomach (I'm sensitive to a lot of odors, too... or should I say I'm scents-itive? ).

And then the thing that really finished it for me was this: There was no Copper River Salmon on the menu.

Jay loves salmon and I was really excited that he would have a chance to try this special salmon that is only available for a few weeks out of each year. The executive chef at Victoria and Albert's talked to us about the Copper River salmon while we were having dinner there on Tuesday and he raved about it's delicate flavor - Artist Point is the only restaurant at WDW where this salmon is available.

Except for this night. The waiter said they'd had it the previous night and expected to have it again by tomorrow night, but for those of you dining this evening, well, you're screwed.

Aww, Brenda. It goes from bad to worse to "I can't take it anymore!" It was so not your night.

We placed our orders and then it happened...I started crying. Luckily I'm a silent crier, but I was still sitting there at the table with tears streaming down my face with a bewildered husband sitting across from me.

And I couldn't talk because I was too busy crying. Even if I could have spoken I'm not sure he would have been able to follow the rather complicated thought pattern that was just making me more upset.

It went something like this:

This isn't what I pictured at all.
This was supposed to be a quiet, relaxing dinner and instead it's like Romper Room.
That baby is really starting to get on my nerves.
I can't believe they aren't serving that salmon tonight.
I wish we'd just gone to Rose and Crown - it would have been more fun.
You know, getting upset over all this stuff that you can't control isn't making things any better.
Now you're ruining the dinner, Brenda; nice job.

And as I tried to get myself under control that whole list just kept repeating itself over and over again in my head. I don't normally make a habit out of weeping at the dinner table. I think it was a combination of being disappointed, tired, hormonal, and having an infection that my medication wasn't clearing up the way it should have. But let's be honest, I'm also just a big baby. **Or, as Jason likes to say, "You're not big."**

Wow. I have something to confess. We were separated at birth. Yes, I know. It's shocking. But it's true. I confess that I am a "stress cryer" when all is said and done. It just gets to be too much...and the dam breaks. And the hormonal part, I totally think that plays a part! It's embarrassing, and I feel like a big baby, too! And the worst part is during the crying jag, you think, "Why am I crying?" and maybe I hear Tom Hanks telling me "There's no crying in baseball!?" But I totally understand why it happened. You had high expectations and had chaos everywhere you turned.

Overall Impressions

Brenda: Obviously an off night for me as well as for AP. In all fairness I bear just as much responsibility for the evening being sucky as the restaurant does, but I really wasn't impressed. The service was lacking, the menu just didn't appeal to me, and the ambience was definitely not there. I'm not going to recommend this restaurant to anyone, but I'm also not going to tell anyone not to try it. Artist Point wasn't bad, but I don't think it lived up to its billing as a signature restaurant.

Jason: Depending on your dining itinerary you could set yourself up for disappointment at Artist Point. Following dinners at Jiko, Flying Fish, California Grill and Victoria and Albert's, this restaurant was something of a letdown. Had we eaten here earlier in our trip we might have felt differently. It was good, but for people on the dining plan I don't think AP is worthy of 2 table service credits.

Well, I'm still going, but I'm not getting the salmon! I have my own boring routine: Portabello mushroom soup, Buffalo steak and the berry cobbler. That hasn't disappointed me yet, but maybe if it does, I'll embarrass my mother and sister and family friend with a crying jag.

Whew! Am I glad that's over! I'd like to leave you all with a smile, so here's a hint of things to come in The Shrubbery...update coming some time this summer!!

Now this is my kind of festival!

Aww, Plankie found himself a friend!

 

[wilma-bride]

What a shame that Aritst Point left such a bitter taste in your mouth. I totally understand about the crying thing - trouble is, once you start it can be awfully hard to stop. The biggest bummer was the fact that this was your last meal - at least you are done now with the horror of regaling the story and can move onwards and upwards to bigger and better things - bring on the rest of the report

 

[jakenjess]

Besides, it's more fun to go to Rose and Crown when staying at the Beach Club Villas - then you can just stagger out of the International Gateway and blunder through the gardens until you find your room...but that's a story for another time.

That's the best thing about staying at the BCV/BWV!

Anyway... here we are, looking all cheerful and relaxed before leaving for one final Disney Transportation adventure on our way to dinner.

Once again, love the dress! Where did you get it, pray tell?

Upon checking in at the podium we were seated promptly at a table for two right next to a family of five that included a rather screechie baby. I just checked with Jason to make sure that I am not being unduly harsh about said baby; I tend to be noise-sensitive and I don't want to be unfair, but Jason...who comes from a monstrous-huge family agreed that this baby was annoying. It was the kind of noise that makes you think, "Should that family really have a baby in this kind of restaurant?"

Answer to that question? NO!! I have never understood taking a baby or small children to that kind of restaurant. It's too quiet, it takes too long, and how the heck are the parents supposed to have a good time when their kids are screaming!

There were a lot of kids in the restaurant too, which I always expect at Disney, but I was a little surprised to see so many at AP given their menu. And these were the "running around" kids who, quite frankly, annoy the crap out of me. I'm not looking to turn this into a debate and I'm not ragging on kids in general, but an upscale signature restaurant is not the place for parents to allow their children to wander around disrupting the staff and other guests.

Okay, maybe I'm a very mean mom, but I never let my kids out of their seats at a restaurant (ANY restaurant, we're talking Applebee's here ) unless it was to leave or go directly to the bathroom and back. Huge parental pet peeve of mine, letting kids run around a restaurant. I picture flying trays of food and drink, elderly people getting run into, children falling and smacking their heads on tile floors . . no, no, no!

And then there was our waiter, who made me sad by not even noticing our anniversary buttons.

Party pooper.

He also reeked of cigarette smoke, which really turns my stomach (I'm sensitive to a lot of odors, too... or should I say I'm scents-itive? ).

Oh, this right here would have sent me over the deep end. The last thing I want to be smelling when I'm trying to enjoy a meal is a waiter reeking of cigarette smoke!

We placed our orders and then it happened...I started crying. Luckily I'm a silent crier, but I was still sitting there at the table with tears streaming down my face with a bewildered husband sitting across from me.

I don't think any of your food pictures look particularly appealing, and that's definitely NOT vanilla and NOT risotto! I've talked to DH about trying this place, and he thinks the menu looks a bit too gamey for our tastes, and he's probably right. We have some others we need to try first.

Now I know it was a good idea to save the Chef's Table for last. Always best to end the report on a high note!

 

[cocowum]

Bren, I'm sorry you had such a 'stinky' time at AP.

AP was never on my radar... way to fancy for me.

But I have to say I loved the guest appearance by Jason

Jason: That creme brulee was supposed to be vanilla? It tasted more like a mocha creme brulee. I agree with Grimace's daughter that the bread pudding could have used more sauce.

I have to admit that line made me laugh out loud.

I can't wait for the next installment.

 

[whogirl'smom]

I'm so sorry Artist's Point was such a yucky experience! I totally understand about the crying--I've sobbed myself in front of the big hat at MGM b/c I thought I wasn't going to get to see Beauty and the Beast if DH dragged me to LMA! So, I know what a tired, hormonal woman can be reduced to at any time in WDW. You just needed at nice cottage pie and sticky toffee pudding on this night! (I loved Rose and Crown; DH was not too impressed. I don't know why--I thought his steak was good, too! Maybe I just like to eat!)

Looking forward to a happier, more magical dining experience in the next chapter!

 

[disgrits]

Brenda--I am just getting to read your trippie. I love the pics, especially the ones of y'all right before dinner--beautiful dresses! Y'all look so very nice together. And the food porn, was just wonderful.

Hope you're feeling better and having a great summer.

 

[disneyjunebug]

But shortly before the trip I started thinking always a dangerous pastime and I decided that we needed to try another new restaurant. Besides, it's more fun to go to Rose and Crown when staying at the Beach Club Villas - then you can just stagger out of the International Gateway and blunder through the gardens until you find your room...but that's a story for another time. [/IMG]

Now, Brenda, I always tell my kids on tests.... go with your first instinct, it is usually the right one!! Please tatoo this somewhere so you can always remember it.

It was the kind of noise that makes you think, "Should that family really have a baby in this kind of restaurant?"

NO!!!!! And I don't mind saying this as I am a mom and a teacher! We are even putting DS in Neverland Club so we can go eat at Le Cellier one evening! (We are taking him to Coral Reef, because the fish will entertain him.)

We ordered a bottle of Pellegrino and not only was it not chilled but he didn't bring us any ice and he didn't give us a chilling bucket to help cool it down. When we finished that bottle he never brought us a second one, even though that was the only beverage I had all night.

He also reeked of cigarette smoke, which really turns my stomach (I'm sensitive to a lot of odors, too... or should I say I'm scents-itive? ).

And, I'm sorry, but no ice with the Pellegrino or it not being chilled is downright barbaric! The next thing you are going to tell me is that he didn't give you lime slices. Or at least lemon! And as for the smell, I've been really tacky before and left perfume samples and gum with my tip before! (I just happened to have the perfume sample with me!)

The menu claims that this is served with russet potato risotto and snap peas. I agree with the peas but am disputing the claim of risotto. Those are teeny tiny potato cubes, not risotto. I have risotto in my pantry and it's rice, not potato cubes. The chicken wasn't bad - it was moist and did have a nice flavor, but I was very disappointed in the "risotto."

You are correct, that is NOT risotto! I come from a family of cooks, caterers, etc. I know risotto. That is not risotto. It looks like Hash! (gosh, why do I feel like I'm running for vice-president and I'm debating someone? )


One more question...

Did you get the Port Flight with Dessert, or did I miss it?

June

 

[Summer-Caitlin]

Oh dear, I am now reconsidering Artists Point for our last meal at Disney. I was going to order the Venison Rolls (and I hate Spring Rolls that are greasy) I was also going to have your dessert and it doesn't sound too good either. DF would have been having the chicken, but seeing it on a plate, well, it didn't look very appetising.
I actually think that we will go to California Grill instead, what better way than to end our Disney stay, than seeing Wishes from there Hoping to see a wonderful CG review next

 

[DisneyLaura]

Brenda,

So sorry about the bad dinner. I will tell you that being a mom of small children we would have not tolerated that behavior from our children. First a baby does not need to be in that type of restuarant I agree. Second, those kids needed to be sitting down (DH would of grabbed them ever so gently and sat them down). We went to a resturant when DS was 2 and our friends with us how also had twins the same age. I was mortified on how they let their children behaved. They were throwing food, silverware. While ours sat in his highchair and colored. The floor was disguising after we left (under their highchairs), we picked up maybe one piece of mac and cheese on the floor from our son. Let me tell you we would have not taken him to an upscale restuarant just because, not that he was bad but things happen and kids get ansy but that was uncalled for. So I just wanted to tell you that not all parents are like that and approve of that kind of behavior. Can't wait until the next review.

 

[DISNEYDUET]

Sorry about the dinner! We have always had such a wonderful time there. What time were you dining? We dine around 8:00- 8:30 and always travel during off times of the year (i.e. kids are still in school!) But I do have to say that you experience would turn me off too. And I am the same way about choking, I mean smoking. YUCK!!!

 

[SmallWorld71]

I am so glad you didn't save this one for last! I'm sitting here getting angry and it wasn't even my meal! I'm right with you on the kid comments; there are a lot of stupid and ignorant parents out there. I don't blame you for crying. It was either that or start screaming at everyone! On a happy note, it's good to know that I don't have to go to a nice restaurant to get risotto. I think I had some of that potato risotto with my eggs benedict at the local breakfast joint recently.

 

[TigerKat]

Brenda - So sorry you had such an awful evening. I can relate to the hormonal crying too especially with the wild kids added into the mix.

Loved having Jason's input though and looking forward to the upcoming happier places!!

 

[POLY1985]

Brenda,

Sorry you had such a bad experience. I've done the whole crying thing too especially if I'm SO excited and looking forward to something and that something is a letdown.

We have ressie's for AP in August but I'm still going to keep them. We are staying at WL so I know I would be disappointed if I skipped it. We did eat there once before and had a very good meal so I'm going to be optimistic.

As for the kids running around - nothing drives me crazier in a restaurant. I'm a mom with 2 kids and we always took our kids to nice restaurants when they were little. They were NEVER allowed to run around. Many times after we were leaving a restaurant, other diners complemented us on how well behaved our kid were. If my kids did get fussy, either me or DH would take them outside. I would rather disturb my meal than someone else's. Some people are just plain rude and inconsiderate.

Looking forward to V&A and also the Shrubbery!

 

[POLY1985]

Brenda -

Quick question - What time were your AP ressies that there were so many kids there? We usually make ours around 7:30. Just curious.

 

[CampbellScot]

Oh my goodness! I am in a fight with Artist Point! How could they have been so YUCK to two very nice people just trying to have a good and relaxing meal?!

Seriously though, I too am a stress crier...it's awful when it hits b/c it's very hard to stop. I also have a STRONG dislike for the parents of unruly children who feel it appropriate to take them a pricey place like Artist Point and let them run around annoying the crap out of everyone in the place! (you will remember that I made reference to a large group of hooligans masquerading as children who ruined MY Artist Point experience. Their doofy parents just sat back and drank the whole time while their kids threw things, knocked over chairs, screamed, cried and climbed over each other and the TABLE at one point. It was awful and not conducive to appreciating the pricey food you are consuming. I've had more peaceful meals at Chuck E. Cheese! The parents finally said a half hearted "shh" when they noticed that the ENTIRE area around them cleared out due to the noise)

I think that part of the problem with AP is that it is located at Wilderness Lodge...which is also home to one of the rowdiest eating establishments on property...Whispering Canyon Cafe. The "Signature" status doesn't seem to do much in terms of people distinguishing appropriate behaviors for each place being DIFFERENT. It's frustrating. My Jason and I have an ADR for Artist Point this August. OUR kids (well his kids...my step kids) are going to be tucked away at Cub's Den, where all children should be when their parents are dining at Artist Point! (relax everyone who takes their very well behaved kids to AP...I was kidding...sort of...)

Jay and I left a place last night b/c it was SO crowded, the hostess seated a couple at a better table near the wall just b/c they looked older even though we were there FIRST, called us "kids" and sat us in the middle of the room, practically in the laps of an elderly couple who was arguing about who left the cap off the polident...no joke. I stood it for about 2.5 seconds. I had the same convesation in my head that you had in yours...except I wasn't Brenda, i was me...Then we left. The stress crying happened anyway, but at least in the car this time!

You rock Brenda! You didn't ruin anything, those loud kids did...the substandard waiter did...the lack of salmon you'd been excited for did...but not you! YOU looked pretty!

so excited to hear about Chef's Table!!!

 

[MA pigletfan]

Brenda that AP review makes me #1 sad for you that your last dinner was such a bust and #2 so happy that Greg and i bailed on our dinner there on our last night! Not that it would have neccesarily been a repeat of your night, but who wants to chance it. And i really was just going there to try the salmon, and most likely i would have been ripped off of the Copper River kind too...."Artist Pointless"..i like that.
Jay, thanks for stepping in and tag teaming the report..that was a fun touch

 

[irisbud]

Brenda, between the misbehaving children, the stinky waiter, the poor service, the not-so-fabulous food, the last big meal of my vacation, and the totally squashed expectations, I would have cried too, even without the sickness and the hormones. At least the rest of your experiences were good!