We're Still Hungry! A DDW July Getaway - 8/5 Complete!

[nanienamou]

Ok, those oysters alone make me want to reconsider this restaurant for our October trip.

 

[vettegirl]

Glad to hear you were of to a great start! I love where you guys were sitting. I am dying to hear the rest of it!

 

[butiflfeet]

I'm impressed with Narcoossee's new menu! Our dinner there last year was a bit unimpressive although we had good service.

My parents' dinner last May, on the other hand, was shocking for a signature restaurant. My mom is vegetarian and prefers to eat a vegan diet. The server they had was the least accommodating of all the meals they had during their trip, signature or otherwise. Her dietary restrictions were noted on the reservation but their server was ignorant to what I have come to assume is procedure at Disney restaurants where the chef will come discuss what options are available. She was refused by their server when she asked if a dish could be modified for her diet as well. Although the manager basically comped her (lack of) meal, they will never return

I am willing to give the new menu a try but I'm cautious of the hit or miss service

 

[iloveeeyore]

Oh, we are soooo excited to try Narcoossee in August! It was a last-minute addition to our line-up, thanks to the renovations of Bistro de Paris. The menu used to be uninspiring, but now I'm not sure how we are going to choose!

 

[emmysmommy]

Your appetizer choices look awesome - well, except the oysters for which I have personally not acquired a taste (if I did, I'm sure I would be a slurper!) The lobster bisque and the sourdough bread alone would make me so very happy! I can't wait to see your experience with the rest of your meal!

You had a lovely view from your table. Narcoosees is on my list of "one day..." ADRs.

 

[hogwartsdropout]

Your window table is beautiful! What a gorgeous view. Can't wait to hear the rest, I hear Narcoosees have some pretty awesome desserts!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Well, it looks like you are two for two in making me change my plans!

 

[deenbrad]

Such a great review! I don't even have to change plans for this one - I'm already going! I wonder if they'll have the oysters in December...

 

[smile4stamps]

Wonderful review of the appies... I am a big fan of corn soups!! Unfortunately Narcossee's will remain off the radar on all trips with my hubby due to his seafood allergies.

 

[Linda67]

Great start to your Narcoossee's review
The scallops look delicious
Looking forward to hearing more

 

[MrsB1228]

I loved your review of the Wave lunch. We've always had dinner there and it's never disappointed, but I know for some others it's been hit and miss. I've never tried lunch but your review is definitely making me want to give it a try!

Your Narcoossee's review is off to a great start! The scallops look divine and your mom's soup is making my mouth water, LOL. I'm not a fan of oysters, like emmysmommy I've never acquired the taste, but happy to hear you enjoyed them. Looking forward to part 2!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

The new menu looks spectacular! I haven't been to Narcoossee's in years, but that menu may require a return trip this fall.

Good choice with the oysters. West coast oysters are my favorite, and those do look plump, briny and delicious. I am envious! We occasionally succumb to my oyster cravings and bring them home from the fish market, but shucking them is such a skill, and while DH can do it, it is a lot of work and takes a lot of time.

The menu is really looking great - hopefully it stays that way.

I have a friend who's more of an oyster connoisseur than I am, and he also prefers West coast oysters over East coast oysters so you're not alone (I haven't eaten oysters often enough to pick a favorite)! Interesting to hear about the effort required to shuck them - I wouldn't have the patience for that.

Ok, those oysters alone make me want to reconsider this restaurant for our October trip.

Hopefully the oysters will stay on the menu for a while! They've been around since early spring, so I think that's a good sign.

Glad to hear you were of to a great start! I love where you guys were sitting. I am dying to hear the rest of it!

If I have time later, I'll definitely write the rest of my Narcoossee's review.

I'm impressed with Narcoossee's new menu! Our dinner there last year was a bit unimpressive although we had good service.

My parents' dinner last May, on the other hand, was shocking for a signature restaurant. My mom is vegetarian and prefers to eat a vegan diet. The server they had was the least accommodating of all the meals they had during their trip, signature or otherwise. Her dietary restrictions were noted on the reservation but their server was ignorant to what I have come to assume is procedure at Disney restaurants where the chef will come discuss what options are available. She was refused by their server when she asked if a dish could be modified for her diet as well. Although the manager basically comped her (lack of) meal, they will never return

I am willing to give the new menu a try but I'm cautious of the hit or miss service

Very sad to hear about your parents' meal - it's just more proof that one server can truly ruin a dining experience. I realize that most people won't give restaurants a second or third chance to get it right - the problem with Disney restaurants, however, is that they're inconsistent by nature. I would've missed out on some great meals if I gave up on every place that has disappointed me.

Oh, we are soooo excited to try Narcoossee in August! It was a last-minute addition to our line-up, thanks to the renovations of Bistro de Paris. The menu used to be uninspiring, but now I'm not sure how we are going to choose!

Choosing an entree was the hardest part of the entire meal! I would've been happy with almost any of them, based on the menu descriptions.

Your appetizer choices look awesome - well, except the oysters for which I have personally not acquired a taste (if I did, I'm sure I would be a slurper!) The lobster bisque and the sourdough bread alone would make me so very happy! I can't wait to see your experience with the rest of your meal!

You had a lovely view from your table. Narcoosees is on my list of "one day..." ADRs.

I enjoy getting oysters occasionally, but not all the time. The soup or scallops, on the other hand, would hit the spot on any night of the week.

I think Narcoossee's is definitely worth a shot one day! Their new filet dish has gotten rave reviews.

Your window table is beautiful! What a gorgeous view. Can't wait to hear the rest, I hear Narcoosees have some pretty awesome desserts!

Narcoossee's definitely has some awesome desserts.

Well, it looks like you are two for two in making me change my plans!

So Narcoossee's has also made the cut now? Very good decision, IMO - hopefully the food will be worth it.

Such a great review! I don't even have to change plans for this one - I'm already going! I wonder if they'll have the oysters in December...

The oysters have been on the menu for a few months now, so I think there's a good chance that they'll stick around. Even if they don't, menus will be updated over the next few months, so you'll have a chance to check more current menus.

Wonderful review of the appies... I am a big fan of corn soups!! Unfortunately Narcossee's will remain off the radar on all trips with my hubby due to his seafood allergies.

Aw, that's disappointing - I guess the menu at Narcoossee's is quite seafood-centric.

Great start to your Narcoossee's review
The scallops look delicious
Looking forward to hearing more

The scallops were great - it was a very summery, balanced dish.

I loved your review of the Wave lunch. We've always had dinner there and it's never disappointed, but I know for some others it's been hit and miss. I've never tried lunch but your review is definitely making me want to give it a try!

Your Narcoossee's review is off to a great start! The scallops look divine and your mom's soup is making my mouth water, LOL. I'm not a fan of oysters, like emmysmommy I've never acquired the taste, but happy to hear you enjoyed them. Looking forward to part 2!

I think lunch at The Wave is definitely worth a try! It has some lighter options, such as more sandwiches and salads, and it's a bit less crowded than dinner IMO.

And the appetizer round at Narcoossee's would have been enjoyable even without the oysters.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I really like the looks of the revamped Wave lunch menu! I have a dinner ADR there, but maybe I need to have lunch there.

 

[minniebeth]

I'm so in for another Donald DDR! You have the most amazing experiences!
Everything looks great!

We just got back from a 10 day DIsney/Universal trip, so I'm loving comparing some of your items.
I literally just posted the chocolate covered brownies from Goofy's Candy Co. on the food picture thread. I shared the raspberry one with my DD10 and yes! it did miss the mark! The brownie itself was dense, flavorless and almost stale tasting. DD didn't even finish it, and she's my sweet eater, so I knew I wasn't the only one thinking it wasn't delicious.

We ate at Narcoossee's on July 6th for our 20th anniversary. I'm sad to say our experience was very disappointing. I loved loved the atmosphere and our table view (gorgeous!) but both our service and food was disappointing and they did not acknowledge our anniversary. Part of me thinks we just didn't order the right food, I'm kicking myself now, but the service really put a damper on things for us.

I'm so glad your experience of Narcoossee's seems awesome so far!

 

[BlovesC]

I'm so living vicariously through you, as we very very rarely eat at signature restaurants. Your photos and descriptions always make everything sound so decadent and exciting! I don't even like oysters but you made them sound refreshing and fantastic!

I've been strongly considering trying The Wave, however, and your review pretty much cinched its spot on my "List". Someone should seriously create a thread inquiring how long the "MUST TRY restaurants!" list is of everyone who stalks the reviews forum. We could probably circle the globe a few times with them!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I really like the looks of the revamped Wave lunch menu! I have a dinner ADR there, but maybe I need to have lunch there.

Lunch at The Wave was really good! Personally I like the dinner menu as well, but if you're in the mood for some of their salads, sandwiches, or other lunch-only offerings (like the tofu fajita), switching might be worth it.

I'm so in for another Donald DDR! You have the most amazing experiences!
Everything looks great!

We just got back from a 10 day DIsney/Universal trip, so I'm loving comparing some of your items.
I literally just posted the chocolate covered brownies from Goofy's Candy Co. on the food picture thread. I shared the raspberry one with my DD10 and yes! it did miss the mark! The brownie itself was dense, flavorless and almost stale tasting. DD didn't even finish it, and she's my sweet eater, so I knew I wasn't the only one thinking it wasn't delicious.

We ate at Narcoossee's on July 6th for our 20th anniversary. I'm sad to say our experience was very disappointing. I loved loved the atmosphere and our table view (gorgeous!) but both our service and food was disappointing and they did not acknowledge our anniversary. Part of me thinks we just didn't order the right food, I'm kicking myself now, but the service really put a damper on things for us.

I'm so glad your experience of Narcoossee's seems awesome so far!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts about that brownie - I might've tried another flavor (such as the raspberry or mint), but it just doesn't sound worth it.

So sorry to hear that Narcoossee's missed the mark for you, especially the bad service. Many people have gone to Narcoossee's for a honeymoon/anniversary dinner and raved about the experience, so I wonder why they aren't consistent when it comes to celebrations. What dishes did you order? I'm very impressed with their current menu, but that doesn't mean every dish is flawless.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I'm so living vicariously through you, as we very very rarely eat at signature restaurants. Your photos and descriptions always make everything sound so decadent and exciting! I don't even like oysters but you made them sound refreshing and fantastic!

I've been strongly considering trying The Wave, however, and your review pretty much cinched its spot on my "List". Someone should seriously create a thread inquiring how long the "MUST TRY restaurants!" list is of everyone who stalks the reviews forum. We could probably circle the globe a few times with them!

Glad to hear that The Wave has made your list! Reviews there are relatively inconsistent (which I understand, due to the frequently-changing menu), and keep in mind that the atmosphere is minimal (the restaurant doesn't have windows or natural light, which feels a bit odd). But the food can definitely stand out among the non-signature restaurants.

And your oyster comment is hilarious. Thank goodness I've never attempted to describe a food I actively dislike, such as blue cheese.

 

[jabead]

Thank goodness I've never attempted to describe a food I actively dislike, such as blue cheese.

Great start on your Narcoossee's review Donald, but where is Part II???

Oh, and don't go hatin' on my beloved blue cheese.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Great start on your Narcoossee's review Donald, but where is Part II???

Oh, and don't go hatin' on my beloved blue cheese.

Part Two is coming (slowly) - I'm on a bus with terrible wifi right now.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Soon after finishing the appetizers, our entrees arrived. We were really looking forward to this round of courses, as the menu descriptions sounded fantastic.

My mom chose the wild line-caught Kodiak Alaska halibut with marble potatoes, arugula, red watercress, shiitake mushrooms, sweet corn purée, and summer vegetables with warm tomato-pickled mustard seed vinaigrette. This was an incredible dish - I tried some and thought the halibut was delightfully buttery, and paired with the fresh vegetables and creamy corn purée, it was perfection. I thought this was even better than their previous halibut dish (crab-crusted halibut with a sweet meyer lemon sauce).

I was also considering ordering the halibut, but after my mom picked it I ended up making an unusual decision - I ordered the vegetarian entree! House-made sweet english pea and mascarpone ravioli with organic mixed baby squash and heirloom tomatoes, morel mushrooms, sheep's milk cheese, and toasted pumpkin seeds with honeyed brown butter-white balsamic vinaigrette.

This was another incredible dish. The pasta was perfectly cooked and had a wonderful creamy filling. The earthy mushrooms and salty sheep's milk cheese were perfect complements, as were the tart, juicy tomatoes. After ordering, I thought it might have been a mistake to pick a vegetarian dish over the tuna or salmon (which I'm sure I would've loved), but this was definitely worth it.

Of course, we still had room for dessert. Here's the menu:

It wasn't an easy decision for me, but I finally decided on a new dish, the spring cherry clafoutis: sweet dark cherries baked in a cake-like flan with white chocolate gelato. This was a great ending to the meal - the cake itself was very light, and the cherries added an enjoyable fruity flavor. The cold, creamy white chocolate gelato was also delicious.

My mom also had a hard time choosing - she considered the cheese plate, but ultimately picked the baked chocolate mousse with bourbon-caramel sauce and whipped cream. It was exactly as described - warm and chocolaty!

There was also some fresh whipped cream and bourbon-caramel sauce on the side. I don't know if the pink sprinkle was supposed to be there, but it wasn't an issue.

Overall, we loved this meal at Narcoossee's, and the meal was full of awesome dishes that I'd be happy to order again. We'd already cancelled Artist Point at this point in the trip (meaning our last night had no plans), and my mom commented to Harvey that we'd love to come back on the last night of our trip. He sent a friendly manager over, who made a booking for us before we left.