where to take in law food snobs?

[alexedan]

Our in-laws will be with us for a few days next trip and one night we'll be out without kids. They travel extensively, live in Naples, etc. I want to go to a really nice place. As they are paying cost is no concern! California Grill is out. I mentioned it to MIL and she told me they have one in Naples and it's not that good. Then said "You don't go to Disney for the food." She hasn't been in 25 years! Anyone have any suggestions? We will have a car. ?Todd English's place maybe? Is there an Emeril's? Thanks!-k

 

[pumpkinboy]

We are devoted Foodies, and I can understand your MIL & FIL's prejudices. But they are just that, Prejudices, and they just need to be proven wrong.

As for where to go with them I would have two suggestions: You can go with the celebrity chef/owner, I think your idea of Todd English's place BlueZoo might establish some credibility. Another thought might be Jiko at AKL where both the food quality and imagination plus the extraordinary wine list (best selection of South African wines in North America) really speaks for itself. Those would be my top two. I might add Spoodles and Flying Fish to the list, too, but the first should establish credibility and Jiko should clinch the deal, I would think.

Good luck with them. YOu might think of doing Food & Wine Festival events with them, but good luck getting into anything for '04 at this point; maybe '05.

 

[betterlatethannever]

I would vote for Citricos. The food and its presentation, service, atmosphere (quiet, not rushed), and being able to see some of the MK fireworks.

Ed

 

[webray]

Well..I can see you are going to have to make the most of the trip...and smile a lot..lol.

If your mil hasn't been to disney in 25 years..then she doesn't have a clue what she is in for. A lot has changed, including the food.

Honestly..if she is a food snob...and paying...See if you can get in at Victoria and Alberts. Otherwise..blue zoo or jiko would be great choices.

Emeril's if over at City Walk in Universal. It is ok..depending on what you order. We like to do the digustation..which is fantastic.
Emeril's also has Tchoup Chop at the Royal Pacific Resort at Universal...very impressive place...just the interior itself is worth the trip over. The food and service are wonderful also. There is valet parking.

 

[Jen D]

...there is a California Grill in Naples? huh? I always thought that restaurant was exclusive to the World.

The good news is your in-laws are going in with very low expectations so they won't be disappointed. I'd say for foodies try Citricos, Jiko, Flying Fish.

 

[fantasia73]

I think the in-laws will be pleasantly surprised by the food in WDW. I know that I was!! I borught my food snob parents last November and they're still talking about the meals that they ate.

I was recommend the Flying Fish, the California Grill (there isn't one in Naples, no matter what she says), and the Brown Derby. Also, over at Universal, Emeril has a place called Tchoup Chop and it is excellent! I would highly recommend heading over there for an evening. The atmosphere, food, and service will be on par with any of the fine restaurants that your in-laws have dined at. I have dined at Todd English's place in Orlando yet, but I've eaten at one of his other locations and it was a fine dining experience.

 

[alexedan]

Thanks for all of your wonderful suggestions--they all sound awesome. They are mostly on the Atkins Diet if any of these places are better for those things let me know. Pumpkinboy, as a matter of fact we have tickets for Party of the Senses so I hope they like it!-k
P>S> There probably is not a California Grill in Naples. MIL has had a stroke or two and doesn't know what she's talking about half of the time! Hah!

 

[ceecee]

We have a California Grill in Ohio. I don't know if it's a chain or not. If so, I didn't like it that well.........reminded me a little of Fridays.

 

[KathyTX]

I think your MIL is confused... in and around Naples there are "California Pizza Kitchen" and "A Taste of California".

But Disney's California Grill is a one of a kind, award winning restaurant. Definitely NOT part of a chain.

 

[GeekChic]

I would also suggest Narcoosees at the GF as well. Very lovely.

 

[Kae]

there is a Calif Pizza Kitchen in Naples at the Waterside Shops. It is part of a chain. Kinda of like a cross between Wolfgang Express & Wolfgang Down Stairs. My parents like it. What are their favorites in Naples maybe you can find something similar at WDW. I would try Flying Fish, Arist Point, maybe still shoot for Calif Grill the view is great & so is the food.

Kae

 

[Peter Pirate]

The California Grill name may exist elsewhere but they have NO relationship to the one at WDW...That being said, the CG is my second choice behind Jiko for impressing 'food critic' friends or relatives. The service, presentation, food quality is superb.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

I agree...so far we think Jiko's is the best restaurant on property, followed by Citricos. We haven't eaten at V&A, or Narcoosee's so I can't really say anything about them.

 

[SamSam]

For Foodies I would top my list with Jiko's, followed by California Grill. If money is no object then I would go with Victoria & Albert's. Actually, I find that WDW has some excellent restauant's......spoodles, portobello's, palio's.....just to name a few. Then there are the fun dining experience's....Sci-Fi, Prime Time Cafe, Marrakesh (I love the food here). Anyway, I think they will pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food at WDW.

 

[gina2000]

OMG! I'm such an idiot! I thought your in-laws lived in Naples, ITALY!

I think WDW food has improved alot in 25 years. California Grill is considered one of the best restaurants in central Florida. Take her without telling her where she is going.

For the most part, stick to the deluxe hotel restaurants. Park restaurants are fine for park fare, but for the most part aren't considered gourmet by foodies.

 

[Micca]

Money no object? Looking for top quality restaurant? Victoria and Alberts party of four

 

[ducklite]

The California Grill, Jiko, or Citrico are all excellent choices, and should keep any food snob happy If they are also wine snobs, then the California Grill has the best wine list.

Anne

 

[erinch]

If, as you say, they want to eat atkins, then CG, artist point, or jiko all do wonderful "meat" and would offer some creative ways to limit the carbs.

Jiko is my all time favorite restaurant, and their filet is wonderful.

But I think I'd be inclined to say "We're going to the contemporary restaurant at the top of the hotel where we can see the fireworks, and leave the name of the restaurant out. Tell her it's , ohh, CG."

That said, are they determined not to like anything they try? (My MIL was like that). In that case don't eat anywhere that you want to have pleasant memories of for later. Just a thought.

 

[crazy4claspooh]

I would say V & A's they barely serve bread as far as the carb counts for food not sure. You could even go so far as to do the chef's table. They have a great wine pairing. My DH is not the type to order odd food so we don't go but we went once and then my SIL and I went a second time. They even have custom menu's and a rose for the ladies. Hope it helps

 

[alexedan]

Does anyone know more about the Chef's table at V&A? They like long meals with wine pairings and many courses. Also is the food as good as Jikos or Galifornia Grill? I've also booked Bluezoo and Tchoup Chop. Thanks again for the great info. We're staying at the Poly--they have 2 connecting rooms for the two of them because they refuse to share a bath! LOL