Originally Posted By nbodyhome I haven't written up an actual review with pics yet, I'll have a very busy weekend and week coming up. But chefs have changed, and the new one appears to use salt to an extreme. My mushroom filets had mushrooms not on it or in it, but in the extremely salty risotto. The breadsticks were great, the same - the beef barley soup was fine. I liked the chocolate moose, all those tasted the same as before. But my steaks were both overdone, no mushrooms anymore, and the risotto was EXTREMELY salty and my yukon pototoes (the second meal, which was a makeup meal for Japan being closed) were overdone. This restaurant has been a favorite of mine for forever, even back in it's buffeteria days. I give it a big thumbs-down now, and I have posted elsewhere and it appears that a lot more than just the risotto gets salted extra-heavy. I'm avoiding it now. I only mentioned it because Le Cellier came up in my Tutto Italia thread. If you have dining credits, I'd take them to TI way before I'd take them to Le Cellier now. It has changed, and not for the better. (a few people have had good meals, but there are a lot of disappointed guests who have now posted elsewhere because I have). If you go, just don't have high expectations, and let them know you don't want so much salt.
Originally Posted By utahjosh I hope the cheddar soup hasn't changed. My steak last spring was perfect.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 I was there in August but ha salmon - not steak. It was very good. let's hope that with a chef change it is just temporary. Remembering the chef himself is not preparing all these dishes - maybe he brought a new staff with him and they are newer etc.--let's hope anyway.
Originally Posted By Fe Maiden We'll be there in two weeks. Hopefully they'll've tightened all the salt shakers by then.
Originally Posted By nbodyhome That is funny! I was just really surprised when I had two mediocre meals (and no mushrooms on my mushroom filet), I'd not heard anything really negative recently. Once I said something, a lot of others did too. (more negative than positive of late). If I had a reservation on the dining plan, I'd personally not use it. And definitely not with cash. Those who know me will know that I've recommended Le Cellier for a long time. I don't know anything as far as the staff in the kitchen, I just know they found a new chef (someone who loves salt) I have now read quite a few complaints about salty steaks, but I didn't have that issue. Just overdone and not anything as tasty as they used to be. My risotto tasted like it was mostly salt though. Denise
Originally Posted By demderedoseguys Le Cellier- I've always thought it was way overrated. Try Shula's or the Yaschtsman.
Originally Posted By nbodyhome To me, Le Cellier used to be excellent. So I'll say it's now average. I have not tried Shulas or a place like Ruths Chris. I've been to Charley's in Orlando once and Mortons in DC, and neither stood out for me. Denise
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 Hopefully things will improve. Le Cellier is one of the places we were really hoping to hit next trip. I'll be looking forward to more people's comments over the next few weeks.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 I had just typed a long response here, only to have it disappear when I got logged off. But having just had a great meal at Le Cellier, I have to say rumors of its decline are greatly exaggerated. I had three other critical spirits with me and we all greatly enjoyed our meals just as we have for years ... since the place wasn't a steakhouse but EPCOT's best hidden gem with a great turkey dinner and yummy prime rib. I would advise anyone planning on eating there to go, bring a hearty appetite and enjoy.
Originally Posted By nbodyhome I have posted about this elsewhere, and many others have also had mediocre meals here laden with salt. (as of recent). I'd go cautiously, and be happy if your meal is good. There are items on the menu that haven't changed. Ummm...like the breadsticks! So you can still enjoy something at Le Cellier. Besides all the salt.
Originally Posted By jkayjs We love Le Cellier and try to go every visit. Didn't make it in July but was there in May and as always it was great. My daughter was there last Thurs and said it was super as always. Maybe it's "on the day" and reviews like the OP's will help change that. I'm sure we'll be going in Dec as this is always one of my hubby's 1st picks. Will let you all know how it goes.
Originally Posted By nbodyhome I hope you do enjoy it! I didn't realize how many people had issues with the restaurant recently until I posted about my experiences. There may be certain dishes which are terrific, but neither of mine (both filets, one was the mushroom filet with no mushrooms) was. But our server the second meal was fantastic, his name is Patrick - it seems he's been there a couple of years now. Denise
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 I am not a fan of salt, unlike many Americans, so believe me if my steak or risotto had been loaded with it, it would have gone straight back. The food, other than changes in some entrees, was as good as I have always had and expect. I would also suggest to anyone that if you get food that doesn't taste good to you, you return it and ask for something else. I won't sit and try and force myself to eat something that tastes 'off' or walk out hungry instead of asking for a replacement. I didn't have one (full serve) meal at WDW that was less than good during my last visit. Most were very good to exceptional ... and I'd place Le Cellier in that category.
Originally Posted By nbodyhome I preferred my meals at Trails End (which I really do like). And the breadsticks were fine, and the soup was fine, and my chocolate moose on the 2nd meal was fine. I didn't really NEED much more than that, but I do know that someone has talked with the head chef at Le Cellier about the salt complaints. Plus my food was always overcooked, including the Yukon potatoes. I don't tend to send meals back unless there is a severe problem (i.e. - the steak is moooing). Denise
Originally Posted By Great Stone Dragon We ate there about 2 weeks ago and it was easily the best meal we had at WDW for the whole week.
Originally Posted By jonvn I'm amazed. We ate there, and thought the place was not good at all. Easily the worst food we had in Epcot. This was a few years ago now. But we walked away totaly disappointed.
Originally Posted By StitchMom84 We just had dinner there this past Saturday night and I had the filet as well. It was wonderful. I, of course, don't have a previous experience there to compare it to but this one was excellent. We had a great server too.
