Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I guess I'm feeling cranky tonight, but do people go to places like Boma and order food that they could get at Pinochio's just because they have the DDP and want to be able to say they went to Boma's? If 10 people go to a fish restaurant and 9 order fish, and the other doesn't like fish, it's good that the one can order a steak. But if 10 people go to a fish restaurant, and all 10 order PB&J........>> I agree, Ms. CrankyPants ;-) I don't get it. I don't eat sushi, so I wouldn't go to a sushi bar. But I would go to the california Grill, which is noted for amazing sushi, and have a tamarind BBQ filet (one of the finest pieces of beef ... better than places like Morton's or Craftsteak in Las Vegas). The thing is, I see people go in there on the DDP and all order the filet ... are horrified by the amazing sauce and either send it back or order it plain and special order French fries instead of the amazing sides they serve. There's simple ... and there's just a 'I am unwilling to try anything different from what I can get at home or the Sizzler, so I really don't belong here.'
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I made a reservation for this coming week. It looks VERY pricey, I was by there yesterday. Someone who works there (waitress) looked at me funny too, must have been the shorts I was wearing. It felt sort of stuffy to me, not like a theme park casual type restaurant. But I'm going to try it!>> I can't imagine it was shorts (although having not seen them maybe I'm missing something? ;-) ) ... shorts should be typical at any theme park restuarant. I just can't see it being stuffy, but I am looking forward to trying it out. Bistro de Paris is by far the most upscale park locale at WDW, and even there it isn't stuffy at all ... just a bit more refined and ... peaceful than most places. <<As far as Boma - perhaps that man was dragged to Boma by his wife. Not everyone wants to expand their pallet, and he may have just been joining family members who didn't want to go.>> No. This dude was actually dining alone. Very, very strange. If he wanted chicken fingers, he could have just gone to the Mara and saved about $20 plus tip. <<In the past, I have had chicken fingers there (not this time, I have expanded what I eat much more). The prime rib tasted like shoes. Yuck. I don't mind spices, but it was really smooth with a weird consistency. Not my thing. I did get 4 recipes of items I did like emailed to me.>> Did you have it more than once? I've had it on 7-8 visits (at least) and it's always been very good. Maybe you got some bad meat?
Originally Posted By jmuboy I really like the Patina restaurants at DTD Anahiem. Nick and Stef's in NYC (another Patina location) is great too. But I am not going to try Tutto Italia, at least this temp location, at these prices. I'll wait and see what they have to offer us this time next year. In terms of the building....I really hate to think the final version of this location will loose the wonderful wall paintings that area currently a signature of this restaurant.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> while not what you may be used to at home, certainly isn't giraffe testicles << Is that just spicey Mountain Oysters? >> I made a reservation for this coming week. It looks VERY pricey, I was by there yesterday. Someone who works there (waitress) looked at me funny too, must have been the shorts I was wearing. It felt sort of stuffy to me, not like a theme park casual type restaurant. But I'm going to try it! << Maybe she was looking at you with a hint of envy in her eyes. Anyway I'm looking forward to your review Denise. Doobie did not seem overly impressed with TI, if I understood him correctly. I am most interested in finding out if the tables still feel like they are stacked on top of each other.
Originally Posted By smeeeko yeah it sounds like the temp Patina is to be missed til they get their menu straight. I'm doing Boma for breakfast at LEAST once (it's our getaway morning tradition!) and dinner there at least once (we are doing the South African Wine Adventure on our traditional Boma night.. oh how I love the curry spices.. yum!!!!) There really is more than just the chicken fingers. OMG.. the pumpkin soup and the 3 or 4 types of hummus and the desserts.. omg! Zebra Domes people. how can you say no to that? *drool* gotta go call WDW Dining now.. thanks..
Originally Posted By vbdad55 the seafood curry soup to die for -- in fact I could almost make my whole meal at the soup/stew selections -
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Mmmmm I had some Osterich Billtong today (like Jerky - yummmm), but I don't do Zebra Domes. Too rich and sweet. One major disappointment for me after hearing so much. But I do love Boma.
Originally Posted By Brian Noble I never had the desire to eat at Alfredo's---an average, everyday Italian menu at well above-average prices. Likewise, this place doesn't interest me at all. Perhaps when Patina gives it the full Monty, there will be a reason to visit. I don't mind paying $25-$30 for an entree, provided the food, ambiance, and service match the prices. At Disney, I expect something unique or at least interesting. It could be the menu, or perhaps the setting. For example, the much-maligned Coral Reef qualifies for me---it's not the same-old same-old. This just looks like something you could get in any modestly-sized city for half the price. And, for what it's worth Le Cellier is in the same boat for me. I can't for the life of me figure out why a good-but-not-great steakhouse is the most popular restaurant in Epcot.
Originally Posted By tcsnwhite I'm with Spirit on this one...did anyone fail to see the regular menu? The $59 family menu is NOT the only menu there to order from. And the regular menu prices may be a bit pricey, but (and maybe sadly) I expect this price range for in-park table service restaurants. As for the $59 family menu, depending on how much you get portion wise (which I could not see), to me, that seems like quite a lot of food for that much money. And have people forgotten that this is a TEMP establishment. I'm afraid to hear what you guys will say when the real deal opens next year. In a way, the price of the pasta reminds me of BIBA restaurant in Sacramento, CA. Top of the line Italian restaurant where you pay for fresh pasta creations at those prices. So charging them here should be no surprise if the quality is top notch.
Originally Posted By tcsnwhite While I do think Disney has gotten out of hand with food prices at most of their parks and resorts (in relation to the quality)...much of the rest of higher end fine dining restaurants out in various major cities across the country are priced fairly similarly. If the quality and service and creativity is top notch, then go ahead and charge accordingly. There is a point when certain things go a bit over the line, and Disney does this too, but I sometimes wonder what people expect these days? You are simply not going to get fine dining, high quality food at Spaghetti Factory prices.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 < but I sometimes wonder what people expect these days? < I live in Chicago and spent a lot of time in New York -- so pricey restaurants do not phase me. However what I do expect is return value for the money. While $59 surprises me for Italian fare ( considering one could eat for less than this at a place like Sardi's ) - I said I would wait and see, but my expectations are going to be high when they set the bar there. If the food delivered is the same as Alfredo's - then it will be gorssly overpriced. I eat regularly at Cali Grill and Blue Zoo on my trips - so it's not the price , it will be what they deliver for that price. Pasta alone will not cut it at $59 - there has to be some premium content... Veal / Crab etc. I don't think that is being unfair. I don't think anyone is comparing Spaghetti Factory prices for what they want to pay - I know one day a week they serve all you can eat spaghetti dinners ( with soup) for $4.99 around here. One could eat for 12 days for the $59 -- not a fair comparison on either side of that argument.
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 Girl I work with goes to Vegas every year, she didn't think $59 was too much. Usually Italian at home is fairly cheap, so I'd expect something really good for that price.
Originally Posted By pheneix Had lunch with a friend there today. Fairly nice little place, but very overpriced for what you get. Honestly I didn't think the food to be any higher caliber than a Carrabba's, though the presentation was nice. Still, the prices are just outrageous. I won't be making a return trip to this temporary establishment. Hopefully they'll get their act together and come up with a restaurant worthy of a $75 lunch for two when it gets the full refurb.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> I'm with Spirit on this one...did anyone fail to see the regular menu? The $59 family menu is NOT the only menu there to order from. And the regular menu prices may be a bit pricey, but (and maybe sadly) I expect this price range for in-park table service restaurants. Well lets see what Doobie has to say about that. >> The prices. Dinner for three with a soup, two salads, three entrees, three desserts and five non-alcoholic specialty drinks was $175 before Disney Dining Experience discount and tip. And all the entrees ordered were vegetarian. Seemed a bit steep to me. The verdict... If you haven't read Doobie's full report I suggest you do. It's very good reading with good pictures. What everybody has come to expect from him. >> This topic is for Discussion of: 9/20/07 LTDL: Magic Kingdom and Epcot (September <<
Originally Posted By tcsnwhite ^Excuse me, but I have read it...when it was first posted actually. Yes, Disney does overprice, I fully acknowledge that. With my Spaghetti Factory comparison, I brought it up because I wanted to know what some really do expect. You would shocked at how many regular Disney park goers I have read and personally know that simply have unrealistic expectations when it comes to pricing (no matter how bad it may be). Not saying it's not overpriced, but simply depending on where you are and what you want, you're gonna have to pay up. Plus, some don't quite get the concept of "fine dining" (and I am NOT referring to anyone in particular here). As for Doobie's price, I do think it is too much. But here was my point- It is Disney, this is 2007= I am no longer shocked anymore (whether that's a good or bad thing is up to you). Also, everyone dines differently. Some, many actually, aren't big on antipasto or appetizers, or dessert, or specialty/alcoholic drinks. From my experience, I think more are concerned with main courses, and what may come with that. But if you are the type of diner to go for everything (like I do), then it is going to add up. But yes, that is a lot.
Originally Posted By MPierce That really is my whole point about TI. My expectation for a good quality meal that I would consider fine dining does not include a very crowded (tables to close together), noisey atmosphere. The food can be the best in the word, but to consider it fine dining I think it would have to have the proper aumbiance also. If I am going to pay that much for dinner it's going to have to knock my socks off. I don't know, maybe I'm just a cheapskate.
