August 2014 Dining Review - Pt. 3

There are four of us; me, my DH, our DS16 and our DS10.
We used our Tables in Wonderland Card, which continues to be the best deal for our eating habits.

Restaurant Marrakesh - Dinner
Euan really wanted to go to Teppan Edo or Tokyo Dining this night, but nothing was available until 8:45 or something like that. So we continued back through the World Showcase toward the International Gateway (and our resort, the BoardWalk) when we decided to give Marrakesh a try. Sure enough, they could take us.
Food: 3.5 out of 5
We started with Goat Cheese with Crispy Bread for Two and Seafood Bastilla to share. The Bastilla was just OK, and Euan did not like either of the appetizers. For his main, Harry had the Mussels Casablanca for Two which he really enjoyed, Euan had the Chicken Kebabs, Brian had the Tenderloin Kebab and I had the Lamb Shank and couscous , which was fabulous. Brian thought his was overpriced for the serving.
Atmosphere: 3.5 out of 5
The inside of the restaurant looks how I expect a Moroccan restaurant would look, and the musicians and the belly dancer were terrific.
Service: 4 out of 5
We had terrific and attentive service from two waiters. We did have to wait a bit for our entrée’s , but overall, service was great.
Overall: 3.5 out of 5
I think I enjoy Restaurant Marrakesh more than the rest of my family, but we all left well fed and happy. We do enjoy returning to dine here from time to time.

Tokyo Dining - Dinner
We hadn’t formally planned on dining at Tokyo Dining, until Euan decided he wanted to eat in Japan a few days earlier. We decided to cancel our Puck’s Café ADR (Downtown Disney logistics) in favour of Tokyo Dining two days before we dined there, and we were not disappointed.
Food: 4.5 out of 5
The food at Tokyo dining is fabulous, and it is wonderful to see the Sushi chefs preparing food as we sat at our table. We are a sushi loving family and ordered a wide assortment to share, the highlight being the spicy tuna (as always).
Atmosphere: 4 out of 5
Tokyo Dining is impeccably clean, both in terms of design and hygiene. The staff is so very respectful and polite, and we love the open window to where the chefs prepare the sushi. There was a demonstration while we were eating; ending with a contest to see which customer would get to eat the sushi created during the demonstration. My super shy Harry was the first one up to the counter in an attempt to win the prize, but was eliminated before he could.
Service: 3.5 out of 5
Considering this was a very late in the evening dinner reservation, the place was hopping! We were well attended by two servers, and while both were polite and helpful, I think it took a bit too long to come, and it all came together, even though some things were clearly starters. The warmed washcloths which are given when guests are seated have been replaced with thick disposable warmed washcloths. Fine, but not as nice in my opinion.
Overall: 4 out of 5
Although this rating does not reflect it very well, this was absolutely our favourite meal and evening of our entire holiday. Our dinner was topped off when exiting the restaurant, the lights dimmed and Illuminations started. We had a lovely, clear, uncrowded vantage point, and Euan was able to cover his ears and recoil at the fireworks without disturbing anyone around us. He even loved them!

Garden Grill - Dinner
We collectively decided that we wanted to go out somewhere, not too far from home (The BoardWalk) for our last night’s dinner at Disney. Choices were limited, as was what the boys wanted to eat, so we ended up with a 7pm dinner at the Garden Grill. It had been quite a few years since we had been, and the menu looked good.
Food: 3 out of 5
In the past there had been fried catfish on the menu, but that has been replaced with the less expensive tilapia in pesto. Unfortunately, I did not get to try this. I have tree-nut allergies, and a “chef” was sent out to discuss my allergies with me. He said there are no issues with anything except the almonds in the cobbler. I said “That’s fine then since they aren’t tree-nuts” and he looked back at me confused. I also was told that they couldn’t confirm that the dinner rolls were not exposed since they were prepared in an off-site facility. I told him that was fine, we would like the rolls. Next thing we know, we were getting the horrid gluten-free pucks and the pesto covered fish. My confidence in the kitchen had been reduced dramatically, so I avoided the pesto (since most pestos include some kind of nut). The turkey was tasty, as was the beef.
Atmosphere: 3 out of 5
The restaurant was rotating, and we had a table on the upper level. A bit squishy, but the characters still found us! Mickey, Chip and Dale and Pluto all dressed up for the farm. Very good interaction.
Service: 2 out of 5
Our waiter was fine, but the “chef” from the kitchen really left something to be desired. We were given refills of drinks without asking, but my son’s chocolate milk came with a lecture. “You shouldn’t have too much chocolate milk in this heat. It will make you very ill if you aren’t careful”. “Yes, this is why he was asking you for a glass of water instead”. The waiter did bring the kid “cupcake” cones out for both of my sons though, and got him some bonus points!
Overall: 3 out of 5
We enjoyed our dinner well enough, and it was nice to have a character meal, all together on our final night. I think we will be a little more pro-active next time, and book somewhere else in advance.