Hollywood Brown Derby Review - 1st timer's perspective
I might as well just let you know now that my review is a rave. Absolutely loved the HBD. As a 1st timer, it totally lived up to my expectations.
For starters, Julie, our server, was excellent. Super friendly, informative and all around what you'd hope for in a place that is supposed to be Magical. She was probably the best server I've ever had in the parks. She also made my signing of our Dining Plan receipt super easy. I didn't have to figure out anything on my own, as far as our cocktails and our "extras" that were not included in our plan. That is huge! No thinking for me? Only adds to my good time.
As I mentioned, we used the Dining Plan. That allotted my sister and I each a dinner and a dessert. But we had to try the the Cobb Salad. And when it arrived I wondered, "Where is all the lettuce?". It had a different visual for me than a Cobb you'd order at your local home venue. It looked a lot better, honestly. More appealing to the eye, and the taste buds, thusly. It was really good and really light. I enjoyed trying it.
Entrees? Whoa baby. Here's what we had (copied right from their menu) with my notes following the description:
Duck Two Ways - sauteed confit with swiss chard over an herb and goat cheese polenta cake finished with a pan-seared maple bourbon duck magret with a sun-dried cherry sauce. ***This was my sister's meal. Ordering duck was a no-brainer for her. And she ate the entire thing. She kept poking the polenta asking what it was. I guess she'd never had it before. But she ate the whole thing. The entire plate was wiped clean.
Charred-glazed Filet of Beef - with a red wine reduction, topped with a cabernet and roasted shallot butter, over white truffle oil wild forest mushroom mashed potato, sauteed haricot verts and golden beets ***I don't recall any beets being on my plate, but I just didn't care. I was too busy stuffing my face. Filet was perfect, the reduction was sweet and not too heavy. Everything was soo good on this dish that I, too, cleaned my plate.
Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake with macerated strawberries and dark chocolate caviar crisps ***I never liked cheesecake until I ate this. The menu description fails to mention that there are also little strawberry crisps in the bottom layer of the cake. Off the hook.
Double Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee - with Dark Chocolate-dipped Biscotti $8.00 ***My sister said she didn't' really like it. I was too busy eating everything in sight on my side of the table that I didn't have time to care. This in no way diminished our good time or our rave of the HBD.
Cocktails were had, coffee and cappuccinos were had. Over all, a really good time was had. I can't wait to go back!
