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View Full Version : Feasting in the Fall - Coral Reef


mcsue
14 Nov 06, 08:32 AM
We were looking forward to returning to Coral Reef as we’d really enjoyed our lunch here on our January visit.

It was boiling hot outside so we decided to cool off with a cocktail. Paul had a Blue Lagoon which was a vibrantly coloured concoction of vodka, white rum, blue Curacao and pineapple juice. He found it a bit sweet for his personal taste – but I noted that he still drank it all!
I had a Margarita (Coral Rita) which although initially didn’t taste very strong, had that very familiar and desirable relaxing effect….

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h277/Suzyfoodpics/2006/Oct%202006/Disney_Oct06_EP_317.jpg

Whilst I’m on the subject of alcoholic refreshments, to accompany our lunch Paul had a glass of Markham Merlot and I discovered the joys of my new favourite wine for this holiday - Guenoc Petit-Sirah.

For starters the only vegetarian option for Paul was the Mixed Greens Salad. The veggies were fresh and crisp and once again he enjoyed the accompanying blue cheese dressing. The amount served seemed skimpier than last time though.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h277/Suzyfoodpics/2006/Oct%202006/Disney_Oct06_EP_324.jpg

I chose the Crab Claws. Three crab claws served with coleslaw and some spicy chilli dressing.
It was all very appetizing; the crab was so fresh tasting and sweet. I could easily have eaten twice as much as again as it was so very scrumptious (and I thought rather a tiny portion at $9.99!)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h277/Suzyfoodpics/2006/Oct%202006/Disney_Oct06_EP_323.jpg

Paul had the Vegetarian Strudel he enjoyed back in January when we ate here. The pastry was crispier this time and the creamy leek sauce not quite as rich. Similar to before the strudel was filled with a mixture of mushrooms, Puy lentils, zucchini and squash.
There were no vegetable side dishes available on the menu this time which was a shame as it really needed some greenery to offset the richness of the dish.
He still enjoyed it a lot though.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h277/Suzyfoodpics/2006/Oct%202006/Disney_Oct06_EP_326.jpg

I had steak – again!
My steak at Kona was fantastic, but actually I think this one was even better!
It was, if I remember correctly an 8oz (so a bit smaller than Kona’s) Sirloin Strip grilled to utter perfection and served with cheesy potato gratin, asparagus and carrots. The steak was full of flavour and was unbelievably tender.
The vegetables were al dente as is my preference and very fresh.
I was willing to share my veggies with Paul but alas, they had touched the meat so were now contaminated in his eyes. ;)

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h277/Suzyfoodpics/2006/Oct%202006/Disney_Oct06_EP_327.jpg

Along with some decent coffee (we always chose to finish our meal with coffee as our beverage whilst on the FDDP as we don’t drink sodas much) Paul chose Butterscotch Crème Brulee which he loved.

I ordered the Chocolate Wave.
The unctuous Grand Marnier infused warm chocolate centre was soon oozing from the chocolaty sponge and I was soon elevated to cocoa cloud nine……
It was every bit as delectable as it was when I had it in January and in fact would have scored a 10 - but lost points on presentation.
Gone were the whimsical ‘wave’ decoration and the fishy-shaped biscuit. :( They had been replaced with some white chocolate shavings – still yummy I know, but obviously a cost cutter as much less time spent is on preparation.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h277/Suzyfoodpics/2006/Oct%202006/Disney_Oct06_EP_332.jpg


http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h277/Suzyfoodpics/2006/Oct%202006/Disney_Oct06_EP_333.jpg

It was around 12.30 on a Sunday lunchtime when we ate here and it was already extremely busy, so I’d say Coral Reef is definitely one to book ahead.
Once again we asked for a booth on one of the upper levels as we find it more relaxing to sit away from the tank walls as it’s obviously more popular with families with children who all want to be right next to the fish.

Service from Michelle was again superb - although she did insist on calling me ‘Miss’ which was just a tad disconcerting at the age of 46.
She was really sweet natured though and very efficient.

On the downside, portions were a bit smaller than previously and some penny pinching was also evident as regards the finishing touches to the Chocolate Wave.
There was also no bread served this time. Maybe they’ve done away with it at lunch; I’d presume they’re still serving at dinner.

Not that I’m going to get anally retentive about these things you understand ;) It’s just an observation.

On the upside, the quality of ingredients and the flavour of the food were excellent from beginning to end, and we certainly had ourselves an absolutely fabulous lunch at Coral Reef.
We shall return!

Sue
14 Nov 06, 08:46 AM
Thanks for that Sue. how did you ask for your steak as it seems like my perfect choice as well?
Another one of our picks, although we are going for dinner not lunch. I must admit, the portions seem OK to me as I hate to be overfaced and am constantly wondering if I'm going to make it to the dessert stage on the DDP - three course meals usually defeat me!!!!

mcsue
14 Nov 06, 08:59 AM
The steak was medium Sue. Pink in the middle but not bloody. Yum!

The portions were plenty enough Sue (crab claws excepted :cry: ) and as usual we waddled out having forced down dessert!

SusieK
14 Nov 06, 03:33 PM
It all looks very tasty.

truesdpr
14 Nov 06, 09:39 PM
Looks lovely Sue - another one for us to try! I'm with Paul in the Blue Lagoon by the way! :cocktail:

Pam.
:wavey:

Treacle44
14 Nov 06, 11:05 PM
Love the blue lagoon! Another one for my list, girl after my own heart, steak at every meal! ;)

Villainlover
14 Nov 06, 11:28 PM
well that meal looked lovely

The crab looked gorgeous .... but not a lot unless you crunch the shells ;) lol

glad you had a wonderful meal, I booked a meal here once (few years ago now mind) but didn't even make it to the table as the smell of fish was too much for Coraleigh :( the rest of my family enjoyed it though..

thanks for sharing

Disneybunny
23 Apr 07, 06:52 PM
Food looks great.

mainecoon lover
23 Apr 07, 06:58 PM
Food looks great. Shame they did not do any vegetable side dish though

Susiedo
23 Apr 07, 07:02 PM
After looking at your pics I'm definately going to be booking! And a lovely 'rita - bliss!

BenH
3 May 07, 12:54 PM
Great report, those desserts look very yummy.

poohspals
25 May 07, 09:29 AM
Just booked my ADR at Coral reef so looking forward to that

Minniespal
6 Jul 07, 02:11 PM
Excellent ~ Thanx for sharing.