Share your Magical Dining Month Experiences

Want to know what foodies are saying about Visit Orlando's Magical Dining Month? Here's where you can read the scoop or tell us about your favorites!

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Showing 1 - 50 of 214 comments:   1 2 3 4 5 
Big Fin
Subject: MD Month
10/04/11   09:34 AM
Reply Thanks to everyone who took the opportunity to Dine with us here at Big Fin during Magical Dining Month and to everyone who participated as we all were a part of raising money for a great cause The Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida! Thanks to Visit Orlando who once again organized a great month of Dining Out here in Orlando!
really ?
Subject: BIG FIN .. YUCK
10/01/11   03:21 PM
Reply Obviously owners and managers posting on here over and over again.. been there not good
 
Dan
10/04/11   05:55 AM
  Not sure what Big Fin you went to but the one I ate at was Awesomew!! Thanks for the great dinner BIG FIN!!
Tim
Subject: Charley's
10/01/11   11:29 AM
Reply Great food,great all around experience. More than enough to eat.
MaryElla
Subject: Chathams Place
10/01/11   11:03 AM
Reply We saved the best for last. A wonderful dinner experience. The Magical Dining menu was presented without asking for it and each dish was explained in detail by the waiter. They were proud of the menu and it showed. Other restaurants on the list should take note and you should not have to ask for the menu. Food was delicious , along with perfect service. We will make sure we go back throughout the year. Loved the experience!
Brian C.
Subject: McCormick and Schmick's
10/01/11   10:49 AM
Reply We just wanted to thank all of you for dining at McCormick and Schmick's this month. Magical Dining proved to be a great success for us and we look forward to doing it again next year!
Monique
Subject: Big fin
10/01/11   10:31 AM
Reply Just want to add my kudos to big fin! Food, service, and restaurant aesthetics were top notch. The owner was there the night 3 friends and I did MDM, and he made us feel like Invited guests to a VIP banquet. 2 of us were already big fin regulars, but he (and his food) definitely made 2 converts that night. The whole experience was a marked contrast to a French restaurant that shall remain nameless. Note to hosts: a pained sigh of "you're here for magical dining right?" isn't an appropriate greeting
 
Big Fin
10/03/11   09:01 AM
  Thanks Monique! We hope to see you again real soon!
Sparky
Subject: Big Fin
09/30/11   08:51 PM
Reply Big Fin gets an A+!! We enjoyed our evening from start to finish. Taylor our waitress was very knowledgable and friendly. All 3 courses came out on time, were presented well and tasted Great!! Oyster were fresh and sweet tasting. The cocktail shrimp were very large and the clams casino was spot on. Our Mahi Mahi entrees were delicious and my father's steak was cooked just the way he ordered it. No bones in our fish like another place that I will refrain from naming. Ended our meal the Real Deal Key Lime Pie and the Massive Cookie and ice cream dish. That alone would have been big enough for all 3 of us to share. Hope Big Fin will do the MDME again next year. Even if they decide not to my parents and I will definately go back. Taylor and her food expediter stated the other star dishes are their Swordfish and Grouper selections.The staff showed great teamwork. If there was an empty dish they were happy to stop and take it away even though they were not our primary server. Thanks again Big Fin for an enjoyable and hassle free evening. Look forward to our next visit in the near future!!!
 
Big Fin
10/03/11   09:03 AM
  Thanks Sparky! Please do come back to visit again soon! Happy Hour 5-7pm every night at the bars....
Elyse C., The Venetian Room
Subject: Thank you
09/30/11   10:03 AM
Reply Thank you to everyone who dined with us this month! Our staff has enjoyed seeing so many new faces and we hope you will all consider returning again. We are going to offer a very special New Year's Eve dining experience this year, with dueling pianos and dancing afterwards in our lobby atrium. Thank you again for keeping us busy this month!
Adrienne
Subject: The Boheme
09/30/11   09:56 AM
Reply Went to the Boheme on Tuesday night, I love the hotel, but the ambiance of the restaurant is interesting. The food was good and the service was okay. Warning: still water does not mean tap water so be very clear when ordering or you end up with a $9 bottle of Evian.
jules9
Subject: Nine18
09/29/11   06:52 PM
Reply The best of the best! Third restaurant to try in September and the best. Food and service - unbeatable. Try it, you'll love it!!!!
sandy s
Subject: Prickly Pear
09/29/11   02:28 PM
Reply Loved the black and white soup, the duck was amazing. eating alone at the bar allowed for great people watching
ukluv
Subject: Chatham's Place
09/29/11   11:49 AM
Reply What an amazing experience. Did not know there was such a place in Orlando. The service was effortless and the dishes were so full of flavor. I cannot believe we ate for only $30. There was a lot more too. We must have had 5 or 6 dishes all together. Brilliant! Just Brilliant!
MB
Subject: Chathams
09/29/11   11:04 AM
Reply Really good, fun, good to excellent food experience with, unfortunately, a glaring exception at the end. I had called in advance to ask if they did kids meals, was told yes. Asked for pasta alfredo as a kids meal. I did not ask what the price would be as don't like to do that so I assume it will be not way out of line. Child received smallish bowl of pasta with cheese sauce. Noticed it in Appetizers for $10, figured thats what it would be. The check said $22 for child. I questioned it (as even adult pasta alfredo at expensive restaurant is less than $22!). Very chilly, indignant replies from people, made big to-do about it, with no change occurring in amount charged (was told it was double order of the appetizer??). This sort of ruined the experience (which was very nice to that point) and made me not want to return.
marny
Subject: Funky Monkey Pointe Orlando
09/29/11   10:07 AM
Reply party of 6 gals and the hostess offered us the magical dining menu without asking, a good sign, the server was professional the food portions very good and the taste and presentation of the food was beautiful, we enjoyed the Funky Monkey tonight we are trying chathams place.
Glydia
Subject: Big Fin
09/28/11   05:57 PM
Reply This place was amazing. And we even took advantage of their excellent happy hour. The food was cooked fresh to order. We had the grouper and lobster entrees which were both cooked perfectly. Service was also brisk and friendly. Will definitely be going again. This restaurant was recommended to us by friends after their Magical Dining experience, and we have, in turn, been recommending it more friends. This is what the Magical Dining Month is all about!
 
Big Fin
09/30/11   09:36 AM
  Thanks Glydia! We hope you will dine with us again soon!
Carrie
Subject: Morton' Steakhouse
09/28/11   02:24 PM
Reply After reading the servers at Mortons treated customer differently after realizing you were there for MDM I was almost ready to go somewhere else. Went last week for hubby's b-day. What a FANTASTIC dinner. all the glam and splendor Morton's is known for. the service was superior and were were treated better than royalty. I do not have antything negative to say about our experience. Only positive feedback- forget what you read-take it ith a gain of salt and remember you make your own experience enjoyable or miserable. thanks again Morton's and STAFF for the birthday wishes and photo.
 
Lisa
09/28/11   10:57 PM
  Can't agree with you more Carrie. Morton's made our night. We had a fantastic dinner as well as excellent service. Will be going back for sure.
 
Anonymous
09/28/11   10:59 PM
  Btw I love the fact that you say you make your own experience enjoyable or miserable. You are so right!!!! Thank You
 
MaryElla
10/01/11   11:06 AM
  We also went to Morton's and had a nice dining experience. I think if restaurants participate in Magical dining the menu should be presented without asking.
Kim
Subject: Magical Dining Raves
09/28/11   01:18 PM
Reply I have been able to visit Chatham's Place, Everglades, Fleming's (Sand Lake),Oceanaire & Venetian Room. The food at all of these restaurants was wonderful and I would honestly be able to recommend any one of them based on taste, variety, presentation and ambiance. Chatham's Place takes the top prize for service though. The staff at Chatham's treated us like royalty and they encouraged us to try the Magical Dining menu. The Venetian Room also provided us with lovely service. I only wish the month was longer so I could continue to enjoy these great restaurant specials.
 
S.A.
09/28/11   04:26 PM
  My husband and I dined at Chathams this past Monday night. It had been several years since we had been there, and after reading all of the positive comments on this message board, I couldn't wait to try their MDM. What a fabulous evening from beginning to end!The warm and cozy atmosphere,beautiful piano music by Bob Rose, great service... and did I mention the food? The little "extra" tastes sent to our table from the chef in addition to our MDM selections were all delicious! At the end of the evening, we left knowing that we rediscovered a hidden gem from the past and can't wait to go again in the future!
PBB
Subject: Capital Grille
09/28/11   12:43 PM
Reply Best Magical Dining place is Capital Grille. Talk about delicious food and excellent service. I went there twice last week the first time I had Stephanie as my waiter then Edward they were on point and very friendly. Capital Grille has amazing food and I like my steak well done and they were able to do this withoout burning it.
CJ*
Subject: Season 52
09/28/11   12:37 PM
Reply I must say I was very disappointed with Seasons 52. I had to ask the waitress to bring the magical dining menu to our table I waited waited and had to ask her again by then we were hunry. She finally brought it but by then it was too late for we had ordered some appetizers and were full. A co-worker had told me that they are not promoting magical dining even though they are on the list, I didn't believe but have to now since I experienced it myself. I am not sure why they participate if they do not have it a part of the main menu.
Phil
Subject: Charley's Steakhouse
09/28/11   10:52 AM
Reply There are three Charley's Steakhouse locations. One of our party was celebrating a birthday but it turns out the location on I-Drive doesn't give free birthday dinners, so we all got Magical Dining meals. There's only one choice - salad, steak and lobster entree, trio of deserts - but those are pretty good selections. The salad had an unusual dressing based on olive juice which was an unusual but decent dressing. The filet mingon was absolutely incredible - almost as tender as butter. The lobster wasn't anything special - half a Florida lobster with crabmeat stuffing. Not surprisingly the trio of desserts are pretty small portions - just a couple of bites each, but combined they form a decent size dessert.
Amanda
Subject: Prickly Pear
09/28/11   10:46 AM
Reply Had MDM last night at Prickly Pear and everything was amazing, good service, good food, beautiful spot. Valet Parking trying Chathams Friday Night, excited
Phil
Subject: Capitol Grille
09/28/11   10:43 AM
Reply Capitol Grille in Pointe Orlando was an excellent experience. The aged sirloin steak was excellent and a lucky dog ended up with some fine bones that night. The restaurant provided one dish of mashed potatoes and one dish of creamed spinach for the table to share but it was enough for everybody. The flourless chocolate cake was excellent.
Phil
Subject: Funky Monkey
09/28/11   10:38 AM
Reply I was extremely disappointed with the Funky Monkey at Mills Ave. I had a reservation but when I got there they asked me to sit at the bar. I really hate it when restaurants sit single customers at the bar - why shouldn't a single person be given tables if tables are available, especially when I've got a reservation? There were two tables which remained empty for the entire time I was there. The food and service were okay, nothing special. Even if I had been treated better I wouldn't have thought of it as a special experience.
 
phil
09/28/11   10:48 AM
  why didnt you speak up and ask to have a table, never had that problem before in a restaurant. i guess it is easier to come her and complain rather than fix the situation right then. I am sure they would have seated you at a table had you asked
 
Phil
09/28/11   10:56 AM
  When you are expecting a PREMIUM dining experience (and any meal at $30 - discounted or not - certainly counts) you should expect fantastic service - not to be seated at the counter. A customer shouldn't have to ask for standard accommodations. Having to ask for a table instead of the counter is the equivalent of asking for a clean glass.
 
phil
09/28/11   11:40 AM
  no its not, if you didnt want to sit at the bar speak up, dont wait and complain on a website, I am sure they would have been more than happy to seat you at a table.. goodness
Debbie
Subject: The Palm
09/28/11   09:02 AM
Reply Had a wonderful MDM dinner at The Palm last night. We both started with the standard house salad, a good sized salad, fresh veggies. But the Oscared Sirloin Steak was wonderful. Lots of chunks of crab, delicious béarnaise sauce. More than either of us could finish, so its lunch for today. For dessert, I had the Flourless Chocolate cake. It was like eating fudge for dessert, a chocolate lovers dream. The surprise to me was their Homemade Key Lime Pie. Now, I hate key lime pie. But this was wonderfully creamy, not over sweet, not over tart, just perfect. Even the crust seemed lighter than the old standard key lime crusts. My husband said this was the best Key Lime Pie he had ever eaten. Many, many thanks to our bartender/server Tracy, GM Michael, asst mgr Christian for another great evening. Its not just the food that brings you back to a restaurant, it’s the attentive and friendly staff. Three more days everyone, get to The Palm.
amber
Subject: morton's
09/27/11   11:18 PM
Reply Thank you to all of the magical dining restaurants that participated this year. I would lokd like to thank all the servers and all the employees who made this a great year. I would like to thank Joe our server from Morton's personally for making our last magical dinner so special. Can't wait until next year.
heather
Subject: mortons
09/27/11   11:03 PM
Reply Can't say enough about the dinner we had at Morton's. The food was awesome and our server Joe couldn't have been more accomadating. I know it is coming to and end but we will return to Morton's it is a great place for an excellent dinner.
 
Steve
09/27/11   11:07 PM
  Couldn't agree with you more Heather. Went there tonight and Joe and Dale took care of us and the dinner and service was top notch. Love this place. Best steaks best service and the best wine list I have seen.
DC
Subject: Cala Bella
09/27/11   08:00 PM
Reply Just finished a wonderful dinner! Carla and the rest of the staff could not have been more attentive. Food was excellent. Had an issue with one item and the manager went out of his way to make us happy. We will definitely be back - and not just in September. A MD must for locals!!! (Beware - portions are very large - you will be taking food home!)
Gabriela
Subject: From Everglades to You
09/27/11   05:38 PM
Reply Thank you to everyone who dined with us this Magical Dining Month! We have tripled our number of covers from last year and look forward to making a much higher donation to the Boys and Girls Club. There's just a few days left to enjoy this awesome program! -- Gabriela Henry, Everglades Manager
Andrew
Subject: Luma On Park
09/27/11   05:22 PM
Reply If your looking for an enjoyable dinner rather it be MDME or their regular menu avoid this place. Bad service and food. Brought up our concerns regarding this to the mgr but they showed no concern what so ever. Save your money and try somewhere else. I know my wife and I will never go back..
Magical Dining Team
Subject: Your Feedback
09/27/11   03:37 PM
Reply Hi diners! We really appreciate all of your feedback about your Magical Dining experiences—whether sizzling or lukewarm! But if they're just lukewarm, please keep your comments tactful. If you have a serious issue, we’d suggest contacting the General Manager of the restaurant directly and giving them the opportunity to help resolve your complaint. If you need help reaching them, click the 'personal feedback' link above and we’d be happy to assist. Let’s keep this message board as a helpful resource to other diners, and enjoy the last few days of Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month!
joe
Subject: southwest area
09/27/11   01:05 PM
Reply For MD we have been to Oceanaire: Awesome!!!, Capitol Grill: Awesome!!!, Cuba Libre: Awesome!!!, Blue Zoo: Really Awesome!!! looking forward tonight for either Big Fin or Flemmings. Any suggestions???
 
ann
09/27/11   01:53 PM
  what do you suggest to order at Cuba Libre?
 
Big Fin
09/28/11   08:55 AM
  Hi Joe! Hopefully you chose to Dine with us.... Entrees include: Grouper Orleans, FIlet Mignon, Mahi Piccata & Cold Water Lobster Tail
Colleen
Subject: Big FIn
09/27/11   09:02 AM
Reply Food was wonderfully prepared. 3 out of 4 of us took advantage of the Magical Dining Menu at Big Fin and portions were way bigger than we expected!
 
Big Fin
09/28/11   08:54 AM
  Thanks Colleen!
Chelsea
Subject: The Boheme
09/26/11   11:16 PM
Reply By far the worst experience of Magical Dining. My friends and I have many September birthdays so we definitely take advantage of Magical Dining and so far have had good to great service at most of the restaurants, The Capital Grille, Flemings, Morton's, and The Kitchen. However, The Boheme was awful. Our server was bad from the start. We mentioned that we had a Birthday in the party and he did nothing, didn't even at least say "Happy Birthday" just was like "oh ok". Then he got upset when a member of our party moved seats because the table was so big we couldn't interact with the rest of our party. And I don't if it was because we were doing magical dining or if it was the fact that we were a party of over 6 and he figured he would get automatic 20 percent gratuity but he was completely inattentive to our table. We saw him maybe 4 times throughout the whole meal and we spent over 3 hr there. Plus all our filets were over cooked and we couldn't say anything because we didn't see him again until he brought out dessert. And after dessert we waited forever for our checks. Finally we got so fed up that we called the front desk to get someone to bring them but the restaurant didn't answer because the host was gone. So we asked to speak to the manager and all she did was make excuses and claim that it took so long because he was splitting the check when we sat there and watched him chit chat with another table for 20 mins. Then when we got the check they had the nerve to add gratuity. That was unacceptable I understand that you add gratuity for tables of 6 or more but if the server doesn't do their job then they don't deserve a 20 percent tip, that's ridiculous at most places its 18 percent and they do a much better job. So I recommend not going to the Boheme.
 
JJ
09/26/11   11:55 PM
  Sounds like your table was a nightmare.. you sound like complete amatures im sure you and your guests were a joy to serve !! NOT
Stephanie
Subject: Dragonfly
09/26/11   09:02 PM
Reply Has anyone eaten at Dragonfly during MDM? How was the dining experience? food? thanks
Renee and Dustyn
Subject: The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel
09/26/11   10:44 AM
Reply We had the BEST time there on Saturday night, thanks to Magical Dining! The food was A-MAZING!!! Ther service was so fast, we hadn't even finished our appetizers and our entrees were ready to go. I definitely recommend the cedar plank salmon - it was tender and tasty and paired with this yummy corn pudding and grilled asparagus. I didn't even finish because I was too stuffed and desperate to save room for my dessert - the BREAD PUDDING!!! Nom nom nom, we gobbled it down. My boyfriend had the Kitchen burger which is HUGE. We will definitely be going back, if only for the burger and bread pudding alone! After dinner we walked around and explored the hotel, which, in my opinion, is oneof the coolest hotels in Orlando. Simply amazing night.
Brian
Subject: Luiginos,Chatham's,Capital G
09/26/11   09:04 AM
Reply We have really enjoyed this year's MDM. Had a great evening at the beginning of the month at Luiginos, and Chathams and the Capital Grille this weekend were, quite simply, amazing! Can't wait to give the Venetian Room a try before this great deal ends...
Sandy
Subject: The Boheme
09/25/11   12:30 PM
Reply Enjoyed a special treat at The Boheme. Everything from the nice atmosphere, delicious dinner, wonderful server, Joe, and comp valet parking, made it a wonderful experience. Highly recommend you try the crabcakes or filet with bleu chees as well as the well-known Creme Brulee. Check out the beautiful art at the hotel during your visit.
Erica
Subject: Fleming's
09/25/11   09:36 AM
Reply Had a lovely meal at Fleming's in Winter Park this weekend. Steak was cooked perfectly and service was friendly.
Capozzoli
Subject: Morton's
09/24/11   08:34 PM
Reply Absolutely outstanding from beginning to end. The filet was perfect and the service was excellent. An unbelieable value for MD month.
 
Kaye
09/26/11   07:36 AM
  Glad to hear, will be winding up the month by going there this Friday. Looking forward to it!
 
DC
09/27/11   08:03 PM
  We agree - a wonderful meal from beginning to end. We had forgotten about this local gem...until MD reminded us of where to go for a perfect steak.
Luzette
Subject: Le Coq au Vin, Chathams
09/24/11   10:19 AM
Reply Went to Le Coq au Vin last night. Dinner was excellent, service so so. On Tuesday night went to Chatham's place...Only one word.. Amazing.. It was my first time at their restaurant. Is everything you read an more.. Last Saturday went to A Land remembered. Waited about 10 minutes with out anyone coming to greet us at our table. Manager apologized and everything was fine after that. The Brie appetizer was to die for..
Jenny
Subject: CRAVE
09/24/11   12:35 AM
Reply Wonderful atmosphere. The food was great! Wish Magical Dining was at least more than one month out of the entire year, especially since I just found out about this!! It would be great if this took place at least 2 or 3 months out of the year. Just something to think about! =)
Vito's
Subject: Stay away!
09/23/11   10:53 PM
Reply The service was horrible. We felt like we were sitting through a timeshare sell. The food was mediocre. The filet tasted like it was basted in liquid smoke. We definitely had a better experience at Fleming's last week. Go there instead if you have a chance!
Sparky
Subject: Luma on Park
09/23/11   07:38 PM
Reply I give our experience tonight 2stars out of 5.No valet service when we arrived then told our table wasn't ready. Halibut had to many bones in it. Not sure why you would serve any type of fish with the bones in it? The food was not on par compared to our previous experience here. After being called and confirming our reservation and no Valet on duty we most likely won't ever go back. Think they're more focused on the Lounge crowd vs providing an ultimate dining experience like Chatham's or Captial Grill!!
 
Alyson
09/26/11   09:19 AM
  Really? I was at Luma last night and thought it was pretty great. I don't rank restaurants based on valet, but the food was quite good, I didn't find the portions unreasonable, and our service from Sarah was excellent. She gave great recommendations and was attentive. Staff was friendly and we never felt overlooked. (My husband had a small plates dish that was on the small side - but hey, it's right there in the name. My salad, however, was huge. And the entree and dessert portions were just enough. I left satisfied without feeling stuffed.) (So far, though, I still give it up to Chatham's for the win. Nobody provides an MDM experience like they do, NOBODY!)
Nieves
Subject: Morton's
09/23/11   10:09 AM
Reply Went to Morton's for the second year to participate on the MD, and it is still an awesome experience. Food is exquisite and the service is excellent. The wine list is very extensive. Thank you Morton's for a very enjoyable evening.
Anonymous
Subject: Big Fin
09/23/11   08:51 AM
Reply Hats off to Big Fin. This restaurant was amazing in all aspects. The building, the staff and especially the food! The menu was wonderful and their portions were not downsized. The owner introduced himself and check on us which was quite a pleasant. Best seafood restaurant in Central Florida. We will be back and not just during Magical Dining Month.
 
Big FIn
09/26/11   08:35 AM
  Thank you for trying us during MD and we hope to see you back real soon! Happy Hour 5-7pm daily at the bars $5 Cocktails & Appetizers
WilliamsGV
Subject: Chatham's Place
09/22/11   08:57 PM
Reply I cannot say enough about this place. Chatham's is on a whole other lever than most of these restaurants. The service is unlike anything around, no rushing, no hovering. It is so nice to take friends there and watch the reactions when the food comes out. We love it and will continue going at least once a month. Best Place for DATE NIGHTS !
Michelle
Subject: Fleming's Winter Park
09/22/11   03:16 PM
Reply I took my husband and my 5 year old to Fleming's Winter Park last night for the first time and our first Magical Dining Experience. I called on our way to check if children were allowed, and they warmly said yes which was nice. Holly was our server and she quickly made us feel welcomed and she was so enthusiastc with sharing all the great things about Fleming's and what they have to offer including the best Happy Hour everyday until 7pm (a $6 menu). She made us feel very special and we could tell she wanted us to have an awesome experience! She blew us away! She thought of everything and was extremely attentive (appropriately too) and shared her favorite things as well. The Manager was also very sweet and stopped by our table to welcome us and even brought over a piece of paper and markers for our son (we had brought something but it is hard for a kid to say no to something new). Very thoughtful! We left so happy! The food was Amazing and service to match! We were very impressed!
 
Dom
09/22/11   08:06 PM
  I agree! The Winter Park location is much better than the Sandlake one too. Ate at both and the service was much better in Winter Park. You have won a repeat customer!
Paul
Subject: Oceanaire
09/22/11   11:14 AM
Reply My wife and I loved Oceanaire! The food and service (Richie) was the best!! Great Magical Dining menu! We are now planning our next stop on the Magical Dining bus (will read comments for advice!!)
Lynae
Subject: The Venetian Room
09/22/11   10:00 AM
Reply The restaurant and food presentation are beautiful, but service and food are average. I enjoyed Capitol Grille, Luna on Park, and Oceanaire much better.
Beverly
Subject: The Venetian Room
09/21/11   04:48 PM
Reply This is a very lovely FINE DINING restaurant. Worth the drive. Everything was delicious and had a lovely presentation! Wait staff is superb!
Showing 1 - 50 of 214 comments:   1 2 3 4 5 

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