Disney Hilton for conference

[Marmish]

I am going next week to the Disney Hilton for a conference with 6 other people. One is into food, but pretty traditional Italian and steak kind of guy. Two are kind of unknowns; I don't think they have many strong likes or dislikes, and are pretty middle of the road as far as I can tell. One will try anything once. One I don't really know at all. The other is kind of picky, but likes spicy and has no problem ordering something and requesting changes to suit her. And is NOT a snot about it.

So... after the "food guy" pulled the top 10 fine dining restaurants off of citysearch and said pick one, and knowing that no one is taking a jacket by any stretch of the imaginiation, I went through the FL forum and picked out the restaurants below. In addition, I'd like to go to the Lebanese place mentioned on Sand Run.

Any updates, comments or rankings appreciated. Portobello is at the bottom of my list, but it is very close by.

Chatham's Place - 5 miles from Hilton - Continental

http://www.chathamsplace.com/about.html

Antonio's Italian - 8 miles

http://www.antoniosonline.com/SDinner.asp

Tchoup Chop - Emeril's Asian and Polynesian - 9 miles (shuttle likely available)

http://www.emerils.com/restaurants/orlando.../directions.php

Coq au Vin - 12 miles - French

http://www.10best.com/Orlando/Restaurants/...businessID=3614

Portobello Yacht Club - 1/2 mile - Downtown Disney, Italian

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/dinin...tClubDiningPage

[john b]

How 'bout Palio at the Swan? The menu looks broad enough that it might please everyone in your group. Here's the menu:

http://allearsnet.com/menu/menu_p.htm

[Marmish]

Thanks for the additional suggestion.

[Marmish]

Just wanted to follow up. We ate at Tchoup Chop at the kitchen bar. It was interesting to watch the kitchen, but the wall water feature dripped on us occasionally, which was kind of annoying. The crab cake was very good. The Shrimp appetizers were enjoyed by those who had them, as were the fish mains. Two people also had steak and were pleased with it.

We also ate at Antonio's Sand Lake Rd location. The food was excellent as was the service. However, there was hardly anyone there and they closed early. We had antipasti, bruschetta, mushroom risotto, papardelle Bolognese, the pork, fettucine alfredo, and some type of pasta Rustici dish. The fettucine alfredo was very eggy. We also ordered several desserts which were all delicious.

Our other meals were unremarkable: Macaroni Grill, Andiamo (in the Hilton), Captain Jack's (?) in Downtown Disney. The hotel did have an excellent french toast in the casual dining room for breakfast, and a nice Greek salad served poolside.

[2BLU-EYES]

Some suggestions

You mentioned that someone was a steak kinda guy...

Charley's Steak House is considered the best and they do offer a shuttle service from the hotel to their establishment...I would recommend however, that you go to the Charley's located on OBT (Orange Blossom Trail) as opposed to the one on I-Drive. (Just the local comments come to mind). La Cantina is very good but will be a ride. (on E. Colonial Drive - Hwy 50)

Another great place, Seasons 52 - good for those undecided as they have a little of everything - and all good. They too are on Sandlake Rd.

Carrino's - for Italian (also on Sandlake Rd.) Recommended by a friend of mine who is an Italian for New York.

Side note: Le Coq Au Vin is located on Orange Ave. and is very good also but is not close to where you are staying - its a ride - but worth it. Just so you don't miss it if you are looking for it...The restaraunt looks like a house with a veranda of hanging baskets - situated across (approx) from Ft. Gatlin.

(Just realized you have already been - perhaps on your next visit you can try the above. Rather than deleting this post - perhaps someone can use it as a reference for their stay.)

Edited July 22, 2006 by 2BLU-EYES (log)