[Park Hopper]

Bluezoo, the new upscale restaurant specializing in seafood that opened recently in the Dolphin, got a pretty harsh review from respected restaurant critic Scott Joseph. The restaurant, which took over the location formerly occupied by the Coral Cafe, is the creation of celebrity chef Todd English. According to the review, the overall dining experience doesn't come close to justifying the high prices. Here are a couple of excerpts:

"Todd English's bluezoo, the lavishly designed restaurant that now anchors the Walt Disney World Dolphin, does not justify the hype or English's reputation as a fine chef, which he indeed earned in restaurants such as Olives and Figs in Massachussetts.

The food served here is good and, in a couple of cases, very good. It is seldom great and certainly not worthy of the record-setting prices. Some of the fish went for $30-$32, and I don't know why.

I don't mind paying a premium price for an exceptional dining experience, and neither do scores of other Central Floridians who crave fine restaurants. But what the celebrity chefs -- indeed all restaurant owners -- must realize is that they can't charge a premium price for an average experience.

And Todd English's bluezoo is ultimately only average."

[Dana]

Wow. I know they had high hopes for this new restaurant. This has to be a bummer for Mr. English. Hope he can get it to together. In his defense, isn't there always a few kinks to work out with new places? $32 is a bit steep for fish....maybe they need to reconsider the prices. Thanks for the report Park Hopper. I always enjoy your news.

[Park Hopper]

Originally posted by Dana
Wow. I know they had high hopes for this new restaurant. This has to be a bummer for Mr. English. Hope he can get it to together. In his defense, isn't there always a few kinks to work out with new places? $32 is a bit steep for fish....maybe they need to reconsider the prices. Thanks for the report Park Hopper. I always enjoy your news.

Thanks, Dana. Yes, there were high expectations for the restaurant, and I'm sure things will improve once the break-in period is over. But, as you said, $32 is steep for a piece of fish. I've never minded paying a lot for a great meal, but I'd sure have to think twice about paying that much for fish. You might as well go to Victoria and Albert's instead.

[LRTJS]

that is disappointing. But then I wish DW would develop a few more good moderate restraunts. I am just not on the type of budget that allows 32 dollars for fish. Maybe when both kids are out of college! Thanks again for keeping us up to date Park Hopper!!:D

[Mari annie]

:D

Being from the Boston area, I am a Todd English fan.
His resteraunts Olives, Figs and his newest resteraunt in CT
Tuscany are all wonderful..

I myself are happy going to RI for real seafood or the Cape...
so I wouldn't pay those prices...but that's just me!

I am sure there's alot of other great food items on the menu at Bluezoo, we didn't have the chance to go this trip, but I am going to go and look up what's on the menu.

:)

[Soundgod]

I'd need to check, but this might be the same "respected critic" who gave Emeril's Tchoup Chop at the Royal Pacific a terrible review. If so, don't worry, this guy's taste buds are in a dark stinky place at the opposite end from his mouth.

[gingles]

The food critics at Unofficial Guide (who are generally pretty tough) give BZ a generally friendly rating (3 stars), but also comment on the high prices.

It seems if you want good seafood and are willing to pay, Calif. Grill, Citricos, or the Flying Fish (all 4-star or better) might be safer choices.

[llama]

Originally Posted by LRTJS

that is disappointing. But then I wish DW would develop a few more good moderate restraunts. I am just not on the type of budget that allows 32 dollars for fish. Maybe when both kids are out of college! Thanks again for keeping us up to date Park Hopper!!:D

I agree with you. In the long run, I think good, moderate restaurants would be a lot more profitable for Disney. They certainly have a good share of high-end places, V & A, California Grill, Narcoosee's, etc., but I certainly couldn't afford to eat like that every night, I don't even think I'd want to. Look how popular the Earl of Sandwich is - simply because it's good food at a great price.

[Park Hopper]

Originally Posted by Soundgod

. . . this guy's taste buds are in a dark stinky place at the opposite end from his mouth.

The negative review had nothing to do with the taste of the food, just the high prices: "The food served here is good and, in a couple of cases, very good. It is seldom great and certainly not worthy of the record-setting prices."

[markmck17]

That's too bad for Todd. Around here he pretty much walks on water. But then again the Boston Brahmin crowd doesn't have a problem paying up big dough for the latest trendy meal. Perhaps that just doesn't translate well to your typical Disney vacationer.

We're staying at the Dolphin later this week. Although I am typical a Todd English fan, I doubt we'll be spending our vacation dollars on such an expensive meal.