20th wedding anniversary meal

[MaggieAllan]

We will be in Orlando for our 20th wedding anniversary 22 Sept - with our two children aged 17 and 12.
At the moment we are planning to be at Universal studios on the day because our fondest memories are of our first visit there - we love the themed streets and the Blues brothers is a favourite. Alright , not the most romantic day I suppose, but it's special to us , and don't forget we have kids with us so a Sandals beach resort would be unsuitable.
Anyway, what I really need to know is where to have an evening meal. We had planned to go to Hard Rock Cafe because it is on site and we went on our first visit, however I have been told by friends that everything is microwaved?!.
We would like to be within easy reach of Universal/City Walk, preferably onsite but somewhere nearby, as we are going to use taxis that day so hubby can drink as well.

[janice]

Hi MaggieAllen,

It all depends on your own personal taste, we have eaten at Hard Rock on a number of occasions and have always found the food very enjoyable. I like the atmosphere there too, we had quite a comical waiter when we last ate there. We didn't really find the food appeared microwaved, but maybe someone has inside info!!!! Good luck and Happy Anniversary, when it comes along.
Jan.

[MaggieAllan]

Thanks Jan - I usually go with my first instinct in life , and until my friend told me about their 'bad' experience I would have stuck with HRC . Unless someone comes up with another suggestion I'm going to put their experience down as a 'one off' and stick to my original plan.
Does anyone know how I can make a reservation ? I tried to email HRC via their website but have not had a reply.

[blott]

You could try phoning them on 001 407-351-7625, it doesn't cost that much for a few minutes to make a reservation. You can even have a party there!

You may like to try this http://www.hardrock.com/PX/PX/

On the subject of microwaves, I'm sure you'd be hard pressed to find an eating place anywhere without a microwave these days but that doesn't necessarily mean that all the food is cooked in it!

[MaggieAllan]

Thanks Blott for the reply.

With regard to the microwave - as far as I know , they sent a meal back because it was undercooked chicken and when it returned everything on the plate was mad hot( microwaved), so they complained and didn't pay for that meal etc.
I'm not going to let it put me off - like you say, all kitchens use microwaves. It's just with it being a special occasion - I don't want a bad experience.

Do you have any suggestions yourself of where else to eat at Universal ? I would appreciate any suggestions from 'the experts' on this site, before I make a booking.

[fiona]

Well I have to say we find the HRC is not the meal it used to be, but still great fun. You might like to consider (but check out the menu first in case like us you have fussy kids) Emerils, http://www.emerils.com/restaurants/orlando/

We ate at Fulton's Crab House for our 26th in July (without the children it must be said - if I can still refer to a 19 and 16yr old as children!)

There is also the Floridian which by all accounts does a wonderful meal, but perhaps at their prices, for a trip on your own.

[Ann-Marie]

Hi Maggie

We enjoyed the Motown Cafe, its got great Motown memorabilia, music's fantastic and we had great meals there.

[MaggieAllan]

Fiona - thanks for the suggestions - we'll save those for when the children are not with us - perhaps our silver wedding? We looked at Emerils, but as we will be at the park all day it would be a little difficult to dress accordingly, and our 12 year old would be put off by the complex menu ! Kids, love em!

Ann-Marie - thanks for the info - Motown Cafe has been mentioned to us before - do you know if you can make reservations ?

I have made a PX booking with HRC (thanks to Blott)but can always cancel that if Motown looks better.

Also - I have just been having a scout around and found that darden.com just about cover the good food in the area ( apart from the hotels) Seasons 52, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Bahama Breeze and Smokey Bones - although I cannot find a link to Seasons 52 from their site - is it that exclusive?

[fiona]

Forgot to mention Jimmy Buffets which we think does better food than HRC. Cheeseburgers to die for, and I think some of the best crab cakes!