Fun, Sun & Strong Water Rum...*Yo-Ho*...23 Nights @ Sapphire Falls...A May 2022 TR

[schumigirl]

Was my fav there, sad to see it go

Yep, their pretzels are the best we’ve tried in the area

everywhere sprays to keep the critters at bay there

My fav DS venue

If it’s Thursday night, it’s miller’s for prime rib

They take great pride in their prep of that dish. worst I’ve had, perhaps it’s a regional preparation Thing?

Nice review. admittedly, not a fan of that location in general, Seemed to be getting a bit sketchy in that specific area our Last few visits in the evenings.

Partial to the one in LBV. fun to look around & mentally guess where people work by their uniforms. Kissimmee is good, usually mostly older retirees that live east of there.

Carole - you are really doing these venues a solid via this thread. Talk about word of mouth. now, I’m compelled to go & grab a snack after looking at all the food porn!

Yes, it was Thursday nights!!

Osso Buco is not something I`ve tried, I thought it looked overcooked to me, but the meat was tender I have to admit and the bone just fell away. I`ve never made it so couldn`t compare, never tried it elsewhere in the States either.

Yes, you did have some sketchy experiences there. I will say, further along there have been a rise in homeless folks hanging around the Walgreens at night, disconcerting but they never seem to bother folks, thankfully.

lol...it was the LBV one we went to that put us off going back there a few years back.....but, I think we just got unlucky on the night we went as so many give good reviews of it.......

Aww, thank you.......and yes, posting or reading posts with food pictures when hungry is not the best idea!!! I`m Carole.....and I`m a snackaholic........lol......

 

[Deb1993]

I think @Worfiedoodles will like this post.......

CONFISCO GRILLE​

One of the best theme park restaurants there is in both parks, is Confisco.

Many folks walk past it not realising what a gem of a place it really is. And some folks don`t even know it exists which amazes me.

And this is another place where it turns out, looking back.....we tend to order the same things over and over if the pictures are to believed........I always remember the first time we were thinking of going someone told me it was the worst place in the parks and not to consider it....which even in 2007 was hard to believe and I was so glad we ignored that advice.

And also one of the reasons we tend to tell folks to go to places and make up their own mind....just because someone else doesn`t like somewhere doesn`t mean you won`t like it......although I do have several folks who if they tell me we won`t like somewhere I tend to believe them as they know our likes and dislikes.

I always thought it had a very impressive facade and it so well themed inside too. It is table service, but they also have the Backwater Bar where you can sit and order just a drink or food too and they have a few tables where you can order from the bar too. It`s a fabulous place and quite underrated in many ways.

The entrance has some cool displays and you`ll find a nod to most areas of the park in little ways here......

Most of our visits have been in the downstairs part of the restaurant until recently when they opened upstairs initially for AP events, but now you can just eat there anytime whether you have a pass or not.

Downstairs is quite detailed and so pretty......it can get busy now, but most of our visits we have just walked in and got a table.....hoping this doesn`t change with all the newer folks visiting Universal and being used to making reservations months in advance. Most of us like not booking in advance and certainly don`t want it to change to the way of other parks.

Service here has always been excellent, only once did we have a grump waiter and he was miserable, we now ask not to be put at his table. But, every other TM has been wonderful and very knowledgeable about the menu and restrictions.

There are so many lovely dishes on the menu and one of the newer ones is the sweet and sour ribs with goats cheese polenta.......not a fan of goats cheese or polenta, but this dish is gorgeous. Ribs are very tender and I do like the sauce the chef has come up with here.

I think this dish was Mr Keishashadow choice when we met them for a meal a couple of years ago........a very good chicken caesar salad.

Theme park burgers are often maligned, but the burgers here impressed me, something that doesn`t happen very often. They are full of flavour and importantly they are well cooked to your specification.

I`ve had the wings many times, and these were keishashadow`s wings last time we ate here with them....I do enjoy them if I don`t feel like a full meal now and again.

Mythos is very well known for it`s Pad Thai, but CG do an almost identical dish but it is so much better for some reason. I`m sure they use identical ingredients and the menu says the same, but there`s something just ever so slightly different with this one.

I did ask for the spicy sauce on the side......sadly, it`s not spicy, but it added something I have to admit.

Tom did enjoy the Pork BanhMi sandwich, although I found one piece of pork very chewy, but it was tasty and I`d order this myself.

Upstairs is much lighter, brighter and feels so much more spacious than downstairs and I`d always ask for up here I think if we eat here for lunch.

We were meeting worfiedoodles and her husband in December so we did actually make a reservation as we wanted to be sure of eating there and together, but hopefully we can just wing it in May and eat there without planning.

Spicy pork lettuce wraps were delicious......light and very clean tasting and ideal for a meal that`s not too heavy. I think they`ve changed it now and it`s a lemon wrap which sounds good to me too.

Maria had ordered the butternut squash ravioli and I was glad to see she did enjoy it a lot, and portions are very good here too, you won`t go hungry!!

This was the pork sandwich but on a slightly different bread......it was like a focaccia style rather than the soft roll he had before, I think he preferred the original one as it was slightly softer. He didn`t leave much though........lol.....

And mr worfie had the southwest salad which did look lovely too.

There really has never been a bad meal from this place......standards are high and you can see the chef`s are very professional and have always come out to check how the food is which is nice to see they care.

The view from upstairs is very nice too, especially on such a gorgeous day as that day was......

​

One of the dishes we do miss from the good old days was the classic French Dip Sandwich from here. It was exceptional and one of Tom`s favourite dishes year in year out......I do wish they`d bring it back as he would be delighted to see it on the menu again.

And a good old full size dessert that really was filling.

This was one Kyle ordered every visit, again now removed from the menu which is a shame......

And this.....we have no clue what it was......I think we asked for something different when talking to the chef back on 2007......but none of us can remember what it was.....we think there were mushrooms but what else is a mystery.......

I`ve lost count of the amount of times we have eaten here since 2007 and it`s one of those places you just know you`re going to enjoy it and be well looked after while you`re there.

Food is just very, very good and we look forward to going back in May ☺

We love Confisco! Starting going there based on your wonderful reviews and beautiful photos. Never had a bad meal.

 

[schumigirl]

We love Confisco! Starting going there based on your wonderful reviews and beautiful photos. Never had a bad meal.

That is so good to hear!

I noticed they don`t offer a burger anymore which surprised me as it was a very good burger....hope they bring it back, but yes, we`ve always had fabulous food and service there.

 

[schumigirl]

VIVO ITALIAN KITCHEN​

I have to admit, I am not a fan of Italian food....well, except pizza, but that`s allowed apparently......

Going to restaurants, Italian is usually the last choice for me....I rarely eat pasta dishes, except lasagne on the odd occasion, but this was a place that Tom wanted to go to since it opened.

I was always reluctant as my experiences of Italian places in America hasn`t been the best. Olive Garden I hated as everything tasted so artificial and Bice, Mamma Della`s were also a big disappointment, but I have to say I really like it here and was pleasantly surprised how much I liked it.

​

You can sit at the bar or the usual tables of course, and it is seemingly a very busy place as it`s always been full every time we`ve been in.

We do prefer to sit at the bar in here, it`s a nice area and the bar staff are very good here too. Menu is the same, it just feels a little more personal somehow when you spend time engaging with the bar staff and usually you have folks around you who always make conversations which we like, everyone has a story.

​

There is another seating area at the back of the restaurant where you can watch the chefs cook the food as you eat. I have to say the aromas around that are are very tempting and it`s a popular choice.

​

On our first visit Tom went for clams with linguine which he loved although maybe a little too much pasta for the amount of clams. He said the spice was just right although could be a little spicier.

​

I didn`t want to order pizza as it would be too easy a choice, so they have one of my favourite dishes on the menu, chicken piccata........and it was delicious I have to say. Chicken was tender and the lemon had just the right amount of piquancy for me......but, I didn`t realise I could have had their butter roasted potatoes instead of pasta with it. It wasn`t till they took the plate away and noticed I hadn`t touched the pasta, he said next time ask for the potatoes.....doh!!!

​

The meatballs as an entree was huge......sorry the picture is a little blurry, I think this is one of the dishes Tom couldn`t even half finish......it was a large portion. He enjoyed it, I felt the meatballs were underseasoned for me.

​

And yes, next time I did get the potatoes.....they were delicious, and the chicken was again beautifully cooked and seasoned.

​

And again.........

​

The giant pork chop with the bone in is off the menu now, which is a shame as it was gorgeous......I wished I had ordered it!!

Pork is something that`s so easily overcooked, but they got this just right, it wasn`t the least bit dry. And the lady sitting next to us took one look at it and immediately ordered one each for her and her husband.......yep, it was a good dish.

​

Forgot to post the bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.....it is nice and just the nice amount.

​

We did go on one night not planning to eat much at all......maybe share an appetiser.....nice idea........until we demolished the first one in record time!

The mussel appetiser is not my favourite with the tomato sauce, we both prefer white wine and garlic, but they were still nice....but not in the least bit filling......so we opted for a second appetiser.....

​

So, we added the charcuterie board which apart from the blue cheese was delicious and we would order this again.

​

I think next time we might like to try their cocktails, we usually opt for wine as they do have quite a nice wine list of both red and whites. But, maybe a cocktail or two would work for us for a change.....

This is a definite for May.

​

 

[lebeau]

VIVO ITALIAN KITCHEN​

I have to admit, I am not a fan of Italian food....well, except pizza, but that`s allowed apparently......

Going to restaurants, Italian is usually the last choice for me....I rarely eat pasta dishes, except lasagne on the odd occasion, but this was a place that Tom wanted to go to since it opened.

I was always reluctant as my experiences of Italian places in America hasn`t been the best. Olive Garden I hated as everything tasted so artificial and Bice, Mamma Della`s were also a big disappointment, but I have to say I really like it here and was pleasantly surprised how much I liked it.

​

You can sit at the bar or the usual tables of course, and it is seemingly a very busy place as it`s always been full every time we`ve been in.

We do prefer to sit at the bar in here, it`s a nice area and the bar staff are very good here too. Menu is the same, it just feels a little more personal somehow when you spend time engaging with the bar staff and usually you have folks around you who always make conversations which we like, everyone has a story.

​

There is another seating area at the back of the restaurant where you can watch the chefs cook the food as you eat. I have to say the aromas around that are are very tempting and it`s a popular choice.

​

On our first visit Tom went for clams with linguine which he loved although maybe a little too much pasta for the amount of clams. He said the spice was just right although could be a little spicier.

​

I didn`t want to order pizza as it would be too easy a choice, so they have one of my favourite dishes on the menu, chicken piccata........and it was delicious I have to say. Chicken was tender and the lemon had just the right amount of piquancy for me......but, I didn`t realise I could have had their butter roasted potatoes instead of pasta with it. It wasn`t till they took the plate away and noticed I hadn`t touched the pasta, he said next time ask for the potatoes.....doh!!!

​

The meatballs as an entree was huge......sorry the picture is a little blurry, I think this is one of the dishes Tom couldn`t even half finish......it was a large portion. He enjoyed it, I felt the meatballs were underseasoned for me.

​

And yes, next time I did get the potatoes.....they were delicious, and the chicken was again beautifully cooked and seasoned.

​

And again.........

​

The giant pork chop with the bone in is off the menu now, which is a shame as it was gorgeous......I wished I had ordered it!!

Pork is something that`s so easily overcooked, but they got this just right, it wasn`t the least bit dry. And the lady sitting next to us took one look at it and immediately ordered one each for her and her husband.......yep, it was a good dish.

​

Forgot to post the bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.....it is nice and just the nice amount.

​

We did go on one night not planning to eat much at all......maybe share an appetiser.....nice idea........until we demolished the first one in record time!

The mussel appetiser is not my favourite with the tomato sauce, we both prefer white wine and garlic, but they were still nice....but not in the least bit filling......so we opted for a second appetiser.....

​

So, we added the charcuterie board which apart from the blue cheese was delicious and we would order this again.

​

I think next time we might like to try their cocktails, we usually opt for wine as they do have quite a nice wine list of both red and whites. But, maybe a cocktail or two would work for us for a change.....

This is a definite for May.

​

We have made plans to eat at Vivo a couple of times. The problem is it's right next to Cowfish. Every time we have ever walked up to Vivo, the girls veer into Cowfish instead. It is tentatively in the plans for this year. I have heard good things. But who knows if we'll actually make it through the door.

 

[schumigirl]

We have made plans to eat at Vivo a couple of times. The problem is it's right next to Cowfish. Every time we have ever walked up to Vivo, the girls veer into Cowfish instead. It is tentatively in the plans for this year. I have heard good things. But who knows if we'll actually make it through the door.

lol....that`s me too, I much prefer Cowfish, well for the burgers, not the sushi.

Vivo isn`t for everyone I imagine, it`s like anywhere, you either like it or you don`t, but it`s a nice place and food hasn`t disappointed so far.

 

[Robo56]

Finally caught up. I’am here for the great pre-trip and trip report.

Great photos of Sapphire Falls. Beautiful Resort and lovely staff there.

Great photos and information on the restaurants. It’s so nice that there are so many choices at Universal to choose from.

Grandchildren and I have visited a lot of the restaurants at the parks, CityWalk and the Resorts and there are still places we have not tried.

Agree on Toothesome. My sister, niece and I went for the first time a couple of months after it first opened. The food, cocktails and service were very good. After about 2 years the food quality went down. I kept giving it another try with each trip and finally gave up on it last year. The quality of the food sadly has not improved.

Thank you for always sharing your research and experience on new places to dine around Orlando.

I have had some nice meals with family at Ocean Prime and Eddy V’s.

I will keep 4 Rivers on my bucket list of places to try. We do love our barbecue in the south.

Your trip will be here before you know it. Hope the testing process required is seamless for you both.

 

[schumigirl]

Finally caught up. I’am here for the great pre-trip and trip report.

Great photos of Sapphire Falls. Beautiful Resort and lovely staff there.

Great photos and information on the restaurants. It’s so nice that there are so many choices at Universal to choose from.

Grandchildren and I have visited a lot of the restaurants at the parks, CityWalk and the Resorts and there are still places we have not tried.

Agree on Toothesome. My sister, niece and I went for the first time a couple of months after it first opened. The food, cocktails and service were very good. After about 2 years the food quality went down. I kept giving it another try with each trip and finally gave up on it last year. The quality of the food sadly has not improved.

Thank you for always sharing your research and experience on new places to dine around Orlando.

I have had some nice meals with family at Ocean Prime and Eddy V’s.

I will keep 4 Rivers on my bucket list of places to try. We do love our barbecue in the south.

Your trip will be here before you know it. Hope the testing process required is seamless for you both.

WELCOME along Robbie.......

Glad you`re all caught up and good to see you here again.......

There really are some lovely choices of restaurants around us in Orlando, we really don`t need to travel very far. Too many choices at times....lol......

It`s a shame about Toothsome, it should have been a classic place, but it`s not somewhere I`ll give a try again. A bit like Bubba Gumps, it`s not for us at all.

4Rivers is seriously good.......a local has suggested we try a place in St Cloud, we haven`t been there before, so might give it a whirl either this trip or next.........but the corn bread from 4Rivers, I think I`ll struggle to find better than that one!

Hope you enjoy this ramble too (((wavey icon)))

 

[schumigirl]

Well this fine but cold Saturday morning shows us at 30 days till we fly.......(excited icon insert here) and we couldn`t be more excited.......especially for some heat as we have been so cold this past week.

Winter hasn`t been too bad over here, we have had constant high winds for the whole of February it seemed, March really wasn`t too bad until the last 10 days where we did see snow/sleet/ice/thunder & lightning....and sometimes all at the one time and sometimes with the addition of brilliant sunshine which is weird, but incredibly cold which as most of you know I absolutely hate.

So we are more than ready for some Orlando sunshine!!

This week we have been seeing more nightmare scenes at Manchester airport security lines......I think they`re having staffing issues but it looks horrendous. So we did purchase previously the Fast Trak option, I`m sure it won`t be a walk through, but hopefully being as early as we will be it won`t be as bad as later in the day......well, I`m an optimist!!

We also did get round to booking the rather lovely and updated airport lounge for when you are past security, providing we get through in time of course.

The 1903 lounge is the one we used for our past trip, and it was very nice, but I think we were so darn nervous and our minds were distracted with all the worry of having the right paperwork, I`m not sure we were as relaxed as we should have been.

So, this time we plan to enjoy it a little bit more........

Not the hard stuff as it`s far too early for that for us, but a little glass of sparkly is a rather lovely way to start off our travel day.

But, for those that do enjoy a proper drink of anything, they certainly have their choice in the lounge. I do admit they did have some rather interesting flavours of gin available I haven`t tried yet, but.....just too early for me.

We did like this lounge as it has views over the airport which the old lounge rather surprisingly didn`t....it was very enclosed and had no natural light, so this one is rather lovely in the fact you can see daylight and it is very spacious and light. I think we expect it to be a little busier than last time we were there as travel is up massively, I think we were spoiled as to how quiet it was last time.

We enjoyed some toast, bacon and some pastries along with the essential cups of tea which should have been real tea, but they served bags which we don`t normally use, but as a one of, it was fine, I`ve tasted worse!

So, we`re happy this is booked.....another thing crossed off the list.

We did think we`d start to print things off as we do like a back up of everything in our "party pack" in case technology fails us at some point. We also wanted to print off the documents that show we are fully vaccinated and boosted as demanded for travel now, yes you can have them on your phone, but airport staff all commented how they preferred folks having actual paper documents as we had done, so much easier for them.

Usually a very easy task....for Tom.

He was talking to our car dealership on the phone when I fired up the printer......usually that`s the limit of my contributions to printing......but he said to me while on hold, can you start printing.......

Er, ok.......so I fired it up as he was chatting....they`re trying to convince us to change our car, but think we`ll keep it another year as we love it. We always change our cars every 3 years, but this one.......yep.....fancy it for another year then we`ll change it. Anyway, I ramble........I switched it on and pressed what I thought I should press.......and.......nothing. Nothing at all.

Neither of our computers recognised the printer so they couldn`t talk to each other.......I pressed a few things......as you do.......hit it on the side......as you do.....meanwhile my normally placid and incredibly patient husband was more and more looking like he was going to turn into the Incredible Hulk watching me try and fail to work this printer, then very politely told the guy he`d call him back......

Then the famous incredulous question to me......what did you do, why is it not working.........my usual "I dunno" wasn`t cutting it as it did look as if I was responsible.

​

I think this printer does hate us. It worked fine for Kyle previously, but there`s something it seems to recognise when it`s us........and darn it, it never works. Maybe I am a little suspicious here.

Tom will not be defeated......I however at this point disappeared to do something simpler like try and work out the Analytical Continuation of the Factorial (yeah right....as if)

Actually I just hid in the kitchen and baked. But jeez, these things are wonderful when they work, but when they don`t.......!!!!

I never asked what happened, but we ended up going out and buying a new printer. He did laugh as he came away from trying to get it to work at least.....lol....

So, we haven`t used it yet, and I`m sure I won`t be allowed to touch it, which is fine by me.........but maybe tomorrow that`ll be a task for us, well, not me.

​

 

[wmoon]

We are big fans of Sals, I’d agree the best option for pizza at universal.
On our February trip I tried their chicken Caesar salad which was gorgeous. It was great to have that as a choice as I switched to a low carb diet after being diagnosed diabetic at the end of the year. It meant Ds and Dh could still go get their pizza without me complaining there wasn’t anything for me.

Great to read your review of Sapphire falls, we had our first stay there in February and loved it. Still managed a few wines at Strong Water Tavern and we’ve loved their food in the past but unfortunately not really suitable for my new diet.

 

[keishashadow]

It`s a shame about Toothsome, it should have been a classic place, but it`s not somewhere I`ll give a try again. A bit like Bubba Gumps, it`s not for us at all.

for us toothsome’s slide has been more about the staff’s consistently brusque attitude. talking pre-covid era & not the duo that used to mingle with their Schtick.

Bubba gumps, have yet to try one ‘anywhere’ that is satisfactory. Seems as tho always with somebody who needs to cross it off their bucket list.

 

[schumigirl]

We are big fans of Sals, I’d agree the best option for pizza at universal.
On our February trip I tried their chicken Caesar salad which was gorgeous. It was great to have that as a choice as I switched to a low carb diet after being diagnosed diabetic at the end of the year. It meant Ds and Dh could still go get their pizza without me complaining there wasn’t anything for me.

Great to read your review of Sapphire falls, we had our first stay there in February and loved it. Still managed a few wines at Strong Water Tavern and we’ve loved their food in the past but unfortunately not really suitable for my new diet.

Sal`s is so good, haven`t tried the salad but might give one a go this time around.

We just adore Sapphire Falls, and much as though we love RP, we do enjoy our full stay here on our May trip, very handy for Strong Water......

 

[schumigirl]

for us toothsome’s slide has been more about the staff’s consistently brusque attitude. talking pre-covid era & not the duo that used to mingle with their Schtick.

Bubba gumps, have yet to try one ‘anywhere’ that is satisfactory. Seems as tho always with somebody who needs to cross it off their bucket list.

That`s not good with the attitude for sure. I think we had decent staff, but it just doesn`t appeal at all, so we won`t be going back. We also bought some of their chocolates....we chose about 16 and they popped them in a rather lovely decorative box......they ended up in the trash. One of the chefs at Royal told us it`s whatever they put in the chocolate to stop it melting is not nice....that would explain it as Tom can eat anything usually, but nope.....yuk.

And for Bubba Gumps.....yes, well, we`ve tried it 3 times over the years and everytime food has been such a disappointment. Will never go back there again, although cocktails were nice, but we can get good cocktails anywhere. Certainly would never suggest anyone try it.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Sorry I haven’t been commenting much but I have been reading along and loving all your restaurant reviews.
Sounds like you have a similar relationship with your printer as I do with mine. Hopefully Tom gets everything sorted now you’ve bought a new one. Really isn’t long to go now for you. I’ve been hearing crazy tales of long security lines at the airport here too and think they are struggling to get staff. Fingers crossed things improve. Do you think you will need to test again for coronavirus the day before departure? More than anything the idea that one of us could test positive and therefore not be able to fly puts me off planning a trip so I’m really hoping they drop this requirement soon

 

[schumigirl]

Sorry I haven’t been commenting much but I have been reading along and loving all your restaurant reviews.
Sounds like you have a similar relationship with your printer as I do with mine. Hopefully Tom gets everything sorted now you’ve bought a new one. Really isn’t long to go now for you. I’ve been hearing crazy tales of long security lines at the airport here too and think they are struggling to get staff. Fingers crossed things improve. Do you think you will need to test again for coronavirus the day before departure? More than anything the idea that one of us could test positive and therefore not be able to fly puts me off planning a trip so I’m really hoping they do this requirement soon

Always glad to see you post luvpoohandcompany.......

Oh printers are the bane of our lives!!! This must be our 8th printer in just a few years, well maybe in about 5 years.

I think the airport situation is dreadful....Manchester seems to be struggling, particularly T1....we fly from T2 so hoping with Fast Trak it`ll be slightly better. We fly after the Easter rush, so hoping it`s a situation they can sort soon.

Two of our friends are flying into Belfast in several weeks and they`re hoping to have an easy time there with the airport. They`re visiting coastal areas, and Rathlin Island is on their list I think if it`s back open again. They are real outdoor people.....they like nothing better than being in the middle of nowhere and don`t mind bad weather which is why they love Scotland and Ireland so much I think......lol.......

As for pre flight testing....well, there`s a question. April 18th is the next update from Mr Biden......so we can only hope he follows the rest of the world like Australia and us and get rid of the need for testing before flying, other countries have admitted it does no good. but, whether he does or not remains to be seen. We won`t be booking anything until after the 18th just in case.....if we do still have to test we`ll book Randox at Manchester and still travel up as normal the day before and hope for the best.....will be a miserable journey home if it`s not a good result......lol......

I understand your reluctance though to book while this testing is still essential. It certainly takes away from the excitement and it is added stress for sure we don`t need.

Good to see you and hope you`re doing ok

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Two of our friends are flying into Belfast in several weeks and they`re hoping to have an easy time there with the airport. They`re visiting coastal areas, and Rathlin Island is on their list I think if it`s back open again. They are real outdoor people.....they like nothing better than being in the middle of nowhere and don`t mind bad weather which is why they love Scotland and Ireland so much I think......lol.......

Lol our weather is certainly similar and changeable that's for sure. It is lovely today though absolutely freezing but hey at least the sun is shining brightly even if it's not providing any heat

.if we do still have to test we`ll book Randox at Manchester and still travel up as normal the day before and hope for the best.

Hopefully all will be well. I'll keep my fingers crossed

Good to see you and hope you`re doing ok

All good here thankfully. My eldest boy has recovered from his brush with covid without any lasting effects and for that I'm grateful. The rest of us have managed to stay negative which I'm also glad about though my husband did have it a few months ago.

 

[schumigirl]

Lol our weather is certainly similar and changeable that's for sure. It is lovely today though absolutely freezing but hey at least the sun is shining brightly even if it's not providing any heat

Hopefully all will be well. I'll keep my fingers crossed

All good here thankfully. My eldest boy has recovered from his brush with covid without any lasting effects and for that I'm grateful. The rest of us have managed to stay negative which I'm also glad about though my husband did have it a few months ago.

That`s exactly the weather we`ve been having last few days.....brilliant sunshine but freezing cold. I need some heat......lol.......

Thank you.....and glad to hear your son has recovered nicely from covid, we have some family members who are still suffering over a year later.

 

[schumigirl]

 

[Deb1993]

VIVO ITALIAN KITCHEN​

I have to admit, I am not a fan of Italian food....well, except pizza, but that`s allowed apparently......

Going to restaurants, Italian is usually the last choice for me....I rarely eat pasta dishes, except lasagne on the odd occasion, but this was a place that Tom wanted to go to since it opened.

I was always reluctant as my experiences of Italian places in America hasn`t been the best. Olive Garden I hated as everything tasted so artificial and Bice, Mamma Della`s were also a big disappointment, but I have to say I really like it here and was pleasantly surprised how much I liked it.

​

You can sit at the bar or the usual tables of course, and it is seemingly a very busy place as it`s always been full every time we`ve been in.

We do prefer to sit at the bar in here, it`s a nice area and the bar staff are very good here too. Menu is the same, it just feels a little more personal somehow when you spend time engaging with the bar staff and usually you have folks around you who always make conversations which we like, everyone has a story.

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There is another seating area at the back of the restaurant where you can watch the chefs cook the food as you eat. I have to say the aromas around that are are very tempting and it`s a popular choice.

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On our first visit Tom went for clams with linguine which he loved although maybe a little too much pasta for the amount of clams. He said the spice was just right although could be a little spicier.

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I didn`t want to order pizza as it would be too easy a choice, so they have one of my favourite dishes on the menu, chicken piccata........and it was delicious I have to say. Chicken was tender and the lemon had just the right amount of piquancy for me......but, I didn`t realise I could have had their butter roasted potatoes instead of pasta with it. It wasn`t till they took the plate away and noticed I hadn`t touched the pasta, he said next time ask for the potatoes.....doh!!!

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The meatballs as an entree was huge......sorry the picture is a little blurry, I think this is one of the dishes Tom couldn`t even half finish......it was a large portion. He enjoyed it, I felt the meatballs were underseasoned for me.

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And yes, next time I did get the potatoes.....they were delicious, and the chicken was again beautifully cooked and seasoned.

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And again.........

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The giant pork chop with the bone in is off the menu now, which is a shame as it was gorgeous......I wished I had ordered it!!

Pork is something that`s so easily overcooked, but they got this just right, it wasn`t the least bit dry. And the lady sitting next to us took one look at it and immediately ordered one each for her and her husband.......yep, it was a good dish.

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Forgot to post the bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.....it is nice and just the nice amount.

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We did go on one night not planning to eat much at all......maybe share an appetiser.....nice idea........until we demolished the first one in record time!

The mussel appetiser is not my favourite with the tomato sauce, we both prefer white wine and garlic, but they were still nice....but not in the least bit filling......so we opted for a second appetiser.....

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So, we added the charcuterie board which apart from the blue cheese was delicious and we would order this again.

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I think next time we might like to try their cocktails, we usually opt for wine as they do have quite a nice wine list of both red and whites. But, maybe a cocktail or two would work for us for a change.....

This is a definite for May.

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Yes! We love Vivo. Make it a point to eat there every time. I always get the Piccata!!

 

[DisGhost]

Because of you, we tried Confisco Grille last trip (in February 2020.... SIGH) and I insisted on those sticky ribs. We also got a number of other dishes to try based on your trip reports and everything was delicious! It was our first time trying there. We have stayed at Royal Pacific 3x and Portofino Bay our last trip, and we are FINALLY going back in December right after Christmas and staying at RPR again! So I was super happy to see that you are back to writing trip reports again (I'm currently bingeing your Nov/Dec 21 trip report and feeling SO happy for you! And making notes since some of it will still be going on when we are there...)