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LIVEish, 7 Days on Symphony (May 18, 2019) - Unlimited Dining Package Edition


CGTLH

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Time for the Izumi Hibachi update.

This time around no captions, just let the photos do the talking.

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Passed on dessert

Most of the show was centered around the preparation of the fried rice. Primarily the egg used in the rice.

I had ordered a two protein combination, wasn't charged anything extra and the bill was $0. Don't know if this was due to the social media reach out or not. At the same time, also overheard what I think was the same zero bill explanation to the party next to us for having the UDP. Didn't try getting anything extra from the sushi side or even starting off/ending on that side. Still on the fence trying a to-go order after visiting another venue.

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11 minutes ago, Marlena said:

Are " snacks" as you call it included in UDP? Can you really get late night wings or stuff for free at playmakers after a full dinner?

Was covered last night, so I'd say it should be fine. Was the first time trying a "second meal".

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3 minutes ago, Marlena said:

Wow....that's a scary option! Lol. Was a specialty lunch included on embarcation day with the package?

Went to Playmakers once they opened. Logic was thinking Chops and Jamie's might have been crazy due to The Key lunch. Hooked isn't open for lunch. Figured give JR a shot on another day.

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So here is the "Breaking News", new menu at Playmakers...

Just started today and Symphony is the first ship to use it.

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Today was our first port of call, St. Kitts. So after getting back on the ship it was decided to go an make yet another visit to Playmakers around 2pm when they first opened. Seeing this new menu and having the UDP I just had to do some sampling.

First up were the Poke Nachos, requested no scallions and the truffle sauce on the side.

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After just about devouring the entire basket I realized the chips were fried wonton skins/rounds. Only complaint it could have used a bit more tuna.

Next to come out was the Chili Burger, with only the chili and cheese.

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Only major complaint was the chili, seemed to be the same stuff that Windjammer uses for "beef chili".

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No, I'm not getting in to the beans vs no beans chili debate.

Final selection of the afternoon was the Buffalo Chicken Crunch Roll.

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These beauties were egg roll skins stuffed with a blend of buffalo chicken and some sort of cheese. Then it seemed they where coated in some sort of cornflake style breading. Plus as the menu mentioned served with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing on the side.

Between the Poke Nachos and the Buffalo Chicken Crunch Roll it would be hard to decide on a win. I would say the Buffalo Chicken Crunch Roll wins by just a hair. Mainly on the stand point of bang for the buck. If the Tuna Nachos maybe had a bit more tuna the victory would have gone the other way.

Overall the out of pocket cost would have been $22 (plus 18% gratuity) if it wasn't for the Unlimited Dining Package.

For the record I'll eventually get to that dang Campfire Cookie. That is still a bucket list item, along with the sundae...

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Some how managed to make it over to 150 Central Park for a 6:30 dinner seating.

Just a warning I was a bit on the lazy side on the photo front and forgot to take some.

Started off the infamous Parker House style rolls. Topped with granulated garlic and I think a truffle butter.

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Yup, forgot to take a picture until they were half way pulled a part.

For an appetizer it was the Beet Salad, Braised Short Rib, and Pan Honey-Glazed Scallops. Sorry, no pictures were taken.

For entrees it was the Lobster Thermidor and Pan Seared Halibut.

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Dessert time

Peanut Butter Chocolate Tart

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Fried Cheesecake 

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Not really Ultimate Dining Package related, still it is something I haven't seen before. Know I have already mentioned the late night hot items from Cafe Promenade. Nice thing is some of the items do change daily.

Items from Day 3

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Items for Day 4

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Closer view of the Meatball Panini from last night/this morning (Day 4).

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Wonder when I'm going to get the letter banning me from Playmakers...

Lunch today was the Poke Nachos, Buffalo Chicken Crunch Roll, and new to the tasting field the Chicken Tenders.

Figured having the Buffalo Chicken Crunch Roll  again I'd take the opportunity to do a closer photo inspection.

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Next up for the photo shoot, the Chicken Tenders.

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Getting a bit more up close and personal...

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Took a bite and was surprised how they packed more of a seasoning kick than expected. So I sampled another one to get a better idea.

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Just as I thought, must have been seasoned and then have the cornflake breading applied.

To round things off, gave the sundae a shot.

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Being a bit full at this point it was requested to have a few scoops less of ice cream. That white cup in the middle goes all the way to the bottom.

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1 hour ago, Marlena said:

I'm so looking forward to wonderland so hope it lives up to the hype.

@Marlena We went to Wonderland on Sunday. Here is the review I posted on my live blog. Obviously, it is just my opinion.

Beautiful looking, service ok but not great, food is unique but "small bites" is an understatement and portions are small. Two levels, bar upstairs, dining on lower level. It was somewhat of an experience because of the way things are served i.e. smoking under glass, melting a chocolate dessert globe with hot caramel, the Mad Hatter (who just came over to chat a while) etc. but I guess maybe our expectations were too high. Not unhappy we tried it, but would not do it again. Best part of it was making the blank menu appear by painting it with water. 

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Server chooses your appetizer and dessert, you choose your entree.

Appetizers

Citrus Seas Shhh...Sorry didn't get a pic of the Crispy Crab Cones (they were really tiny anyway)

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Center is the bird's nest, top is potted shrimp, bottom I don't remember 

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Entree...Short rib and halibut

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Dessert...not listed on menu and don't remember the names. The chocolate one is what came in a ball. The server poured hot caramel over it to melt it before I got that picture. The other is a berry something with coconut.

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It looks like a lot of food but really wasn't. We were in and out in an hour

 

 

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Thanks @Skid for providing your recap!

 

Key thing when it comes to Wonderland is if you like something ask for another "bite". It can be filling depending on number items brought out. Also if you want to try something in particular just ask for it up front.

What the "guide" brings out is a great start for the experience. Just be honest about any dislikes. At the same time I hate saying it, as @WAAAYTOOO would put it "You always have Windjammer afterwards"... (My own input: Just depending on time you get out. Otherwise Sorrentos or Cafe Promenade will have to finish off the meal.)

The Globe/World offering, melt lapse

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Think the reason behind not taking photos was due the shadow I was casting. Hate using the flash in a dark/lowlight environment.

 

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One cruise goal finally completed, visit El Loco Fresh at breakfast.

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El Loco Fresh also had cut fruit and made to order eggs. Just keep in mind they are only open until 10 am for breakfast.

Also interesting is the frozen dairy dessert machine was functional and ready to dispense frozen (or semi-frozen) goodness.

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If you had to choose 3 restaurants for dinner, which would you chose?  We have a 3 night package for a 3 night cruise this weekend.  I'm thinking Wonderland, 150 CP and debating on the 3rd.  I love fish but Hooked doesn't interest me.  I love sushi but I'm a sushi snob so no Izumi.  I am debating on Jamie's and Chops.  Any recommendations?

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I would not do Wonderland.  To me Wonderland is a been there, done that, checked the box.  It really is more about presentation than anything else impo.  If it was me I would do Hooked, 150 and Chops.  If you got the Key than I would probably switch out Jamies for Chops since you can eat at Chops for lunch on embarkation day.  Some Izumi's have teppanyaki, or the stones.  If so than you are not limited to sushi only.  If it doesn't I wouldn't do Izumi.  

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48 minutes ago, melski94 said:

If you had to choose 3 restaurants for dinner, which would you chose?  We have a 3 night package for a 3 night cruise this weekend.  I'm thinking Wonderland, 150 CP and debating on the 3rd.  I love fish but Hooked doesn't interest me.  I love sushi but I'm a sushi snob so no Izumi.  I am debating on Jamie's and Chops.  Any recommendations?

Just all depends if you like Italian style fare or steakhouse style fare.

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As mentioned previously lunch was at Jamie's. Ordered some of the same standards from dinner. Only new addition was getting The Jamie's Italian Burger and Our Famous Prawn Linguine (requested prawns only).

The Jamie's Italian Burger

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Just the prawns from Our Famous Prawn Linguine

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Only complaint I'm running into are the burgers at Chops and Jamie's are extremely dense and lacking in moisture. I'm sure if asked they could be ordered a bit towards the medium to medium well side.

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1 hour ago, AshleyDillo said:

So Playmakers takes the lead for the Symphony burger showdown?

On the battle of the burger front is does seem Playmakers is winning out. Main reason being the burger isn't as thick so the density hasn't been a huge factor. Still don't recall it  being "juicy".

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7 hours ago, RG306 said:

Just wondering how you planned dining around entertainment?  Seems to me on the symphony it all starts around 8PM but ideally if we ate lunch at a speciality, we would dine between 7-8PM.  Would we be missing out?

Sorry, forgot about answering this question.

Normal target time for dinner has been in the 6:30 time range. This allows time to catch the 8:30 shows normally.

Some exceptions had to be made due to availability. Most of the time it has been towards the early side being 5:30. Trust me, later lunch and early dinner time don't mix too well at times. Self control has been the key.

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Tonight's dinner was at Chops and I'm going to admit I think dining fatigue is starting to set in.

Meal wasn't anything too crazy, Colossal Shrimp Cocktail, Tuna Tartare, 6oz Filet, and Spicy Jumbo Shrimp. Entering tonight's photo lineup will be the Tuna Tartare, 6oz Filet, and Spicy Jumbo Shrimp. No Chops dessert, had requested one of Celebrating 50 Years Bold cakes brought up from the Main Dining Room.

Tuna Tartare 

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6oz Filet 

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Spicy Jumbo Shrimp

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4 hours ago, CGTLH said:

Most of the time it has been towards the early side being 5:30. Trust me, later lunch and early dinner time don't mix too well at times. Self control has been the key.

Self control? What is that? This week has had more than one day with lunch at Windjammer, pizza at Sorrento's, early dinner and after show Cafe Promenade. 

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