Coastal Kitchen " Meh"?

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Last night on Caribbean blog live Youtube,  Matt stated his opinion on the dining experience in the Coastal Kitchen as "meh" , Yet he continually raves about the cooking table at Izumi/Hibachi   Thoughts?  agree? disagree?

[WAAAYTOOO]

I am not a huge fan of the CK.  I love it for the convenience (especially for breakfast) and there are a couple of menus that we like but for the most part, I can take it or leave it.  The location, convenience, views and slower pace (usually) are the big pluses for the CK.  The food itself is marginal (IMO).

[kadmgs]

We've only sailed once on a ship with a CK. I really enjoyed breakfast in CK, especially the chorizo and egg flatbread. The food was good and still warm, if not hot, when it came to the table. The same cannot be said for the MDR's sit down breakfast. We only ate dinner the first night in there because we had the UDP. Everyone raves about the filet, so we decided to try it out. Plus, we wanted to see if we liked it enough to eat in there again during the sailing. The filet was excellent. In fact, it was the best filet we had all week to include Chops and 150 Central Park. However, I'm not on the "everything needs truffles/truffle oil" bandwagon. I don't like them and think they have a petrochemical flavor. The truffle potatoes permeated the bottom of the steak to the point that I couldn't eat a full slice and had to cut it off. DW on the other hand, absolutely loved it. They did bring me some regular potatoes which were delicious. I know next time to order the filet w/o the truffle potatoes. We also tried lunch one afternoon and it was good. Same as breakfast... food was hot when it came to the table. 

[AshleyDillo]

It's a "meh" for me too.  It's a step up from MDR for sure and the filet is pretty good, but I'm never motivated to go out of my way to eat at CK. I'd much rather avail myself of specialty dining.

I also don't go out of my way for the hibachi either. To each his own.

[CrimsonCruiser]

Only did CK twice so far on Odyssey and I did really enjoy it. We opted for it for boarding day lunch but really only had salads and dessert as we weren't settled enough to be fully hungry. Both were delicious. Then we did it once more when we had an early show that conflicted with the MDR my time and again really delicious. I'm also not a huge fan of truffles since they are in the mushroom family and I don't like mushrooms much but the pasta I got with it was very yummy and truly the hot food was a blessing after lots of other options being heat-lamp warm.

 

My mom - the strange person she is - was convinced the CK water was better than any other venue on the ship. Lol

[JSB_Z51]

To each their own.  For my family CK > MDR.  We ate CK for every Breakfast, Lunch on Sea days and Dinner except for our 3 specialty restaurant dinner reservations.

That said service was fantastic since we were there so much which contributed to our positive reviews and experience.  

[Cruisin and Boozin]

Absolutely loved CK on our back to back.

[cruisellama]

Its all personal taste.   The situation can be affected by who's cooking too - so there's a little random-ness thrown into everything.  Gauge everything yourself, a good or bad recommendation may or may not be aligned to your own personal experience or likes.

[Ampurp85]

CK is a "meh" for me as well. When you stay in a suite it is nice to have a dedicated restaurant that is a little quieter and forgiving. However, the menu is often unappealing imho. It is better than the MDR but doesn't come close to most specialty restaurants. 

[Jolly Ogre]

We were just on the Oasis and we only had 2700 passengers and even though we were in a JS it was no problem getting in, however there was nothing on the menu that really drew me away from the MDR so we never went to the CK.

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On 2/15/2022 at 9:20 AM, WAAAYTOOO said:

I am not a huge fan of the CK.  I love it for the convenience (especially for breakfast) and there are a couple of menus that we like but for the most part, I can take it or leave it.  The location, convenience, views and slower pace (usually) are the big pluses for the CK.  The food itself is marginal (IMO).

CK is usually filled to capacity, and if you dont make reservations you won't be seated. As these are for suite guests( who normally have cruised  with Royal in the past) it seems to be a preference for dining.  I like the fact that everything is cooked to order. It arrives quite quickly and hot. The servers always do a good job to recommend what is popular and good on the menu.  Like MDR, if you dont like any particular selection , you can alway have another.  ie filet/lobster., whatever.  Wine is complimentary of course as well and I always have a  nice coffee and digestif ,also complimentary .  I have cruised very recently (6 times) in the last few months and in speaking with the concierge, the CK went through some changes with regards to quality.  I even spoke to the head chef on board, and he claims CK is the best you can get on the ship. The beef is prime. I think the MDR is select or standard.  The menu switches up daily, with a few items repeated that are popular.  The views , the service and total ambiance is my preference as well and usually very few children if any.  

[Va4fam]

We are JS guests and have limited experience with CK. 

What we discovered was the food was pretty good but the service was exceptional.     Our server made recommendations and even brought us some of his favorite "off menu" items to try.   Very tasty and we appreciated the "above and beyond" hospitality.

I think Matt has stated numerous times on the podcast that he really enjoys the sushi and hibachi at Izumi, so it makes sense he prefers it over CK.

[CruisingNewb]

There is an inherent problem with public food reviews these days.  The problem is that because of the internet and wide accessibilities to sites like this one, everyone becomes a food critic.  This is not to say you shouldn't have an opinion, but I have read and trusted too many reviews (Yelp, and others) and felt the exact opposite of many of these reviews.  

Guess my point is, I hope that everyone continues to share opinions, but I also hope that new cruisers (or cruisers new to RCCL, etc.) are still willing to try and explore for themselves.  I would rather state an opinion that is specific to my taste and leave it open for others to try, than try to use loaded words and phrases to deter others from trying.

BTW-never eaten at CK, but it is already on my list to try when I get on board!

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26 minutes ago, CruisingNewb said:

There is an inherent problem with public food reviews these days.  The problem is that because of the internet and wide accessibilities to sites like this one, everyone becomes a food critic.  This is not to say you shouldn't have an opinion, but I have read and trusted too many reviews (Yelp, and others) and felt the exact opposite of many of these reviews.  

Guess my point is, I hope that everyone continues to share opinions, but I also hope that new cruisers (or cruisers new to RCCL, etc.) are still willing to try and explore for themselves.  I would rather state an opinion that is specific to my taste and leave it open for others to try, than try to use loaded words and phrases to deter others from trying.

BTW-never eaten at CK, but it is already on my list to try when I get on board!

With mountains shared on social media,I think that expert reviews are essential. I wonder how chef Ramsay would rate cruise food? Some may argue that most restaurant-goers these days prefer Google, Yelp and Instagram for quick points about the menu and ambiance, and care less about the quality, preparation method and historical context of the food itself. Social media has changed the nature of food criticism. Unlike food critics, public online reviews can state whether civilian diners found a meal to be simply good or bad, without necessarily explaining, or even understanding, why those opinions were formed. In other cases, online reviews act as a quick overview of the restaurant’s menu offerings, service and atmosphere, often relying on photos without any written expert assessment of the actual food. Everybody thinks they can write about food—and they often don’t have the background. I have found it difficult to find "expert" or professional reviews  for cruise ships in general. I checked "cruise critic" forum on this , and most of the positive reviews were for the luxury lines. Royals only favourable mention was the Italian burger at Jamie Olivers. Go figure.    I personally enjoy the variety, and enjoy many things on board that I don't make at home...I don't have lobster, escargot, Beef Wellington, etc at home, but I certainly enjoy it on a cruise where I don't have to spend a fortune on groceries, cooking, etc.

[CruisingNewb]

19 minutes ago, Eddy said:

I don't have lobster, escargot, Beef Wellington, etc at home, but I certainly enjoy it on a cruise where I don't have to spend a fortune on groceries, cooking, etc.

TRUTH!

[BrianAlt]

I wouldn't go so far as to say, "meh!"  But I understand the sentiment.  I think it's good, but it's not specialty restaurant good.  I appreciate the more personalized service.  It's nice having a private dining space.  I enjoy it, but it's not like I'm blown away.

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5 hours ago, BrianAlt said:

I wouldn't go so far as to say, "meh!"  But I understand the sentiment.  I think it's good, but it's not specialty restaurant good.  I appreciate the more personalized service.  It's nice having a private dining space.  I enjoy it, but it's not like I'm blown away.

I have yet to experience any "mind blowing" culinary  experience on ships.  Please do share...maybe Im missing something?     Most of the food is very good. 

[SpeedNoodles]

We love the atmosphere and the service.  Breakfast is nice.  Most of the menus don't excite us.  Mr. SpeedNoodles had a steak for lunch one day that he said "had to have come from the oldest steer on the planet" because it was just such an awful cut of beef.

[fa-li]

Wait, wine is included at CK?

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16 minutes ago, fa-li said:

Wait, wine is included at CK?

Yes wine and I think cocktails  liqueurs,  and fresh squeezed orange juice for breakfast . And expresso based coffees 

[Pooch]

Not that it makes a difference to me cuz we have the DBP, but really?  Is that because the drinks come from the suites lounge?  First I have ever heard of this

[Cruisin and Boozin]

Drinks from 11-11 at the suite lounge bar. Mixed drinks beer and wine included 

[Pooch]

But that is limited to the lounge menu correct?  CK has an extensive list on the app with prices.  Is EVERYTHING on that list included??

[SpeedNoodles]

But what about Quantum Class ships, where the Suite Lounge and Coastal Kitchen aren't near each other? Would those drinks still be included?

 

[Cruisin and Boozin]

I’ve never been on Quantum class. But that being said drinks are at the bar. So I’m not sure how that works at coastal kitchen when in different area. 

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1 hour ago, SpeedNoodles said:

But what about Quantum Class ships, where the Suite Lounge and Coastal Kitchen aren't near each other? Would those drinks still be included?

 

Ill be checking it out on Anthem in a few days!

[Goldie 2001]

Do you have to have reservations for all meals or just dinner?

[CrimsonCruiser]

On 2/18/2022 at 10:28 AM, Eddy said:

Yes wine and I think cocktails  liqueurs,  and fresh squeezed orange juice for breakfast . And expresso based coffees 

I need to know more! This is a seriously great deal if it's the case outside of the UDP or the ones where CK and Suite Lounge are in one spot.

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On 2/18/2022 at 11:28 AM, Eddy said:

Yes wine and I think cocktails  liqueurs,  and fresh squeezed orange juice for breakfast . And expresso based coffees 

Correction ! Only on oasis class! Not Quantum!   I’m on Anthem now .  Ck is great !  Spoke with head chef Linton , and he claims it’s the best dining on the whole ship .  

[CrimsonCruiser]

On 2/22/2022 at 5:23 PM, Eddy said:

Correction ! Only on oasis class! Not Quantum!   I’m on Anthem now .  Ck is great !  Spoke with head chef Linton , and he claims it’s the best dining on the whole ship .  

Is this only for Star class which comes with a comped drink package?

I'll be in a GS which is Sky class on Allure in the fall and would love to take advantage if able.

[CGTLH]

50 minutes ago, CrimsonCruiser said:

Is this only for Star class which comes with a comped drink package?

I'll be in a GS which is Sky class on Allure in the fall and would love to take advantage if able.

On Oasis class ships. From 11a-11p soda, water, beer, and wine is available from the Suite Lounge bar. Drinks from Coastal Kitchen come from the Suite Lounge bar on Oasis class ships.

[Pooch]

So that explains wine & beer being complementary as they come from the suites lounge where they are complementary.  But cocktails?  Aren’t they complementary only during happy hours 5-7 or thereabouts?  And they’re also limited in selection no?

[CGTLH]

4 hours ago, Pooch said:

But cocktails?  Aren’t they complementary only during happy hours 5-7 or thereabouts?  And they’re also limited in selection no?

Same deal for cocktails, complementary during happy hour. Correct about a limited selection of spirits, no clue what the current selections are.

[Pooch]

So if you are dining at CK during happy hour, whatever selection of cocktails are available in the lounge can be gotten for free?  That’s different from “cocktails are free in CK” as someone posted earlier.

[Ampurp85]

3 hours ago, Pooch said:

So if you are dining at CK during happy hour, whatever selection of cocktails are available in the lounge can be gotten for free?  That’s different from “cocktails are free in CK” as someone posted earlier.

Yes.

You can get most mixed drinks but will be made with lower quality alcohol. When we did Sky class on Allure this past Oct and ate dinner at CK, I would get the drink of the day. My brother and BFF would get double whiskey on the rocks. Never charged because happy hour was from 5pm-8:30pm

[Pooch]

We all have the DBP so it really makes no difference to us.  BUT I will tell anyone who wants a particular mixed drink to probably hit up a bar on the way to dinner.  

[Ampurp85]

20 minutes ago, Pooch said:

We all have the DBP so it really makes no difference to us.  BUT I will tell anyone who wants a particular mixed drink to probably hit up a bar on the way to dinner.  

They will have bar to make any drinks not frozen I believe. If you have DBP you can use it there and order what you want. They may or may not charge your package. You won't have to get drinks anywhere else. 

[CGTLH]

19 minutes ago, Pooch said:

We all have the DBP so it really makes no difference to us.  BUT I will tell anyone who wants a particular mixed drink to probably hit up a bar on the way to dinner.  

If you're referring to dining in Coastal Kitchen it wouldn't matter hitting up a bar first. The Suite Lounge bar carries just about all same spirits as any other bar does. Key thing is the selection of spirits with the complimentary Happy Hour cocktails. Only real catch is I don't think they have access to a blender.

[Dicey]

There may be exceptions to the complimentary beverages in the suite lounge because of limited capacity.  When we were on the Oasis last October we got any drink we wanted (beer, wine, cocktails, whiskeys) at any hour bar service was available so YMMV.  

[MarkFamMan]

10 minutes ago, Dicey said:

There may be exceptions to the complimentary beverages in the suite lounge because of limited capacity.  When we were on the Oasis last October we got any drink we wanted (beer, wine, cocktails, whiskeys) at any hour bar service was available so YMMV.  

Oh i so hope this is the case on Allure for 3/19!!!