130944 Sun Sep 28 12:42:06 -0700 2003 3 10 Florida 0 707705 Well, Marriott is trying to avoid the hotel stigma with its restaurants here. Primo (like the Maine destination restaurant) and Norman's (as in the Coral Gables restaurant) are the signature restaurants here. Has anyone been? We have reservations at Primo one night, Norman's another and will have Thanksgiving at Citricos at the Grand Floridian as I love that chef and his wine selections but I haven't been there for a while. Would love feedback. LMF Sun Sep 28 12:42:06 -0700 2003 0 LilMsFoodie 1 707756 Like Primo, although I wish the chef were here more often instead of Maine. Norman's untested, but hearing some good things. Citroco chef Gray Bynum is fantastic. Manager is Arun Joshi -- they will take great care of you. MIx of Caribbean, and Mediterranean, with lots of citrus and Disney's great leverage on wine availability. Bob Wed Oct 01 23:50:19 -0700 2003 707705 0 Bob Mervine 2 707779 I bet that the Primo's chef will be in attendance come "Season". I imagine it is part of her contract. I would think that Norman will be required to have a certain presence as well. I am going to be in heaven for those 3 days. Great dinners (at least I am assuming they will be), a great new spa and the over the top Holiday Kick off at Walt Disney World. Will just do a little Epcot and Grand Floridian Turkey day and avoid it otherwise. Will make notes and report back. Let me know if you hear anything. LMF Fri Oct 03 16:52:59 -0700 2003 707756 0 LilMsFoodie 3 707864 Funny you should mention their contracts. Both chefs have told me that their deal with Marriott is pretty straight forward. Other that a minimum amout of stuff related to promoting the hotel itself, the restaurant business is their's to succeed or fail and they wish at their own expense. Both plan on being here quite a lot. In fact, Van Akens son is on the staf at a fairly low end spot - line cook or in the bakery, I think. Melissa kelly is in town next wek -- Oct. 13 thru 17 -- if anyone is coming to town and wants to actually eat her food. Bob Sat Oct 11 10:05:18 -0700 2003 707779 0 Bob Mervine