Trend alert! Y'all love diners
That said reading all these projects helped get over the cold, and y'all had great concepts once again.
S'Movies Cafe by @MagicKingdom4Ever
A smoothie/shake place being a sit-down is unusual, but not unheard of with Toothsome's and Beaches & Cream essentially being that. The studio theming ties into the Hollywood background Universal has, but depending on the CityWalk this is at this theme is in use for the Legacy Store in Florida. Also kudos to the punful name - big fan on plays on words! The bonus: unfortunately you used two sentences placing this out of the running for the bonus point. With that said this sounds enjoyable as its a Vanilla - Chocolate Oreo sundae, but when tied to such an iconic film I do wish there was more to it connecting it to the film such as a pair of angel wings.
Papa's Fritas by @Disney Warrior
I'm pretty confident you're using this name as a double meaning? Its fried food owned by Papa, and papa fritas are French fries in Spanish! I actually ate at a place whose who gimmick was crazy French fries, I had the parmesan chicken mac 'n' cheese fries - they were great, tasty and obviously unhealthy. Why do I bring this up? Well I'm simply stating this is a very creative and unique path to take a restaurant that would be a hit as its unique yet still very familiar. The bonus: Santa's North Poltato I feel like feels a bit odd in a fries place as its a baked not fried potato. With that said I do think it sounds very yummy, and could work as a holiday poutine kinda dish as well!
Taverna Mamma Mia ~ Greek Island Grill by @TheSorcerersApprentice
Mamma Mia is one of Universal's biggest franchises with it being beloved by people of ages and demographics it is a feel good movie with no representation anywhere, and I think a sit down restaurant would be perfect for Universal CityWalk. There is no true Greek restaurant at CityWalk, and this offering provides something completely unique unlike anything they have currently. The creative names for the dishes and other little touches throughout the design of the restaurant were great to see making this concept feel whole. The bonus: the dish transform a traditional Greek holiday pastry into something that screams Mamma Mia while still playing homage to the holidays in a unique way - great route taken here!
Chuck E. Cheese's Hollywood Pizzeria by @DisneyFan32
This submission will not be counted towards your point total as you have gone over the two sentence limit. With that said I was a bit concerned with a Chuck E Cheese being your submission for this round, but you truly adapted to Universal and it does sound like a really fun concept to experience. I do think it would be interesting to see how this concept also translates to a table service option. The bonus: unfortunately you used two sentences placing this out of the running for the bonus point. Simple yet delightful this treat looks like a nice way to celebrate.
The Krusty Krab 3 by @Brer Panther
While not knowing much about of CityWalk you still gave it your all, and with CityWalk often acting as a catch all I think this would be a cool option for guests. I appreciate how it connects to the lore of the show, and the items on the menu range to the typical burger to more traditional entrees for those who may not care for a burger at a sitdown restaurant. Bonus: Shaped character treats are adorable, and if Mickey waffles prove anything then people love character shaped food so bring on the Sponge Bob Cookies!
The Vault by @montydysquith-navarro
A location tying into film/Hollywood is a great fit for USH Citywalk, and what really helps this proposal is the fact its a period piece as it helps to separate it from the rest of the current Hollywood theming. The fact that characters are the main draw is the other big separator making this a unique member of the dining family that makes up Universal's portfolio. With Toothsome's Universal has proven they have no issue with original IP powereing their character meals, and as such I think this is a natural fit for that as well. The bonus: the name itself is great and a lot of fun, and the dessert sounds delicious. It sounds different, luxe and scrumptious.
The Tribute Diner by @Pi on my Cake
The Dead Coconut Club was the first time I had even been to the venue, and it was insanely cool, so expanding this concept to its own purpose venue is genius. I can see this being just as popular as the store, if not more as it combines the themes of the tribute store as well as the popular food fests Universal does with each holiday. The bonus: After having a buckeye cupcake, I'm all for this as a neat treat that is a great fit for the Earl character.
North Pole Tavern by @MickeyMouse10
I'm shocked that Hooters doesn't already do this as it seems like a way to take advantage of the season to grow profits? I'm not sure how I feel about this at a family theme park (albeit older demo than Disney), but still I'm hesitant. That said I think this is a solid concept that would be popular. The bonus: I enjoy how you used this to your advantage and fully described the menu as the concept itself is seasonal.
Nintendo Pixel Diner by @Architectural Guinea Pig
I definitely think Universal not taking more advantage of the Nintendo IP right now is a wrong move, both CityWalks should have Nintendo stores/cafes to begin cashing in on the beloved IPs that are on offer. Eliminating a more common chain location I definitely think helps as well as it make the overall experience more special. Slight nitpick: Pokémon is the 90s not the 80s, but the overall aestthic painted sounds captivating with the menu continuing that theme. The bonus: The fort is adorable and should be fun for the whole family.
Grandma’s Italian Sunday “Gravy” Trattoria by @Tony the Tigger
This sounds delicious, and the one photo provided is mouth watering. I can see this being popular for the same reason as @Disney Warriors 's Papa's Fritas as a base pasta with a variety of sauces is a great yet simple concept many will love. It simple, but straight to the point making it simple for tourists and regulars to enjoy. The bonus: the fact that the special is another cultural dish and just the typical Christmas dish is a neat way to answer the prompt in a thoughtful way.
Boston to Beijing: Asian Fusion by @ThemeParkPriest
As mentioned USF doesn't really have an Asian table service beyond the sushi at Cowfish so this is filling in a niche that would be instantly loved by guests. I think the theme is translated well from the nice name (big fan actually), décor, and the menu reflecting the fusion of cultures. The bonus: Red bean cheesecake is an igneious way to get the red for the holidays naturally, but another way to honor your restaurant's concept.
WWE SmackDown Diner by @Tegan pilots a chicken
With Peacock hosting WWE content this is a great way to pump up synergy in the parks with a beloved IP the company owns, but never really utilizes in meaningful ways at the parks. This will be a huge slam for fans of the WWE given its a wrestling Hard Rock/Planet Hollywood albeit with hopefully a better menu. Bonus: While not tied to the holiday it does sound interesting! I do wish you went into more detail as to what it was.
Das Haus des Kochs by @Suchomimus
Balancing traditional German dishes with more American style dishes is great as it ensures pickier eaters to give this more "foreign" cuisine a try. The celebration of German culture throughout he various rooms is fantastic, and something you would expect out of Epcot with all being detaile das such. The bonus: plenty of holiday flavours are associated with Germany, and its great to see you act on that with a unique spin with the stuffed apples.
To help with everything right now. I'm omitting the extra reviews for these rounds of results - if needed I will divulge why simply ask.
Das Haus des Kochs by @Suchomimus
The Vault by @montydysquith-navarro
Boston to Beijing: Asian Fusion by @ThemeParkPriest
Taverna Mamma Mia ~ Greek Island Grill by @TheSorcerersApprentice
The Bonus: The winner for the Holiday dish was @Tony the Tigger with their Sweet Lobster Gravy. It shies away from the typical holiday fare one was come to expect of turkey, cranberries, peppermint, etc. It brings in a cultural reason for the holiday dish, and it ties into the story and menu perfectly of the main restaurant.
Time to tally up all the points after our tasty leg of the Holiday Fun competition!
18 (Tied). @englanddg - 1
18 (Tied). @Brer Oswald - 1
12 (Tied). @Chaos Cat - 2
12 (Tied). @DisneyFan32 - 2
12 (Tied). @Evilgidgit- 2
12 (Tied). @spacemt354 - 2
12 (Tied). @Lizzy May Bee - 2
12 (Tied). @Tegan pilots a chicken - 2
5 (Tied). @Architectural Guinea Pig - 3
5 (Tied). @MickeyMouse10 - 3
5 (Tied). @Disney Warrior - 3
5 (Tied). @MagicKingdom4Ever - 3
5 (Tied). @Brer Panther - 3
5 (Tied). @Pi on my Cake - 3
5 (Tied). @Suchomimus - 3
4. @Tony the Tigger - 4
3. @ThemeParkPriest - 5
1 (Tied). @TheSorcerersApprentice - 6
1 (Tied). @montydysquith-navarro - 6
Still plenty of ties, but the points are just still so close!
