My take on one of your choices: Frontera Cocina.
I was not happy with the entrees there and was so looking forward to enjoying our complete meal.
The tortilla soup was delicious and finished to the last drop. It would have been nice if the waitress didn't spill some of the broth on the man during service but he made light of it probably since he knew I'd know how to clean it, LOL. The atomic guacamole was nicely seasoned as was the salsa and chips.
We ordered the steak asada which came with an extra cost enhancement of garlic shrimp during the end of Dec/start of Jan, mushroom torta, and a chicken dish - don't recall which one.
The steak arrived at our table pre cut (normal) but somebody in the kitchen dinna get the memo on how to cut a skirt steak properly; was cut incorrectly thus was too chewy. I truly enjoyed the carmelised plantinos but the rice and refried beans had no seasoning to speak of. The shrimp enhancement were a tad overcooked and not infused with garlic as I've known them to be at other eateries. The mushroom torta made the man happy but again could have used more seasoning from my POV. The chicken dish came with queso and as per DGD's request was placed on the side. The plantain and rice tasted just like white rice which was a tad strange but suited DGD since white rice was what she really wanted. All salads and veggie sides sent out with the entrees were perfectly made and wound up being most of what was finished. We had our leftovers boxed up but truth be known it was an exercise in futility. I had no guilt throwing it in the trash can when we checked out. We ordered a trio of desserts and the only one that was memorable at this time was the one with pecans. We cleaned that plate between the 3 of us and left lots of leftovers for the other 2. I do know that one of the orphan desserts was a seasonal offering.
The man wuvved whatever tequila Margareta he ordered...don't know what kind it was but probably was pretty traditional; I opted for water only through out the meal.
This eatery is not a credit to Rick Bayless' resume but when I learned that the people who run Epcot's Mexican restaurants also operate this place all the pieces fell into place. Planning a Chitown visit as I write and hope Mr. Bayless can restore my confidence in his informative cookbooks and restaurants that he actually oversees directly
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We've an ADR for Morimoto Asia this trip so have high hopes but no review to date.
Homecoming is not on my radar. I have fond memories of my VA Nana's fried chicken and bisquits or rolls. Doubt many can live up to her standards, LOL.
Other places we've enjoyed at DS are Boathouse and a pizza spot, probably Blaze. I wasn't hungry when the others ate the pizza but they sure seem to enjoy it. Oh right and of course, Sprinkles, which could take me back to my early adulthood when I "proved" my independence by eating desserts for dinners.......yeah children are bizarre even when they can take care of selves......
