Post 50 RX

The La Hacienda de San Angel Experiencia

By 16 Comments

Time to DISsert!  What makes a successful restaurant?  Perhaps the 90% failure rate so often cited by various media is a bit of an urban legend, but the “magic formula” for creating an enduring eatery absolutely remains elusive.  After a year at the New York Restaurant School, my husband and I set upon our quest to construct a restaurant that would survive the test of time.  We’ve owned four restaurants in the past 25 years, but we’re still compiling our list of intangibles that all great fine dining establishments possess:

  • a cohesive identity
  • imaginative service that goes well beyond the expected
  • a thoughtful menu and specialty cocktails/ wine list

Perhaps it is because we have been celebrating Cinco de Mayo for the past 2 weeks, but I simply can’t get La Hacienda de San Angel off my mind.  I paid my first visit to this Epcot establishment in January, and its list of successful intangibles is long.  I know you’ve read your share of reviews of La Hacienda’s southern Mexican food and drink; homemade corn tortillas, my amazing grilled tilapia with mango chutney (Pescado a la Talla) and their now famous, ingenious Tequila Flights have been thoroughly critiqued on-line and in the blogosphere.  What truly set this restaurant apart for me was my full dining event- my total experience.

Pescado a la Talla

I spent my first-ever solo dining adventure at La Hacienda de Angel  and had some MAJOR trepidation in doing so.  Although I know so many others enjoy it, I am always uncomfortable when I see a solo diner, and even more so in the land of happy, engaged families.  As I checked in, I fully expected a rushed, avoid-all-eye-contact, slightly lonely meal.  Instead, I had one of the lo mejor dining experiences of my life. 

The famous Margarita Flight may have been an outside factor.

Disney fans know that every on-property restaurant tells a story, and La Hacienda’s plays beautifully.  The Palmas Services LLC corporation that operates all three Mexican restaurants in the World Showcase opened their first establishment in Mexico City in 1963; by converting an established 17th century hacienda into the original Restaurante San Angel Inn, an international success was born.  Disney parlayed this concept into the narrative of La Hacienda de Angel, and from the minute you pass through the scrolled wrought-iron gates you feel as though you are entering the grand, warm, lakeside home of a decidedly artistic south-of-the-border family.  I was given a most gracious welcome by a member of La Hacienda’s management team, addressed by name, and escorted through the “residence”.



La Hacienda de San Angel artwork sample

Each room has its own personality and role in the former manor; the pantry, living room, grand salon, artist’s studio, and finally, the main dining room, each completes the theme.  In Disney’s characteristic attention to detail, the chairs and tables were crafted in Mexico, and the distinctive lighting fixtures were commissioned by Mexican artist Ernesto Cruz.  As you pass the cleverly placed artist’s kiln, you are led to imagine that every piece of blown glass, sculpture, vase or painting was created by the resident to decorate their dwelling.  Of course, all of this perfectly frames the floor to ceiling windows that offer the perfect view of the World Showcase Lagoon and my table!  I don’t know if it was my solitary status, or business as usual, but I received the most exemplary service for the next hour.  My server and buser each had broad smiles, which is never over-rated.  The manager returned to my table 3 more times that evening, each time calling me by name, and answering my menu inquiries and offering suggestions.
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
Of course, the gran final was my view of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth (it felt as though it were showing just for me).  Gracias La Hacienda de San Angel– your hospitality is second to none.  My magical experiencia puts you on our list of GREAT restaurants, and I’ll be back- with oodles of company!

Comments

  11. So nice to see you DISTherapy, Thanks for linking up to TGIF blog hop!! Love the La Hacienda!! YUM! Speaking to my tummy, I just need a margarita to wash mine down!

    Reply

  13. Great review. This hasn't been on my list of places that I have to try, but you've just moved it up the list. I hope the service stays as wonderful as you've described!

    Reply

  15. We've been twice and loved it both times – but our friends didn't like it! They prefer "typical" Mexican and were disappointed by the fancier menu.. as for us, the chorizo and steak platter for 2 – amazing

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *