Rainforest Cafe Review: Corona Rita & Chili Con Queso

Rainforest Cafe Review

• The reviewer anticipates a unique experience with rain, fog, thunderstorms, animals, and birds.
• The reviewer is excited to be at Rainforest Cafe, fulfilling a 90s dream.
• The reviewer plans to sample appetizers, seafood, steaks, sandwiches, burgers, desserts, and cocktails.

Corona Rita Drink

• It is a frozen margarita topped with a Corona beer.
• It can be ordered in original, blue, or strawberry flavor.
• The reviewer found it to be a very salty margarita.
• The Corona bottle can be removed and consumed separately.

Chili Con Queso Appetizer

• Seasoned ground beef can be added to the chili con queso for an additional $4.99.
• It is similar to nacho cheese from sports games or movie theaters.
• The reviewer found it too pepper-forward and didn't enjoy it.
• The ground beef didn't enhance the flavor, not worth the upcharge.
• It has a strong green bell pepper flavor.

Rainforest Thunderstorm

• Thunderstorms occur every 17 to 20 minutes.

Beef Lava Nachos Appetizer

• Nachos come loaded with peppers, onions, black beans, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, green onions, sour cream, pico de gallo, and salsa.
• The cilantro and salsa elevate the taste.
• The salsa packs a flavorful punch.
• The portion size is ideal for 5-6 people to share.

Chicken Quesadilla Appetizer

• Prepared with Cajun chicken, Monterey Jack, cheddar cheese, and pico de gallo.
• Served with sour cream and salsa.
• The Cajun flavor was subtle.
• The chicken was juicy and tender.
• The quesadilla has a glazed appearance.
• Suitable as a shared dish or a single meal.

Mozzarella Flatbread Appetizer

• Features marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, arugula, tomato shade Farm salad, and balsamic glaze.
• Parmesan cheese adds saltiness and umami.
• Balsamic glaze brightens the flavors, while arugula adds pepperiness.
• The reviewer preferred it over the beef lava nachos.
• Compared to food from an Italian restaurant.

Rainbow Colada Drink

• Contains spiced rum, strawberries, bananas, Pina Colada mix, and pineapple juice.
• Banana flavor is most prominent.
• The glass is available for purchase for $14.

Shrimp Scampi Flatbread Appetizer

• Made with Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, red onions, red pepper flakes, and green onions.
• Contains a sparse amount of shrimp.
• Resembles shrimp scampi pasta in aroma.
• Ideal for Alfredo sauce enthusiasts.
• Considered heavy; the balsamic flatbread is a better choice.

Seafood Round

• The Corona Rita drink is a recommended option.

Aloha Salmon and Shrimp

• Features a Hawaiian glaze, seasonal vegetables, and Jasmine rice.
• The sauce is buttery, tangy, and zesty.
• A hint of macadamia nut flavor was detected.
• The shrimp features a sticky, candy-like glaze.

Jungle Steak and Shrimp

• The dish features sirloin steak, shrimp scampi, Caribbean coconut shrimp, and seasonal veggies.
• The steak was cooked well-done.
• Butter imparts a Cajun flavor.
• It represents a fusion of cultural flavors.
• The shrimp scampi is similar to Red Lobster's version.
• Lemon butter, garlic, and basil are also present.
• The coconut flavor is subtle in the fried shrimp.

Live Animals at Rainforest Cafe

• There are about 17 Rainforest Cafe locations in the US.
• Some locations are present globally.
• All Rainforest Cafe restaurants previously housed live animals, mainly birds and parrots.
• Parrots were part of an educational program.
• The care for birds cost each restaurant $100,000 annually.
• Photo opportunities with the parrots were available.
• Live animals were phased out in the early 2000s.
• Live birds remain at the Anaheim Disneyland location due to a contractual agreement following new ownership.

Caribbean Coconut Fried Shrimp

• Served with coleslaw, plum sauce, and Safari fries.
• The plum sauce tastes of peach, apricot, ginger, and vinegar.
• The sauce is overpowering.
• The shrimp looks like little hovercrafts
• The dish tastes like a sweet shrimp potato chip

Hurricane Drink

• Contains light rum, dark rum, lime juice, orange juice, passion fruit puree, simple syrup, and grenadine.
• The fruity, sweet flavor makes it hard to drink.
• The scent induced a pre-hangover sensation.

Fish and Chips

• Prepared in the English style, served with coleslaw and Safari fries.
• The dish is extra crispy.
• The fish is moist beneath the skin.
• The coleslaw features a tangy mustard and vinegar flavor.
• The fries are seasoned with extra salty Cajun spices.
• The fries are pillowy which pairs well with malt vinegar.

Shrimp Tacos

• Include fried shrimp, jalapeno ranch, red cabbage, citrus vinaigrette, pico de gallo, and black beans.
• The taco needs more dressing or sauce for added moisture.
• The flavors are subdued due to dryness.

Salmon and Shrimp Recommendation

• The salmon and shrimp dish is recommended for its buttery sauce.

Amazon Fajitas

• Made with grilled onions, bell peppers, sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, pico de gallo, Caribbean rice, black beans, and flour tortillas.
• It can be made with Chicken or Beef
• The steak is well-cooked and seasoned.
• The chicken is too dry.

Korean Spicy Stir-Fry

• Made with Chicken, broccoli, carrots, Korean sauce, Mandarin oranges, peppers, crispy wontons, red cabbage, green onion, sesame seeds, and Jasmine rice.
• The sauce is a mix of orange and chili.
• Intended as a spicy dish to warm up on a cold day.

Blue Nile Drink

• Made with Mango rum, Blue Curacao, blood orange sour, and sweet and sour.
• The reviewer stated they do not enjoy rum-based beverages.
• It has orange and lime flavors.

Top Sirloin

• The dish includes sirloin steak, red skinned mashed potatoes, and seasonal veggies.
• Served with Cajun butter.
• The mashed potatoes are whipped, fluffy, and buttery.
• The mashed potatoes are Thanksgiving style.

Mojo Bones

• Includes a half rack of St Louis style pork spare ribs, smoked mojo barbecue sauce, coleslaw, and Safari fries.
• The name refers to a citrusy, garlicky marinade with a sour flavor.
• The citrus orange is the base barbecue sauce.
• The meat melts.

Restaurant Recommendations

• The steak fajitas (without chicken) or the ribs are recommended.

Beastly Burger

• The burger, tasted extremely salty.
• The burger is buttery and fatty.
• The reviewer was full but wanted another bite.

Pulled Pork Burger

• It has a burger patty with barbecue pulled pork, coleslaw, and crispy fried onions.
• Fried onions add a crunchy texture.
• The reviewer does not like ketchup based pulled pork.
• The Beastly Burger is recommended.

Iggy's Piggy Sandwich

• Made with Slow-cooked Cuban-style pork, sliced ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and Creole mustard.
• The reviewer enjoys Cuban Sandwiches
• It needs more sauce.
• The ciabatta should be a Panini to melt the ingredients together.
• The Beastly Burger is the better option.

Rainforest Cafe Origins Story

• Stephen Schustler, who worked in advertising, conceptualized Rainforest Cafe in 1990.
• Stephen converted his home into an indoor rainforest with fish tanks, animals, flora, and fauna.
• Stephen used 3,700 extension cords.
• Stephen had the highest electricity bill in Minnesota’s history.
• Neighbors alerted the DEA due to concerns about drug-related activity.
• Stephen housed 40 birds, turtles, and a baboon.
• It took Stephen 3 years to show investors.
• Stephen opened the first Rainforest Cafe in 1994 in the Mall of America.

Dragonberry Mule Drink

• Made with Dragon Berry rum, elderflower liqueur, strawberry puree, lime juice, and ginger beer.
• The reviewer likes the taste of elderflower.
• Mules are described as refreshing.
• It is a simple and easy drink.
• One of the reviewer's favorites.

Creole Mac and Cheese

• The dish has Shrimp and dewy sausage, peppers, red onion, cheese sauce, chili butter, bread crumbs, and penne.
• It offers a cheesy and creamy flavor.
• A crunchy topping balances the dish.

Rasta Pasta

• It has Sauteed chicken, broccoli, red peppers, spinach, garlic, and penne pasta with pesto or Alfredo sauce.
• The reviewer suggests a name change for the dish.

Pastalaya

• This contains shrimp sauteed chicken, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and dewy sausage in a hot and spicy Cajun sauce with linguine.
• The dish is made with sharp spices
• Made with andouille that has a "dagger" taste.
• The dish is spicy.
• The dish wakes the reviewer up and makes her energized

Restaurant Recommendations

• Order the mac and cheese in the beastly burger and split it amongst three people

Sparkling Volcano Dessert

• A giant chocolate brownie served warm with layers of vanilla ice cream, whipped topping, caramel, and chocolate sauces.
• Priced at $18.99, it's the most expensive dessert.
• It originally came with a sparkler.
• It has three slices of brownie cake.
• Meant for sharing with a large group.

Island Daiquiri Drink

• Tastes like a pina colada
• Perfect pineapple-to-coconut ratio.

Brazilian Freeze Drink

• A mix of Strawberry daiquiri, strawberry smoothie juice frozen blended with Greek yogurt.
• Easy to drink quickly.
• The texture has been likened to a strawberry milkshake.

Tribal Cheesecake

• A New York-style cheesecake with creamy whipped topping, raspberry, and chocolate sauces.
• Has Paper-thin graham cracker.
• Recommended fleecy cheesecake.
• Cream cheesecake.

Key Lime Pie

• Made withKey lime pie with raspberry sauce and graham cracker crust.
• Extremely tart with lime curd inside
• Not for those who dislike sour foods.

Elephants

• The restaurant features a popular area with elephant figures.
• Rainforest Cafe supports conservation efforts and provides educational programs.

Restaurant Recommendations

• The Sparkling Volcano dessert is great for sharing with large groups.
• The Key lime pie is recommended
• Consider a drink instead of dessert, such as a Pina Colada instead of a Daiquiri.

A review of Rainforest Cafe, focusing on the Corona Rita drink (frozen margarita with Corona) and Chili Con Queso appetizer. The reviewer describes the unique Rainforest Cafe experience and details the taste and value of each food item.