jabead
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2000
After checking into the Polynesian, collecting our luggage which had been transferred for us from the Boardwalk, and changing clothe s, we were ready to take the Resort Monorail to the Contemporary for our 7:30 ADR for
Dinner at CALIFORNIA GRILL
SHORT VERSION
Highlights Table by the Window, Candlelit Dessert, Filet Mignon & Mashed Potatoes
Disappointments Overall experience compared to last time
Would We Return? Probably
LONG VERSION
First a little background information. Our first experience with California Grill was 4 or 5 years ago and it was not a very good one the food was not great (with a few exceptions), the service was rather slow, and the restaurant was deafeningly loud. It was bad enough that we did not return until our 25th Anniversary trip last fall. I had been reading so many great reviews here that I decided it was time to give the California Grill another try. I am so glad that we did because it ended up being our favorite meal of the many (including 5 other Signatures) that we had on that trip. In case you are interested in reading about that meal, here is the link. So anyway, because of this nearly perfect experience which hit the dining trifecta with delicious food, excellent service, and great atmosphere, I went into this meal with pretty high expectations.
Ok, now getting back to where I left off in this review. After arriving at the Contemporary on the monorail we went down to the 2nd floor to check-in at the reception desk for the California Grill. Then we were given a pager and directed to take the special elevator up to the 15th floor where the restaurant is located. My request to be seated at a table by the window was granted and we had a lovely view of the castle.
View of the Castle at Sunset
So things started out well but then our server committed a major faux pas according to DD. Without asking first, she immediately took away DDs wine glass. In our servers defense, DD is only 21 and was carded each and every time she ordered an alcoholic drink on the trip (with only one exception). On the other hand, this is the one and only time that a server just assumed she was not old enough to drink and took away her glass. So of course DD then insisted that we order a glass of wine. When she saw a Malbec listed in the wine menu under Interesting Reds category she chose it, as Malbec is currently her favorite type of wine. More specifically, this was a Navarro Correas Alegoria Gran Reserva Malbec from a Mendoza, Argentina winery ($12).
Like last time, I chose Conundrum, a wine listed under the Interesting Whites and Rose category ($14). In case you are not familiar with it, Conundrum is a California white wine that's made from a blend of five different white grapes. If you like white wine that is light and fruity, but not overly-sweet then I highly recommend this one. We both were happy with our choices.
Navarro Correas Malbec and Caymus Conundrum
Moving on to the food now, I couldnt decide between the Crispy Asian Rock Shrimp Salad and the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli for my appetizer. So what did I do, I ended up ordering the same appetizer as last time, the Triple Cheese Flatbread with Pecorino, Asiago, and Provolone cheeses, Sun-dried Tomato and Arugula Pesto.
Triple Cheese Flatbread
In my defense, this was my favorite appetizer from our last trip so it was hard not to have it again when the opportunity arose. Although this was very good, it was not quite as good as last time because it was a little bit greasy.
On our last visit, DH (who knows nothing about sushi) surprised me when he decided he wanted to try a sushi roll. Our server recommended the Spicy Kazan Roll . . . Crab, Shrimp, Bay Scallops, Tuna, and Fireball Sauce. Both DH and I liked this so I recommended it to DD, the sushi lover of our family. So that is what she chose for her appetizer and unfortunately was not impressed. I guess I am to blame for this, as I probably built it up in her head too much and set her up for disappointment. Anyway, she claims that a restaurant in Austin, TX called Uchiko has far better sushi. So I guess I wont be giving out any sushi advice again.
Spicy Kazan Roll
Last time I had enjoyed the filet, but decided I needed to change it up a little since I had already ordered the same wine and appetizer as before. So I ordered the second most appealing (to me) entrée on the menu, the Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Goat Cheese Polenta, Roasted Mushrooms, Zinfandel Glaze, and Sage. Sadly I didnt really care for this. It tasted strongly of Dijon mustard (I think), which I am not a fan of. On the other hand, DH ordered this last time and really enjoyed it, but then again he likes Dijon mustard. This entree generally gets rave reviews, so I guess maybe it's just me. Is there anyone else out there that doesn't love the Pork Tenderloin here?
Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Goat Cheese Polenta
DD chose the Oak-fired Filet of Beef with Mashed Potatoes (I think they were Garlic), Roasted Delta Asparagus, Spring Onion Oil, and Teriyaki Barbecue (served on the side per my recommendation). She thought the steak was very good and loved the mashed potatoes which were served with it (she is a big fan of mashed potatoes). When I had the filet here in Nov. 10 it was served with Dauphinoise Potatoes, which were nothing special. On the newest menus Ive seen, they are now serving Mascarpone Potatoes with the filet. So I guess the California Grill makes frequent changes to the potatoes served with their filet.
Oak-Fired Filet of Beef with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Delta Asparagus
My favorite dessert from our last trip was the Valrhona Chocolate Cake - Warm Chocolate Cake with Molten Center, which was then served with Peanut Butter Gelato and Marshmallow. So I couldnt possibly resist ordering this again, however this time it was served with Macerated California Strawberries and a Grand Marnier sauce. Also, I believe it was vanilla ice cream that accompanied it. This was served to me decorated for my birthday, complete with lit candle. Though it was very good, it was not quite as good as the last version with the peanut butter gelato and marshmallow. I guess this is another thing that frequently changes at California Grill.
Valrhona Chocolate Cake
I should add here that we each had a cappuccino with our dessert as our included non-alcoholic beverage.
Cappuccino with Chocolate Biscotti (Sorry about the blurry picture)
For her dessert, DD ordered the Bananas and Caramel, described on the menu as Crispy Baked Phyllo Squares Layered with Banana, Caramel, Mascarpone Mousse,and Caramelized Banana. She was hoping it might be similar to Flying Fishs Caramelized Banana Napoleon dessert, which she loved. But sadly this one paled in comparison to the one at Flying Fish. I just now noticed from the picture that DDs dessert was also decorated for a birthday celebration. Im not sure why, maybe because we had talked about sharing our desserts when we placed our order.
Bananas and Caramel
Shortly after our desserts were served, the fireworks began. Since we had a good view from our table we decided to just stay there and enjoy eating our desserts while watching the show.
As for the service, after getting off to a bad start with DD, our server provided us with pretty good service for the remainder of our meal. However again I cant help comparing it to the excellent service we had received here from Dawn last time.
So using a baseball analogy, California Grill struck out their first time at bat, but then redeemed itself by hitting an out of the park home-run their next time at the plate. However, this time up they hit only a double albeit a solid, stand-up double.
Now for the numbers...
Total cost of meal (not including tip and wine) - $180.26 (or $45.07 per Dining Plan credit)
And so I can do a DDP vs. TIW Cost Comparison at the end...
Total cost of meal (again not including tip and wine) if we had used my Tables in Wonderland discount of 20% instead of the DDP - $144.21
20% TIW Discount on Wine - $5.20
4 Deluxe Dining Plan Credits used, 0 Remaining
That concludes the Deluxe Dining Plan portion of our trip so
NEXT UP: DDP vs. TIW Comparison
Dinner at CALIFORNIA GRILL
SHORT VERSION
Highlights Table by the Window, Candlelit Dessert, Filet Mignon & Mashed Potatoes
Disappointments Overall experience compared to last time
Would We Return? Probably
LONG VERSION
First a little background information. Our first experience with California Grill was 4 or 5 years ago and it was not a very good one the food was not great (with a few exceptions), the service was rather slow, and the restaurant was deafeningly loud. It was bad enough that we did not return until our 25th Anniversary trip last fall. I had been reading so many great reviews here that I decided it was time to give the California Grill another try. I am so glad that we did because it ended up being our favorite meal of the many (including 5 other Signatures) that we had on that trip. In case you are interested in reading about that meal, here is the link. So anyway, because of this nearly perfect experience which hit the dining trifecta with delicious food, excellent service, and great atmosphere, I went into this meal with pretty high expectations.
Ok, now getting back to where I left off in this review. After arriving at the Contemporary on the monorail we went down to the 2nd floor to check-in at the reception desk for the California Grill. Then we were given a pager and directed to take the special elevator up to the 15th floor where the restaurant is located. My request to be seated at a table by the window was granted and we had a lovely view of the castle.
View of the Castle at Sunset
So things started out well but then our server committed a major faux pas according to DD. Without asking first, she immediately took away DDs wine glass. In our servers defense, DD is only 21 and was carded each and every time she ordered an alcoholic drink on the trip (with only one exception). On the other hand, this is the one and only time that a server just assumed she was not old enough to drink and took away her glass. So of course DD then insisted that we order a glass of wine. When she saw a Malbec listed in the wine menu under Interesting Reds category she chose it, as Malbec is currently her favorite type of wine. More specifically, this was a Navarro Correas Alegoria Gran Reserva Malbec from a Mendoza, Argentina winery ($12).
Like last time, I chose Conundrum, a wine listed under the Interesting Whites and Rose category ($14). In case you are not familiar with it, Conundrum is a California white wine that's made from a blend of five different white grapes. If you like white wine that is light and fruity, but not overly-sweet then I highly recommend this one. We both were happy with our choices.
Navarro Correas Malbec and Caymus Conundrum
Moving on to the food now, I couldnt decide between the Crispy Asian Rock Shrimp Salad and the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli for my appetizer. So what did I do, I ended up ordering the same appetizer as last time, the Triple Cheese Flatbread with Pecorino, Asiago, and Provolone cheeses, Sun-dried Tomato and Arugula Pesto.
Triple Cheese Flatbread
In my defense, this was my favorite appetizer from our last trip so it was hard not to have it again when the opportunity arose. Although this was very good, it was not quite as good as last time because it was a little bit greasy.
On our last visit, DH (who knows nothing about sushi) surprised me when he decided he wanted to try a sushi roll. Our server recommended the Spicy Kazan Roll . . . Crab, Shrimp, Bay Scallops, Tuna, and Fireball Sauce. Both DH and I liked this so I recommended it to DD, the sushi lover of our family. So that is what she chose for her appetizer and unfortunately was not impressed. I guess I am to blame for this, as I probably built it up in her head too much and set her up for disappointment. Anyway, she claims that a restaurant in Austin, TX called Uchiko has far better sushi. So I guess I wont be giving out any sushi advice again.
Spicy Kazan Roll
Last time I had enjoyed the filet, but decided I needed to change it up a little since I had already ordered the same wine and appetizer as before. So I ordered the second most appealing (to me) entrée on the menu, the Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Goat Cheese Polenta, Roasted Mushrooms, Zinfandel Glaze, and Sage. Sadly I didnt really care for this. It tasted strongly of Dijon mustard (I think), which I am not a fan of. On the other hand, DH ordered this last time and really enjoyed it, but then again he likes Dijon mustard. This entree generally gets rave reviews, so I guess maybe it's just me. Is there anyone else out there that doesn't love the Pork Tenderloin here?
Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Goat Cheese Polenta
DD chose the Oak-fired Filet of Beef with Mashed Potatoes (I think they were Garlic), Roasted Delta Asparagus, Spring Onion Oil, and Teriyaki Barbecue (served on the side per my recommendation). She thought the steak was very good and loved the mashed potatoes which were served with it (she is a big fan of mashed potatoes). When I had the filet here in Nov. 10 it was served with Dauphinoise Potatoes, which were nothing special. On the newest menus Ive seen, they are now serving Mascarpone Potatoes with the filet. So I guess the California Grill makes frequent changes to the potatoes served with their filet.
Oak-Fired Filet of Beef with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Delta Asparagus
My favorite dessert from our last trip was the Valrhona Chocolate Cake - Warm Chocolate Cake with Molten Center, which was then served with Peanut Butter Gelato and Marshmallow. So I couldnt possibly resist ordering this again, however this time it was served with Macerated California Strawberries and a Grand Marnier sauce. Also, I believe it was vanilla ice cream that accompanied it. This was served to me decorated for my birthday, complete with lit candle. Though it was very good, it was not quite as good as the last version with the peanut butter gelato and marshmallow. I guess this is another thing that frequently changes at California Grill.
Valrhona Chocolate Cake
I should add here that we each had a cappuccino with our dessert as our included non-alcoholic beverage.
Cappuccino with Chocolate Biscotti (Sorry about the blurry picture)
For her dessert, DD ordered the Bananas and Caramel, described on the menu as Crispy Baked Phyllo Squares Layered with Banana, Caramel, Mascarpone Mousse,and Caramelized Banana. She was hoping it might be similar to Flying Fishs Caramelized Banana Napoleon dessert, which she loved. But sadly this one paled in comparison to the one at Flying Fish. I just now noticed from the picture that DDs dessert was also decorated for a birthday celebration. Im not sure why, maybe because we had talked about sharing our desserts when we placed our order.
Bananas and Caramel
Shortly after our desserts were served, the fireworks began. Since we had a good view from our table we decided to just stay there and enjoy eating our desserts while watching the show.
As for the service, after getting off to a bad start with DD, our server provided us with pretty good service for the remainder of our meal. However again I cant help comparing it to the excellent service we had received here from Dawn last time.
So using a baseball analogy, California Grill struck out their first time at bat, but then redeemed itself by hitting an out of the park home-run their next time at the plate. However, this time up they hit only a double albeit a solid, stand-up double.
Now for the numbers...
Total cost of meal (not including tip and wine) - $180.26 (or $45.07 per Dining Plan credit)
And so I can do a DDP vs. TIW Cost Comparison at the end...
Total cost of meal (again not including tip and wine) if we had used my Tables in Wonderland discount of 20% instead of the DDP - $144.21
20% TIW Discount on Wine - $5.20
4 Deluxe Dining Plan Credits used, 0 Remaining
That concludes the Deluxe Dining Plan portion of our trip so
NEXT UP: DDP vs. TIW Comparison
But at the time we were eating it, it didn't seem like that much. 
She has spent the last two summers there doing an internship at the University of Texas and would love to live there someday.
Hello neighbor!!! I live about 20 miles north of Bloomington and I love to fly to Orlando from the Bloomington airport. You gotta love free parking. 
