Grand Floridian Cafe - food and anything special available maybe?

[Minniekins]

Have some questions about the GFC and the food these days. My DD25 went there maybe 4,5 years ago and had great steaks with her DBF(his first visit). She and I went there our next visit 3,4 years ago. I really like it, she didn't think it was as good as their visit that they had raved about quite a bit.

So, now, suddenly DBF is going to propose to DD25 in Dec at MK! Pretty exciting! My DD25 and I will be there for our trip(we've been going yearly for a while now), and he's going to come done for one night for a surprise visit to propose. I'm excited he wants to do it on a trip that I am there, so I can see it, that's pretty awesome! Especially since they had his second ever trip to WDW a couple weeks ago, and could have done it then. He was actually planning to do it our next Dec's trip, but suddenly decided why wait another year(they've been together almost 7 years). Anyway, he's asked me to help get some things set up since I know Disney and he doesn't, lol. And, truthfully, he's not yet converted to a big Disney fan yet, but since she is, he wants to surprise her a with magical proposal. She'll be quite shocked I think, lol! Anyway, He wants to go back to GFC since that's where they first had such a great dinner, with the three of us which is really nice.

So, I'm wondering about the food these days since it's been several years since we were there. How is the New York Strip steak, the Lobster Burger, and the Orecchiette Pasta - with Chicken, Prosciutto and Asiago Cream Sauce(this sounds similar to a dish at Tutto's, is it?).
And, is there anything special they can maybe do for dessert? Not sure about this as not huge dessert people but something cool and special might be nice for special event, not too fancy but nice.

Can anyone help with reviews on Grand Floridian Cafe? I tried looking up and found some good comments but looking for more food details and something special maybe.

TIA!

 

[Minniekins]

Bumping to see if anyone can help with opinions of the food, especially those mentioned. Thx!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Our Ratings of Grand Floridian Cafe: (*rev 6/11/2015*)
. . . food price value: C
. . . food quality: B
. . . food quantity per serving: C
. . . food prep speed: B
. . . food selection: C
. . . seating quantity: B
. . . seating comfort: C
. . . eatery atmosphere: B
. . . eatery convenience: B
. . . staff friendliness: A
. . . staff attentiveness: B
. . . character interaction: n/a
.
Our recommendtions:
. . . appys:... Crab Cakes, Onion Soup
. . . entree:.. Grand Sandwich (lunch), New York Strip (dinner)
. . . dessert:. Boston Cream Pie
.
NOTE: The Cafe is on the ground floor overlooking the pool and courtyard. It is airy
and light inside, with a sophisticated coffee shop appeal. The food is tasty, with quality
well above average, but selections nothing too out of the ordinary. Our service always
has been outstanding. Worth jumping to for breakfast or dinner. The lunch menu has
changed and now not worth the journey, unless you are already there. We like Onion
Soup and The Grand Sandwich, which is close to an open-face club with an interesting
Boursin cheese sauce and fried onion straws, which we like to share as it is so big. For
dinner, the Bone-In New York Strip Steak is always tasty; the Shrimp and Grits not so
much. By the way, a good place to take young kids to start learning manners as it is
seldom very crowded.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We enjoy the breakfast there every trip. But we've never eaten dinner there.

 

[rlthomas7]

You can show him this site for ideas: http://www.magicaltriptipper.com/special-occasions/engagement-packages.php

 

[Dispro1]

Have some questions about the GFC and the food these days. My DD25 went there maybe 4,5 years ago and had great steaks with her DBF(his first visit). She and I went there our next visit 3,4 years ago. I really like it, she didn't think it was as good as their visit that they had raved about quite a bit.

So, now, suddenly DBF is going to propose to DD25 in Dec at MK! Pretty exciting! My DD25 and I will be there for our trip(we've been going yearly for a while now), and he's going to come done for one night for a surprise visit to propose. I'm excited he wants to do it on a trip that I am there, so I can see it, that's pretty awesome! Especially since they had his second ever trip to WDW a couple weeks ago, and could have done it then. He was actually planning to do it our next Dec's trip, but suddenly decided why wait another year(they've been together almost 7 years). Anyway, he's asked me to help get some things set up since I know Disney and he doesn't, lol. And, truthfully, he's not yet converted to a big Disney fan yet, but since she is, he wants to surprise her a with magical proposal. She'll be quite shocked I think, lol! Anyway, He wants to go back to GFC since that's where they first had such a great dinner, with the three of us which is really nice.

So, I'm wondering about the food these days since it's been several years since we were there. How is the New York Strip steak, the Lobster Burger, and the Orecchiette Pasta - with Chicken, Prosciutto and Asiago Cream Sauce(this sounds similar to a dish at Tutto's, is it?).
And, is there anything special they can maybe do for dessert? Not sure about this as not huge dessert people but something cool and special might be nice for special event, not too fancy but nice.

Can anyone help with reviews on Grand Floridian Cafe? I tried looking up and found some good comments but looking for more food details and something special maybe.

TIA!

How wonderful that you get to be included!! I have had the Orechiette pasta with chicken several times, and have always been pleased, although it does seem to be better sometimes than others....maybe I'm just hungrier?? Or maybe a different chef?? I used to always enjoy the fish of the day with a key lime sauce, but they never seem to have that anymore. Have fun, and I hope everything is magical!!

 

[Mainemama]

GFC is our favorite! We just love the calm, fancy but comfy vibe. I always ordered the amazing lobster burger until last February... It was bad. Lobster was very salty and clearly had been frozen (I am sort of a lobster snob, as we live on the Maine coast). This summer, I had soup and salad instead, but my DH braved it, and it was good again! I have read of other folks getting special cakes delivered. I know the GF has a bakery that you can special order from. The deserts on the menu at GF are not worth it, in my opinion, though the sampler is fun. We just have never been wowed by the flavor of the pastries in it.

 

[Minniekins]

Our Ratings of Grand Floridian Cafe: (*rev 6/11/2015*)
. . . food price value: C
. . . food quality: B
. . . food quantity per serving: C
. . . food prep speed: B
. . . food selection: C
. . . seating quantity: B
. . . seating comfort: C
. . . eatery atmosphere: B
. . . eatery convenience: B
. . . staff friendliness: A
. . . staff attentiveness: B
. . . character interaction: n/a
.
Our recommendtions:
. . . appys:... Crab Cakes, Onion Soup
. . . entree:.. Grand Sandwich (lunch), New York Strip (dinner)
. . . dessert:. Boston Cream Pie
.
NOTE: The Cafe is on the ground floor overlooking the pool and courtyard. It is airy
and light inside, with a sophisticated coffee shop appeal. The food is tasty, with quality
well above average, but selections nothing too out of the ordinary. Our service always
has been outstanding. Worth jumping to for breakfast or dinner. The lunch menu has
changed and now not worth the journey, unless you are already there. We like Onion
Soup and The Grand Sandwich, which is close to an open-face club with an interesting
Boursin cheese sauce and fried onion straws, which we like to share as it is so big. For
dinner, the Bone-In New York Strip Steak is always tasty; the Shrimp and Grits not so
much. By the way, a good place to take young kids to start learning manners as it is
seldom very crowded.

Thanks, TheRustyScupper, for your GFC ratings list! Even though not A's, it still sounds really good and as if you like going there, and enjoy good food! The bone in strip steak, does sound good, I think that's what I got several years ago, love the bone in! Onion soup sounds yummy, too, mmmmm!

We enjoy the breakfast there every trip. But we've never eaten dinner there.

Thanks, Deb & Bill, Maybe sometime we'll get to try breakfast here, I've seen it mentioned as a good breakfast place!

You can show him this site for ideas: http://www.magicaltriptipper.com/special-occasions/engagement-packages.php

Thank you, rlthomas7, for sharing that site! I'll have to take a look at it and share it with him for sure, give him some ideas to think about!

How wonderful that you get to be included!! I have had the Orechiette pasta with chicken several times, and have always been pleased, although it does seem to be better sometimes than others....maybe I'm just hungrier?? Or maybe a different chef?? I used to always enjoy the fish of the day with a key lime sauce, but they never seem to have that anymore. Have fun, and I hope everything is magical!!

Thank you, Dispro1! Yep, it is awesome to be included! And I think she won't have any idea that he'll be joining us for a night! I'm glad you enjoy the Orechiette pasta. I think she may end up ordering that, it sounds very similar to a dish at Tutto's that she really loves! We are going, as a Xmas surprise that I planned earlier, to the Dining with an Imagineer earlier that day before DBF gets there. That menu is limited and I think she'll choose the steak there. I'd change that if I could, but there are no other openings that week on any of the other days. Thanks, I hope it is very magical for them, too!

GFC is our favorite! We just love the calm, fancy but comfy vibe. I always ordered the amazing lobster burger until last February... It was bad. Lobster was very salty and clearly had been frozen (I am sort of a lobster snob, as we live on the Maine coast). This summer, I had soup and salad instead, but my DH braved it, and it was good again! I have read of other folks getting special cakes delivered. I know the GF has a bakery that you can special order from. The deserts on the menu at GF are not worth it, in my opinion, though the sampler is fun. We just have never been wowed by the flavor of the pastries in it.

Thanks, Mainemama! I like that, fancy but comfy! Hmm, making me rethink that new york strip for the Lobster burger, lol. I have heard that is quite good, as well! Does it have lots of other stuff on it? Seems like it'd be best with not much other toppings, no cheese... Lots of lobster? I will have to look into possibly having a special dessert delivered, but if it's a cake you hate cutting and eating it, lol! I'd probably mostly get it just cause it looked cool and would be a nice, cool surprise to celebrate the engagement with. Guess I'll have to find the bakery or cake thread. Hopefully there will be a number to call in the thread to be able to talk to someone about things.

 

[hunthearin]

I've been to GFC twice - Once for dinner this past March, and then a second time for lunch when we were there last month. Both times I had a bacon cheeseburger, hold the lobster. There was no comparison - the burger from our September trip was absolutely delicious compared to the one I had back in March. The service matched the food quality of each trip. Service during our visit in March was slow - we waited 20 minutes to get our check. Things have improved greatly since then, as our service in September was excellent!

I noticed a manager walking around constantly, so maybe they've upped their game. We will definitely be back next year!

 

[Mainemama]

In addition to the lobster on the burger, there are greens (arugula perhaps?), an onion marmalade, and perhaps something else. The roll is a delicious, unique to DW roll (at least that I've seen), too. I usually put loads of condiments n burgers, but this one stands alone!

 

[Minniekins]

In addition to the lobster on the burger, there are greens (arugula perhaps?), an onion marmalade, and perhaps something else. The roll is a delicious, unique to DW roll (at least that I've seen), too. I usually put loads of condiments n burgers, but this one stands alone!

Mmmm! Well, except for the arugula, can't stand that so would have to have it without that, lol! First time I had it was at BOG, when they first opened, on the steak sandwich. Sorta ruined the sandwich for me till I took it all off, lol. Now it seems arugula is on sandwiches and more, everywhere! Onion marmalade sounds interesting. Is there a lot of lobster, or mostly burger with some bites of lobster? Mmmm, the bun sounds good, too!

 

[Mainemama]

Mmmm! Well, except for the arugula, can't stand that so would have to have it without that, lol! First time I had it was at BOG, when they first opened, on the steak sandwich. Sorta ruined the sandwich for me till I took it all off, lol. Now it seems arugula is on sandwiches and more, everywhere! Onion marmalade sounds interesting. Is there a lot of lobster, or mostly burger with some bites of lobster? Mmmm, the bun sounds good, too!

There is a good amount of lobster. I would say 1/4-1/3 volume of the bun. It is a brilliant idea to combine the lobster and burger. I still need to try this at home, as we end up with leftover lobster at home that goes into a lobster roll, typically. Just want to try putting it on a burger, instead! Check on the greens before skipping them, it may not have been arugula. The flavor was well balanced, not overwhelming.

 

[JZCubed]

My apologies if

Have some questions about the GFC and the food these days. My DD25 went there maybe 4,5 years ago and had great steaks with her DBF(his first visit). She and I went there our next visit 3,4 years ago. I really like it, she didn't think it was as good as their visit that they had raved about quite a bit.

So, now, suddenly DBF is going to propose to DD25 in Dec at MK! Pretty exciting! My DD25 and I will be there for our trip(we've been going yearly for a while now), and he's going to come done for one night for a surprise visit to propose. I'm excited he wants to do it on a trip that I am there, so I can see it, that's pretty awesome! Especially since they had his second ever trip to WDW a couple weeks ago, and could have done it then. He was actually planning to do it our next Dec's trip, but suddenly decided why wait another year(they've been together almost 7 years). Anyway, he's asked me to help get some things set up since I know Disney and he doesn't, lol. And, truthfully, he's not yet converted to a big Disney fan yet, but since she is, he wants to surprise her a with magical proposal. She'll be quite shocked I think, lol! Anyway, He wants to go back to GFC since that's where they first had such a great dinner, with the three of us which is really nice.

So, I'm wondering about the food these days since it's been several years since we were there. How is the New York Strip steak, the Lobster Burger, and the Orecchiette Pasta - with Chicken, Prosciutto and Asiago Cream Sauce(this sounds similar to a dish at Tutto's, is it?).
And, is there anything special they can maybe do for dessert? Not sure about this as not huge dessert people but something cool and special might be nice for special event, not too fancy but nice.

Can anyone help with reviews on Grand Floridian Cafe? I tried looking up and found some good comments but looking for more food details and something special maybe.

TIA!

My apologies if my comment seems out of place - this not about the food.

Once the boyfriend arrives, even the finest foods from the finest chefs will not taste right.

Last year, my wife & I had the pleasure of being seated next to a table at Be Our Guest when the boyfriend was going to surprise the would-be bride by proposing. I really don't recall how it came about, be our Server let us in on the secret. Anyway, the would-be groom was clearly acting nervous and barely ate his meal. Once he 'popped the question', the would-be bride ate no more of her dessert…..she needed to call her mother.

Ma'am, this ain't about the food. If he wants to propose at GFCafe, so be it.

Enjoy the moment - order some champagne!!

Congratulations on having a soon-to-be son-in-law who confided in you.

And congratulations on the upcoming wedding!!

 

[Minniekins]

My apologies if

My apologies if my comment seems out of place - this not about the food.

Once the boyfriend arrives, even the finest foods from the finest chefs will not taste right.

Last year, my wife & I had the pleasure of being seated next to a table at Be Our Guest when the boyfriend was going to surprise the would-be bride by proposing. I really don't recall how it came about, be our Server let us in on the secret. Anyway, the would-be groom was clearly acting nervous and barely ate his meal. Once he 'popped the question', the would-be bride ate no more of her dessert…..she needed to call her mother.

Ma'am, this ain't about the food. If he wants to propose at GFCafe, so be it.

Enjoy the moment - order some champagne!!

Congratulations on having a soon-to-be son-in-law who confided in you.

And congratulations on the upcoming wedding!!

JZCubed, no apologies necessary, lol. Actually, I guess I didn't explain very well at all, leaving out part, the most important part, of the story, lol! DBF will be arriving around 4 p.m. to MK, from the airport. Once I know he's there we'll head there. Not sure if we'll be coming in from outside park or probably we'll be back by the rides. If I have to stall for time or something or get her to where he is and she's not wanting to go there, I'll tell her we're gonna meet up with a Disser to say hi for a few min. Anyway, he's planning to do the actual proposal in front of the castle! Then, after that, that's when he wants to head to GFC, lol. Guess I messed that part up when relating the plans, lol. Then he wants to hang out at MK after dinner and get some rides and fireworks in.

And, thanks, it is pretty awesome that he's including me!

That's pretty cool you and your wife got to watch that proposal at BOG, how fun! I guess there will be some Disney guests who will watch my daughter and soon to be SIL get engaged, and they'll have a similar story to share, lol!

Oh, and, we'll definitely be ordering some champagne!

 

[Minniekins]

There is a good amount of lobster. I would say 1/4-1/3 volume of the bun. It is a brilliant idea to combine the lobster and burger. I still need to try this at home, as we end up with leftover lobster at home that goes into a lobster roll, typically. Just want to try putting it on a burger, instead! Check on the greens before skipping them, it may not have been arugula. The flavor was well balanced, not overwhelming.

Still thinking this sounds so yummy! But, so does the bone-in New York strip, lol! Guess I'll have to see how I feel that day! Right now I'm just hungry for some lobster, lol!

 

[JZCubed]

Still thinking this sounds so yummy! But, so does the bone-in New York strip, lol! Guess I'll have to see how I feel that day! Right now I'm just hungry for some lobster, lol!

I've had the lobster hamburger - didn't work as anything special for my taste buds.

But the burger and every else we had to eat at GFCafe have always been fine.

Nothing special, no complaints.

 

[Richard M Nixon]

Grand Floridian has a private dining service with your own butler, so you can sit on a secluded balcony or a little alcove indoors for a multi-course meal. It'd probably be a lot more romantic than the cafe.