The Drinker and Dessert Fiend are Back - Completed 6/26!
- Thread starter cbg1027
- Start date
TanzUnited99
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 27, 2010
After reading your review I am sooo looking forward to eating at CG!! 
I was thinking of getting the Pan Seared Florida Red Snapper and will definitely be enjoying this main course on our visit. I will also remember to divulge in the Valrhona Molten Chocolate Cake!
I was thinking of getting the Pan Seared Florida Red Snapper and will definitely be enjoying this main course on our visit. I will also remember to divulge in the Valrhona Molten Chocolate Cake!
basketlacey
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2003
love your reviews! Everything looks delicious!
Y&Y was my favorite meal last trip. I also had the steak and shrimp and it was delicious!
Y&Y was my favorite meal last trip. I also had the steak and shrimp and it was delicious!
Disneyfreak616
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2010
Can't wait till Cali Grill in July! Everything looks so yummy!! 
cbg1027
Florida Girl
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2009
Out of the five times I've been, four were amazing and one visit was just ok. So I think on the whole, CG is def worth the time!
California Grill! ...
Your meal looks soooooooooo good! We had the same flatbread too and it was delish! I wasn't sure about the flavour combination at first, but it really works well together.
Your snapper looks right up Tom's street!
As for dessert - that cheesecake looks amazing. The presentation is wonderful and your description of it makes me want some right now. And don't even remind me of the sinful Valhrona cake!
Thanks for the review, Abby! They always take me back to my happy place!
Thanks for reading Karin!
You just sealed the deal for me- definitely going in November- that snapper just looked AMAZING!!!
I really love all your reviews!!Thank-you!
Thanks for joining in! The Snapper really was quite superb. I've always really enjoyed the fish dishes I've eaten at CG.
What a great review of CG
The snapper and the cheesecake look like my idea of heaven
They were.
After reading your review I am sooo looking forward to eating at CG!!
I was thinking of getting the Pan Seared Florida Red Snapper and will definitely be enjoying this main course on our visit. I will also remember to divulge in the Valrhona Molten Chocolate Cake!
The cake is their one of their signature items, it's not to be missed!
Thanks for reading!
Hope you have something just as good when you go Kathy!
Can't wait till Cali Grill in July! Everything looks so yummy!!
Enjoy the meal and the view!!
cbg1027
Florida Girl
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2009
After a day in the MK, we had an early dinner reservation at bluezoo, which is in the Dolphin. I had never been there before and heard good things about it here on the DIS (thanks guys!) so we decided to give it a whirl!
Entrance:
Our reservation was for 5:45, and while I realize this was early, the place was deserted save for a few people at the bar. Ahhh, restaurants that don't take the DDP.
We were seated upon arrival in a nice semi-circle booth.
The view to one side:
And the view to the other:
Anyone there.....????
Our server for the evening was Matt, and he was very attentive and took care of our needs well.
I started with a Burnt Orange cocktail:
Yes folks, the orange on top of the drink is on fire. I can't find a copy of bluezoo's cocktail menu, so the only things I really recall about the drink was that it tasted like watered-down OJ and tequila. Nothing exciting and nothing I would order again, especially at $13.00 a pop!
Mark asked for a glass of of their dryest red wine. I'm not sure what it was, the receipt says "Baby Blue" - I think it was a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.
It didn't take long for either one of us to decide what to order. I think we both had an idea before the trip started since we like to study the menus.
We placed our orders and then Matt brought us the bread basket:
It had a Lavosh and Onion Foccacia, served with Fennel Butter. I wasn't a fan of the fennel butter, but both the breads were very good. I had to hold myself back from eating too much of them because I had order the Chef's Tasting Menu! Five courses specially crafted each day....what were they going to be? It was a total surprise until each dish arrived! I was a little nervous about it, but I was feeling adventerous and figured if I didn't like once dish, there should be 1-2 out of the 5 I would like!
The first course was a Hamachi Sashimi with Pickled Daikon, Cilantro Oil, Black Garlic Puree, and White Soy Foam:
My first thought when this was brought out was "Oh dear. What have I gotten myself in to? I don't really like sushi!"
But I put my big girl pants on and took a bite. Then I tried another. And you know what? It was AMAZING! The fish was so silky, fresh, and tasted of the ocean in the best way possible. It wasn't 'fishy' or bitter. I really loved it, especially with the black garlic puree. This is what fresh fish should be like! It was just perfect.
My second course was King Salmon with Parsnip Puree, Heirloom Beets, and Ice Spinach:
This was very good - perfectly cooked salmon with a crispy seared top, over really yummy parsnip puree. And I love roasted beets...this was a very earthy flavor dish and the meaty salmon went perfectly.
While I was taking a break before the third course, I got up to look at a crazy contraption:
I have never seen anything like it before, but I think this is what they mean on the menu when they list "This Evening's Dancing Fish". The spikes rotated themselves, while going around the heating element.
For the third course, I was served a Serrano Ham-Wrapped Monkfish with Stone Ground Grits, Idiazabal Cheese, and Charred Mizuna:
Yet another delicious creation! Moist monkfish wrapped in sweet, salty serrano ham, over the best cheesy grits I've ever eaten. I had no idea what Mizuna was, but it seems to be a leafy green and it tasted quite good with the dish.
Mark was served his entree at the same time my third course came out, the Two Pound Maine 'Cantonese' Lobster:
They toss the lobster in a soy sticky glaze and serve it with some stir-fried veggies and bok choy.
I'm not a huge lobster fan, but I tasted this and it was pretty good. Mark loved it and was quite a happy camper.
I still had more food coming....on to the fourth course!
Sous Vide Duck Breast, House Duck Sausage, Red Thumb Potatoes and Duck Jus:
In the past, I have not enjoyed any duck dishes I've tried, nor have I even had anything cooked sous-vide (they put the dish in a vacuum pack under warm water). But again, I took a bite and really liked the duck breast. It wasn't greasy, chewy or gamey like I remember duck being. It was moist, soft, tender, and tasty. I didn't really care for the sausage though.
And last but not least, comes dessert!
A Trio a Desserts Created by Two Time World Pastry Champion Laurent Branlard:
They give you a souvenir menu after the meal when ordering the tasting menu, but it didn't describe the desserts so I'll try to tell you what I remember about them!
On the left is some sort of chocolate cake with ice cream.
In the middle is a chocolate mousse and raspberry cream surround by puff pastry.
On the right is what I would called an apple fritter - The outside shell was like a doughnut, and the inside had caramel and a piece of apple. This one was definitely my favorite.
The desserts were certainly good, but they failed to knock my socks off like the other four courses had. It was a bit of a let down after the rest of the meal.
The first course, the Hamachi Sashimi, was surprisingly the clear winner for me!
Mark and I were at bluezoo a good two hours. In that whole time, only two other tables were seated in the whole restaurant! I hear bluezoo gets more crowded when there is a convention at the Swan/Dolphin, so I'm guessing this was not one of those time. If you want a fabulous, low-key, adult meal in a place that's easy to get an ADR (and probably a walk-up!) to, I would HIGHLY recommend bluezoo!
I'm going back in three weeks and already trying to decide if I want to get the tasting menu again.
Grade: A- (For the good but not stellar desserts)
Entrance:
Our reservation was for 5:45, and while I realize this was early, the place was deserted save for a few people at the bar. Ahhh, restaurants that don't take the DDP.
We were seated upon arrival in a nice semi-circle booth.
The view to one side:
And the view to the other:
Anyone there.....????
Our server for the evening was Matt, and he was very attentive and took care of our needs well.
I started with a Burnt Orange cocktail:
Yes folks, the orange on top of the drink is on fire. I can't find a copy of bluezoo's cocktail menu, so the only things I really recall about the drink was that it tasted like watered-down OJ and tequila. Nothing exciting and nothing I would order again, especially at $13.00 a pop!
Mark asked for a glass of of their dryest red wine. I'm not sure what it was, the receipt says "Baby Blue" - I think it was a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.
It didn't take long for either one of us to decide what to order. I think we both had an idea before the trip started since we like to study the menus.
We placed our orders and then Matt brought us the bread basket:
It had a Lavosh and Onion Foccacia, served with Fennel Butter. I wasn't a fan of the fennel butter, but both the breads were very good. I had to hold myself back from eating too much of them because I had order the Chef's Tasting Menu! Five courses specially crafted each day....what were they going to be? It was a total surprise until each dish arrived! I was a little nervous about it, but I was feeling adventerous and figured if I didn't like once dish, there should be 1-2 out of the 5 I would like!
The first course was a Hamachi Sashimi with Pickled Daikon, Cilantro Oil, Black Garlic Puree, and White Soy Foam:
My first thought when this was brought out was "Oh dear. What have I gotten myself in to? I don't really like sushi!"
But I put my big girl pants on and took a bite. Then I tried another. And you know what? It was AMAZING! The fish was so silky, fresh, and tasted of the ocean in the best way possible. It wasn't 'fishy' or bitter. I really loved it, especially with the black garlic puree.
This is what fresh fish should be like! It was just perfect.My second course was King Salmon with Parsnip Puree, Heirloom Beets, and Ice Spinach:
This was very good - perfectly cooked salmon with a crispy seared top, over really yummy parsnip puree. And I love roasted beets...this was a very earthy flavor dish and the meaty salmon went perfectly.
While I was taking a break before the third course, I got up to look at a crazy contraption:
I have never seen anything like it before, but I think this is what they mean on the menu when they list "This Evening's Dancing Fish". The spikes rotated themselves, while going around the heating element.
For the third course, I was served a Serrano Ham-Wrapped Monkfish with Stone Ground Grits, Idiazabal Cheese, and Charred Mizuna:
Yet another delicious creation! Moist monkfish wrapped in sweet, salty serrano ham, over the best cheesy grits I've ever eaten. I had no idea what Mizuna was, but it seems to be a leafy green and it tasted quite good with the dish.
Mark was served his entree at the same time my third course came out, the Two Pound Maine 'Cantonese' Lobster:
They toss the lobster in a soy sticky glaze and serve it with some stir-fried veggies and bok choy.
I'm not a huge lobster fan, but I tasted this and it was pretty good. Mark loved it and was quite a happy camper.
I still had more food coming....on to the fourth course!
Sous Vide Duck Breast, House Duck Sausage, Red Thumb Potatoes and Duck Jus:
In the past, I have not enjoyed any duck dishes I've tried, nor have I even had anything cooked sous-vide (they put the dish in a vacuum pack under warm water). But again, I took a bite and really liked the duck breast. It wasn't greasy, chewy or gamey like I remember duck being. It was moist, soft, tender, and tasty. I didn't really care for the sausage though.
And last but not least, comes dessert!
A Trio a Desserts Created by Two Time World Pastry Champion Laurent Branlard:
They give you a souvenir menu after the meal when ordering the tasting menu, but it didn't describe the desserts so I'll try to tell you what I remember about them!
On the left is some sort of chocolate cake with ice cream.
In the middle is a chocolate mousse and raspberry cream surround by puff pastry.
On the right is what I would called an apple fritter - The outside shell was like a doughnut, and the inside had caramel and a piece of apple. This one was definitely my favorite.
The desserts were certainly good, but they failed to knock my socks off like the other four courses had. It was a bit of a let down after the rest of the meal.
The first course, the Hamachi Sashimi, was surprisingly the clear winner for me!
Mark and I were at bluezoo a good two hours. In that whole time, only two other tables were seated in the whole restaurant! I hear bluezoo gets more crowded when there is a convention at the Swan/Dolphin, so I'm guessing this was not one of those time. If you want a fabulous, low-key, adult meal in a place that's easy to get an ADR (and probably a walk-up!) to, I would HIGHLY recommend bluezoo!
I'm going back in three weeks and already trying to decide if I want to get the tasting menu again.
Grade: A- (For the good but not stellar desserts)
TanzUnited99
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 27, 2010
Wow at the price of that burnt orange cocktail! 
You sure were being adventurous - I would have been a bit apprehensive of that sushi.
Love the description of the salmon - sounds like something I would enjoy eating.
Ok I have never seen anything like them dancing fishes...strange?
I'm glad you enjoyed your meal here.
You sure were being adventurous - I would have been a bit apprehensive of that sushi.
Love the description of the salmon - sounds like something I would enjoy eating.
Ok I have never seen anything like them dancing fishes...strange?
I'm glad you enjoyed your meal here.
2xcited2sleep
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2008
We ate at Bluezoo on our most recent trip - in fact at the table directly behind Mark in your first picture. There was a convention AND it was a later reservation so it was more crowded. We loved it too!
And for anyone that is interested, you can see some of the higher fireworks from Illuminations through the windows to the left of that first picture.
The tasting menu sounds so fun. I may have to try it next time!
I had the burnt orange drink as well and agree that it was not super.
I had to avert my eyes when walking by the "dancing fish."
Loving your reviews!!
And for anyone that is interested, you can see some of the higher fireworks from Illuminations through the windows to the left of that first picture.
The tasting menu sounds so fun. I may have to try it next time!
I had the burnt orange drink as well and agree that it was not super.
I had to avert my eyes when walking by the "dancing fish."
Loving your reviews!!
Disneyfreak616
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2010
Wow! That is A LOT of food!!!
DonaldDoleWhip
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 22, 2008
Love your bluezoo review - the hamachi sashimi looks delicious! I have to try that place soon.
cbg1027
Florida Girl
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2009
Wonderful review Abby
Thanks!
Wow at the price of that burnt orange cocktail!
You sure were being adventurous - I would have been a bit apprehensive of that sushi.
Love the description of the salmon - sounds like something I would enjoy eating.
Ok I have never seen anything like them dancing fishes...strange?
I'm glad you enjoyed your meal here.
I know, that cocktail was an expensive gamble that didn't pay off!
We ate at Bluezoo on our most recent trip - in fact at the table directly behind Mark in your first picture. There was a convention AND it was a later reservation so it was more crowded. We loved it too!
And for anyone that is interested, you can see some of the higher fireworks from Illuminations through the windows to the left of that first picture.
The tasting menu sounds so fun. I may have to try it next time!
I had the burnt orange drink as well and agree that it was not super.
I had to avert my eyes when walking by the "dancing fish."
Loving your reviews!!
Glad to hear bluezoo was busier when you went. It was quite good and the tasting menu was a fun evening of suprised!
Glad I'm not the only one who was underwhelmed by the Burnt Orange!
It was...The only dish I finished was the first course!
Thanks for reading - you should def try bluezoo!
cbg1027
Florida Girl
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2009
On the last full day of our trip, Mark and I had planned to get to DHS for RD, but we were getting tired and decided to sleep in. We ended up just spending the day hanging around AKL - so what better place to have lunch than Sanaa?
I had been once before and loved it, so I was glad when we had the opportunity to go.
Some shots of the restaurant:
We tried a walk up around noon and were seated almost immediately. Even luckier than our immediate walk up seating was our table location - right by the window!
Our view:
Our server Kim was quick to appear and kept up the trend of prompt service throughout the meal.
We started with the Indian Style Bread Service, which comes with your choice of three breads and three dips.
From left to right: Papadum, Paratha, and Naan
For our accompaniments, starting on the top left, we chose Mango Chutney, Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus, Red Chile Sambal, and Tamarind Chutney:
The hummus was an extra treat from Kim!
The Naan was super soft and fluffy, it was really good. I loved the crispy Papadum with it's slightly spiced flavor, but didn't care for the Paratha - it was extremely greasy and I didn't like the spongy texture.
My favor dip was the Tamarind Chutney, followed by the Red Chile Sambal, Mango Chutney, and Hummus. They were all good, I just really love Tamarind!
For an entree, Mark ordered the Grilled Angus Chuck Burger - wrapped in Naan Bread with Minted Greens, Tomato, Onion, and Cucumber-Yogurt Raita
He opted to get the sauces on the side as he wasn't sure he would like them. Mark said it was a really good burger and enjoy having it on the Naan. He didn't care for the sauces though.
I choose the Tandoori Chicken - wrapped in Naan Bread with Minted Greens, Tomato, Onion, and Cucumber-Yogurt Raita.
This was just like Mark's dish except for the meat. And it was very, very good. I loved the chicken - it was flavorful, well spiced, hot, and a bit charred on the outside. It was messy to eat (I tried to eat it like a wrap) but totally delicious and worth the awkwardness. It's also a huge portion, I only ate about half. A good dish if you want to share and they also have a shrimp version!
As we were eating more critters came by. This is a mama and baby...Kim told us their names but I can't remember:
We also saw this guy, CJ the Eland:
I decided to have a cup of Tea as it was a cold day. This is the Golden Assam, an Indian variety:
It was nice medium-bodied tea and really hit the spot.
I had to have dessert, so I went for the Sampler, which normally has Chocolate Cake, Chai Creme, and Passion Fruit Kulfi. But I didn't care for the cake on the last visit so I subbed an extra Kulfi!
These two desserts are amazing! The Kulfi is an Indian frozen dairy treat. The texture is unlike any other ice cream, fro-yo, or gelato I've ever eaten. It starts off feeling like a sorbet, but then gets really creamy as it melts. The Passion fruit flavor is sweet and floral, and it's served with a strawberry sauce.
The Chai Creme is also delicious. If you enjoy Chai, do not miss this dessert! It's got all the wonderful spiciness of Chai in a creamy cross between the texture and feel of pudding and creme brulee.
Sanaa was a wonderful experience and it's my favorite non-signature meal on property. Service is good, food is wonderful, views are amazing, and the restaurant has a really relaxed and exotic ambiance about it.
I cannot recommend it highly enough!
Grade: A
I had been once before and loved it, so I was glad when we had the opportunity to go.
Some shots of the restaurant:
We tried a walk up around noon and were seated almost immediately. Even luckier than our immediate walk up seating was our table location - right by the window!
Our view:
Our server Kim was quick to appear and kept up the trend of prompt service throughout the meal.
We started with the Indian Style Bread Service, which comes with your choice of three breads and three dips.
From left to right: Papadum, Paratha, and Naan
For our accompaniments, starting on the top left, we chose Mango Chutney, Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus, Red Chile Sambal, and Tamarind Chutney:
The hummus was an extra treat from Kim!
The Naan was super soft and fluffy, it was really good. I loved the crispy Papadum with it's slightly spiced flavor, but didn't care for the Paratha - it was extremely greasy and I didn't like the spongy texture.
My favor dip was the Tamarind Chutney, followed by the Red Chile Sambal, Mango Chutney, and Hummus. They were all good, I just really love Tamarind!
For an entree, Mark ordered the Grilled Angus Chuck Burger - wrapped in Naan Bread with Minted Greens, Tomato, Onion, and Cucumber-Yogurt Raita
He opted to get the sauces on the side as he wasn't sure he would like them. Mark said it was a really good burger and enjoy having it on the Naan. He didn't care for the sauces though.
I choose the Tandoori Chicken - wrapped in Naan Bread with Minted Greens, Tomato, Onion, and Cucumber-Yogurt Raita.
This was just like Mark's dish except for the meat. And it was very, very good. I loved the chicken - it was flavorful, well spiced, hot, and a bit charred on the outside. It was messy to eat (I tried to eat it like a wrap) but totally delicious and worth the awkwardness. It's also a huge portion, I only ate about half. A good dish if you want to share and they also have a shrimp version!
As we were eating more critters came by. This is a mama and baby...Kim told us their names but I can't remember:
We also saw this guy, CJ the Eland:
I decided to have a cup of Tea as it was a cold day. This is the Golden Assam, an Indian variety:
It was nice medium-bodied tea and really hit the spot.
I had to have dessert, so I went for the Sampler, which normally has Chocolate Cake, Chai Creme, and Passion Fruit Kulfi. But I didn't care for the cake on the last visit so I subbed an extra Kulfi!
These two desserts are amazing! The Kulfi is an Indian frozen dairy treat. The texture is unlike any other ice cream, fro-yo, or gelato I've ever eaten. It starts off feeling like a sorbet, but then gets really creamy as it melts. The Passion fruit flavor is sweet and floral, and it's served with a strawberry sauce.
The Chai Creme is also delicious. If you enjoy Chai, do not miss this dessert! It's got all the wonderful spiciness of Chai in a creamy cross between the texture and feel of pudding and creme brulee.
Sanaa was a wonderful experience and it's my favorite non-signature meal on property. Service is good, food is wonderful, views are amazing, and the restaurant has a really relaxed and exotic ambiance about it.
I cannot recommend it highly enough!
Grade: A
Disneyfreak616
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2010
Mmmm I LOVE Sanaa!!!
That dessert sampler is the BEST! The chai cream is my fave. But I love the kulfi as well!
What an awesome view! Don't ya just love it!
That dessert sampler is the BEST! The chai cream is my fave. But I love the kulfi as well!
What an awesome view! Don't ya just love it!
John's Mom
Jambo Wildbunch Gang
- Joined
- Jun 20, 2004
Great reviews! Sanaa has become one of our favorite restaurants at WDW.
Sanaa has become one of our favorite restaurants at WDW.
TanzUnited99
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 27, 2010
I loved your review of Sanaa and can't wait to eat here in Sept!! What a great view!
Pooh&OurHunny
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2007
Thanks for sharing your BlueZoo dinner, that lobster looks really yummy (and next time we go to Disney, we must try it).
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