cali grill suggestions for first timer please

[aussiedaisy]

Hi,
We will be arriving in WDW next Sunday from Aussie land!!! YAY...so excited. Anyway, our first dinner the night we arrive is at the California Grill. We have never really eaten at such an upscale restaraunt and I was wondering if anyone can give me suggestions on what is the nicest things to order. I LOVE sushi, so which is the best and most filling (i'll be ravenous after the LONG flight) also, which is the best appetiser? The best dessert? and do they do cocktails? I couldn't see any on the menu but have read you can order something called a french martini....sounds nice!!! Any hints would be great! Thanks so much.

 

[jeanwdw]

How exiciting for you!

We've only eaten once at CG, as we have to travel to WDW from Scotland, not as far as you though!

The view at CG is the most amazing thing! The menu changes often so I couldn't advise you what to have but the CMs were great and seemed to enjoy explaining the menu choices.

I had read on a forum that you had to try the flatbreads as a starter and although it was lovley I found it very filling so that detracted a bit from the main. DH had sushi and then remembered he had a mouth ulcer, which wasn't helped by the salty seafood...ouch, DS had creme brule which was a huge hit. But it was one of the most memorable meals at WDW.

Hope you have a great time

 

[Disney Ron]

Sushi is suppose to be wonderful here. I am afraid of sushi myself. I believe the one everyone raves about is called the snake in the grass.

For apps, we always get which ever flatbread they are offering at the time. their flatbreads are incredible. I loved the chilled lobster also.

For dinner, the best thing is their signature pork tenderloin over polenta.

For dessert they have warm Valrhona chocolate cake with molten center.

Other items we have had and loved do not seem to be on their menu at this time. This is our absolute favorite restaurant in WDW, enjoy I am jealous!

Mrs. Disney Ron

 

[2infinityandbeyond]

The Dungeness crab roll and the yellowfin tuna three ways are excellent.

 

[Disney5Mom]

We loved the flatbreads and banana buzz dessert.

 

[laurabelle]

You're in for such a treat! CA Grill is upscale, but comfortable. It's my fav. WDW restaurant. Here's my order...

Spicy Sensation - Scallops, Tuna, Avocado, Tobiko, and Fireball Sauce $18
This is my absolute favorite sushi evah! The sauce makes this dish!

Oak-fired Filet of Beef with Gruyere-Potato Pave, broccolini, and Teriyaki Barbecue Sauce $35
I'm not a huge red meat eater, but I love their filet! Get the BBQ sauce on the side so as to not overwhelm the steak. Fish is delish here too, the menu changes though so not sure what will be on there when you arrive.

Strawberries Forever - creamy goat cheese cheesecake with strawberry soup, strawberry salad, and strawberry preserves $10
Don't let the fact that it's goat cheese throw you...this is a silken delight!

I've never had a cocktail there, but they have an extensive wine menu. I'm sure I've read that they have a signature drink...

Bon Appétit!

 

[KodakFigment]

CG has the best sushi I have ever had. Been there 3 times and always order sushi. My favorite is the famous "Snake in the Grass" enough for a whole meal or sharing with two or three. It's tempura shrimp, avacado, cucumber, eel and one other thing I can't remember... the sauce is incredible. I can do this and dessert and really be full, but of course we always order too!

 

[weluvslinkydog]

You're in for such a treat! CA Grill is upscale, but comfortable. It's my fav. WDW restaurant. Here's my order...

Spicy Sensation - Scallops, Tuna, Avocado, Tobiko, and Fireball Sauce $18
This is my absolute favorite sushi evah! The sauce makes this dish!

Oak-fired Filet of Beef with Gruyere-Potato Pave, broccolini, and Teriyaki Barbecue Sauce $35
I'm not a huge red meat eater, but I love their filet! Get the BBQ sauce on the side so as to not overwhelm the steak. Fish is delish here too, the menu changes though so not sure what will be on there when you arrive.

Strawberries Forever - creamy goat cheese cheesecake with strawberry soup, strawberry salad, and strawberry preserves $10
Don't let the fact that it's goat cheese throw you...this is a silken delight!

I've never had a cocktail there, but they have an extensive wine menu. I'm sure I've read that they have a signature drink...

Bon Appétit!

WOW...I had the EXACT same thing when we went--that's funny! , and agree completely that the spicy sensation is absolutely BY FAR the BEST special sushi dish I have ever had....--my husband had Snake inthe Grass and that also was terrific....

I didn't order a cocktail, but we were there during Food and Wine Festival (at Epcot) and went to a wine tasting for Chalk Hill winery, and DH and I both loved the Chardonney--I was so happy to see that CG had that on the wine list --- it was wonderful with the sushi! I just made reservations for our anniversary this year (again during Food and Wine--can't wait!!!) and CG was the first on our list to return to! Have a wonderful evening!

 

[ehagerty]

Some thoughts:

1. Menus are available for review on this site (and allearsnet.com)
2. Sushi is excellent here. Your server is well prepared to guide you to what you are most likely to like. My favorite (on the dining plan) is "Yellowfin Tuna Three Ways" - or you can have the Deluxe Yoshi Sampler for an entree (I've had both).
3. Some pictures might help - if not to choose menu selections in advance, then at least to add to the excitement:

Link on Disboards to California Grill pictures

You need to view all pages as pictures are dispersed among them...