California Grill as a Solo?

[msteddom]

I find myself tempted to try California Grill on my next trip, but I hear such mixed reviews if it that I just can't bring myself to commit to eating an entire meal there. Is there maybe an appetizer or two plus a dessert that I might make a light meal out of so I just get the feel of the place without having to commit to a lengthy expensive dinner? Thanks!


Melissa

 

[Uncleromulus]

Their flatbreads are probably a perfect size for such a plan. That and any of their desserts should do the trick. Last trip I had their "BLT" flatbread--VERY good!!!

 

[majortom]

If you really want to try it out, you can always have sushi. Order as much or as little as you want. Start with one roll and go from there. On most nights, you can just go to the bar and order some sushi (not the sushi bar, their regular bar) and get a table with no waiting and no reservation. It will not always work, as if they happen to be busy, they will not let you up there.

/carmi

 

[LindsayDunn228]

The flatbreads are a great choice. We always get the quadruple cheese, MMMMM!!! Heck I would go just for that!

We love the California Grill and eat there on every trip

 

[bleeps]

Cal. Grill is not only our favorite at WDW, it is one of our all-time favorite restaurants, based on years and years of fine dining in Boston, Chicago, New York, San Fran, and even Paris. I'd urge you to go with an open mind and an empty stomach and see for yourself. You'll find on these boards that there will ALWAYS be mixed reviews of EVERYTHING -- no matter what, where, how, or who, someone will always have something to complain about. This really is a world-class restaurant worthy of serving you a special meal.

 

[msteddom]

The flatbread did catch my eye when I was looking at the menu on Deb's site. I only saw one listed though, does it change nightly or is there a selection? Thanks!

Melissa

 

[Uncleromulus]

They do change from time to time--. My best recollection is that there is always at least one, and often two, from which to choose.

 

[majortom]

Cal. Grill is not only our favorite at WDW, it is one of our all-time favorite restaurants, based on years and years of fine dining in Boston, Chicago, New York, San Fran, and even Paris. I'd urge you to go with an open mind and an empty stomach and see for yourself. You'll find on these boards that there will ALWAYS be mixed reviews of EVERYTHING -- no matter what, where, how, or who, someone will always have something to complain about. This really is a world-class restaurant worthy of serving you a special meal.

When were you there last? To what fine dining restaurants in Chicago, New York, San Francisco and Paris do you compare it, where it comes out ahead? There was a time under Chef Cliff, where it was a world class restaurant, sadly, that is no longer true. Their menu has changed little since he left and service and wine selection of has deteriorated since George (their opening GM) and Jeff (their advanced sommelier and wine buyer) left.

I loved California Grill at its apex. I used to eat there several times every trip. I first noticed these changes after Chef Cliff and George left to go start Seasons 52. New specials got to be less frequent and their wait staff got less responsive. Then when Jeff left, their wine program (meaning their cellar and their server's wine knowledge) deteriorated.

If you put California Grill on a ground floor, without a view of Magic Kingdom's fireworks, very few people would actually visit. They have been coasting on their reputation and location for several years.

/carmi

 

[msteddom]

When were you there last? To what fine dining restaurants in Chicago, New York, San Francisco and Paris do you compare it, where it comes out ahead? There was a time under Chef Cliff, where it was a world class restaurant, sadly, that is no longer true. Their menu has changed little since he left and service and their selection of wine have deteriorated since George (their opening GM) and Jeff (their advanced sommelier and wine buyer) left.

I loved California Grill at its apex. I used to eat there several times every trip. I first noticed the changes after Chef Cliff and George left to go start Seasons 52. New specials got to be less frequent, their wait staff got less responsive. Then when Jeff left, their wine program (meaning their cellar their server's wine knowledge) deteriorated.

If you put that California Grill on a ground floor, without a view of Magic Kingdom's fireworks, very few people would actually visit. The have been coasting on their reputation and location for several years.

/carmik

So are you saying that I shouldn't try it?

 

[majortom]

So are you saying that I shouldn't try it?

I am saying that based on their slide in quality and my most recent experience there, I am unlikely to ever return. You may love it, as you will not have been colored by knowing what it was like when it was good. Also, it really depends on what your other dining tastes are as to how this rates. If your typical restaurant is Ponderosa, you might like it. If it is Alain Ducasse you will be disappointed (unless you are there during fireworks and that matters more than food, wine and service).

/carmi

 

[jarrdisney]

I would agree with majortom and sit at the bar. "Bleeps", as far as CA Grill being on par with some of the best restaurants in this country, I am also wondering what restaurants you are comparing CA Grill to? Most of my experiences have been mediocre at best, and IMO feel the restaurant would not be as busy if it were not for the view.

 

[msteddom]

Thnaks for your input everyone! I have decided to give it a try and just order an appetizer and maybe a dessert and pay out of pocket. Then at least I'll have tried it for better or for worse!

Melissa