California Grill experts I need your advice!

[supersuperwendy]

I made an ADR today for hubby and I for our December trip. We have never been there so I'm curious about how good some of the things on the menu are. Also, if anyone has photos of them that would be great too!!! Thanks!

How's this soup? I love the pumpkin bisque from Zoup! so hopefully this is good too.
Cinderella Pumpkin soup - With Bacon, pumpkin seed croutons and cider creme fraiche - $11.00

Is this worth the money? $44 for a steak?
Oak-fired Filet of Beef - Dauphinoise Potatoes with smoked bacon, ginger scented carrots, and teriyaki Barbecue - $44.00

This dessert sounds amazing...was it?
Valrhona Chocolate Cake - Warm Chocolate cake with molten center, cappuccino caramel crunch ice cream, whipped cream, coffee caramel sauce - $13.00

 

[jennylyn_b]

Just to let you know that the menu changes at CG. They use market fresh ingredients so what is on the menu today may not be next week or next month. We LOVE this restaurant and for us it is worth every penny. Enjoy!

 

[supersuperwendy]

Oh ok I didn't know that thanks! I'm very excited to go there. We have a 7:35 adr and wishes is at 8. I can't wait to see the view!

 

[bluejasmine]

Last yr we only got two cocktails, sushi and dessert. The only pics I have are of the sushi, its the spicy kazan and bonzai roll maybe? They were amazing and we made an ADR just to get these again in Sept but with a full meal this time! CG is beautiful!

 

[BBQMommy]

We went in feb of 2010 and I had my best course of the 5 day trip - lamb shank risotto (was an appetizer). Could have eaten a vat of it.

 

[Meriweather]

We're going for the first time in Dec. too....with another DIS couple.
Really looking forward to it.

 

[Pakey]

We've dined here many times. Nothing is as good as the sushi. The filet I had here was one of the worst on property. The same with the duck. Now we stick to sushi and sometimes will split a dessert.

 

[mickeysgirl17]

I think the steak and chocolate cake might still be there in Dec. I keep an eye on the menus and those items have been on the menu for a while now. I have never been to CG, but I will be going this December as well.

 

[starrysky]

I had a very similar steak dish to that last year and it was WONDERFUL well worth the cost, also had the chocolate cake desert but the one I had came with marshmallow ice cream again it was WONDERFUL.

If you want to talk expensive steak DH has made me book us into schulas so he can have the largest steak at $85 Told him he is paying for that one.

We have two bookings at cali grill for our trip this year both late seatings so we can watch the fireworks at MK.

Last year we were there on a MNSSHP night so we got to see Hallowishes from a whole new angle.

 

[JZCubed]

The menu changes....

I love soup too. Pumpkin Soup you listed sounds yummy.

I had the Filet with Dauphinoise Potato last year. Well prepared, but uninspired.

The Chocolate Dessert sounds similar to what my wife had - she loved it.

Regardless, if it's just you and your spouse (and you're going for the fireworks), the extra few buck for the food is worth it!! Enjoy!!

 

[Cee]

I've only eaten there once and the meal was outstanding. Enjoy!

 

[Ron from Michigan]

California Grill is our favorite place to dine at WDW. We always start with one of there great flatbreads. I will order sushi for us to split next. My favorite entree has been Pork tenderloin with creamy polenta. I had ostrich for the first time there a few years ago and really enjoyed that also. The Valrhona Chocolate Cake is very, very good..........

 

[psac]

Also did not like the filet at Cali Grill. However, their sushi, flatbreads (basically fancy little pizzas), and fish dishes are all excellent. Highly recommend the restaurant overall (Going again in two weeks!), but I personally would stay away from the filet.

Enjoy it!!

 

[iloveeeyore]

I'm not a CG expert by any means, but I had that beef filet last summer and it was delicious, cooked to perfection and could cut it with the side of my fork. The potatoes were sooooo yummy! As much as I loved my beef, DH's pork entree was 10 times better. It was perhaps the most delicious thing I have ever tasted. It's hard to guage what's "worth it" to different people, but we found the prices appropriate for what we would expect at that kind of place (view, food).

Please check out my dining report link in my signature for more details, and enjoy your night!

Oh, edited to add: My son ordered the Valhrona Chocolate Cake and believes it's the best dessert he's ever had. He still raves about it!

 

[PoohsFan1]

California Grill is a must do for us, DH and I always get the Oak Fired fillet it is one of the best steaks in Disney, therefore, yes it is definitely worth the money. As one PP have already mentioned, CG does change it's menus with the different seasons, but the Oak Fired Fillet is one that stays on the menu year round, the other item that I know of that is year round is the goat cheese ravioli which is part of the first course (this is DH's favorite appetizer). Have an awesome time at CG, can't wait to get back there in January....taking my ILs up there for their first time

 

[Mrs.Reese]

SUSHI!!! We go there only for the sushi. It is fabulous, fresh and worth every penny.

 

[supersuperwendy]

We're going for the first time in Dec. too....with another DIS couple.
Really looking forward to it.

With Bobbiwoz right? She mentioned it in our DVC december trip list!! Have fun!

 

[supersuperwendy]

I'm not a CG expert by any means, but I had that beef filet last summer and it was delicious, cooked to perfection and could cut it with the side of my fork. The potatoes were sooooo yummy! As much as I loved my beef, DH's pork entree was 10 times better. It was perhaps the most delicious thing I have ever tasted. It's hard to guage what's "worth it" to different people, but we found the prices appropriate for what we would expect at that kind of place (view, food).

Please check out my dining report link in my signature for more details, and enjoy your night!

Oh, edited to add: My son ordered the Valhrona Chocolate Cake and believes it's the best dessert he's ever had. He still raves about it!

I just read your whole dining report! Now I'm starving! I can't wait to try Cali Grill!!!

 

[chrisw127]

We eat here almost every trip. Even if the food wasn't good, we'd still go just for the view. It's the perfect way to end a trip. I am not crazy about the filet. The meat was fine but the sauce was not something I would order again. Does anyone know if you can order it cooked without it and if so, what will they do to the steak?

 

[NYDisneyGal]

We eat at CG every trip. I've had the filet many times (it's always on the menu) and it is delicious. My husband won't have anything else. He also loves the pumpkin soup. I tried the pork tenderloin last Christmas and I have to say it was one of the best meals I've ever had. The flavors were remarkable. I savored every bite! Really loved the flatbreads there as well. Dessert is beautiful with many unique selections. Enjoy your meal!