California Grill Questions (Stupid)

[LittleMissMagic]

Okay, on the menu, it lists flatbreads, then sushi, then the first course, and then the main course.

How big is the flatbread? Is it to share with the table?

How many pieces of sushi? Could this also be shared with the table?

Do we have to get flatbread or sushi? What if we aren't big food people? Are they going to look at us like we're low-class?

More importantly... how snooty are the waitors? Is this a strictly high-class environment? Are they going to scoff at us if we don't pick the most expensive entree?

Is splitting dishes completely unacceptable? Is bypassing the first course and going straight to the main course unacceptable? What if someone in our party would like to make their first course their main course?

How accommodating are they?

I'm asking all of these questions because we just don't eat very much, but we've always wanted to dine here. However, I'm pretty sure we won't be cleaning our plates, and we don't like to waste food. What about boxes? Are they going to offer to box up our leftovers?

We have reservations for 9:25 (fireworks are at 10:00). We're probably more excited about this than the food. Can someone give me more details on the fireworks viewing?

Thanks so much. I probably sound so dumb, but I figure that it is best to embarass myself now than later.

 

[TDC Nala]

First of all. Do not worry about how the waiters might look at you or scoff at you. You may order anything you wish and you don't have to order anything you don't want. If they treat you badly, ask for a manager and make a complaint.

1) The flatbread could be easily shared between two people. More than that, probably not unless you're ordering it strictly as an appetizer.

2) The sushi can be shared depending on which one you get. Some of them are larger with more pieces, and some are smaller.

Splitting dishes is not unacceptable (especially if you are not on the dining plan). Ordering only appetizers is not unacceptable. You may order anything you wish in any order. Yes, they will box up leftovers if you ask. California Grill is NOT an intimidating restaurant.

As for the fireworks viewing, if you dont' get a window table you can always get up and watch from the observation deck. Inform your server. They will hold a course until you come back.

 

[kabuki]

Okay, on the menu, it lists flatbreads, then sushi, then the first course, and then the main course.

How big is the flatbread? Is it to share with the table?

How many pieces of sushi? Could this also be shared with the table?

Do we have to get flatbread or sushi? What if we aren't big food people? Are they going to look at us like we're low-class?

More importantly... how snooty are the waitors? Is this a strictly high-class environment? Are they going to scoff at us if we don't pick the most expensive entree?

Is splitting dishes completely unacceptable? Is bypassing the first course and going straight to the main course unacceptable? What if someone in our party would like to make their first course their main course?

How accommodating are they?

I'm asking all of these questions because we just don't eat very much, but we've always wanted to dine here. However, I'm pretty sure we won't be cleaning our plates, and we don't like to waste food. What about boxes? Are they going to offer to box up our leftovers?

We have reservations for 9:25 (fireworks are at 10:00). We're probably more excited about this than the food. Can someone give me more details on the fireworks viewing?

Thanks so much. I probably sound so dumb, but I figure that it is best to embarass myself now than later.

Hello!

First .. your not asking stupid questions!

Disney is great about splitting! We went last year to California Grill and told the waiter we want to split some items and take our time and he was VERY accommodating. We were not at the time of the fireworks BUT I think as long as you tell them what you want you should be fine. My husband and I had a flatbread and I believe it had 8 pieces, a sushi roll (again large 8-12 pieces) and dessert. All split and no issues.
I hope this helps and have a great time!

 

[Uncleromulus]

The flatbreads are large enough for two..for most people. But I can easily dispose of one!! Can't say for the Sushi as we never had it.
You don't have to order anything you don't want to. The place isn't snooty or "high class"--in fact it'll be quite noisy with plenty of kids.

Now I should say this: If all you REALLY want to do is see fireworks, there are probably better ways than going to the California Grill and then worrying about NOT eating, etc.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

A flatbread can be shared by two or possibly 3 people.

The sushi can be ordered as an entree.

Many people don't order appetizers, and just go straight to the entrees (apps are not included on the dining plan).

You can share an entree.

As far as it being a snooty place, it's Disney, all walks of life eat there. I've never encountered snooty waiter, even if we go in to have dessert and coffee.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

You can sit at your table, if you get a window seat to view the fireworks or you can go outside on the observation deck. Take a glass of wine out with you, it's a nice little treat. The view from Main Street is much better, but it's a really nice change of pace to view them from the top of the CR building.

Enjoy!

 

[ChloroFiend]

I'll echo the PP; if you just want to see the fireworks from CG, you're gonna be spending a lot of money for not that much benefit. The beach over at Poly or the dock at GF may be a better decision. Personally, I'm not overawed by the fireworks view from CR in general (we also had a MK View room for our honeymoon)....while its cool to be so close, the off-axis viewing angle somewhat detracts from the experience you'd get seeing it straight on.

The food there is really good; I'm a foodie and CG is on my Top 5 list (sharing room with Jiko, Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill, Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill, and Tom Collichio's Craft Dallas)....its damn good food.

Sushi or flatbreads, as mentioned, could be either shared as an appetizer or eaten by one person as an entree. The (excellent!) sushi may even be a bit too much for one person to eat as an appetizer...I tend to be nearing uncomfortably full if I wipe out an entire order and then my entree.

While CG is a signature restaurant with a dress code, it's a relatively laid back/casual dining environment. The servers we've had have all be very friendly and helpful...eager to answer any questions, make us feel at ease, and get us the most enjoyable meal possible.

When the wife and I go there, we each get an appetizer (I get sushi, she invariably gets the sonoma goat cheese ravioli ), an entree each, and a share dessert. Like I said earlier, that's just on the verge of too much food for the two of us.

Hope this all helps you out.

 

[Gigi22]

DH and I are light eaters. We felt that splitting the flatbread between the two of use was overkill--we usually order lighter appetizers.

 

[Melodious]

The food there is really good; I'm a foodie and CG is on my Top 5 list (sharing room with Jiko, Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill, Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill, and Tom Collichio's Craft Dallas)....its damn good food.

Sushi or flatbreads, as mentioned, could be either shared as an appetizer or eaten by one person as an entree. The (excellent!) sushi may even be a bit too much for one person to eat as an appetizer...I tend to be nearing uncomfortably full if I wipe out an entire order and then my entree.

When the wife and I go there, we each get an appetizer (I get sushi, she invariably gets the sonoma goat cheese ravioli ), an entree each, and a share dessert. Like I said earlier, that's just on the verge of too much food for the two of us.

Good to hear that the food is that good , but now you've got me worried about the portions. Despite my small size, I like to think I can put away a good bit of food and was planning to get sushi and an entree, but we're planning to order a cake for dessert and now I'm worried it'll be waaaay too much. Uh-oh, wonder if my mom'll want to share an entree since she doesn't eat sushi...

 

[Halle]

To the OP, My only concern would be whether or not your table is available close to your reservation time so you get to see Wishes.

 

[LittleMissMagic]

Thank you all for your responses. I feel a lot better about this, now!

To the OP, My only concern would be whether or not your table is available close to your reservation time so you get to see Wishes.

So how soon do they typically seat you after you check in? How early should I check in? Just twenty minutes like normal ADRs, or should I get there earlier?

Thanks so much!

 

[TDC Nala]

You can see Wishes whether you are seated at your table or not - in fact your table may not be next to a window, and may not have a view of MK at all.

That's why the observation deck is a good thing - if you're in the restaurant, you get to see the show.

If it is extremely important to you that you be able to watch Wishes while seated at a table, then if you can try checking in early (and I mean very early, like 30 - 45 minutes early or so) and tell them you are willing to wait until a table opens so you can have a Wishes view from the table. This may not work - you're not guaranteed to get a window table.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

Good to hear that the food is that good , but now you've got me worried about the portions. Despite my small size, I like to think I can put away a good bit of food and was planning to get sushi and an entree, but we're planning to order a cake for dessert and now I'm worried it'll be waaaay too much. Uh-oh, wonder if my mom'll want to share an entree since she doesn't eat sushi...

There is no way I could eat a sushi roll and an entree and dessert, doesn't hurt to try though.

Good Luck!

 

[TinkerbellinLouisian]

We did Cali Grill... JUST for the SUSHI...and were TOTALLY FULL and even left some.....here is the "Snake in the Grass"....DS's fav.....(DS18)

 

[TinkerbellinLouisian]

[/IMG]

 

[TinkerbellinLouisian]

 

[itradehilton]

Are the pictures of sushi plates considered apps or main course?

 

[LittleMissMagic]

Wow, thanks for the great sushi pictures! What is the second one pictured?

 

[EastonCat]

First of all. Do not worry about how the waiters might look at you or scoff at you. You may order anything you wish and you don't have to order anything you don't want. If they treat you badly, ask for a manager and make a complaint.

Splitting dishes is not unacceptable (especially if you are not on the dining plan). Ordering only appetizers is not unacceptable. You may order anything you wish in any order. Yes, they will box up leftovers if you ask. California Grill is NOT an intimidating restaurant.

As for the fireworks viewing, if you dont' get a window table you can always get up and watch from the observation deck. Inform your server. They will hold a course until you come back.

I wanted to echo these points. Dining is for the comfort of the guest and you should not feel pressured to order a quantity or type of food or beverage. Eating lightly and not ordering beverages and sitting at a table for two hours is uncool, but while you are at your table it is the responsibility of the service to craft a dining experience that works for you. Income is money at a rate - if you don't order lots of stuff your courses will come quicker (don't let them bring two courses at once unless you like to dine that way) and you'll move on when you're finished. The table will quickly be refilled upon your departure.

Splitting dishes is common at Disney restaurants and most other restaurants. There may be a charge some places (I don't remember if Cali charged my in-laws to entree split, which they always do) but you should always be comfortable asking. Whether the decision is based on appetite or finances, there's no reason to order separate entrees if you don't want to.

I recommend going to the observation deck for the fireworks. They are ready to accommodate this and you'll end up with a better dining experience than if your food comes and you let it sit for 13 minutes to watch the fireworks. Let your server know when you are seated that you'd like to do this.

 

[janeapplemeadow]

Never be intimidated at any Disney Restaurant. My mother always says, my money is just as green as anyone else. I took my niece and nephews there last summer and they were a little nervous about a "fancy" place. They were very comfortable there. I started the meal by explaining to the server that I would like to have a liesurely meal and only ordered courses when we were nearly finished with the first one. My nephew is a cautious eater (think picky) and the sever took time to explain the dishes to him without making him feel like a dope. They were very willing to tweek his order so he could enjoy his meal. As for appetizers, the four of us ordered 3 things and all sampled them and the server brought out extra plates. They made it a very enjoyable meal for us. I think if you are polite to your server they will go out of their way to make sure you have a pleasant experience.