California Grill....questions

[MARCIAKAZ]

We have a dinner ADR at the California Grill (not on DDP), and I have some questions that I hope someone can answer. What is typical/normal--to order a first course, and a main course? Is the first course basically an appetizer or is it more part of the main meal--for instance, if you don't order a first course, would you possibly not have enough to eat? The flatbreads and sushi--can they be either first course or main course? As always, thanks for the input!!

 

[eeyore45]

Our first time we read over the menus and I remember being confused as well -

When we went our server was very attentive, and helpful - just order what you want, whenever you want it!! It works the way you want it to work!!

We ordered a bunch of flatbreads to start, then dh wanted some sushi... then we ordered a main course... I believe they held that so we could go outside to watch WISHES... then when we came back our main course was delivered hot - perfect!

 

[stitchlover]

That was exactly our experience too. We did this one OOP and I ordered sushi to begin and husband ordered flatbread. Then we both ordered main meal. DD shared with flatbread with DH and a child's meal (which she is still talking about). At the end of the meal they both ordered dessert.
They brought our appetizers then held the rest of our food until after we got back from the viewing area outside. The food was delivered hot and perfectly cooked. It was an incredible experience, we sat in the wine room off the main dining room. It was small and cozy. We had a perfect view of the electrical water pageant when it went by at 9:30.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

When I ate there I had soup for an appetizer, flatbread for an entree, and then I had dessert. I didn't feel any pressure at all to order a full meal, which I have felt at some restaurants, but not here.

 

[donaldsgal]

We ate there on the dining plan this past June. Me, DSis, Dcousin, and DC-in-law. We all ordered sushi as appetizers, then DSis started talking about wanting a salad. Soon, DC was wanting a second appetizer as well, and then DCIL suggested we all splurge and just get a second appetizer. That resulted in two caesar salads, one California asparagus soup, and a flatbread (I think). We all then got our entrees, as well as dessert. We all also had a specialty drink and a regular drink (water or soda). We paid OOP for the second entrees and specialty drinks, but the server was wonderful! He didn't think we were hogs when we ordered more than on the DDP, we had about 30 minutes per course (including wait times in between), so it was timed perfectly. The entree course was probably 45 minutes including the wait, but it was what I think of when I think of fine dining. The timing, meal, attentiveness of the server, the view, everything, was just superb. My DC and DCIL had never been and LOVED the experience. (It was also only their third meal without kids since their daughter was born 3 years ago). In short, you order whatever your heart desires and they will accommodate you without batting an eyelash.

We tipped very well for this meal as it could not have gone better and the server was top notch.

 

[MARCIAKAZ]

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences! I'm feeling a little more comfortable about going there, now.

 

[tinkandpan]

Last time we were there we had sushi and then we had flatbreads. We then moved onto entrees, and ended with the cheese course. I think on our upcoming trip we might actually skip the entree and pick up another flatbread and sushi since i thought those were actually tastier than the entrees (not that they weren't tasty as well but....)