California Grill Questions

[Mrs.A]

How is this restaurant? I think I read someplace where the menu changes weekly? Any info on the food would be appreciated and what is the dress code? It will be myself and DH, while the kids go to a club for the evening.

 

[Synonymous]

I love CG. The atmosphere is very energetic. Lots of hustle and bustle and excitement. Dress code is resort casual- you will see people very dressed up and you will see people straight from the theme park.

I don't know how often the menu changes, but I know there is some consistency from visit to visit. I had the Tamarind Beef for each meal. The menu is eclectic, you should check it out on Deb Wills' site: http://wdwig.com/menu/menus.htm

As you'd expect from the name, this is fairly avant-guarde, West Coast-style cooking. Not what you'd call a "meat and potatoes" kind of place. But it's not a place where you'll go away hungry, either. Appetizers, entree and desserts were all excellent, and they have a fantastic wine list.

Our servers have always been very knowledgeable and helpful, expecially with wine selection.

We'll be there a week from Monday, and I'm already getting excited about it.

Oh, did I mention the incredible view? Try to eat there during MK fireworks or, if you can manage it, a thunderstorm. (Disney doesn't release its schedule for those, though.)

 

[dansyr]

One of the best meals we've ever had...and for a little romance ....request a window seat overlooking MK in time for the fireworks

 

[angey77]

I loved CG! We were there for the fireworks and it was spectacular. Word of warning though...make your PS at least an hour and a half before the fireworks to get a window seat. The CM I made my PS with talked me out of a 5:45 ps and into a 6:30 for the 7:00 fireworks, saying I would have no problem. We got there at 6 and all the window seats had all just sat down!
But the food was great. We had the Triple Cheese, Triple Garlic flatbread for an app. (yum!), my BF had the Yellow Fin Tuna and I had the Saffron Fennel Broth (word of warning, the broth is not much food at ALL for $28.75, Jiko was a better deal in my book).
But our server was very knowledgable about our wine selection and it was a great atmosphere.
As far as dress, we had just showered up at the resort, so we were dressed nicely with black pants and nice tops. The only wear not allowed, according to the CM who took my ps is something "that looks like you just came from the pool."

 

[GenePA]

CG is the best restaurant at WDW....in my opinion! The menu does constantly change but it is always excellent. We've been here several times and have enjoyed our time immensely each time. The restaurant can get loud so if you are looking for a quiet meal, this may not be the place. It is very open...that is the seating and the cooking area (along with bar). I'd never turn down a chance to go here and I think it would be an ideal place to go without the kids...you won't be disappointed!

 

[BCV23]

We love CG too. We had a great dinner there a week ago tonight. If you would like a more subdued experience ask for a table in the "wine room."

The menu does change but not in huge chunks at a time...I would say it's tweaked. For instance I had the four cheese and garlic pizza in October. It was very good but a little plain tasting for me. My son ordered it last week and it has sundried tomatoes on it now and is fantastic. A chicken caeser flatbread that was on the menu in Dec wasn't there this trip. The sushi seems to remain pretty much the same and some entrees seem to be usually available although accompaniments may change. I'm happy to report that the beet salad is still on the menu.

 

[catheren]

The CgG is one of the best WDW restaurants! It is pricey but the view, especially if you can coordinate it w/ the MK fireworks -- makes it an eventfull evening.

As far as dress goes..... well on week nites we have gone in "park attire" and felt comfortable. (i.e. golf shirt, shorts) But we did go on a weekend and felt very under dressed. People had suits, black cocktail dresses, etc. On weekends many locals entertain clients at the CG.

Hope this helps!

 

[ducklite]

Fabulous food and good service, but too loud to be romantic IMHO.

Dress code requests no cut offs or tank tops. most people tend to wear business/resort casual, although you'll also see plenty of suits and evening attire.

Anne

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Yup this is one of my favourites too - if you ask for a table in the wine room then you're away from the hustle and bustle and I've found that a great place to be romantic, it has views over towards Fort Wilderness and you can see Epcot and as far away as some of the hotels on International-Drive - it's a great view.

I love this place I wish I were there right now!!

 

[Epcotgal8]

I highly recommend the pork tenderloin. Not a very big portion but VERY tasty. DH let me try a bite ;-) I ordered the filet with tamarind glaze. It was tender, cooked to order, but the glaze was a little bit too sweet for my taste. I've read that you can order the filet without the glaze or have it on the side and that's probably what I personally would do in the future but that's just my taste and others may love the glaze. CG desserts are wonderful. I had a chocolate souffle that was to die for. It's a beautiful view. We were lucky enough to arrive to watch the sunset as we had a glass of wine while waiting for our table and then were just finishing up our meal when the fireworks went off. Enjoy!

 

[capegirl]

I am taking my" hamburger lover" 14 year old son to the California Grille. Do you know if they serve anything kids would like?

 

[catheren]

If your 14 year old is just into "burgers" then the CG is not the place. If he's not into trying new foods, then save your money and don't go.

Check out there menu at www.wdwig.com and show your child. Your son could order off the children's menu -- you will have to request it.

 

[Madhatter266]

DH and myself had dinner there last Thursday. We had PSs for 6:00 PM and were able to get the last window seat for the 7:15 fireworks. The food was great-I had the pork and DH had the tuna. The flatbreads were very good. Watching the fireworks from this vantage point was incredible. As the show started, and the lights dimmed several children came over to watch. One mother decided to stand up so her daughter could see better. The hostess came over and said that she could stay next to the window as long as she knelt so others could see around her.