California Grill to debut new beverage menu

[Rumors Rocks]

http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/General_Disney_News/California_Grill_to_debut_new_beverage_menu.htm

Plans are in motion for a whole new menu of beverages at the soon-to-reopen California Grill at Walt Disney World's Contemporary Resort. Chef Brian Piasecki and General Manager Michael Scheifler recently toured 15 wineries in five days, searching for new wines to introduce to the signature restaurant. Some of their favorites were a zinfandel from an organic Napa vineyard, Tres Sabores and a chardonnay from Heitz Cellars that is being bottled just for California Grill. The chardonnay is bottled in magnums, which Scheifler says will be brought to the table to pour by the glass.

When diners step off the elevator into the restaurant, they will come face-to-face with an all-new display case of 1,600 wine bottles - an "onstage, climate-controlled, state-of-the-art cabinet." The restaurant will offer 250 wines; 72 percent of these are from California. Scheifler says, "We'll have something for every palate, from a first-growth Bordeaux to a boutique wine from Oregon or South Africa." 80 of these wines will be offered by the glass. For patrons who want recommendations, there are more than 20 sommeliers on staff.

In addition to the new wines, the popular sushi menu has been expanded, new sakes are being introduced, and eight varieties of craft beer will be offered.

Scheifler added, "We can't wait to debut the new beverage lineup. Drinks span from classic cocktails to wines you won't find anywhere else, the beverages are a great complement to Chef Brian's new menu."

 

[Angel Ariel]

thrilled to hear this! CG has always been a favorite of ours, especially the service and suggestions from the sommeliers....now if only they would finish this renovation and open reservations for our October trip!

 

[snausman]

That is great. Now if we can only find out when CG is to reopen, that would be wonderful.

Laura

 

[jnscott4]

Any word on what craft beers will be offered? Wine is good and all, but some of us would like to see Disney significantly expand its craft beer offerings throughout the parks and restaurants.

 

[beer dave]

Any word on what craft beers will be offered? Wine is good and all, but some of us would like to see Disney significantly expand its craft beer offerings throughout the parks and restaurants.

Ditto-- I expect more of the middle of the road ( or as the case may be, not quite to the middle) offerings. I'd put on--Franziskaner Hefe, Paulaner Salvator doppel bock, Belhaven Scottish ale, Stone Imperial russian stout rotating with a Thomas Hardy type barley wine, Maybe an Omegang Saison, ( Rare Vos?) and someones IPA-- you pick any-- I'm not a fan of the style.

 

[honeydiane1953]

CG has not to my knowledge announced it's reopening. That's aggravating.

 

[Mike2023]

CG has not to my knowledge announced it's reopening. That's aggravating.

There is a waiter at CG that I have had EVERY time I have eaten there (at least once a year for the last 5 years) Anyways, I have his email and always pre arrange with him so I'm sure I am seated with him each trip. I emailed him about our upcoming fall trip and he said as of right now unless things change he is scheduled to be back at CG September 1st. He said he is going to try and inform me when reservations start to open up but suggested I check periodically.

 

[JennaWest]

There is a waiter at CG that I have had EVERY time I have eaten there (at least once a year for the last 5 years) Anyways, I have his email and always pre arrange with him so I'm sure I am seated with him each trip. I emailed him about our upcoming fall trip and he said as of right now unless things change he is scheduled to be back at CG September 1st. He said he is going to try and inform me when reservations start to open up but suggested I check periodically.

Oh I am so excited to hear this! We LOVE CG and are going end of September. We are staying at AKV-concierge so they are supposed to get us a reservation if it opens.

 

[kahikaiwa]

I love CG!! I was hoping they would be open when we visit the first week in September! Hopefully I will be able to get a reservation!

 

[Mike2023]

I just want to point out that just because they recall the wait staff for sept 1st does not mean they open first week of sept. I assume they would all have training and then soft openings first.

 

[JennaWest]

Just saw this on the disboards list of closures and rehabs

Disney World Resorts
NOTE: Our listing is for those refurbishments that will have an impact on the majority of guests. When it comes to changing out rooms, this is fairly routine as Disney is always monitoring their resorts. Unless it's a full scale remodel, it's considered standard maintenance and is not included in the refurb/rehab schedule.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas-
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
All Star Movies
All Star Music Resort

All Star Sports - End Zone Food Court closed 7/31/2013- 12/26/2013. There will be transportation from the porte cochere to All Star Music or All Star Movies to dine in the Intermission Food Court or World Premier Food Court. The Arcade will be closed 7/31/2013- 12/26/2013. It is being used as a temporary Food Court with "Grab & Go" items.

Disney's Beach Club Resort
Disney's Boardwalk Resort

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney's Contemporary Resort- California Grill closed 2/2/2013 - 8/31/2013

 

[kahikaiwa]

I spoke with a very helpful cast member yesterday who told me they have not been given any updates since they closed in Feb. They cannot even book for the holidays yet. I am hoping they will be open on Sept 1st like forecasted!!!!

 

[Mike2023]

FYI, I hear now that California Grill Will start taking reservations on Monday August 26th at 7:00 am. They will be taking reservations for September 9th and beyond up to the normal 180 days.

 

[beer dave]

FYI, I hear now that California Grill Will start taking reservations on Monday August 26th at 7:00 am. They will be taking reservations for September 9th and beyond up to the normal 180 days.

Thanks Mike-- I missed it by a week. Maybe in october!

 

[SpectroMagic*o*]

California Grill is not only my favorite restaurant in WDW, its my favorite restaurant EVER!! Ive been there a bajillion times and I have to say, everything Ive read about the new restaurant doesn't sound ANY different from what the restaurant used to be. The updates have been so disappointing to me as it sounds exactly the same. Which is fine, I LOVE the old Cali Grill. But then the need to close the establishment for months and raise menu prices is pointless. I'm sure things will be different, but I thought it would be EXTENSIVLEY different. But I guess I wont know til I see it, just basing my opinion on what Ive read so far.

 

[Mike2023]

California Grill is not only my favorite restaurant in WDW, its my favorite restaurant EVER!! Ive been there a bajillion times and I have to say, everything Ive read about the new restaurant doesn't sound ANY different from what the restaurant used to be. The updates have been so disappointing to me as it sounds exactly the same. Which is fine, I LOVE the old Cali Grill. But then the need to close the establishment for months and raise menu prices is pointless. I'm sure things will be different, but I thought it would be EXTENSIVLEY different. But I guess I wont know til I see it, just basing my opinion on what Ive read so far.

You should keep in mind that the reason the grill was closed for such a long time was not entirely for the refurbishment of the restaurant. From what I understand, work needed to be done to the roof of the resort, the Grill was closed mainly for that purpose.

I'm in the same boat as you, I love the grill. I would be happy with no changes at all. I will hold my judgment until I have a chance to eat there. Hoping for the first weekend in OCT.

 

[TPTraveler]

FYI, I hear now that California Grill Will start taking reservations on Monday August 26th at 7:00 am. They will be taking reservations for September 9th and beyond up to the normal 180 days.

I saw this information as well. Now it's just waiting, and waiting and waiting until the 26th to make my ADR.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I think you have to accept the new reality that any restaurant closure/ menu updates of "Disney run" restaurants are going to be underwhelming or possibly outright enraging....

Why? The old dining plan...which was
Manipulative from the start but seems to have worked even better than I would venture disney expected...

We'll charge what we want...manipulate the quality and prep anyway that we want... And you'll just go along with it and eat it because its prepaid and you're "saving"... Even if your not.

I fear that the California grill is gone as we know it... And it wasn't as good as it once was before it closed. That was what I was worried about in the first place when the "rehab" was announced.

 

[Princess_Melanie]

There is a waiter at CG that I have had EVERY time I have eaten there (at least once a year for the last 5 years) Anyways, I have his email and always pre arrange with him so I'm sure I am seated with him each trip. I emailed him about our upcoming fall trip and he said as of right now unless things change he is scheduled to be back at CG September 1st. He said he is going to try and inform me when reservations start to open up but suggested I check periodically.

Us too, thinking it's the same person that we always contact about our reservation once we book it We always make sure he's on our reservation notes and email when we're booked in so he knows we're coming. He's amazing - the BEST server in WDW and always makes our meal extra magical just by being him for the chatter, recommendations for food and drinks and remembering my food allergies before we even mention them

Although I'm apprehensive about the new menu - I'm sure it will be fine on the night we go and he'll make sure my worries are calmed!!

 

[Mike2023]

Us too, thinking it's the same person that we always contact about our reservation once we book it We always make sure he's on our reservation notes and email when we're booked in so he knows we're coming. He's amazing - the BEST server in WDW and always makes our meal extra magical just by being him for the chatter, recommendations for food and drinks and remembering my food allergies before we even mention them

Although I'm apprehensive about the new menu - I'm sure it will be fine on the night we go and he'll make sure my worries are calmed!!

Ok, so you got me curious, does his name start with a W?

Truthful, I haven't "looked" at a menu in years as I just tell him to bring me a starter, entree, desert and wine to go with each course and let him take it from there. My wife on the other hand might be upset if her go to items are gone.