California Grill weird ordering requests....

[Captain Kittens]

Hey guys! Happy Monday to you all!

I have a question about California Grill and ordering dinner. We have a reservation in December and were thinking of ordering a bunch of different things rather than the typical "Appetizer, entree, dessert", IE: a few appetizers, a couple flat-breads, etc. I am thinking of telling the waiter/waitress to start with an app or two, then for the "entree" to just bring out another 2 or 3 apps that my wife and I can nibble through and then get desert. Basically I just wanna replace the traditional entree with smaller plates.

Would this be alright or frowned on since its more of an "upscale" restaurant? Obviously they want us to spend $100+ but I can spend half that by just ordering a bunch of small plates/flatbreads/apps and get to try a bunch more food!

Thank you!

 

[CraigInPA]

It's ok. There are people who make an ADR for a glass of wine and a dessert in order to see the fireworks.

 

[Captain Kittens]

Awesome, that is great to hear! Thank you for the reply

 

[Missyrose]

Hey guys! Happy Monday to you all!

I have a question about California Grill and ordering dinner. We have a reservation in December and were thinking of ordering a bunch of different things rather than the typical "Appetizer, entree, dessert", IE: a few appetizers, a couple flat-breads, etc. I am thinking of telling the waiter/waitress to start with an app or two, then for the "entree" to just bring out another 2 or 3 apps that my wife and I can nibble through and then get desert. Basically I just wanna replace the traditional entree with smaller plates.

Would this be alright or frowned on since its more of an "upscale" restaurant? Obviously they want us to spend $100+ but I can spend half that by just ordering a bunch of small plates/flatbreads/apps and get to try a bunch more food!

Thank you!

We do this on every trip to CG, no issues -- typically we get a couple of sushi rolls and a couple of appetizers and cocktails.

 

[ENJDisneyFan]

It's not frowned upon, nor is it that unusual. The apps might end up costing just as much as the entrees would....either way, it's totally fine. Enjoy!

 

[MomOTwins]

My personal view is that it is fine to order less than a full meal, but (with the obligatory disboards caveat that tipping is at your discretion) we always compensate by tipping on the full estimated amount of a a meal with an entree. We have done this when one in our party was feeling under the weather or otherwise just did not have much of an appetite so just ordered a starter for a meal.

**edited after posting just to expand on my reasoning a bit** The reason we do this is because in the dining room, waitstaff are given tables based on the estimated turnaround time of a full meal, so there is no way for them to make up the lowered tip. If we go into a restaurant knowing that everyone in our party just wants to get a couple of appetizers to share and drinks, we go to the lounge/bar instead of making an ADR.

 

[Captain Kittens]

Thanks so much for the info everyone! That really helps and has made the anticipation even better! Tipping will not be an issue as we always tip more than we probably should (I over tip my barber a little too much lol). I am excited! YAY!

 

[Jadyreen1282]

It's ok. There are people who make an ADR for a glass of wine and a dessert in order to see the fireworks.

That's us. The check's still over 100 bucks.

 

[Pumbaa_]

This is very very common. I prefer apps to entrees often.

Enjoy!

 

[rentayenta]

This is how we order as well OP.

 

[Cramden]

I agree with the others. We started with a Pizza, then they brought out a Spicy Kazan Roll and lastly the Oak Fired Filet which they divided up into 2 plates. It was a fun and delicious meal.

 

[gillep]

This is very common, I much prefer apps and sides to entrees so it is rare for me to order an entree anywhere. It also isn't always cheaper, depending on what you get.

 

[Dean Marino]

So - California Grill...

KEY thing to understand: This is a VERY serious SIG. The MENU is a suggestion - as it is with any REAL fine Restaurant.
So? ASK. If the materials you desire are in-stock? Bet they will give you EXACTLY what you want .

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

Hey guys! Happy Monday to you all!

I have a question about California Grill and ordering dinner. We have a reservation in December and were thinking of ordering a bunch of different things rather than the typical "Appetizer, entree, dessert", IE: a few appetizers, a couple flat-breads, etc. I am thinking of telling the waiter/waitress to start with an app or two, then for the "entree" to just bring out another 2 or 3 apps that my wife and I can nibble through and then get desert. Basically I just wanna replace the traditional entree with smaller plates.

Would this be alright or frowned on since its more of an "upscale" restaurant? Obviously they want us to spend $100+ but I can spend half that by just ordering a bunch of small plates/flatbreads/apps and get to try a bunch more food!

Thank you!

Perfectly acceptable. Not frowned upon in the least.

 

[soccermom54]

One of our very favorite meals at California Grill was an all appetizer feast. It was for Valentine's Day and my husband and I had a wonderful time. It was like a tasting party of flavors with wine for good measure. Our server really got into the fun, stopped to ask what we thought of each app and waited until we were ready to bring the next one. I smile just thinking about it... one of my all time favorite Disney dining experiences!

 

[Arielfan98]

Not frowned upon at all. I know people who go there and split a flatbread and 1 order of sushi. Some people don't even order savory dishes, they go straight to dessert .

 

[MakiraMarlena]

they don't care. I never order entrees there. Sushi, flatbread and apps only. Plus copious amounts of wine. They're not losing any money on me. They don't "want" you to spend a certain amount. You get to choose.