Dishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dining (Reviews: Apr20-28 w/pics!) Finally DONE

[curiouser]

Thank you so much for all your kind words!! It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside! Do you mind if I show them to my boss? Maybe she'll finally let me start writing copy!

Entrees and desserts coming soon!!

 

[bettydau]

Subscribing-Love the pictures!

 

[curiouser]

Our entrees were two of the Calfornia Grill's signature dishes: the Oak-fired Filet of Beef with Gruyere-Potato Pave, broccolini, and Teriyaki Barbecue Sauce and the Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Goat Cheese Polenta, Cremini Mushrooms, Zinfandel Glaze and Sage.

The filet was cooked perfectly; seared nicely on the outside, reddish-pink and juicy on the inside. With each bite, the layers of taste unfolded; first, a hint of soy, followed by the tangy sweet of teriyaki and the smokiness of the barbecue sauce, and finally the delectable taste of a good piece of beef. The potatoes were light and creamy, sliced wafer thin and added a richness to the overall dish. The broccolini hinted at being steamed in a mix of soy and teriyaki, adding to the taste harmony of the entire dish.

The Grilled Pork Tenderloin was unlike any pork I have ever eaten before. Cooked perfectly, the tenderloin was blissfully juicy and perfectly spiced. Fork tender, it was ready to be shredded into pulled pork with little effort. The rich, velvety Zinfandel glaze added new depth to the overall flavors and the goat cheese polenta lent its smooth texture to the mouthfeel of the dish. The polenta was as much a star as the pork itself, offering its own depth and complexity in its simplicity.

(Edited to add: I don't even care for pork that much!! I ordered it because it was raved about on the Dis)

Dessert was a warm, freshly baked Pear Tartlet served with fresh made Almond Ice Cream and a molten, liquid chocolate-centered Valrhona cake with fresh made Strawberry Ice Cream. The pear tartlet was warm with comforting flavors of vanilla and cinnamon. The tartlet pastry was delicately light and buttery, giving way to fresh, lightly sugared sliced pears in a sumptuous pear glaze. The warm Valrhona cake was decatently rich; the warm liquid chocolate center oozing out to coat the moist, fluffy chocolate cake. The sweet-tart strawberry ice cream recharged the taste buds when paired with the rich chocolate. Both desserts were accompanied by a delightfully sweet, fruity and refreshing glass of Mission Hill Rieseling Ice Wine.

Contented, and in an almost dream-like state, we finished our dinner at The California Grill. Over the course of 2+ hours we enjoyed the most sumptuous foods our taste buds had ever entertained. We were filled with amazing food, an incredible view and the enjoyment of a night well spent.

(Just in case you are wondering if they did anything special for my birthday, they decorated the table with Mickey confetti and came by and took a photo of me and Jeff. They printed it and placed it in a California Grill card; it was the perfect touch! It ended up being my favorite photo of the trip!)

 

[iluvdisney01]

Mmmm....wish this piece of turkey sandwich I'm eating right now taste like that steak!!!

 

[girli565]

I had the steak the last time I was there, it was delicious. My mom had the pork and it was even better than the steak. We actually switched plates.

 

[girli565]

Oh!! and the last time I went they had a peanut butter and jelly ice cream paired with the valrhona cake. at first when I heard about it I was really grossed out but I try anything at least once. It was absolutely the best thing I had ever tasted. I have dreams about that ice cream.

 

[curiouser]

Oh!! and the last time I went they had a peanut butter and jelly ice cream paired with the valrhona cake. at first when I heard about it I was really grossed out but I try anything at least once. It was absolutely the best thing I had ever tasted. I have dreams about that ice cream.

They seem to switch up the ice cream they serve with the valrhona cake. I've seen it served with raspberry ice cream as well (which Jeff would've preferred).

 

[girli565]

Yeah, before I went I was expecting a raspberry ice cream but the change was a pleasant one. I'm so glad you enjoyed your dinner there!

Oh, we celebrate birthweeks too!! And when mine falls on a saturday, like this year, it's a birth week and a half!! lol

 

[wilma-bride]

Excellent review yet again - you certainly sound like you know what you're talking about. I am anxious to try CG for myself now

 

[pierresgirl]

What an incredible report so far! What kind of camera do you have, the pics are crystal clear. Pink DS owner here too!

 

[Haley Whippet]

I want a bite of that steak!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yummmmmmmmm
Excellent Pictures!!!!!!!
Deb

 

[curiouser]

What an incredible report so far! What kind of camera do you have, the pics are crystal clear. Pink DS owner here too!

We purchased a Canon Digital Rebel XT right before the trip (which is why I had photos of my birthweek food - I had to practice!). It's a wonderful camera, I don't think I could ever go back to point and shoots (although I do miss the pop-in-your-purse portability.)

 

[Jill72]

Wonderful reviews!! You really should look into being a food critic - great writing style! And great sense of humor - can't wait to read the rest!

 

[swankybeth]

Loving your reviews and pictures. Looking forward to more!

 

[moparop]

What a great report!! I am salivating here! It sounds better than these dino chicken nuggets. :giggle:

 

[kyirish25]

What a great review and pictures of Cali Grill That rainbow roll is very unique and looks delish.

 

[shovan]

OMG!!!!! This is the best review I have ever seen or read. Anywhere! Your pictures, delightful descriptions and writing style amaze me. Seriously, I'm not kidding, I am truly impressed.

You really should do this for a living!

p.s. I am off to tell other Diser's about this!

 

[curiouser]

OMG!!!!! This is the best review I have ever seen or read. Anywhere! Your pictures, delightful descriptions and writing style amaze me. Seriously, I'm not kidding, I am truly impressed.

You really should do this for a living!

p.s. I am off to tell other Diser's about this!

Shovan, you crack me up! Can you follow me around and inflate my ego and bring me caramel frappuccinos on a daily basis? I'll wear dark sunglasses and pretend to be a celebrity. Oh and bring an enormously obnoxious cell phone so I look like I'm so important I can't even take my own calls.

Sorry for the delay in the next review! Jeff took the laptop last night and is holding the next set of photos hostage. I'm currently working on my rescue mission outfit. I'm thinking apron and a rolling pin.

 

[Beth E. (NJ)]

So digging this food porn report. Keep up the good work -- and quick or I'm going to have to cook something.

 

[Weeziblu]

As soon as I read your opening remarks I knew we were going to get along. Then you cemented the fact with your love for Chick-fil-A (and yes, I've had them with cheese) and Luna bars.

You are absolutely hysterical! Your report is the best I've ever read (I've read a zillion, as an information junkie and self-proclaimed foodie) and I am really looking forward to the rest! I'm still a newbie and eagerly anticipating my very first trip to the World next month. I am as excited for the food as I am the rest of the trip (okay, maybe MORE excited for the food). I, too, am a WW point counter but all bets are off on vacation. I plan to binge to my little heart's content.

Your review of the Cali Grille is some of the best food porn on the net! You had me at Marcona almonds

Can't wait for your next installment! Looks like you're reviewing some of the places we'll be trying out!

~Brandy