Continuing with
Food & Wine (2014) and Dining Throughout Disney World with Figment...
California Grill, Contemporary Resort (Dinner)
This was Figment’s first visit since California Grill re-opened after its lengthy refurbishment. He generally liked the new look. It was very bright and open. He was seated where he could watch the open kitchen while dining. It was fascinating watching the kitchen work…lots of things happening. He timed his meal, so that he could watch fireworks while dining.
Bread Service – The meal starts with some rolls and butter.
Artisan Romaine - Roasted garlic dressing, boquerones, sun-dried tomatoes, brioche croutons. Figment thought this was a very interesting presentation of a salad. The dressing was very good, as were the sun-dried tomatoes. This was his favorite Caesar-style salad of the trip.
Heirloom Tomato BLT Flatbread – Marinated tomatoes, house bacon, romaine chiffonade, and lemon mayonnaise. Figment really liked the flatbread; the bacon was salty and nicely contrasted with the tomatoes.
Alaskan Halibut - Parsnip silk, roasted heirloom beets, arugula, macadamia vinaigrette, and beet syrup. Figment really liked the halibut; it was well-prepared with very good flavor. He would happily have it again.
Pork Two Ways - Grilled tenderloin, goat cheese polenta, mushrooms, lacquered belly, and applesauce. Figment through the pork was tender and well prepared. The pork belly was yummy and crispy and less fatty than he expected. It was his first time ordering pork belly so he was surprised it wasn't fatty because he was expecting something like a square chunk of bacon. He also liked the polenta, which kind of surprised him because he’s normally a big fan of goat cheese or polenta.
Seafood Pilaf - Lobster, clams, gulf shrimp, scallops, chorizo picante, and saffron-rice. Figment liked this seafood pilaf. The lobster, clams, shrimp and scallops were all very tasty.
Sundae Sampler - Unique and playful Sundaes with a nostalgic twist: Frangelico Toffee, Reverse Root Beer Float, and Banana Split. Figment really liked how this dessert was presented. He liked the reverse root beer float the best (vanilla soda with root beer ice cream). The other two desserts were okay, but he doesn’t really remember them.
Warm Homemade Fritters - Banana-stuffed, cinnamon-dusted fritters with toasted caramel marshmallows complemented with a trio of dipping sauces. They taste best piping hot.
Chocolate Pudding Cake – Luscious chocolate cake with Nutella filling, meringue kisses, and Chantilly cream. Chocolate! Figment loves chocolate and this dessert was very chocolaty. It was very good, but too much for one serving (so he took it back to the hotel for breakfast the next morning).
Sci-Fi Dine In-Theater, Disney’s Hollywood Studio (Lunch)
Figment enjoys watching the bad science fiction clips and cute cartoons while eating lunch.
Soda in a Souvenir Cup – Sci FI has its own souvenir cup!
Fried Dill Pickles – Figment really likes pickles and he really likes these deep-fried pickles. There were a few spears and lots of rounds.
The Famous All American Picnic Burger - Flame-broiled angus burger patty topped with grilled hot dog, sauerkraut, and sautéed onions, crowned with a pickle spear served with French fries. Figment likes this burger, even though it’s huge!
Build-Your-Own Angus Chuck Burger - Flame-broiled beef patty with Swiss cheese, crispy bacon, lettuce, vine-ripened tomatoes, and sautéed mushrooms. Figment liked this burger!
The Reuben - Corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and thousand Island dressing on sourdough served with pickle spear and French fries. Figment liked this sandwich, but it was huge!
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, Magic Kingdom (Dinner)
Figment stopped by Cosmic Ray’s for a quick dinner late one night. He enjoyed listening to Sonny Eclipse while eating dinner.
1/2 Chicken and Rib Combo – Half of a rotisserie chicken and ribs with green beans. Figment liked both the chicken and the ribs, but they were fairly standard counter service food.
Barbecued Pork Sandwich – Figment though the sandwich was okay. There was a generous portion of pork, but the barbecue sauce was a little too sweet.