I couldn't eat another..OOHH, desert review with pictures

[Lizboo]

We spent the day back at Universal/Islands of Adventures, but we had 7:45 reservations at California Grill. This was our second time back. The first time we went, we sat to the right facing the castle. This time, we were on the other side and as we were sat, it was pointed out that we can see the castle on our right and you can see Illuminations on your left and the water parade straight ahead (we never saw Illuminations because we were out on the observation deck watching Wishes.

We considered a drink, but we were both so tired at this point we knew that we would be a goner if we had one. I ordered the BLT flatbread as an appetizer (which was heavenly and even better than the BBQ chicken flatbread at Jiko...yum) and DH got the California Rolls. There were 8 of them and I quickly took a picture as I realised we were going to inhale that before I could.

DH had the scallops and I had the wonderfull Snake in the Grass, which is sushi made with tempura shrimp and BBQ eel...oh my..

For dessert, I had another banana dessert and DH had a chocolate lava cake with homemade caramel ice cream..both were wonderful.

We timed it perfectly to see Wishes just after payng our bill. We had seen it from here once before, but I forgot from that angle, it looks like most of the fireworks are being set off over Space Mountain (and the next night at Narcoosee's, it would look like they were mainly over Splash Mountain).

DH's one complaint about CG is the noise level and I admit, he is correct. But with the wonderful food, great service and beautiful views, it is a no miss restaurant.

 

[wdwfanatic316]

Wow- great reviews! You reviewed several of the places we're eating at on our trip (Ohana-dinner, Le Cellier, and Kona Cafe-breakfast), which is making me even more excited to go! Can't wait for more reviews!

 

[msce2]

All I can say is Yum!!!!

Thank you for the reviews!!!!

 

[Symans3honeybees]

Yes, I totally agreed. Delicious!!

 

[LaWa]

I think I have to go make some brownies now.

Can't believe how good those dessert look!!!

Thanks for sharing. Now super excited about our Cali Grill date night!!

LaWa

 

[belle8306]

Great pictures and reviews. Thanks for sharing!

 

[klacey1]

That crabcake looked heavenly!
We didn't like O'hana, but the rest of your food does look delicious!

 

[cbg1027]

Aw sorry you guys missed the carriage ride.

Doesn't look like you were missing anything in the food department though!

 

[Lizboo]

Thanks everybody for the comments! Yep, can't say we were lacking in the food department. Thank goodness you walk a gizillion miles and sweat it off or we would have had to buy all new clothes.

We had an 11:30 ressies for Coral Reef. I have heard mixed reviews about the food, but I was really curious about the view. We were sat on the second tier and I asked if we could move down to the first one and the waiter said "This is actually a better view- you can see all three windows from here". Turns out he was right.

They give you a fish guide when you sit down so you can identify the fish, 3 kinds of sharks, rays and turles.

We had the appetizer sampler, which is the sea and land, lobster bisque and crabcakes for two (this was the best part of the meal) and we were told we were entitled to another appetizer (SURE..bring MORE food) and we ordered the sauteed shrimp.

This would be only one of the two times we would see our waiter (now and the cheque). The restaurant was NOT busy (we had the first seating) and all food was brought by someone else. Not impressed with this guy and his tip reflected it.

We both had the lobster ravioli for entrees and neither of us really liked it. It was just OK. We didn't complain because the appetizers were pretty filling and we still had dessert to come. Can't really pinpoint what we didn't like about it for someone to fix either. I mean if you have a steak that is not cooked properly, that is an easy fix.

We both had the Chocolate Wave for dessert and it was just as yummy as I imagined it would be.

(I may need to go make some brownies now too...or something)

 

[KatMark]

Great photos at Coral Reef--some of the best I've seen of the fish tank. Ooh...that Chocolate Wave looks wonderful.

 

[Lizboo]

Great photos at Coral Reef--some of the best I've seen of the fish tank. Ooh...that Chocolate Wave looks wonderful.

ThanksI have to say of all my pictures, these were some of my least favorite, so that is nice to hear.
Just for that nice comment, here are a couple more

AND as a bonus, some AK shots that I like

(I think the tiger needs some coffee or something).
YES, THE WAVE was YUMMY!!
ALMOST too pretty to eat (almost but not quite).

 

[KatMark]

Okay...could have done WITHOUT the bat picture (I refuse to go into the house at the zoo or AK where they are located--ugh!).

The Tiger picture is great. I think he/she needs a Starbucks!

 

[Lizboo]

Okay...could have done WITHOUT the bat picture (I refuse to go into the house at the zoo or AK where they are located--ugh!).

The Tiger picture is great. I think he/she needs a Starbucks!

I understand (I love the bats- think they look canine- and I like that picture).

Yes, I think all the big cats at AK need some Starbucks (as long as I don't have to give it to them).

 

[Euphoria027]

That tiger picture is adorable! It looks like you were about 2 inches away!

 

[Lizboo]

That tiger picture is adorable! It looks like you were about 2 inches away!

Thanks..I love my zoom lens

Here are those monkeys by Kali River Rapids (I could stay there all day)

 

[mossyflossy]

fab reviews and love the "extra" pics posted above, esp the tiger.

 

[dizneeat]

Loved the Coral Reef review - we have not been in quite some time!

Oh my, those big cat (tiger) photos are awesome!

Thank you!

 

[vinotinto]

Yum! I'm drooling, and way too hungry now.

What was your favorite restaurant?

 

[Lizboo]

Yum! I'm drooling, and way too hungry now.

What was your favorite restaurant?

Easy, mine was Citricos and DH's was Flying Fish. I also really loved CG and Narcoosee's. YUM

 

[MickeyNicki]

Dont know why I cannot see your pics...on all of them it says you need to Upgrade to Photobucket Pro, that you have exceeded your bandwith...is that on my end or yours??