We arrived for our 9:10 ADR at 8:35 and checked in. There was no one in the check in area and as we approached the desk, and the girl who was working there was on the phone, so we stood back to give her some privacy. Another couple and a single gentleman arrived a moment later. The other couple took advantage of our manners and slid in front of us. They will from here on out be referred to as the offending couple Slightly annoying, but, oh well, we were very early so we decided to let it go. The single man then interrupts the offending couple to see if he can be seated. He has no reservation, but they find him a place at the bar. The offending couple then says that they dont have a reservation, but would like a window seat. The hostess tells them that it will be about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes. They say they will wait. We are then helped by the girl who is running the elevator as there is now a significant line behind us. She finds our reservation, lets us know things are running late, but that we can sit in the lounge and have a drink while we wait, and watch wishes there. I let them know that we are celebrating our anniversary, and we would like a nice table. I do not specify a window (mistake!)
We arrive upstairs, find a table in the lounge and order drinks. I get a Cosmo and DH has a Bacardi & Coke. Both arrive quickly and we pay our tab. (we noticed that they dont offer to put it on your dinner tab, they just bring you a bill). We notice that the table behind us, at the window is open, and are hopeful that it is our table. No such luck. It is indeed given to the offending couple. So much for an hour wait! Just as they are seated, wishes begin. It really is a great view, and the music piped in makes it magical.
We are sitting looking at the menu and DH is trying to take a picture of the menu for me. Not easy as the lighting is quite low. Our buzzer goes off, and I look up and notice that three very large women are standing around our table
STARING at us! (We are at a table that has the couch on one side and two chairs across from the couch.) These three ladies are actually basically trapping us in. One moves out of the way, saying Go on, you
ARE leaving right? I mean your table is ready! I respond, As soon as my husband it done taking his photos, we are. DH is standing with the menu on the table, and I have now moved behind Lady #1. Lady #3 drags Lady #2 around DH and plops down on the couch. No sense standing here waiting for them to leave. Well just sit, OK? DH responds, calmly No, its not. Lady #1 titters, as if he is joking and plops down in one of the chairs.
We are led to our table, at the far end of the bar, near the wait station and the kitchen. It is near the windows, but because of the location, there is a bench seat on the window side, so the only view is of the observation deck. Not my idea of a nice table, but its now 9:30 and we have been traveling all day and are tired and hungry. We also are pretty mellow so we dont get to uptight about table locations. This will change over the next few days. One of the things we learned is that if you dont like the table they bring you to; tell them that youd like a different table. Insist!! There was NEVER an incident where there wasnt another open table. Usually there were several.
Our waiter came over and introduced himself. His name was Rob and he was awesome! He has been at Disney since they opened. He was recruited out of high school and is one of the few remaining original cast members. His knowledge of the menu and wines is outstanding. I strongly recommend him, if he is available. Heres a picture of him.
Rob goes over the menu with us, makes a few suggestions, and takes our drink order. DH orders a glass of wine that Rob suggests (DH knew he was having the Filet.) I skip the wine as I have already had several drinks on the plane and in the lounge.
For appetizers DH chose the roasted chicken flatbread
This was amazing, but HUGE. It was plenty for two or even three. We shared that, but only ate half to save room for the appetizer I chose. The sautéed Maine lobster and crab cakes.
These were also amazing. The Vietnamese melon relish was a nice touch. A little spicy with a nice touch of mint. We did finish these all!
On to the entrees. As I said, DH decided on the Filet, rare. It came with Boniato potatoes and green beans. Im not sure what the potatoes were, other than delicious. The Teriyaki BBQ sauce was tangy, but not overpowering. Perfection!
I chose, after much deliberation and help from Rob and DH, the Pan Roasted Grouper Filet with olive oil crushed potatoes and red wine butter sauce.
All I can say is OMG! The grouper was firm, but incredibly tender and moist. The potatoes were amazing. Lightly seasoned as not to overpower the flavor of the grouper. The red wine butter sauce was the perfect compliment to everything.
After finishing all this, there was no room for dessert. Rob however brought us a piece of chocolate cake with a Happy Anniversary chocolate. It was amazing, even though I am not much of a chocolate fan.
DH had coffee; I chose the pear green tea. Both were excellent. We chose not to have a second dessert, but started back to the resort.
Overall experience at the California Grill:
Food: 10 of 10. There was nothing that wasnt outstanding in both taste and presentation
Service: 8 of 10. Rob, our waiter was impeccable; hostesses and lounge staff seemed harried and were easily led by rude patrons. Im sure they are trained to not make waves. In an establishment of this caliber, staff gently following the rules of etiquette would go a long way in setting the tone for the evening. They should be leading the patrons behavior, not be led by it.
Atmosphere: 5 of 10. I found the atmosphere disappointing. The view of wishes was amazing. Other than that, the table we sat at was lousy, the overall restaurant was loud and full of overbearing, rude people. (And this is coming from a girl who grew up in New York!)
Overall: 8 of 10. I would give it another chance, but earlier in the evening and insisting on a better table. I would request Rob, if he were available in an instant!
