jerseytinkerbell
DIS Veteran
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- Aug 17, 2010
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Noooo, they should have seen Gravity! That would be positively mind-blowing (or panic attack-inducing) while drunk!
:laughing That is the plan for tomorrow!
No Longer coming to you Live from Disney World! Take 3 DDW'S TAMBU LOUNGE 8/6
- Thread starter jabead
- Start date
:laughing That is the plan for tomorrow!
jabead
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2000
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- 7,371
One more update was received tonight, this one from Jen (Merida34).
She said, "Today we had a very healthy lunch at Downtown Disney's...
"Both DS and I had a Gold Rush Sundae, which had vanilla ice cream with hot fudge, peanut butter and almonds...delicious!"
"My DD had a chocolate dipped waffle cone with chocolate ice cream...she loved it!"
"My DH had a hot fudge sundae but started eating it before I could get a picture!"
"Everyone loved their ice cream!"
She said, "Today we had a very healthy lunch at Downtown Disney's...
"Both DS and I had a Gold Rush Sundae, which had vanilla ice cream with hot fudge, peanut butter and almonds...delicious!"
"My DD had a chocolate dipped waffle cone with chocolate ice cream...she loved it!"
"My DH had a hot fudge sundae but started eating it before I could get a picture!"
"Everyone loved their ice cream!"
1 October Game Point Earned + 1 Bonus Point for sign
Niki Andiokno
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 6, 2003
- Messages
- 1,086
Hi all. We are on the road from Chicago. Here is the first part of the crew. I am the redhead. My BFF Sally is on the left. She is driving down with me. My cousin Tonda is in the middle. .DCuz will be joining us in a few days hopefully.
is DH Mike.. Little Ellie is not coming LOL.
We got a late start so we hope to make La Cava and La Hacienda. I will definately need a margarita when this trip is over.
We got a late start so we hope to make La Cava and La Hacienda. I will definately need a margarita when this trip is over.
jabead
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2000
- Messages
- 7,371
Several more updates were received last night after I went to bed so let's see if I can get at least a few of these posted this morning. Whatever I'm able to post in the next hour will probably be all I will get to, as today is my busiest day of the weekend. The updates I receive (which I hope will be many) will be posted tomorrow.
Let's begin with Li Li and Nigel's update from their dinner last night at...
Li Li said, "Sorry, we did the ubiquitous BOG dinner."
"Started off with wine and rolls (a Beaujolais)."
"Nigel had the potato leek soup, very yummy!"
"Entrees were braised pork and chicken Provençal...
Braised Pork Braised Pork - Slow cooked with vegetables and bacon and served with mashed potatoes
Chicken Breast Provençal - Pan-seared and simmered in a rustic blend of Heirloom Tomatoes, Olives, White Wine, and fresh Herbs with Seasonal Vegetables and Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
"And of course, dessert!"
"Grey stuff brownie and triple chocolate cupcake."
"Very rich, but I loved the triple chocolate the best! The grey stuff itself was fine, but the brownie had the weird, crispy sides...almost like a shell and then chewy brownie stuff inside topped by grey stuff. We loved being seated in the ballroom."
"Oh, we were pixie dusted with free cotton candy!"
Let's begin with Li Li and Nigel's update from their dinner last night at...
Li Li said, "Sorry, we did the ubiquitous BOG dinner."
"Started off with wine and rolls (a Beaujolais)."
"Nigel had the potato leek soup, very yummy!"
"Entrees were braised pork and chicken Provençal...
Braised Pork Braised Pork - Slow cooked with vegetables and bacon and served with mashed potatoes
Chicken Breast Provençal - Pan-seared and simmered in a rustic blend of Heirloom Tomatoes, Olives, White Wine, and fresh Herbs with Seasonal Vegetables and Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
"And of course, dessert!"
"Grey stuff brownie and triple chocolate cupcake."
"Very rich, but I loved the triple chocolate the best! The grey stuff itself was fine, but the brownie had the weird, crispy sides...almost like a shell and then chewy brownie stuff inside topped by grey stuff. We loved being seated in the ballroom."
"Oh, we were pixie dusted with free cotton candy!"
3 October Game Points Earned + 2 Bonus Points for sign and pic of Nigel
jabead
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2000
- Messages
- 7,371
Next we have some updates from DonaldDoleWhip, starting with one from his dinner on Thursday.
He said, "Our first dinner was at
"Since our last experiences at California Grill had been disappointing, we were very excited to hear about the restaurant's refurbishment. Still, with the mixed reviews this place has received since reopening, we were somewhat worried about this meal."
Menu
"Wine menu (there was also a more comprehensive list with cocktails and more wines)."
"We were seated in the Monterey Room, which is an area we've never experienced before. It was quiet and secluded, with beautiful views of Bay Lake."
"The bread basket included sourdough rolls and lavender focaccia. I really enjoyed both, but my mom's favorite was the focaccia bread."
"Butter with sea salt."
"We actually ordered the same appetizer and entrée - our appetizer choice was the Tuna Four Ways."
Poke
Tartare
Maki
Nigiri
Accompaniments
"This was excellent. My favorite dish at California Grill used to be the Tuna Three Ways, and this dish was just as enjoyable (with the poke and tartare tasting exactly like they did before, IMO)."
"For our main course, we both chose the halibut. It was great - the dish was full of color, and the fish was perfectly cooked (crispy on the outside, yet soft and flaky on the inside)."
"We also each had a glass of wine - the Raats "Unwooded" Chenin Blanc from South Africa. This was my first time having wine at California Grill!"
"Finally, dessert."
"To be honest, we weren't thrilled with the new dessert menu. Instead of getting a sweet dish, my mom chose the cheese plate, which she really enjoyed."
"I tried the lemon meringue cheesecake, and it was pretty good. Not one of my favorite Disney desserts, but I enjoyed the touch of fresh citrus on the side."
"I also enjoyed some jade leaf green tea with my dessert, while my mom had the pear green tea and loved it."
"By the end of our meal, the sky had begun to transform with the sunset."
"Sunset over the Seven Seas Lagoon."
"Overall, this was a great meal - considering the refreshed menu and beautiful new decor, California Grill is definitely among my favorites again."
He said, "Our first dinner was at
"Since our last experiences at California Grill had been disappointing, we were very excited to hear about the restaurant's refurbishment. Still, with the mixed reviews this place has received since reopening, we were somewhat worried about this meal."
Menu
"Wine menu (there was also a more comprehensive list with cocktails and more wines)."
"We were seated in the Monterey Room, which is an area we've never experienced before. It was quiet and secluded, with beautiful views of Bay Lake."
"The bread basket included sourdough rolls and lavender focaccia. I really enjoyed both, but my mom's favorite was the focaccia bread."
"Butter with sea salt."
"We actually ordered the same appetizer and entrée - our appetizer choice was the Tuna Four Ways."
Poke
Tartare
Maki
Nigiri
Accompaniments
"This was excellent. My favorite dish at California Grill used to be the Tuna Three Ways, and this dish was just as enjoyable (with the poke and tartare tasting exactly like they did before, IMO)."
"For our main course, we both chose the halibut. It was great - the dish was full of color, and the fish was perfectly cooked (crispy on the outside, yet soft and flaky on the inside)."
"We also each had a glass of wine - the Raats "Unwooded" Chenin Blanc from South Africa. This was my first time having wine at California Grill!"
"Finally, dessert."
"To be honest, we weren't thrilled with the new dessert menu. Instead of getting a sweet dish, my mom chose the cheese plate, which she really enjoyed."
"I tried the lemon meringue cheesecake, and it was pretty good. Not one of my favorite Disney desserts, but I enjoyed the touch of fresh citrus on the side."
"I also enjoyed some jade leaf green tea with my dessert, while my mom had the pear green tea and loved it."
"By the end of our meal, the sky had begun to transform with the sunset."
"Sunset over the Seven Seas Lagoon."
"Overall, this was a great meal - considering the refreshed menu and beautiful new decor, California Grill is definitely among my favorites again."
10 October Game Points Earned + 8 Bonus Points for sign, menus, and misc. pics
Ginamarie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2005
- Messages
- 3,318
Wow! So much amazing food, and especially those F&W offerings. My mouth is watering.
First, I want to thank Barb for all of the work she does on this thread! The indexes are amazing, and a great resource for planners. The time she sinks into this thread to make us all smile is amazing.
And, as I usually say after browsing here, I am now starving! Luckily, we are headed into NYC to see Newsies and have lunch at my favorite Italian joint. I may eat like a starved queen in a bit!
First, I want to thank Barb for all of the work she does on this thread! The indexes are amazing, and a great resource for planners. The time she sinks into this thread to make us all smile is amazing.
And, as I usually say after browsing here, I am now starving! Luckily, we are headed into NYC to see Newsies and have lunch at my favorite Italian joint. I may eat like a starved queen in a bit!
jabead
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2000
- Messages
- 7,371
But that was not all for DonaldDoleWhip and California Grill, as his next update was titled "California Grill...Part Two."
He said, "During our dinner, we ran into one of our favorite California Grill servers, who we hadn't seen in a while. It was so nice seeing a familiar face, and we ended up sticking around so we could catch up with her. She was working in the lounge, and she actually invited us to sit at an open table so we could stick around and linger."
"But we didn't just linger - we ordered some more dishes!"
"We started with the oven-dried tomato flatbread. The flavor profiles were classic, and we both thought the crust was perfect (it was extremely thin and crispy, which we prefer)."
"The goat cheese ravioli was excellent as usual - I'm not a huge fan of goat cheese, yet this dish has always been enjoyable to me."
"Finally, the Spicy Kazan Roll. This was actually spicier than I remembered (a positive surprise), but the preparation is exactly the same as when Yoshie was in charge."
"We also received some complimentary champagne in honor of my 21st birthday (since it took place during the refurbishment)...
...and a celebratory crème brûlée. This was a classic take on the dessert, and the custard contained some noticeable specks of vanilla bean."
"To top things off, we watched HalloWishes from our lounge table. I didn't love the music, but it was still nice seeing a show we hadn't seen before."
"A few more pics from the restaurant:"
"From start to finish, this was an incredible evening at California Grill: great food, service, atmosphere, and friends. This is the Cali Grill that used to be our favorite Disney restaurant, and it's definitely regained its status as one of my 'favorites' (at this point in time, I can't pick just one!). My other favorites are Jiko, Artist Point, and Bluezoo...but there may be room for one more."
He said, "During our dinner, we ran into one of our favorite California Grill servers, who we hadn't seen in a while. It was so nice seeing a familiar face, and we ended up sticking around so we could catch up with her. She was working in the lounge, and she actually invited us to sit at an open table so we could stick around and linger."
"But we didn't just linger - we ordered some more dishes!"
"We started with the oven-dried tomato flatbread. The flavor profiles were classic, and we both thought the crust was perfect (it was extremely thin and crispy, which we prefer)."
"The goat cheese ravioli was excellent as usual - I'm not a huge fan of goat cheese, yet this dish has always been enjoyable to me."
"Finally, the Spicy Kazan Roll. This was actually spicier than I remembered (a positive surprise), but the preparation is exactly the same as when Yoshie was in charge."
"We also received some complimentary champagne in honor of my 21st birthday (since it took place during the refurbishment)...
...and a celebratory crème brûlée. This was a classic take on the dessert, and the custard contained some noticeable specks of vanilla bean."
"To top things off, we watched HalloWishes from our lounge table. I didn't love the music, but it was still nice seeing a show we hadn't seen before."
"A few more pics from the restaurant:"
"From start to finish, this was an incredible evening at California Grill: great food, service, atmosphere, and friends. This is the Cali Grill that used to be our favorite Disney restaurant, and it's definitely regained its status as one of my 'favorites' (at this point in time, I can't pick just one!). My other favorites are Jiko, Artist Point, and Bluezoo...but there may be room for one more."
2 More October Bonus Points Awarded for additional misc. pics
BlovesC
home is where the Yeti is
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2008
- Messages
- 2,613
What beautiful pics from CG! I'd give anything to have that tuna or spizy kazan roll for lunch today! 
I'm glad to hear such a strongly positive review. We were going to give it a try this month but wound up cancelling our ADR and swapping for another restaurant, the mixed reviews definitely scared me away (I mean, the last meal we had there was when CG has consistently positive reviews and I didn't like it then!). Looks like the last few reviews have been leaning more toward the positive side though so it seems they're gathering their bearings. I look forward to trying it again someday!
I'm still going to sit here and judge DDW for not liking the Hallowishes music, though. Come on! Best firework display and soundtrack at WDW, dang you! That's not opinion, it's FACT!
I'm glad to hear such a strongly positive review. We were going to give it a try this month but wound up cancelling our ADR and swapping for another restaurant, the mixed reviews definitely scared me away (I mean, the last meal we had there was when CG has consistently positive reviews and I didn't like it then!). Looks like the last few reviews have been leaning more toward the positive side though so it seems they're gathering their bearings. I look forward to trying it again someday!I'm still going to sit here and judge DDW for not liking the Hallowishes music, though. Come on! Best firework display and soundtrack at WDW, dang you! That's not opinion, it's FACT!
jabead
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2000
- Messages
- 7,371
I just received an very alarming update from one of our live reporters, Jenifer (disneynanacat).
She said, "Hi Barb! Sorry I stopped reporting. It was dark and I tripped over a curb I didn't see at MK a few nights ago and took a bad fall. Although I sent my family on to most of the ADRs, I have pretty much been hiding in the room. Knocked out two teeth! Busted my knee too. Here's a pic of my knee but too vain to show a pic of my skinned up face and missing teeth."
"My Indian name is Fallsalot!"
I have asked Jenifer to keep us updated here on the live thread as to how she is doing. But in the meantime, please send lots of pixie dust and positive thoughts her way for a quick recovery from her knee injury and successful dental implant surgery.
Here's a big dose from me, Jenifer!
She said, "Hi Barb! Sorry I stopped reporting. It was dark and I tripped over a curb I didn't see at MK a few nights ago and took a bad fall. Although I sent my family on to most of the ADRs, I have pretty much been hiding in the room. Knocked out two teeth! Busted my knee too. Here's a pic of my knee but too vain to show a pic of my skinned up face and missing teeth."
"My Indian name is Fallsalot!"
I have asked Jenifer to keep us updated here on the live thread as to how she is doing. But in the meantime, please send lots of pixie dust and positive thoughts her way for a quick recovery from her knee injury and successful dental implant surgery.
Here's a big dose from me, Jenifer!
Smiling Cheshire Cat
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2009
- Messages
- 6,457
Hope Jennifer gets better soon! It sounds like she's keeping a positive attitude.
Love those Cali Grill pics from DDW.
Love those Cali Grill pics from DDW.
peteykirch
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2012
- Messages
- 979
I guess it's about time for me to check into this topic. I'm Peter, and I'll be doing live food reports for the duration of my trip down to the World (Oct27th-Nov1st). As a kid my family went down to Disney every year for what seemed to be forever, but I went down last year for the first time in nearly I'd say 8 years.
This is my rough schedule of places I look to be eating at;
Oct27th Arrival: Liberty Tree Tavern (L), MNSSHP Snacks/Treats
Oct28th: Kona Cafe (B), F&W Festival (L), Artist Point (D)
Oct29th: Rose&Crown Pub & Dining Room (L), California Grill (D)
Oct30th: The Wave (B), Be Our Guest (D)
Oct 31st: Via Napoli (L), Flying Fish Cafe (D)
Nov 1st Depature: Kona Cafe (B)
I look to experience quite a few new places on the run, try some new snacks and old favorites.
How can you go wrong with the Cali Grill filet, Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake, and the Pork Nachos from Captain Cooks?
I've been waiting since April for this trip, and I'm finally getting everything ready! Magic Band, check! Disney themed shirts, check! Now I just need to let the final days roll away.
This is my rough schedule of places I look to be eating at;
Oct27th Arrival: Liberty Tree Tavern (L), MNSSHP Snacks/Treats
Oct28th: Kona Cafe (B), F&W Festival (L), Artist Point (D)
Oct29th: Rose&Crown Pub & Dining Room (L), California Grill (D)
Oct30th: The Wave (B), Be Our Guest (D)
Oct 31st: Via Napoli (L), Flying Fish Cafe (D)
Nov 1st Depature: Kona Cafe (B)
I look to experience quite a few new places on the run, try some new snacks and old favorites.
How can you go wrong with the Cali Grill filet, Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake, and the Pork Nachos from Captain Cooks?
I've been waiting since April for this trip, and I'm finally getting everything ready! Magic Band, check! Disney themed shirts, check! Now I just need to let the final days roll away.
SmallWorld71
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2007
- Messages
- 6,020
Oh my goodness, Jenifer! Sending some major pixie dust your way!
And, Peter, I love those older themed Epcot shirts!
And, Peter, I love those older themed Epcot shirts!
jabead
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2000
- Messages
- 7,371
Many great updates have come in so far today, but since I won't have the time to start posting them until tomorrow...let's do the matching game!
Here are some of the locations of the updates we have received:
1 - Landscape of Flavors
2 - California Grill
3 - Sci - Fi
4 - Food & Wine Fest Booths
5 - Wolfgang Puck Express, Ghirardelli
6 - Via Napoli
7 - 3D Dessert Discovery Party
8 - Travel Update
9 - Be our Guest
Here are the reporters who sent these updates:
1 - Arielle71
2 - Smiling Cheshire Cat
3 - Li Li
4 - DonaldDoleWhip
5 - gracefulskinny
6 - DisneyDreamerMN
7 - LIBLULA
8 - jerseytinkerbell
9 - Merida34
Now it's up to you to match the reporter with the location of their update. Each correct match will receive 1 October/November Game Point.
Here are some of the locations of the updates we have received:
1 - Landscape of Flavors
2 - California Grill
3 - Sci - Fi
4 - Food & Wine Fest Booths
5 - Wolfgang Puck Express, Ghirardelli
6 - Via Napoli
7 - 3D Dessert Discovery Party
8 - Travel Update
9 - Be our Guest
Here are the reporters who sent these updates:
1 - Arielle71
2 - Smiling Cheshire Cat
3 - Li Li
4 - DonaldDoleWhip
5 - gracefulskinny
6 - DisneyDreamerMN
7 - LIBLULA
8 - jerseytinkerbell
9 - Merida34
Now it's up to you to match the reporter with the location of their update. Each correct match will receive 1 October/November Game Point.
emmysmommy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2010
- Messages
- 5,070
Oh no. Poor Jennifer. I hope she recovers and can enjoy some of the trip.
Enjoyed Mr. DDWs California grill x 2 review. I wonder if that dining room they were in is new? I know they had a banquet room in the back.
Enjoyed Mr. DDWs California grill x 2 review. I wonder if that dining room they were in is new? I know they had a banquet room in the back.
jodywgirl
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2008
- Messages
- 759
do we want them posted on thread or pm youMany great updates have come in so far today, but since I won't have the time to start posting them until tomorrow...let's do the matching game!
Poohs100AcreWood
Tubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2011
- Messages
- 327
I'll play!
1 - Arielle71 - F&W
2 - Smiling Cheshire Cat - Be Our Guest
3 - Li Li - California Grill
4 - DonaldDoleWhip - 3D Deseert
5 - gracefulskinny - Travel Update
6 - DisneyDreamerMN - Sci-Fi
7 - Libula - WPE, Ghirardelli
8 - jerseytinkerbell - Landscape of Flavors
9 - Merida34 - Via Napoli
I'll be lucky if I even get one of these right though!
1 - Arielle71 - F&W
2 - Smiling Cheshire Cat - Be Our Guest
3 - Li Li - California Grill
4 - DonaldDoleWhip - 3D Deseert
5 - gracefulskinny - Travel Update
6 - DisneyDreamerMN - Sci-Fi
7 - Libula - WPE, Ghirardelli
8 - jerseytinkerbell - Landscape of Flavors
9 - Merida34 - Via Napoli
I'll be lucky if I even get one of these right though!
jodywgirl
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2008
- Messages
- 759
1 Landscapes of Flavor - Jersey Tinkerbell
2. California Grill - Donald DoleWhip
3 Sci-Fi - Smiling Cheshire Cat
4. Food and Wine Booths - Jersey Tinkerbell and Donald Dole Whip
5. Wolfgang Puck Ghiradellis - Arielle71
6. Via Napoli - Merida34
7. 3D Dessert - Arielle71
8. Travel Update - Donald DoleWhip
9. Be OUr Guest - Li Li
2. California Grill - Donald DoleWhip
3 Sci-Fi - Smiling Cheshire Cat
4. Food and Wine Booths - Jersey Tinkerbell and Donald Dole Whip
5. Wolfgang Puck Ghiradellis - Arielle71
6. Via Napoli - Merida34
7. 3D Dessert - Arielle71
8. Travel Update - Donald DoleWhip
9. Be OUr Guest - Li Li
cheshirecatattack
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Sep 16, 2012
- Messages
- 236
I'll get in on the game to try and get a few extra points
1. Arielle71 - Wolfgang Puck Express and Ghiradelli
2. SmilingCheshireCat - Food and Wine booths
3. LiLi - Sci-Fi
4. DonaldDoleWhip - 3D Dessert party
5. Gracefulskinny - Be Our Guest
6. DisneyDreamerMN - Travel Update
7. Libula - Landscape of Flavors
8. Jerseytinkerbell - California Grill
9. Merida34 - Via Napoli
I'll be happy if I get one right 4 days until I get to start reporting!
1. Arielle71 - Wolfgang Puck Express and Ghiradelli
2. SmilingCheshireCat - Food and Wine booths
3. LiLi - Sci-Fi
4. DonaldDoleWhip - 3D Dessert party
5. Gracefulskinny - Be Our Guest
6. DisneyDreamerMN - Travel Update
7. Libula - Landscape of Flavors
8. Jerseytinkerbell - California Grill
9. Merida34 - Via Napoli
I'll be happy if I get one right
4 days until I get to start reporting!-
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