No Longer coming to you Live from Disney World! Take 3 DDW'S TAMBU LOUNGE 8/6

[emmebear]

Oh, and although Patty's portion of our December trip dining report is now complete, it won't be long until she is again contributing to this thread. I'm very happy to report that Patty and Rachel have agreed to do live updates for us from the Flower & Garden Festival during their upcoming trip together. So for a "limited time only" this thread will have some "live" reviews again, in addition to our ongoing dining report from December. Thanks Patty & Rachel!

this pretty sums up rachel & i, together at disney.

can't wait to start blowing up your phone again!!

Patty, I hate that I didn't get to meet you and Emme and Beth, but hopefully our trips will converge at some point!

Vicki, that was such a great open for Cali Grill! I can't wait to read the rest of the reviews.

i am hoping too!! fingers crossed!!!

 

[emmysmommy]

Brenda's California Grill Review​

Warning: This will be a 2 part post since I have so many photos to share!

Great into by Vicki! We hadn’t been to California Grill since the refurb so we were looking forward to seeing the new interior and tasting the new menu. We met up with the group on the 2nd floor of the resort and had a group photo taken before we proceeded to the elevator.

Group photo:

Left to Right: Hunter in the back, Vicki, Paula, Brenda, Rachel, Em, and Barb

The moment we stepped off the elevator I noticed the dramatic changes from the refurb with the wall of wine that greeted us. The restaurant seems so much brighter than before and the kitchen had been re-designed. Very nice.
We had a short wait before our table was ready.

Christmas Tree in front of the Contemporary Resort​

View of the Castle from California Grill

The table had been Mickey-fetti’d!! It set the tone for a very fun dinner. Nancy was our server and did an incredible job.

For my drink I went with a Bloody Mary. Toasting another great dining experience.

We were started with the bread service and here’s the first change that we encountered for which I don’t think I’m a fan of the change. I loved the former sourdough bread but I only mildly liked the focaccia… I didn’t try the multi grain rolls since they didn’t look that appealing.

Due to Hunter’s chef connections we were presented with a parmesan mushroom risotto amuse buche from the kitchen. It had fresh shaved parmesan and cremini mushrooms and was wonderful!

Em and I both ordered appetizers – she chose the heirloom apple and kale salad while I was curious to try the rock shrimp salad.
Em loved her salad so much that it started her on a kale kick once we returned home. She tried to recreate this salad with some success.

Heirloom Apple & Kale Salad: Cripps Pink Apples, Marcona Almonds, Cranberry, Feta, Cider Vinaigrette ($14)​

Crispy Rock Shrimp Salad: Spicy Baby Greens, Subarashii Pears, Soy Reduction, and Wasabi Cream ($17)​

I didn’t expect this salad to be so delicious. I loved the spicy wasabi cream with the tang of the soy reduction. Oh so wonderful! The crispy shrimp were delicious as well. The sweetness of the pear and carrot created the final layer of flavor for this lovely salad. I hope they keep it on their menu but like most salads at California Grill they rotate them often.

Em didn’t have an entrée as she shared some of Vicki’s sushi appetizer as well as some Pork Belly Nigiri that Hunter had shared.

Pork Belly Nigiri: House cured pork, bacon, and Yuzu rice, and spicy teriyaki​

I was looking forward to trying the new incarnation of the pork tenderloin which is now a smaller portion of the tenderloin with the ever delicious creamy goat cheese polenta. They have now added a pork belly piece atop an apple slice. As much as I liked the pork dish before, I am so much more a fan now. Specifically because they have down sized the portion of the tenderloin and added the amazingly flavorful and tasty pork belly chunk. I ate every last bite of this down to the wonderful apple slice. I’ve always been a fan of the goat cheese polenta so I was glad that this had not undergone any changes.

Pork Two Ways: Grilled Tenderloin, Goat Cheese Polenta, Mushrooms, Lacquered Belly, Applesauce ($37)

Pork Belly

Apparently not long after our entrees were delivered it was time to retreat to the viewing platform to watch the Hallowishes version of the fireworks show. This new platform gave a more direct view of the fireworks than previously.

Celebrate the Magic Castle Show

Electric Water Pageant intermission before the fireworks

Fireworks:

Super zoom of the castle​

Part 2 next...
​

 

[emmysmommy]

Brenda's California Grill - Part 2​

Back inside, we dove back into our lukewarm food. Oh well, it was good enough to keep eating even if not hot any longer.

Group Photo:

When dessert was offered, once again, it was an advantage to dine with Hunter and Paula. Their connections to the chef produced this amazing collection of desserts which was nearly one of everything on the menu!

This was Heather’s Holiday Tasting which consisted of; Pumpkin Cupcake with Ginger Cream Cheese Icing, Spiked Eggnog Brulee, Toasted Pecan Shortbread Cookies, and Peppermint Cake Pop ($12)

And another platter with Warm Homemade Fritters (Banana stuffed cinnamon dusted fritters with toasted caramel marshmallows) with three dipping sauces ($12); Sundae Sampler with caramel corn, Coke float, and strawberry basil ice-cream ($12)

There were also some type of cookies and another chocolate dessert – I give up trying to figure out what it was but I’m sure someone from our group who partook can share.

The only items that I tried were the pumpkin cupcake with the ginger cream cheese icing and the pecan shortbread cookies with caramel drizzle. They were both very nice. If I wasn’t so full I would have sampled more items from the tray.

More dessert photos:

Chef Eddie and his pal Chef Hunter

Group photo with Chef Eddie. (Note: Rachel had to leave a little early so we lost her in this photo.)​

Hunter with Heather, of whom Heather’s Holiday Treat is named.

What an awesome meal! Although California Grill has always been a favorite, this is now a ‘do not miss’ restaurant for future visits.

Restaurant photos:

​

 

[emmysmommy]

That is great!! So perfect.

 

[jabead]

If you have been following along, you know that our dining experiences had taken a turn for the worse in terms of service. For the last three meals (Yachtsman Steakhouse dinner, Kona Cafe breakfast, and Afternoon Tea at the Garden View Lounge) we had had either extremely slow service or in the case of Kona it was pretty much non-existent. Since I count these three among my Disney World favorites, I was at this point both disappointed and worried. With our next meal being at my absolute favorite Disney restaurant and knowing the many recent complaints, I was very afraid that this unfortunate pattern of poor service would continue for yet another meal. But as Vicki and Brenda already told you, my fears proved to be unfounded. The staff at California Grill went above and beyond to make our dining experience there nothing less than perfect. In fact, IMHO, the service we received here was the best of the trip.



But I'm getting ahead of myself, so let me rewind and start from the beginning. Following our looong tea at the Grand Floridian, we were very short on time so Brenda, Em, and I jumped into a cab back to our resort, the Boardwalk. This morning before breakfast I had checked out of the Yacht Club and sent off my bags to the Boardwalk, where I was going to be staying for the next two nights. Thankfully the check in process went quickly but I did have some difficulty finding my room because it was on the first floor, which turned out to be below the lobby. In the many times that I have stayed at the Boardwalk, I had never stayed on this floor and didn't really know it existed. But I did finally find my room and made a beeline for the bathroom, as I had needed one for about the last 20 minutes. And of course as soon as I had sat down, there was a knock at my door...the bellman with my luggage. Traveling solo for the first time, I had never before encountered this problem.

But I digress...yet again. My apologies. Anyway I quickly changed clothes before meeting up with Brenda and Em to take a cab to the Contemporary, 'cause there was absolutely no time to mess around with waiting for a Disney bus. We met up with our dining companions (Paula & Hunter, Vicki and Rachel) by the California Grill check-in desk and took the private elevator up to the 15th floor. From the moment that we stepped off the elevator, I had the feeling that this was going to be a very special evening.


This good feeling put me in a festive mood, so I decided to start with a fun (sounding) drink from their new cocktail menu...




Twisted Mai Tai - Mt. Gay Rum, Crème de Noyaux, and Orange and Pineapple Juice with a splash of Lime - $9.25


I love sweet, fruity cocktails so this was right up my alley.


Regarding the bread service, I agree with Vicki. I tried only the lavender-infused focaccia...it reminded me of my grandmother. Though I forgot to take a photo of the amuse bouche, mushroom risotto, I thought it was very tasty.



There were several appetizers that I was interested in trying, but I finally settled on the....



Heirloom Apple and Kale Salad with Cripps Pink Apples, Marcona Almonds, Cranberry Feta, and Cider Vinaigrette - $14


This was a seriously good salad. I almost didn't order this because I was a little leery about the kale, but I'm so glad that I gave it try. It was delicious!


I also got to try some of Paula and Hunter's Pork Pâte Flatbread and loved it. Part of me wished I had ordered this for my appetizer, but the salad was great too so I was content with my choice.



I spotted a new entrée on the menu that intrigued me...




24-hour Short Rib “Filet” with Winter Squash Purée, Brussels, Grilled Forelle Pears, and Pomegranate Pinot Syrup - $45


This was good and I enjoyed it but I have to say that it didn't "wow" me. For just a few dollars more I could have had filet mignon, my favorite cut of beef. So this goes in the category of "Glad I tried it but probably wouldn't order it again."



Soon after our entrees were delivered to our table, it was time for Holiday Wishes so we went outside to watch from the new viewing area.


But first a photo of the castle with its beautiful holiday "bling"...






And then the fireworks began...















Little did we know that we would soon be experiencing "fireworks" right at our table...fireworks of the edible kind.






From this platter I had half of a chocolate chip cookie and a few bites of both the crème brulee and chocolate pudding cake. All of these were very good, but my favorite dessert was actually on the second platter...



Warm Homemade Fritters - Banana-stuffed, Cinnamon-dusted Fritters with Toasted Caramel Marshmallows complemented with a Trio of Dipping Sauces (Chocolate, Salted Caramel, and Peanut Butter)

Yum, yum, yum...I wanted the whole platter of these!

Also on this platter was the Sundae Sampler - Unique and playful Sundaes with a nostalgic twist: Caramel Corn, Coke Float, and Strawberry and Basil. This looked cute but I didn't try any of it so can't comment on how they tasted.

Talk about going out with a bang...these "dessert" fireworks were a fantastic ending to a wonderful meal.


So I'm happy to say that once again, California Grill did not disappoint me and it is still my favorite Disney World restaurant. I'm therefore very excited to share with you my news. In just a little more than two months, I will be having my birthday dinner at California Grill...and even better, I will be there with Paula and Hunter.
I don't think I've been this excited about my birthday since I turned 21. ​

 

[wilma-bride]

It is so nice to finally read some positive reviews of California grill. Excellent job ladies

 

[emmysmommy]

Well said Barb! This was one of the best dining experiences for me at California Grill ever. Other than the rolls that they now pawn off as edible, I am very happy with the changes, the menu, and our services was the best of the trip.

Your story of checking into the BW Oh my gosh! Been there!

 

[jedijill]

I love the new California Grill but I had terrible service. Glad yours was much better! I love the new menu but the desserts were kind of blah to me....I miss my Vahlrona chocolate cake!

Jill in CO

 

[smile4stamps]

Hunter & Paula California Grill Review

As has been mentioned above we were on a bit of a tight schedule due to our late running GF Tea. Hunter and I headed to the WL to change and Vicki came with us so she didn't have to go all the way back to Pop. I'm pretty sure we went by boat to MK and then another boat to WL. We quickly changed and then headed to the Contemporary via boat. We arrived in time to meet everyone else at the check-in stand. After checking in we were waiting for the elevator when I asked the host if there was a way to tell who our server may be. She asked if there was someone in particular we wanted. I said "No, there is someone we DO NOT want" She made this notation and then soon we were on our way upstairs.

This was our 3rd time dining here since the remodel so I did not take any pictures of the interior this time around.

The napkins help to tell where you are though in case you may have forgotten!

A blurry small menu picture.

And the wine list (I believe this is only a partial list and they will bring by a larger book if you are interested.)

We had all placed our drink orders and we were sitting talking and waiting to place our food orders... However, nature was calling and I just HAD to use the ladies room! (Tea! lol) Before going I kept looking at the kitchen as I didn't want to miss Chef Eddie coming out. I asked Hunter and he said it looks busy I should be fine.. Well, my getting up must have been the cue he needed as when I arrived back at the table this was sitting there and Chef Eddie had already returned to the kitchen

I asked Hunter if it was a Mushroom Risotto as that is what it looked like and he said yes..
This was quite delicious!! I'm a big fan of mushrooms though so to me it was delightful!

To drink I had a Pumpkin Cider

(with the beautiful Brenda in the background)

Hunter and I usually share appetizers here because they all sound so good!

This time we went with something new. The Pate Flatbread

This was quite good. I thought there might be a bit more Pate on it but it was wnough to tell it was there without being overpowering.

For our second appetizer we went with what quickly became a favorite during our October trip.
The Pork Belly Nigiri!

We truely love this! Unfortunately we had forgotten to convey that it needed to be made in the Sushi Paper instead of Nori... I can't remember if they remade it or if Hunter just pulled it off.

For our Entree which we shared we went with the Bison Center Cut Striploin with celery root puree, Chanterelles, Fig Bread Pudding, and Madeira-Fig Demi Glaze. This was delicious! It was a good thing we had each had an appetizer or I would have wanted more!

We then went out to see the Holdiay Wishes. I love the Fireworks from here but I DO NOT like way my pictures came out so I won't be posting any!

When we returned inside we completed our entree's and then contemplated dessert. Although CA Grill is not someplace that we actually contemplate much of anythig for dessert as Hunter always tells Chef Eddie "Surprise Us!"

But before dessert my husband got a Grand Marnier Flight

And then the "Platters" of desserts came out

Others have mentioned what was on them so I won't go into that again! They were pretty demolished when we were done though!

Too many people taking pictures means people looking in opposite directions! This would be my Husband and Chef Eddie. He is one of the Sous Chefs at Cali Grill. We made his acquantance almost 5 years ago when he worked at Citrico's. He's been treating us well ever since! (My husband actually took him and Chef Phillip from Citrico's out a few days after this to show our appreciation!)

A blurry group photo

And one with Nancy, our server, who did a FABULOUS job!

And then Hunter with Heather. She isn't a Sous Chef as someone else mentioned but she does do the desserts and even came up with one of them for which she got to put her name on! She may not be there anymore though as when we were there she was looking at transfering jobs.

Overall CA Grill was again a fabulous meal from Food to Service!

 

[buzz1121]

Wow, Barb, Brenda and Paula, the Cali Grill reviews were great!

Brenda, I really liked the Pork entree with the tenderloin and polenta and pork belly with apple as well on our anniversary trip in September. I agree with you that is a nicely portioned entree.

Barb, my favorite dessert of the two we tried in September were the fritters. I am so glad that you will be returning in April for your birthday!

Paula, those dessert platters are a sight to behold! Wow!!!

 

[jedijill]

That pork belly nigiri is amazing!

I've been meaning to ask where Hunter cooks in Denver. I would love to go check out his restaurant...PM me if you don't want to post on the list.

Jill in CO

 

[emmysmommy]

Oops! Paula that was my bad about Heather's title. I think I assumed she was a sous chef... editing my post. She could just be the cute face in the kitchen!

 

[smile4stamps]

That pork belly nigiri is amazing!

I've been meaning to ask where Hunter cooks in Denver. I would love to go check out his restaurant...PM me if you don't want to post on the list.

Jill in CO

We actually live West of Pueblo so about 3hours from Denver. He is not currently working right now. We are looking into opening our own place though and when that happens I will be sure and let you know!

Oops! Paula that was my bad about Heather's title. I think I assumed she was a sous chef... editing my post. She could just be the cute face in the kitchen!

No worries! I just thought I would clear it up. Hunter actually had to correct me! She is cute huh?

 

[jabead]

So guess where our fellow dining reporter Linda is right now?





No, she isn't at Disney World.




But she has been to the Disney store.



​

 

[wilma-bride]

So guess where are fellow dining reporter Linda is right now?





No, she isn't at Disney World.




But she has been to the Disney store.



​

North Yorkshire

 

[jedijill]

We actually live West of Pueblo so about 3hours from Denver. He is not currently working right now. We are looking into opening our own place though and when that happens I will be sure and let you know!



No worries! I just thought I would clear it up. Hunter actually had to correct me! She is cute huh?

Yes, definitely let me know! I have a friend that lives down that way so I'm down there every so often.

Jill in CO

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

So guess where are fellow dining reporter Linda is right now?

No, she isn't at Disney World.


But she has been to the Disney store.

​

I won't answer because I know ... But I would have known anyway! ​

 

[Linda67]

North Yorkshire

Ha!
Does North Yorkshire have the Empire State Building .... I think not
Loving the Big Apple Joh

 

[emmysmommy]

Welcome back to the States Linda! I wish your business travels took you more West! Enjoy your time here.

 

[wilma-bride]

Ha!
Does North Yorkshire have the Empire State Building .... I think not
Loving the Big Apple Joh

Will be looking for some tips for June from you then