OMG, 3 Hour meal at California Grill

[GraceLuvsWDW]

We are currently at Disney and I just had to post about our dinner last night. We and another couple put our kids in the Neverland Club at 7:15 for a 7:40 reservation at Cali Grill. We took the monorail from the Poly and arrived at the CR at about 7:45 then had a lot of difficulties getting to Cali Grill. We didn't know we were supposed to check in on Floor 2, so we tried to get the elevator to go to the 15th Floor but it just wouldn't go. Finally, after switching elevators several times we made it up, a little late for our ressie and were immediately seating at a beautiful table facing MK right at the windows. Our server, Walter who stated he worked there 12 years greeted us and brought waters to us while we perused the drink menu. We ordered wine, and he brought out several bottles to taste from til we chose what we preferred. Then he suggested starters and we ordered the chicken flatbread which was amazing and not too much for four to share and not spoil our dinner.

Then Walter suggested some first courses. We ordered several Sushi rolls and sashimi and I ordered the corn bisque. By this time it was 10 minutes until Wishes so we wandered out to the observation deck where it was VERY crowded. 3 deep at the railings and we struggled to find a less obstructed view. But the music was piped in and it was a wonderful experience seeing it from up there! When Wishes was over and we returned to our table our first courses were just arriving. Oh my! The corn bisque was to die for! Sooo good, creamy with two bacon hushpuppies in the broth and a creme fraishe on top. Delicious!

It's lightening here so I am going to sign off for now but stay tuned for a report on our main courses!

 

[Sandy321]

Thanks for the report - I've been there when it is that crowded too - but still magical!

also, FLATBREADS are back?!!

 

[TigerKat]

Can't wait to hear the rest!

 

[butiflfeet]

It sounds wonderful so far! I'll be checking back for the rest. I hope the storm isn't too bad though I'm quite scared of thunder.

 

[PiperGirlInWondrland]

 

[MickeyNicki]

Cannot wait to hear your review, we just had a 2 hour meal there tonight and it was to die for!

 

[Shir Kahn]

What on earth are bacon hushpuppies?

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

Well, where we last left off was at the corn bisque. Oh my. I still can't believe how unbelievably good it was! Yes, there are bacon hushpuppies, they are little mounds of fried? dough with just a slight taste of bacon. It was soooo good. Walter recommended it because corn is in season and it did not disappoint.

And yes, the flatbreads are Back! He said the pizza oven had been broken for four months and the night we dined was the first night it was back in use.

Ok so at this time it is 9:20 or so, right after Wishes and we're back enjoying our first courses. At this time Walter takes our main course orders and three of us ordered Beef Filet and one ordered the Soft Shell Crab. After another glass of wine and the most delicious bread and sea salt crusted butter, our entrees came out about 9:50pm.

OMG! OMG! My steak was the absolute BEST STEAK I HAVE EVER EATEN. I've eaten lots of Disney steaks among other fine dining establishments that specialize in steaks but this was the best. It had a sauce slightly over it that was so incredible. And it came with mashed potatoes (to call them that does not do them justice at all) and asparagus. Now, I know it sounds silly to rave about asparagus, how hard is it to cook? but OMG it was cooked so perfectly and had such a fresh taste. The soft shell crab had caper berries and the plate came with 2 crabs that looked to be seared and then baked to perfection. I didn't care much for the caper berries but everyone raved about them. I'm not a big caper fan.

After gourging ourselves on the food and moaning and awing and sharing we opted for two desserts to share among the table: The chocolate Molten cake and the Banana Creme Brulee. I didn't care much for the creme brulee but the others raved about it. It had chocolate at the bottom. HOWEVER the chocolate molten cake that came with a scoop of rasperry (or maybe strawberry?) ice cream was the best. The combo was incredible! And of course we had coffee and by this time it is 10:45. Walter did spend quite a lot of time at our table chatting (he didn't seem to be a big Disney fan but raved on Cali Grill) and telling us all about Disney food. He said he previously waited at Narcooses but said unequivocally that Cali Grill was by far the best restaurant on property. I said even up against V&A chef table? and he said yes.

Well, the meal that night definitely would rank among the top of my life, We're not food critics but we eat out a lot and know a decent meal when we have it. I was a bit perturbed by the number of children in the restaurant (I have a child so I'm not anti children) because a meal like this deserves to be absent of kids running around you somewhat spoiling the atmosphere. Walter said Cali Grill is going to 3 TS credits next year and they hope that will deter people from bringing kids.

Anyway, feel free to ask questions. Definitely the best meal I've EVER had on property. BY FAR. REALLY far.

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

Oh, BTW, our tab was $320 after TIW with a tip. We added $20 extra onto the tip because Walter rocked!

 

[dd50]

That sounds fabulous but I would think they would always have children eating there. Never been there but now you have me tempted.

 

[TigerKat]

Sounds like a fabulous dinner, especially the soft shell crab! 3 TS? Never heard of this.

 

[loonytoony]

3TS is crazy for anything Disney. That would be nearly $480 plus tip for your overpriced $320 meal

 

[lovesdumbo]

I have brought all 3 of my children to California Grill-one at a time on solo trips. I do take my children for a 5:30 adr so they won't be tired and figure those who want a more "adult" meal are going to make a later ADR.

I paid out of pocket for my last California Grill meal because I didn't want to use 2TS credits. We had a wonderful time (it was my birthday). We also went to Narcoosee's and I did use the 2TS credits on that meal. I have to say the food at Narcoosee's was very good-maybe better than California Grill but CG wins on atmosphere by far!

 

[TigerKat]

I have to say the food at Narcoosee's was very good-maybe better than California Grill but CG wins on atmosphere by far!

CG wins on atmosphere by far but we prefer the food at JIKO and Flying Fish!

 

[MinnieGirl33]

Our server, Walter who stated he worked there 12 years greeted us and...

OMG, Walter is our favorite server!

Last month when we showed up for our dinner reservation we were informed that he had to switch his shift that night & we actually stood there at the check-in desk contemplating whether we should reschedule or not. He really does add to the entire dining experience.

 

[clc053103]

Great report!

I often see comments on "why children at Cali Grill" - well, you have to keep in mind that it's Disney, and they have a children's menu, so there are going to be kids there. On the flip side, people need to realize that just because it's Disney doesn't mean you can let your children run about at a fine dining restaurant!!!!!!! We dined there with three boys ages 3, 6 and 10- I can tell you not once did they leave their seats unless being accompanied by an adult to the bathroom!

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

Well, I'll probably get flamed for this but I would NEVER EVER take my 6 year old to Cali Grill. That's what the kid's clubs are for. That being said I A) have a very rambunctious child and B) would not want my $80 meal spoiled by dealing with entertaining a child for 3 hrs. That's just me. I think Disney should have an adults only restaurant like V & A that's Dining Plan friendly. Just my opinion, I have nothing against the very well behaved children that do not register on my radar screen but that restaurant should be enjoyed undisturbed by children running around my table.

BTW, I have food porn of this meal but still processing the pics, will post soon!

 

[redzinner]

Well, I'll probably get flamed for this but I would NEVER EVER take my 6 year old to Cali Grill.

BTW, I have food porn of this meal but still processing the pics, will post soon!

Hopefully you won't get 'flamed' for expressing your opinion. People should be able to disagree with your opinion without berating yours. Hopefully!

Waiting for the food porn.

 

[lovemickeyshouse]

Does anyone know what I would get if I used 2 Ts's on this meal?Would an app be included?

 

[BriarRosie]

Does anyone know what I would get if I used 2 Ts's on this meal?Would an app be included?

Appetizers are not included on the basic dining plan, only the deluxe ones. It's entree and dessert otherwise.

And to Grace:
I think Walter might be a great waiter, but I don't think he's eaten at Victoria and Albert's Chef's Table to form a qualified opinion. I think I'm qualified enough to say that for me, I find Chef's Table blows California Grill out of the water. And I'm someone who really enjoys California Grill!