Uncleromulus
Plain grey will be fine
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2001
- Messages
- 15,529
In a word-wonderful. I can't think of a better way to begin a Disney vacation than dinner here. A fine view, good service, excellent food, and the fireworks. And not to mention no trouble at getting into valet parking! And this time they didn't charge the valet parking back to the room (we're on DDE, so it's free). Perhaps that little problem is now solved.
Anyway--we arrived about 7:40 or so for this Saturday night dinner set for 8:00. We were told they were running about 15-20 minutes behind in ADR seating, but we were told we could go on up and have a drink. We did just that, and found (predictably) the entire bar and lounge area full, with no seats. Just as were deciding that we might leave, what should happen but a group of 4 at the bar had their pager go off and they left for their table. We were standing right behind them, so when they left, in we went!! Talk about getting lucky--
We all had a drink at the bar while we waited, and exactly at 8:20 we got our table. It was on the less busy side of the restaurant, (the right hand side as you walk in) sort of away from all the commotion at the open kitchen. But it was still pretty loud nonetheless. Our server that night was Christi and she was just perfect. After explaining the menu, she asked if were going out to see the fireworks. When we said we were, she told us she would make sure our entrees were held "warm" while we were out on the deck. And that's exactly how it went. No sooner did we return than our entrees came right out.
For drinks the girls got their usual wine. Mrs U was particularly taken with something called GL's Conundrum Blend. A bit pricy at $13.50 a glass, but she certainly enjoyed it! I was content with my Anchor Steam , while the other fellow in our group had his usual Long Island Ice tea. Appetizers were next and I always look forward to one of their flatbreads. This night I was not disappointed! They had several on the menu, and I chose the beefsteak flatbread, with 3 cheeses and a horseradish sauce. The steak was sort of Philly Cheesesteak style, and the whole thing was DELICIOUS!!! The two ladies both had the Triple Mushroom flatbread (both liked it) and the other gentleman got the Lobster Bisque. Good also.
Entrees were next. The other fellow and I both got Maine Diver Scallops, Mrs U got the Serrano Ham Wrapped RainbowTrout, and the lady ordered Butternut Squash Raviloi. Here I must say something about those scallops. They were pretty big and tasty. But there were only 3 on the plate. At $34.00 for that entree, that comes out to $11.33 per scallop. A bit pricy for what I got (I think anyway). The dish could have used an extra couple of scallops. The ravioli was good, but perhaps the best dish of the meal was that trout. A nice size piece and the ham added a wonderful flavor. It was served with something called "Sauce Grenobolise" which added even more flavor. Sadly, no one thought to ask what exactly "Sauce Grenobloise" was. But it was good.
Desserts were next and we all selected '"Tarts". Two of us got the Pear tart, which came with Brown Sugar Ice Cream and Qunice Syrup. The other two (including me) got the Apple tart. This came with Apple meringue, caramel "foam" and apple sorbet. Both tarts were excellent and just light enough so we didn't feel overfull.
We were a happy group of 4 when we left the California Grill a little after 10:00. A fine meal and our entire WDW vacation still ahead!
Oh--we're going back to California grill again for out first night dinner in May
Anyway--we arrived about 7:40 or so for this Saturday night dinner set for 8:00. We were told they were running about 15-20 minutes behind in ADR seating, but we were told we could go on up and have a drink. We did just that, and found (predictably) the entire bar and lounge area full, with no seats. Just as were deciding that we might leave, what should happen but a group of 4 at the bar had their pager go off and they left for their table. We were standing right behind them, so when they left, in we went!! Talk about getting lucky--
We all had a drink at the bar while we waited, and exactly at 8:20 we got our table. It was on the less busy side of the restaurant, (the right hand side as you walk in) sort of away from all the commotion at the open kitchen. But it was still pretty loud nonetheless. Our server that night was Christi and she was just perfect. After explaining the menu, she asked if were going out to see the fireworks. When we said we were, she told us she would make sure our entrees were held "warm" while we were out on the deck. And that's exactly how it went. No sooner did we return than our entrees came right out.
For drinks the girls got their usual wine. Mrs U was particularly taken with something called GL's Conundrum Blend. A bit pricy at $13.50 a glass, but she certainly enjoyed it! I was content with my Anchor Steam , while the other fellow in our group had his usual Long Island Ice tea. Appetizers were next and I always look forward to one of their flatbreads. This night I was not disappointed! They had several on the menu, and I chose the beefsteak flatbread, with 3 cheeses and a horseradish sauce. The steak was sort of Philly Cheesesteak style, and the whole thing was DELICIOUS!!! The two ladies both had the Triple Mushroom flatbread (both liked it) and the other gentleman got the Lobster Bisque. Good also.
Entrees were next. The other fellow and I both got Maine Diver Scallops, Mrs U got the Serrano Ham Wrapped RainbowTrout, and the lady ordered Butternut Squash Raviloi. Here I must say something about those scallops. They were pretty big and tasty. But there were only 3 on the plate. At $34.00 for that entree, that comes out to $11.33 per scallop. A bit pricy for what I got (I think anyway). The dish could have used an extra couple of scallops. The ravioli was good, but perhaps the best dish of the meal was that trout. A nice size piece and the ham added a wonderful flavor. It was served with something called "Sauce Grenobolise" which added even more flavor. Sadly, no one thought to ask what exactly "Sauce Grenobloise" was. But it was good.
Desserts were next and we all selected '"Tarts". Two of us got the Pear tart, which came with Brown Sugar Ice Cream and Qunice Syrup. The other two (including me) got the Apple tart. This came with Apple meringue, caramel "foam" and apple sorbet. Both tarts were excellent and just light enough so we didn't feel overfull.
We were a happy group of 4 when we left the California Grill a little after 10:00. A fine meal and our entire WDW vacation still ahead!
Oh--we're going back to California grill again for out first night dinner in May
.
Oh yeah, we used our DDE card also! This is almost scary- I'm watching for your other reviews to see if we shadowed you there also.
