Pie That Brownie, Fruitcake! Updated Post #1832 - The End

[Robert P]

Smoother than Grey Goose? I'll have to try that.

Grey Goose is top notch, but there are a few smoother vodkas. Rain comes to mind. I use that for Snickers Martinis.....

 

[oybolshoi]

Grey Goose is top notch, but there are a few smoother vodkas. Rain comes to mind. I use that for Snickers Martinis.....

Snickers Martini???

Inquiring minds want to know ...

 

[Robert P]

Snickers Martini???

Inquiring minds want to know ...

Inexperienced drinkers may not like the ratio, but I use equal parts:
Rain Vodka
Frangelico
Godiva Choc. Liqueur

Gently pour directly into martini glass.
Stir (not much), definitely DO NOT SHAKE. I like to lightly swirl in some cream or half-n-half at the finish.
It's pretty.

 

[oybolshoi]

Finally, a use for Frangelico!

This sounds terrific ... thanks!

Inexperienced drinkers may not like the ratio, but I use equal parts:
Rain Vodka
Frangelico
Godiva Choc. Liqueur

Gently pour directly into martini glass.
Stir (not much), definitely DO NOT SHAKE. I like to lightly swirl in some cream or half-n-half at the finish.
It's pretty.

 

[Leshaface]

A Vodka tasting!? How neat! Do you know if they do Tequila tastings??? Now THIS would be outrageously awesome for me!!!

 

[praisehisname]

Great updates! I can't think of anything witty to say, but I'm still here reading.

 

[oybolshoi]

A Vodka tasting!? How neat! Do you know if they do Tequila tastings??? Now THIS would be outrageously awesome for me!!!

They do offer tequila flights at the Ditch (La Cava Tequila in the Mexico pavilion) and during the last F&W Festival they offered an actual tequila tasting class on weekends.

 

[oybolshoi]

Great updates! I can't think of anything witty to say, but I'm still here reading.

Sometimes I can't think of anything witty to say either. It happens.

 

[oybolshoi]

Thursday, October 22nd - You Can't Make All of the People Happy All of the Time...

To be totally honest, Jay and I had no real interest in returning to CA Grill on this trip; our previous dinner had been medicore at best and we really felt like it was time to give the place a rest. BUT ... we wanted to take X&Y someplace nice for their final vacation meal and they can be rather picky at times and one of them doesn't (or didn't at the time) eat fish, so our options were rather limited. CA Grill seemed like a safe and easy choice as long as the food wasn't sucky like the last time. I even timed the reservation so that we could watch the damn fireworks from the restaurant, something that Jay and I typically never do.

We checked in downstairs and I made the request for a window table, saying that we would wait if necessary because we were celebrating someone's first wedding anniversary. I'd hoped that would garner a little extra attention for X&Y, but it didn't; we didn't even score any Mickey confetti but we did get a great table so I won't complain!

First things first ... we needed some drinks! I tried a French martini here a few years ago and it's remained one of my favorites ever since - it's kind of like a Cosmo with champagne. The nephew wanted to try something but wasn't sure what, so we suggested a Lemon Drop ... a nice blend of sweet and tart, and most people seem to like it. Jay ordered a vodka martini with extra fat olives!

French Martini

Dylan & the Lemondrop

Jay and the James Bond Special

Obligatory Sunset pic...

And then it was time for the feasting to begin!! Since the nephew has been stretching his wings in regard to sushi, we decided to order Yoshie's Deluxe Sushi Platter so that there would be good variety for him (and us) to munch on. Because his wifey doesn't ... er, didn't at the time that I made the reservation... like fish, we also ordered a flatbread to share. In this case we selected the Triple Cheese flatbread, which seemed like a tasty and safe choice.

Yoshi's platter of fishie joy!

Triple Cheese Flatbread

The sushi was wonderful - fresh and sweet and oh-so-delectable! The flatbread was also quite good; it was made with Pecorino, Asiago, and Provolone cheeses with sun-dried tomatoes and Arugula Pesto. We requested the Pesto on the side, just to err on the side of intestinal caution.

Sushi sampler

flatbread

Ain't they cute?

Are we too old to be cute now?

After sharing some appetizers it was time to order more ... as in individual appetizers .. oink oink!

Jay went with more sushi; this time the Spicy Kazan Roll, which was crab, shrimp, bay scallops, tuna, and fireball sauce.

Elia Kazan Roll???

I ordered the Florida Beefsteak Tomato Soup with Herbed Mascarpone and Pumpernickel Croutons. Mmmmmm, this was wonderful - rich and thick and creamy - could have only been better with a toasted cheese sandwedge!

Tomato soup

Dylan ordered the other item that I seriously considered: Maine Lobster Risotto with Midnight Moon Goat Cheese, Lobster Oil, and Meyer Lemon Beurre Blanc. This was just as good as everyone around here was saying; it was almost too rich but since I didn't actually order it, who cares?

YUM!

And then it was dinner time. That's right, we ordered even more food!

Jay and Dylan both ordered the same thing: Seared Ostrich Filet with Buttery Potato Puree, Wild Mushrooms, Globe Carrots, Fig, and Honeyed Port Reduction.

Ostrich, view I

Ostrich, view II

I ordered the Day Boat Scallops with House-made Gnocchi, Sustainable Pears, Brown Butter, and Bacon Emulsion. It was tough to pass on the pork tenderloin because I love that goat cheese polenta but I was determined to try all new foods on this CA Grill visit and the scallops sounded really good.

Scallops

This was excellent ... a terrific combination of flavors that were just right - not too salty and not too sweet - and the scallops were cooked perfectly. I would order this again in a heartbeat.

And the nephew's wifey ... the guest who didn't like fish or sushi or meat ... what did she order?

She ordered sushi. Apparently earlier in the week she tried a California Roll, thought it was good, and became addicted to them. Good for her ... honestly, I've been there ... I know what it's like. But damn I was annoyed for a moment. I spent months agonizing over just the right restaurant, trying to find a place that would offer everyone a nice variety without disregarding anyone's likes or dislikes and she ordered sushi. I swear I heard Grimace laughing somewhere in the distance. Ah well, the important thing is that she liked it and has slowly been discovering the joy of mild fish, so hopefully she will continue to build on that and find more things that she enjoys.

California Roll

And you know we had to order dessert so that we could watch Hallowishes. I left the decision as to where to watch the fireworks to X&Y and they opted for remaining at the table. We had a wonderful viewing spot right there at the corner of the restaurant - best table in the house for watching fireworks. And how sad is it that I actually know the words to the Hallowishes chorus? Jay found it amusing but I'm pretty sure X&Y thought it was too weird for words.

Dylan selected the Bananas & Caramel: crispy baked phyllo squares layered with banana, caramel, mascarpone mousse, and caramelized bananas. I don't usually like banana desserts but this was good - the mousse was especially light and tasty.

Naners and mousse

Jason ordered the Valrhona Chocolate Cake: warm chockie cake with a molten center, house-made salted caramel ice cream, and roasted golden pineapple. One word says it all: YUM!

Sinfully good

And I had no choice but to finish off the evening with a cheese plate and a glass of Fonseca 20-year Tawny port. I loved their cheese plate that night and the port was terrific ... what a great end to the meal! From left to right in the picture below: Tete de Moine, Pont L'eveque, Fog Light, Brebicet, and Bleu des Basques Brebis.

Cheese plate!

For Grimace!

All in all we had one of the best meals of the entire trip at California Grill - it was good enough this time that we would definitley consider going back ... again ... this coming October. Jay and I were really pleased that the dinner was so good - no one wants to take someone out for a nice meal only to end up being served crap on a cracker. We got a great table with great service and great food - what more can you ask for?

 

[cntkg1]

Everything looked pretty good there B, except the sushi and the ostrich. I've never tried sushi ever, so I'm not sure if I'd like it or not, but I do know that ostrich would not be my bird of choice.

That soup looked amazing and the scallops divine. Those desserts made me drool a bit.

Great update, as usual.

 

[goldielocksraj]

That is so awesome that you guys had a great time! What a treat, especially when your last meal there was disappointing.

Oooh, and that was a wonderful Bendy (may I call you by your nickname? ) review, and you set the standards high!!!! Hubby and I are going there on my birthday trip in December, and MANY of the items I've been drooling over are the ones you got!!!!

Many thanks for yet another fab-u-lous review!!!!

 

[Briarmom]

I just want to say that your cheese plate had enormous samplings compared to what I was given last week.

That said, their sushi is the BEST!! I think we'll have to have sushi tomorrow for dinner now. I am craving it...

 

[BriarRosie]

Thursday, October 22nd - You Can't Make All of the People Happy All of the Time...

To be totally honest, Jay and I had no real interest in returning to CA Grill on this trip; our previous dinner had been medicore at best and we really felt like it was time to give the place a rest. BUT ... we wanted to take X&Y someplace nice for their final vacation meal and they can be rather picky at times and one of them doesn't (or didn't at the time) eat fish, so our options were rather limited. CA Grill seemed like a safe and easy choice as long as the food wasn't sucky like the last time. I even timed the reservation so that we could watch the damn fireworks from the restaurant, something that Jay and I typically never do.

I'm heeeeeeeeere! This post was a beacon to me, I swear. And it's a total coincidence that I posted one of the same items a few minutes earlier. I would prefer not to eat there during the damn fireworks, given the choice (and the nuts level).

We checked in downstairs and I made the request for a window table, saying that we would wait if necessary because we were celebrating someone's first wedding anniversary. I'd hoped that would garner a little extra attention for X&Y, but it didn't; we didn't even score any Mickey confetti but we did get a great table so I won't complain!

Don't look a gift window table in the mouth? That doesn't sound right...

And then it was time for the feasting to begin!! Since the nephew has been stretching his wings in regard to sushi, we decided to order Yoshie's Deluxe Sushi Platter so that there would be good variety for him (and us) to munch on. Because his wifey doesn't ... er, didn't at the time that I made the reservation... like fish, we also ordered a flatbread to share. In this case we selected the Triple Cheese flatbread, which seemed like a tasty and safe choice.

Yoshi's platter of fishie joy!

Triple Cheese Flatbread

The sushi was wonderful - fresh and sweet and oh-so-delectable! The flatbread was also quite good; it was made with Pecorino, Asiago, and Provolone cheeses with sun-dried tomatoes and Arugula Pesto. We requested the Pesto on the side, just to err on the side of intestinal caution.

I've never gotten the Sampler before. But I probably will now. The sushi and flatbreads would do it for me. Add in soup and I'm sold.

Ain't they cute?

Yeah, they are.

Are we too old to be cute now?

Never too old to be cute. I am not a suck up. Really.

After sharing some appetizers it was time to order more ... as in individual appetizers .. oink oink!

Jay went with more sushi; this time the Spicy Kazan Roll, which was crab, shrimp, bay scallops, tuna, and fireball sauce.

Elia Kazan Roll???

Lainie Kazan roll. And that's the item I posted tonight. I still would love to have that roll here in Chicago.

I ordered the Florida Beefsteak Tomato Soup with Herbed Mascarpone and Pumpernickel Croutons. Mmmmmm, this was wonderful - rich and thick and creamy - could have only been better with a toasted cheese sandwedge!

Tomato soup

Hey, if you had my server from a couple years ago, she would have gotten you the cheesy 'wich! Don't you remember my impromptu grilled cheese? That rocked. They really need it on the menu.

Dylan ordered the other item that I seriously considered: Maine Lobster Risotto with Midnight Moon Goat Cheese, Lobster Oil, and Meyer Lemon Beurre Blanc. This was just as good as everyone around here was saying; it was almost too rich but since I didn't actually order it, who cares?

YUM!

Damn, I need to order that if they still have it on the menu. That's just sinful it should be outlawed in all 50 states.

And then it was dinner time. That's right, we ordered even more food!

Oink! Pork ain't just what's for dinner anymore! (I should talk, right?)

Jay and Dylan both ordered the same thing: Seared Ostrich Filet with Buttery Potato Puree, Wild Mushrooms, Globe Carrots, Fig, and Honeyed Port Reduction.

Ostrich, view I

Ostrich, view II

Wow, that's gorgeous. Hoped it tasted good.

I ordered the Day Boat Scallops with House-made Gnocchi, Sustainable Pears, Brown Butter, and Bacon Emulsion. It was tough to pass on the pork tenderloin because I love that goat cheese polenta but I was determined to try all new foods on this CA Grill visit and the scallops sounded really good.

Scallops

This was excellent ... a terrific combination of flavors that were just right - not too salty and not too sweet - and the scallops were cooked perfectly. I would order this again in a heartbeat.

Those are big honkin' scallops, and they weren't stingy with portions. About 10 years ago, Flying Fish served my friend an entree of 3 scallops. Yes, 3. We thought it was a ripoff at the time. I should think so now after seeing this pic. But now I'm sure that's changed. I hope.

And the nephew's wifey ... the guest who didn't like fish or sushi or meat ... what did she order?

She ordered sushi. Apparently earlier in the week she tried a California Roll, thought it was good, and became addicted to them. Good for her ... honestly, I've been there ... I know what it's like. But damn I was annoyed for a moment. I spent months agonizing over just the right restaurant, trying to find a place that would offer everyone a nice variety without disregarding anyone's likes or dislikes and she ordered sushi. I swear I heard Grimace laughing somewhere in the distance. Ah well, the important thing is that she liked it and has slowly been discovering the joy of mild fish, so hopefully she will continue to build on that and find more things that she enjoys.

California Roll

That really is so totally Grimace!

Dylan selected the Bananas & Caramel: crispy baked phyllo squares layered with banana, caramel, mascarpone mousse, and caramelized bananas. I don't usually like banana desserts but this was good - the mousse was especially light and tasty.

Naners and mousse

That looks like a banana obstacle course. I'm weird with my food comparisons lately. First the breadstick hot tub in tomato sauce, now the banana obstacle course. I call them as I see them. Warped.

Jason ordered the Valrhona Chocolate Cake: warm chockie cake with a molten center, house-made salted caramel ice cream, and roasted golden pineapple. One word says it all: YUM!

Sinfully good

The Lori Special. Mine from that older report I mentioned, that had the raspberry ice cream. I would have loved this ice cream I'm sure.

And I had no choice but to finish off the evening with a cheese plate and a glass of Fonseca 20-year Tawny port. I loved their cheese plate that night and the port was terrific ... what a great end to the meal! From left to right in the picture below: Tete de Moine, Pont L'eveque, Fog Light, Brebicet, and Bleu des Basques Brebis.

Cheese plate!

For Grimace!

That cheese plate looked decent, but it's now priced itself out of the running for me. And people are saying the cheese portions are smaller now, too.

All in all we had one of the best meals of the entire trip at California Grill - it was good enough this time that we would definitley consider going back ... again ... this coming October. Jay and I were really pleased that the dinner was so good - no one wants to take someone out for a nice meal only to end up being served crap on a cracker. We got a great table with great service and great food - what more can you ask for?

I would like to take you up on that offer, if it is an offer to dine with you two at California Grill in October!

 

[whogirl'smom]

Oh, Brenda, those scallops look wonderful! Actually everything looks good, and I must be in an adventurous mood, because I found myself considering if I should try some sushi (not having done so in my 42 years!). Aggravating about the niece-in-law, that's for sure--I would love to have read your take on her oh, about 5 months ago! Great review!

 

[livinlife25]

Awesome review of California Grill, it was one of our favorites and I always love seeing what people got. Hope you are feeling good

 

[ChelleinNC]

Awwww, I didn't know you guys met there! That's so cute!

Yep, I was on the College Program and Jon was stationed in Orlando for Nuclear Power School at the Navy base. The rest is history as they say


Back to the food: I want donuts and molten cake with Bailey's ganache! Seriously, now I'm craving ganache!

Everything at Cali Grill looked wonderful! How was the ostrich? Please tell me it doesnt' taste like chicken
Loved Jay posing with his 007 drink, he had such a cute look on his face and the two of you were very cute in your pic

 

[chrisw127]

I've had great meals at CG and I've had so-so ones. Good to hear you gave it a second chance. Honestly, I'd keep going just for the view.

And no, you're not to old to be cute.

 

[PNO4TE]

How nice to read that you had a good meal at Ca Grill! We keep saying they deserve another try too, and this gives me hope. I don't think I will get Bob in there again anytime soon, but the girls and I would possibly try the new menu items.


And no... you are never too old to be cute!

 

[TDC Nala]

I just want to say that your cheese plate had enormous samplings compared to what I was given last week.

Same in December. They shrunk it between October and December and started charging 20 bucks for it. I won't order it there anymore.

I love ostrich (it does not taste like chicken. It tastes like very lean beef) but that looks like a whole friggin ostrich on that plate.

 

[oybolshoi]

Everything looked pretty good there B, except the sushi and the ostrich. I've never tried sushi ever, so I'm not sure if I'd like it or not, but I do know that ostrich would not be my bird of choice.

That soup looked amazing and the scallops divine. Those desserts made me drool a bit.

Great update, as usual.

Hiya Goose! Thanks for reading - I guess this means you made it home safely. I never thought I'd like sushi either and here I am ... if you like fish you're halfway there already. And honestly, I can't remember if I tried Jay's ostrich or not but he said it was terrific - very lean and flavorful.

The whole meal was really good - reminded me of the first time we ate there with my parents a few years back.

That is so awesome that you guys had a great time! What a treat, especially when your last meal there was disappointing.

Oooh, and that was a wonderful Bendy (may I call you by your nickname? ) review, and you set the standards high!!!! Hubby and I are going there on my birthday trip in December, and MANY of the items I've been drooling over are the ones you got!!!!

Many thanks for yet another fab-u-lous review!!!!

Thanks very much for readings and you may certainly call me Bendy ... everyone else does. Even people in the "real" world are starting to do it. I hope you have a great meal there in December - when they are on CA Grill you get a wonderful meal!

I just want to say that your cheese plate had enormous samplings compared to what I was given last week.

That said, their sushi is the BEST!! I think we'll have to have sushi tomorrow for dinner now. I am craving it...

I am sad to hear that not only is the price of the cheese plate more expensive now than it was in October but the portions are smaller, too. That's a travesty! I will be hard pressed to order it again for $20, especially if they cut the serving ... jerks. They do have great sushi, although I think I like Kimonos better.

Oh, Brenda, those scallops look wonderful! Actually everything looks good, and I must be in an adventurous mood, because I found myself considering if I should try some sushi (not having done so in my 42 years!). Aggravating about the niece-in-law, that's for sure--I would love to have read your take on her oh, about 5 months ago! Great review!

Hi Jamie! The scallops were amazing and such a huge portion - I was really surprised. And I am sure there are a few people lurking around here who can tell you that I was a lot more steamed five months ago than I was when I posted this. I was able to see the funny in the situation but it did make me mad for a while because we would have taken them to Flying Fish or Bluezoo or even Citricos had we known that she was suddenly going to start trying new things. But ... we ended up with a great meal so all worked out well.

Awesome review of California Grill, it was one of our favorites and I always love seeing what people got. Hope you are feeling good

Thanks for reading - we had a great time there! I'm feeling pretty good - how's your goblin been treating you?

Yep, I was on the College Program and Jon was stationed in Orlando for Nuclear Power School at the Navy base. The rest is history as they say

Back to the food: I want donuts and molten cake with Bailey's ganache! Seriously, now I'm craving ganache!

Everything at Cali Grill looked wonderful! How was the ostrich? Please tell me it doesnt' taste like chicken
Loved Jay posing with his 007 drink, he had such a cute look on his face and the two of you were very cute in your pic

A cool bit of history there, thanks for sharing! I had no idea there was a nuclear power school ... anywhere!

Jay said the ostrich was terrific - it was like a very lean piece of beef, juicy and flavorful.

We're still cute? Thanks!

I've had great meals at CG and I've had so-so ones. Good to hear you gave it a second chance. Honestly, I'd keep going just for the view.

And no, you're not to old to be cute.

Hi Chris! You just described our experiences at CG ... some great and some so-so; I'm glad that this one turned out well since we brought others with us.

Thank goodness we're not too old to be cute ... that's a relief!!

How nice to read that you had a good meal at Ca Grill! We keep saying they deserve another try too, and this gives me hope. I don't think I will get Bob in there again anytime soon, but the girls and I would possibly try the new menu items.

And no... you are never too old to be cute!

Hi Elin!! We were really pleasantly surprised by this meal ... maybe going in with low expectations had something to do with it, but really, everything was great. Good enough to warrant another visit some day!

And thanks ... now I know we can age cutely!