The Food Was Not Undelicious: May 25-June 1, 2007!! Completed - Post #794

[zweihund]

As for a title for your October trip, I can only think of "The Lunchbox Has Landed." I only thought of that just now, cause I'm watching The Full Monty.

I LOVE that!
Great movie, too.

 

[S.Poppins]

Artist Point always sounded so good. Sorry your experience was bad.

I have always meant to ask, where does your screen name, Oybolshoi, come from?

Is CG next?

 

[mrzrich]

I have always meant to ask, where does your screen name, Oybolshoi, come from?

My guess is she's a Yiddish Ballerina

 

[S.Poppins]

My guess is she's a Yiddish Ballerina

I am guessing it came from Spongebob or the Simpson's....maybe?

 

[oybolshoi]

Wednesday, May 30th - It's Just Like California - There's Even a Traffic Jam!!

Jay and I tried CA Grill for the first time in October 2006, and while the finer details of the evening are somewhat hazy thanks to some Darvocet and one very strong martini, I do remember that the food was quite good. In defiance of the DWDJx, we decided to have dinner here again to test our theory that WDW really is more magical without Grimace.

This was undoubtedly the meal I had been most looking forward to, aside from Victoria and Albert's. We kept our eating to a minimum throughout the day, which wasn't difficult at all considering how much food we'd consumed the night before. I would like to mention that a very nice lady used her final CS and Snack credits to buy lunch for us in Artist Palette that afternoon. There I was standing around waiting for Jay to place our order, ogling a bag of Doritos, when this woman asked me if she could bring chips on the airplane.

My first thought was, "Why is she asking me? I'm just staring at the overpriced Nacho Cheesier Doritos. We're not even in an airport...are we?"

And then the lightbulb went on: It only made sense that she would ask me her question. Aside from the fact that my friends often tell me that my glasses make me look like a librarian which therefore means I am a human repository of all kinds of useless information, I was wearing my TSA bikini. I find it really helps ease pool deck congestion during peak swimming hours.

"Sure," I replied in my most official voice. "As long as you're not taking liquids through security you should be fine. Actually a few months ago my in-laws flew out of St. Louis with a massive gourmet birthday cake and they carried it on the plane with no trouble at all. Well, I think the security guys wanted a taste, but other than that they were fine."

She then proceeded to tell me about all the snack credits she and her family still had left on their dining plan and how they were flying back to New York later in the day. She was trying to use them all up but it was just too much.

"I hear ya sister - last fall we left with nine counter service credits still remaining on our dining plan. Nine. My husband and I just don't eat enough to justify the dining plan."

**Cue hysterical laughter from the reading group**

By this time Jay had joined me. "You want Doritos along with the chips that come with your lunch?"

"Those chips are gross - I'm not eating them."

Nice lady hugging several bags of chips, "Oh, let me buy lunch for you - I've got these credits that are just going to be wasted if I don't use them."

Now I can't speak for Jay, but this made me feel distinctly uncomfortable - as if we didn't deserve such an offer or almost like we were taking advantage of her. I know people do this all the time at WDW, but I never expected that someone would offer to do it for us. I kept looking around for someone with kids... someone who could really use a free meal...but she was insistent to the point that when Jay tried to pay for our lunch while she wasn't looking she swooped in and demanded that the cast member add it to her purchases at another register.

So we thanked her and even offered to pay her, but she waved us off, "Just tell your friends back in the midwest that not everyone from New York is a jerk." And with a wink and a smile she was gone.

As we sat down to our lunch - a tukey caesar sandwich for Jay, a jumbo hot dog for me, and a big honking bag of the best Doritos I've ever tasted - Jay smiled at me, "We are definitely in a Grimace-free zone this week."




On to dinner! Our reservation was for 7PM, so we left the villa by 6PM and caught a bus to the Magic Kingdom and then took the monorail over to the Contemporary.

Plankton is getting really good at taking these pictures...

California Grill

For anyone who's never eaten at the California Grill, the restaurant is on the hotel's 14th floor, but you have to check-in at a special desk on the 2nd floor. At the time of check-in you may request a window table in the main dining room, which everyone wants, or you can request a table in the wine room.

There was a couple checking in ahead of us who requested a window seat. They were told that it would be an hour wait! Thank goodness for the DIS, which clued me in to the fact that CA Grill has a quiet little room near the back of the restaurant that patrons can also request a table in. The main dining room is loud...and when I say loud I mean loud. By all means if it's your first dinner here, go for the window seat in the main room - the view of the MK is stunning, no doubt about it. But, if you're looking for something a little more intimate, try the wine room. There's a great view of the lake around the back of the Contemporary and the Wilderness Lodge and in the distance you can see downtown Orlando.

The difference in atmosphere between the two rooms is amazing, almost like being in two separate restaurants.

Once your table is ready you will be escorted upstairs via the express elevator, which only the restaurant staff can use. We were really fortunate that a table was ready in the wine room when we checked in, so we were escorted upstairs right away.

A couple of pictures of the wine room...

Our server was so good and so personable that I actually remember her name! Jenny - a super cute and very attentive individual who really made our evening a memorable one. She was very informative when it came to the menu and made some great suggestions based on her personal favorites.

Time for a drink...hmmmmm. I feel like celebrating - again. I ordered a Kir Royal - dazzle me California Grill, I dare you!

A drink in hand always guarantees a smile

A Kir Royale is typically made with Creme de Casis and Champagne - that's it. And if made well, it's a tasty, fizzy cocktail with a lovely color that people just seem to ooooooh and aaaaaaaaah over. This was actually a very good Kir, but I was a bit disapppointed in its size. Apparently the bartender was using the sawed-off champagne glasses this evening because I've never had a Kir Royale this small. Hey, look; I match my drink!

Jay ordered wine. The interesting thing about his choice is that he went with a white, which is rare for him. Not that he doesn't enjoy a good white wine, but like most men he's a red wino all the way.

Smile with your drinkie-poo!

Jenny noticed us taking pictures and offered to take one of the two of us together before we began stuffing our faces.

Button, button, who's got the button?

And then the food started to make an appearance...For my appetizer I ordered The Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli. The menu states that this is served with sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, shiitake mushrooms, and basil.

That's right - ravioli...as in one.

How can you go wrong with a giant ravioli stuffed with warm, tangy goat cheese taking a lukewarm tomato sauce bath? Every bite was sheer pleasure - I would have ordered another ten but I thought maybe that was a little excessive.

Jay went all West-Coast on me with his appetizer selection; he ordered sushi! Actually now that I think about it we just flipped our choices from last Fall. I ordered a sushi sampler then and he ordered the goat cheese ravioli. We're so predictable sometimes it kills me!

The Spicy Sensation

This item is desribed on the menu thusly: Scallops, Tuna, Avocado, Tobiko, and Fireball Sauce. It's a huge portion - they don't skimp on the fish, do they? I just asked Jay to offer a few words about this and he said, "It was so good - I wish I was eating it right now. But don't order this if you don't like spicy foods - it had a real kick!"

My entree was the Grilled Pork Tenderloin, served with Creamy Goat Cheese Polenta, Cremini Mushrooms, Zinfandel Glaze and Sage. I requested this be served mushroom free - I don't like 'shrooms.

The polenta was all I dreamed it could be...and more

I am not a huge fan of pork - I like my bacon and my ham, but otherwise I just don't eat a lot of pork. It can bother my stomach if I eat too much of it. I ordered this dish for the polenta... this is so good - creamy and full of flavor. Whoever came up with the idea to add goat cheese and cream to the polenta was a genius because it really results in a much smoother texture and it paired so well with the pork and the asparagus that before I knew what had happened I had cleaned my plate (and ordered another Kir Royale!).

Jason ordered the Swordfish Fillet, served with Caramelized Fennel, Grilled Sourdough, and Vine Ripe Tomato-Olive Vinaigrette.

Can't talk, eating.

Jay said this was quite tasty, but begs me to remind anyone who may try the dish that it's a thick fillet, almost like eating a steak.


So far it's been an enjoyable and delicious evening. Let's prolong things a bit by ordering some capuccino, shall we?

Now this hits the spot!

But you know...you can't come to CA Grill for a post-anniversary dinner without ordering dessert. So... I chose the Strawberries and Cream: Plant City Strawberries with Crunchy Meringue, Vanilla Creme, and Strawberry Sorbet.

CA Grill impaled my dessert with their anniversary wishes!

I have only recently discovered the joy of strawberries, and with the whole Crohns issue I probably shouldn't eat them too much (stupid seeds) but this was a great dessert. It was really an innovative twist on strawberry shortcake but much lighter and more refreshing. The meringue was wonderful - slightly crisp but very sweet which served to cut the tartness of the berries. I wish I had better words to describe this but all I can really say is that it was a wonderful choice and a great summertime dessert.

The chocolate "card" from the restaurant was also very good!

Jay ordered Coconut Panna Cotta with Passion Fruit Gelee' and Hand-Crafted Cookies.

It may taste good but it looks disgusting

I took one look at this and almost tossed Jay's cookies! The Passion Fruit Gelee' perched in the middle of the panna cotta makes me suspect that someone in the kitchen has a bad cold.

Appearances aside Jay said the dessert was quite good - a little tart but still enjoyable. He also said the homemade cookies reminded him of macaroons.

And thus ends a fabulous dinner at CA Grill! We avoided the dining jinx again and we are full of food. You will all notice that we didn't receive anything "free" from the restaurant for our anniversary other than the yummy little chocolate greeting they stabbed our desserts with. But that's OK - plenty of people wished us a happy anniversary and we received wonderful service and top notch food. What else can you ask for, other than a bottomless bucket of $100 bills?

Before leaving we decided to check out the observation decks. It was a really windy night so we didn't stay outside too long, but I thought I'd share a few pictures with you, just to give you an idea of the lovely views the CA Grill offers. We didn't stay to watch Wishes, either, because we were on a mission to get to MGM and finally see Fantasmic. Read all about our exciting after-dinner adventures in the Shrubbery...being trimmed even as I type!

Thanks for reading everyone! Victoria and Albert's Chef's Table will be coming up soon!

 

[oybolshoi]

Brenda, yes I did get to see Beauty and the Beast and I loved it even more than Fantasmic! DH gave up Lights, Motors, Action (yawn) even though it was his birthday! I have since found the joys of Evening Primrose Oil to keep the Malificent in me at bay! This year I will sit through LMA and just be happy that I'm not spitting fire like the stunt cars...maybe I can take a book...or maybe just spike my lemonade .

Happy to hear you made it to the show. And if it were me... I'd spike the lemonade!

I know there were a bunch of other parents here who agreed, too - but yeah. We pull ours out of a Friday's if we deem them unacceptable, so we would never have let that happen! One of my kids will occasionally, at a restaurant, say, "Can I be excused?" and I always say, "And, where do you think you'll be going?" I always say, at that point, that they can be finished eating, but they cannot move.

Our kids go to restaurants often, but not the nice ones, because it's too stressful for ME, worrying about their behavoir.

On behalf of everyone I'd just like to say, thanks for being such a great parent.

Brenda, sorry about the bad experience. I am particularly sorry that it happened on your last evening, as that couldn't have been good. If it had been earlier in the week, either it might not have seemed so bad (though the food doesn't look very appealing to me, either) but also because you'd have "recovery days" to make up for it.

Thanks - I think you're so right... because it was the last meal of the trip the whole thing just stuck with me and there wasn't anything after that to "soften" it. Oh well, at least we've tried it and can say that for us, we've no real reason to return.

Artist Point always sounded so good. Sorry your experience was bad.

Thanks Stacey. And you know, most people still do have good experiences there - just wasn't our night.

I have always meant to ask, where does your screen name, Oybolshoi, come from?

Is CG next?

Well, I made it up. Long story short...

Oy in Russian means "OH!" It rhymes with boy.

Bolshoi in Russian means "large or big." It is pronounced: bowl-shoy.

When I took Russian in college I practiced a lot by reciting words out loud and I noticed one day that these two words rhymed and started putting them together because I thought they sounded funny.

When the internet was invented by Al Gore shortly afterwards I decided to use it as my "name" becuase I assumed no one else would have it.

So there's the fascinating story - it literally translates to Oh Big!

My guess is she's a Yiddish Ballerina

Nice guess - I wish I was graceful like a ballerina.

I am guessing it came from Spongebob or the Simpson's....maybe?

Please see above response to your initial question.

Thanks again for reading!

 

[rentayenta]

Okay, I have a few comments:

1. GREAT dress! The color looks terrific on you.

2. My plan was to order the goat cheese ravioli (singular) too.

3. for the pictures from the deck. I have been wanting to know what the view is like so I can decide if it's worth asking for a window table and by golly, by gosh, by gee, it looks worth it!

4. Again, you really do write a fantastic report. An excellent blend of humor, photos, and information!

 

[BriarRosie]

Wednesday, May 30th - It's Just Like California - There's Even a Traffic Jam!!

Jay and I tried CA Grill for the first time in October 2006, and while the finer details of the evening are somewhat hazy thanks to some Darvocet and one very strong martini, I do remember that the food was quite good. In defiance of the DWDJx, we decided to have dinner here again to test our theory that WDW really is more magical without Grimace.

Ah...the good old days...

My first thought was, "Why is she asking me? I'm just staring at the overpriced Nacho Cheesier Doritos. We're not even in an airport...are we?"

And then the lightbulb went on: It only made sense that she would ask me her question. Aside from the fact that my friends often tell me that my glasses make me look like a librarian which therefore means I am a human repository of all kinds of useless information, I was wearing my TSA bikini. I find it really helps ease pool deck congestion during peak swimming hours.

"Sure," I replied in my most official voice. "As long as you're not taking liquids through security you should be fine. Actually a few months ago my in-laws flew out of St. Louis with a massive gourmet birthday cake and they carried it on the plane with no trouble at all. Well, I think the security guys wanted a taste, but other than that they were fine."

Dare I ask why you have a TSA bikini? However, I enjoyed you actually answering her as if you were a TSA official.

She then proceeded to tell me about all the snack credits she and her family still had left on their dining plan and how they were flying back to New York later in the day. She was trying to use them all up but it was just too much.

"I hear ya sister - last fall we left with nine counter service credits still remaining on our dining plan. Nine. My husband and I just don't eat enough to justify the dining plan."

**Cue hysterical laughter from the reading group**

I think that's enough emoticons for that. Wait....I forgot one.

So we thanked her and even offered to pay her, but she waved us off, "Just tell your friends back in the midwest that not everyone from New York is a jerk." And with a wink and a smile she was gone.

Oh I like that snappy exit line! She should have had a superhero outfit or something, flying off as if to say, "My work here is done." Whoosh!

Plankton is getting really good at taking these pictures...

Hmm, not a bad photo taken by a plush. Alrighty then...

Once your table is ready you will be escorted upstairs via the express elevator, which only the restaurant staff can use. We were really fortunate that a table was ready in the wine room when we checked in, so we were escorted upstairs right away.

Oh cool. I've never eaten in the wine room. I have gone up to CA Grill solo and ask to be seated at the open kitchen seating without waiting, but that was pre-DDP. I don't know if I'd be able to do that now.

Time for a drink...hmmmmm. I feel like celebrating - again. I ordered a Kir Royal - dazzle me California Grill, I dare you!

A drink in hand always guarantess a smile

A Kir Royale is typically made with Creme de Casis and Champagne - that's it. And if made well, it's a tasty, fizzy cocktail with a lovely color that people just seem to ooooooh and aaaaaaaaah over. This was actually a very good Kir, but I was a bit disapppointed in its size. Apparently the bartender was using the sawed-off champagne glasses this evening because I've never had a Kir Royale this small. Hey, look; I match my drink!

Would you believe the first thing I noticed was "Wow, Brenda matches her drink. And the terra cotta colors in the room also match well with her outfit. And the Anniversary button sorta matches, too..." It's all true! I really starting laughing after seeing that you mentioned it, too!

Jay ordered wine. The interesting thing about his choice is that he went with a white, which is rare for him. Not that he doesn't enjoy a good white wine, but like most men he's a red wino all the way.

Smile with your drinkie-poo!

Guess what? Jay matches his drink, too! I love that shirt, which has the lovely wine glass and bottle on it! Very cute. And if you want a good white, try Conundrum. I have become more of a red wine fan in recent years but Conundrum is really tasty! (Sorry, I'm going off on a tangent.)

And then the food started to make an appearance...For my appetizer I ordered The Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli. The menu states that this is served with sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, shiitake mushrooms, and basil.

That's right - ravioli...as in one.

How can you go wrong with a giant ravioli stuffed with warm, tangy goat cheese taking a lukewarm tomato sauce bath? Every bite was sheer pleasure - I would have ordered another ten but I thought maybe that was a little excessive.

HooBoy! I think I want to go swimming in that tomato sauce bath! Be still my beating heart. My CA Grill "gimme 10 more of these appetizers" experience was on my 33rd birthday at CA Grill. Hudson Valley Foie Gras. Yeah...good times, good times.

Jay went all West-Coast on me with his appetizer selection; he ordered sushi! Actually now that I think about it we just flipped our choices from last Fall. I ordered a sushi sampler then and he ordered the goat cheese ravioli. We're so predictable sometimes it kills me!

The Spicy Sensation

This item is desribed on the menu thusly: Scallops, Tuna, Avocado, Tobiko, and Fireball Sauce. It's a huge portion - they don't skimp on the fish, do they? I just asked Jay to offer a few words about this and he said, "It was so good - I wish I was eating it right now. But don't order this if you don't like spicy foods - it had a real kick!"

Changed my mind! the looks of that sushi plate! I happen to like spicy maki, so that looks just about perfect.

My entree was the Grilled Pork Tenderloin, served with Creamy Goat Cheese Polenta, Cremini Mushrooms, Zinfandel Glaze and Sage. I requested this be served mushroom free - I don't like 'shrooms.

The polenta was all I dreamed it could be...and more

I am not a huge fan of pork - I like my bacon and my ham, but otherwise I just don't eat a lot of pork. It can bother my stomach if I eat too much of it. I ordered this dish for the polenta... this is so good - creamy and full of flavor. Whoever came up with the idea to add goat cheese and cream to the polenta was a genius because it really results in a much smoother texture and it paired so well with the pork and the asparagus that before I knew what had happened I had cleaned my plate (and ordered another Kir Royale!).

The polenta looks pretty sinful! The entree doesn't look half bad, either. And no, I don't keep Kosher.

Ok, I need to skip down until I get to this:

Jay ordered Coconut Panna Cotta with Passion Fruit Gelee' and Hand-Crafted Cookies.

It may taste good but it looks disgusting

I took one look at this and almost tossed Jay's cookies! The Passion Fruit Gelee' perched in the middle of the panna cotta makes me suspect that someone in the kitchen has a bad cold.

Who in their right mind would want to serve that?? Ewww, ewww, ewww. Yeah, I'm sure it was delicious, but IMHO, it's about as appealing as that "kitty litter cake" I've seen recipes and pictures around Halloween time. Foam, snot, phlegm, mucus. Time to hurl, now. Unappetizing views aside, everything else looked mighty tasty.

Now I'm looking forward to reading about your "back porch" experiences at Vicki and Al's Diner!

 

[Dizmom0923]

Hey Brenda. Great review...I don't like shrooms either, not much on the whole fungus thing. I love your dress and the view from the observation decks is one of my favorite things at the Contemporary, I could sit and look at the Magic Kingdom for hours. Looking forward to V&A review.

 

[CruisinEars]

OK, so it's an acquired taste. Purely American. BUT...you have to try syrup ON the bacon. Or sausage. Or any cured and smoked pork product. *drool*

Don't Europeans every mix salty and sweet?

Ditto! I love syrup on my eggs and breakfast meat. So yummy!

To OP, thanks for a bunch of awesome tr's. You are so enjoyable to read. Loved the cruise tr since we will be going on our first cruise next may with a week at the parks to follow. I am now planning a breakfast at Kona since I love french toast.

 

[Poohbear67]

It is amazing that every report I read that I want to change my adrs. We have adrs at brown derby but maybe we will be a changin

 

[zweihund]

The wine room looks amazing! Plus, I think you can see my hospital from there - literally!

 

[mlill]

On to dinner! Our reservation was for 7PM, so we left the villa by 6PM and caught a bus to the Magic Kingdom and then took the monorail over to the Contemporary.

Plankton is getting really good at taking these pictures...

California Grill

For anyone who's never eaten at the California Grill, the restaurant is on the hotel's 14th floor, but you have to check-in at a special desk on the 4th floor. At the time of check-in you may request a window table in the main dining room, which everyone wants, or you can request a table in the wine room.

Very nice! You two look great! (as usual) Isn't check-in on the 2nd floor?

There was a couple checking in ahead of us who requested a window seat. They were told that it would be an hour wait! Thank goodness for the DIS, which clued me in to the fact that CA Grill has a quiet little room near the back of the restaurant that patrons can also request a table in. The main dining room is loud...and when I say loud I mean loud. By all means if it's your first dinner here, go for the window seat in the main room - the view of the MK is stunning, no doubt about it. But, if you're looking for something a little more intimate, try the wine room. There's a great view of the lake around the back of the Contemporary and the Wilderness Lodge and in the distance you can see downtown Orlando.

The difference in atmosphere between the two rooms is amazing, almost like being in two separate restaurants.

Once your table is ready you will be escorted upstairs via the express elevator, which only the restaurant staff can use. We were really fortunate that a table was ready in the wine room when we checked in, so we were escorted upstairs right away.

Yes, the main dining room can be very loud later in the evening. The wine room is wonderful! We've eaten in there several times. My new favorite time to go to CG is when it opens at 5:30pm. It's so beautiful and quiet and the sunset is amazing! We are usually leaving just as it gets crazy.

Our server was so good and so personable that I actually remember her name! Jenny - a super cute and very attentive individual who really made our evening a memorable one. She was very informative when it came to the menu and made some great suggestions based on her personal favorites.

Time for a drink...hmmmmm. I feel like celebrating - again. I ordered a Kir Royal - dazzle me California Grill, I dare you!

A drink in hand always guarantess a smile

A Kir Royale is typically made with Creme de Casis and Champagne - that's it. And if made well, it's a tasty, fizzy cocktail with a lovely color that people just seem to ooooooh and aaaaaaaaah over. This was actually a very good Kir, but I was a bit disapppointed in its size. Apparently the bartender was using the sawed-off champagne glasses this evening because I've never had a Kir Royale this small. Hey, look; I match my drink!

We had her in December! She was great. I prefer Chambord with my champagne! (and lots of it) When I make them at home, I use a 50%/50% ratio. I don't get that when we go out. Sorry you got a minature Kir Royale!

As expected, your food looked yummy! (I'm hungry now!) I can't wait to go back to California Grill in a few months. I just love staying at the Contemporary and having such a great restaurant right above us. We might even go twice, depending on the Food & Wine schedule...

Looking forward to your V&A review. Tell Jay, I'm expecting full disclosure.

Have a great 4th of July!
-Michelle

 

[Prinny27]

Hey Brenda! I've been reading your review and you're doing a great job! I had to say my DH and I were at the CA Grill the night before you, sat in the same room, and had the same appetizers and entrees! Too funny. And I agree with Jay - that spicy sensation sushi is *so* good, I wish I was eating it now, too!

 

[kikigirl]

Thanks for the birthday wishes, Brenda. I had an awesome birthday, complete with alcohol. I had a Mike's Hard Cranberry Lemonade, which was yummy. I love cranberries! I think mom is making either Pina Coladas or Malibu Bay Breezes today. Booze for my birthday!

Thanks again for review. Another restaurant I'll have to put on a list for the possible upcoming trip. I know what you mean about the strawberries. I totally love strawberries but now I can't really eat them. For me though, the seeds are so small that it probably won't cause a problem, but I'm too afraid to even risk anything.

Looking forward to Victoria and Albert's!!!

 

[WDW Fan]

CA is my favorite restaurant in all of WDW!!! Your meal looks delicious and the views are just phenomenal! Thanks for sharing and look forward to reading about your night at MGM.

 

[cmp1111]

Ohhhhhhh... (Insert drool smilie!) Now that looks good. Ravioli, yum.... Sush, yum.... Polenta, yum... (I am very picky about my pork. I grew up with rubber pork chops, so have always disliked pork, though now that I've had some actually nicely cooked pork, I'm getting better with it.) Swordfish, yum.... Strawberries, yum... Jay's dessert, yuck! I'm not big on macaroons, either.

That's one that will have to be on my list, kids-free.

 

[oybolshoi]

Okay, I have a few comments:

1. GREAT dress! The color looks terrific on you.

2. My plan was to order the goat cheese ravioli (singular) too.

3. for the pictures from the deck. I have been wanting to know what the view is like so I can decide if it's worth asking for a window table and by golly, by gosh, by gee, it looks worth it!

4. Again, you really do write a fantastic report. An excellent blend of humor, photos, and information!

Thanks so much for your kind post - I'm all warm and fuzzy right now. I really enjoyed the ravioli...I think I'm going to have a hard time ordering something different when we go back in October. But now that I think about it... why should I? I'll just have Jay order a sushi sampler I can eat and we'll share both appetizers!

And since this will be your first visit to CA Grill, you should definitely try for the window table - there's nothing quite like having dinner overlooking the MK.

Dare I ask why you have a TSA bikini? However, I enjoyed you actually answering her as if you were a TSA official.

I was trying to be funny and sarcastic when I wrote that... I guess it didn't translate (maybe I should have inserted a little icon? )

Oh I like that snappy exit line! She should have had a superhero outfit or something, flying off as if to say, "My work here is done." Whoosh!

Hee hee...maybe all those bags of chips were weighing her down? I wanted to respond with, "Alright, and you be sure to tell all your friends back in New York that not everyone from the Midwest is a corn-fed rube."

Oh cool. I've never eaten in the wine room. I have gone up to CA Grill solo and ask to be seated at the open kitchen seating without waiting, but that was pre-DDP. I don't know if I'd be able to do that now.

The wine room was great - so peaceful and relaxing - we're hoping to get a table in there again come October. Not that I'd complain if we had to settle for a window table in the main room.

The open kitchen was full-up when we were being seated, so you may be on to something, but...you might have better luck in October than you would have at the end of May.

Would you believe the first thing I noticed was "Wow, Brenda matches her drink. And the terra cotta colors in the room also match well with her outfit. And the Anniversary button sorta matches, too..." It's all true! I really starting laughing after seeing that you mentioned it, too!

Too funny, isn't it? I'm never that "put together" in the real world. I'm lucky when I get to work if I'm wearing two matching shoes.

Guess what? Jay matches his drink, too! I love that shirt, which has the lovely wine glass and bottle on it! Very cute. And if you want a good white, try Conundrum. I have become more of a red wine fan in recent years but Conundrum is really tasty! (Sorry, I'm going off on a tangent.)

I thought it was sooooo cute that he wore his F&W shirt from last year - looks good on him, doesn't it? Ah, Conundrum... we have tried it before and it's quite good. You'll like this... the first time I tried it we were at a local restaurant for New Year's Eve and I wanted wine with dinner but I didn't really know what I wanted. Then I saw the word Conundrum on the wine list and said, "That's the one! Anything named Conundrum has got to be good!"

And it was!

HooBoy! I think I want to go swimming in that tomato sauce bath! Be still my beating heart. My CA Grill "gimme 10 more of these appetizers" experience was on my 33rd birthday at CA Grill. Hudson Valley Foie Gras. Yeah...good times, good times.

I just can't say enough good things about that ravioli - it was fabulous! And the sauce was not too thick and not too thin - just right so that it enhanced the cheese rather than overpowering it.

You know...I don't remember seeing foie gras on the menu...I wonder if I just missed it? Hang on a minute...................................................................


I missed it - it's still on the menu. Perhaps I'll have to try that in October since we won't be getting any foie gras at V&A (not on the agenda this time).

Hmmmmmmm...

Changed my mind! the looks of that sushi plate! I happen to like spicy maki, so that looks just about perfect.

If you like spicy then my hubby says you should go for this sushi sampler!

The polenta looks pretty sinful! The entree doesn't look half bad, either. And no, I don't keep Kosher.

If I could just order the polenta I think I'd be in heaven, it's that good. And the pork was pretty tasty, too. The wine glaze helps keep the pork a little more moist than it would otherwise be (that's one of my problems with pork - it can dry out too fast when being cooked).

Who in their right mind would want to serve that?? Ewww, ewww, ewww. Yeah, I'm sure it was delicious, but IMHO, it's about as appealing as that "kitty litter cake" I've seen recipes and pictures around Halloween time. Foam, snot, phlegm, mucus. Time to hurl, now. Unappetizing views aside, everything else looked mighty tasty.

Now I'm looking forward to reading about your "back porch" experiences at Vicki and Al's Diner!

Yeah, when Jenny plopped that down in front of Jay I was actually revolted. My smart-a$$ comment to Jay once she left: "Who sneezed on your dessert, buddy?"

Yecccch!

I do hope our review of Vicki and Al's will meet with your approval - there is so much food I'll have to break it into two posts.

Hey Brenda. Great review...I don't like shrooms either, not much on the whole fungus thing. I love your dress and the view from the observation decks is one of my favorite things at the Contemporary, I could sit and look at the Magic Kingdom for hours. Looking forward to V&A review.

Thanks very much! I do wish it had been less windy that night, it was so peacful and romantic out on the observation deck...of course, we were the only ones out there when we took those pictures so I'm sure that had something to do with it! There's something about the view of the MK, especially at night with everything all lit up, it just gives me goosebumps.

To OP, thanks for a bunch of awesome tr's. You are so enjoyable to read. Loved the cruise tr since we will be going on our first cruise next may with a week at the parks to follow. I am now planning a breakfast at Kona since I love french toast.

Thanks for reading - glad you've enjoyed everything so far. You will love DCL - I hope you have a great time!

 

[oybolshoi]

It is amazing that every report I read that I want to change my adrs. We have adrs at brown derby but maybe we will be a changin

You're killing me! I'm going to feel really bad if you change all of your ADRs because of us and then come back disappointed.

The wine room looks amazing! Plus, I think you can see my hospital from there - literally!

Actually if I squint I think I can see you waving from your hospital!

Very nice! You two look great! (as usual) Isn't check-in on the 2nd floor?

Thanks Michelle and D'OH! You're right - it's the second floor...I'll go back and change it. I don't want to mis-direct anyone.

Yes, the main dining room can be very loud later in the evening. The wine room is wonderful! We've eaten in there several times. My new favorite time to go to CG is when it opens at 5:30pm. It's so beautiful and quiet and the sunset is amazing! We are usually leaving just as it gets crazy.

I thought about trying to get an earlier reservation for dinner but Jay and I are usually just coming back from the pool around 5PM and we're too lazy to change our habits and eat dinner that early on vacation. The wine room was lovely - I can't wait to eat there again.

We had her in December! She was great. I prefer Chambord with my champagne! (and lots of it) When I make them at home, I use a 50%/50% ratio. I don't get that when we go out. Sorry you got a minature Kir Royale!

We've made Kirs with Chambord before, too, and those are pretty tasty as well! And thanks to last year's F&W Festival we also really like adding that Pama Pomegranate liqueur to champagne. So many drinks...so little vacation time.

As expected, your food looked yummy! (I'm hungry now!) I can't wait to go back to California Grill in a few months. I just love staying at the Contemporary and having such a great restaurant right above us. We might even go twice, depending on the Food & Wine schedule...

Are we going to miss each other again in October? Waaaaaaaaaah!!!

Looking forward to your V&A review. Tell Jay, I'm expecting full disclosure.

Have a great 4th of July!
-Michelle

Happy 4th to you and yours as well! Jay has been informed that he is expected to fully contribute to the V&A review - I think we may go tag-team again since that seemed to work so well the last time. Thanks for reading!

Hey Brenda! I've been reading your review and you're doing a great job! I had to say my DH and I were at the CA Grill the night before you, sat in the same room, and had the same appetizers and entrees! Too funny. And I agree with Jay - that spicy sensation sushi is *so* good, I wish I was eating it now, too!

Hello there and thanks for reading! That's awesome - it's like we're restaurant dopplegangers!! Sounds like you and your DH had a pretty tasty meal, too!

Thanks for the birthday wishes, Brenda. I had an awesome birthday, complete with alcohol. I had a Mike's Hard Cranberry Lemonade, which was yummy. I love cranberries! I think mom is making either Pina Coladas or Malibu Bay Breezes today. Booze for my birthday!

Glad to hear you're having a fun birthday - you deserve it after all that nasty Crohns stuff you had to deal with.

Tell your mom to make you a Shipwreck - equal parts Kahlua, Baileys, and Amaretto with pineapple juice and cream of coconut in a blender full of ice. My toes are curling just thinking about it.

I wonder... is it too early to have one now?

Thanks again for review. Another restaurant I'll have to put on a list for the possible upcoming trip. I know what you mean about the strawberries. I totally love strawberries but now I can't really eat them. For me though, the seeds are so small that it probably won't cause a problem, but I'm too afraid to even risk anything.

Looking forward to Victoria and Albert's!!!

Thanks again for reading - I think you'd probably enjoy CA Grill. They really do have an extensive menu which is helpful for us Crohns. And I understand about the seeds, I really do. And I don't blame you for avoiding them - I've got things that I never eat anymore for just the same reason. Better safe than sorry.

CA is my favorite restaurant in all of WDW!!! Your meal looks delicious and the views are just phenomenal! Thanks for sharing and look forward to reading about your night at MGM.

Thanks for reading! CA Grill is fast becoming one of our favorites, too. We're going back again in October which will make 3 visits in one year (that's a record for us!), and I'm already dreaming of what I'm going to order!

Our evening at MGM was... interesting... and fun! We've never been there for an EMH at night and it was very cool to be in the park so late at night.

Ohhhhhhh... (Insert drool smilie!) Now that looks good. Ravioli, yum.... Sush, yum.... Polenta, yum... (I am very picky about my pork. I grew up with rubber pork chops, so have always disliked pork, though now that I've had some actually nicely cooked pork, I'm getting better with it.) Swordfish, yum.... Strawberries, yum... Jay's dessert, yuck! I'm not big on macaroons, either.

That's one that will have to be on my list, kids-free.

Isn't it good to come back to the reviews and find something positive and yummy again? We would definitely recommend CA Grill to anyone and even your boys would probably like it. We saw plenty of kids there and didn't notice any of them acting up or doing anything that would have caused another weepy fit.

 

[TigerKat]

Thanks for a great review of my favorite place! The pictures from the observation deck were awesome. We're going back next trip along with our first trip to JIKO. Lots of folks say that JIKO is better, so looks like we're in for some mighty fine dining!

Love the dress!