mickeys#1fan
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2001
- Messages
- 295
I finally have the time to write about our trip from 6/12-6/11. On check-in night, we dined for the first time at California Grill. We will definitely come back on future trips!
We had PS for 8 p.m., but mixed it up with our Citrico's night. Katie, our hostess, did her best to seat us in a timely way, but we ended up not sitting down until 9:15. Even though she didn't have to, she comped our bar bill. BTW, I found the smoothest vodka martini anywhere at this bar. While waiting, DD and I watched the action in the kitchen. A sous chef named Jonathon offered us a tour, which we heartily took him up on. For a foodie like me (and also the family cook) it was just really cool! I'm also in the market for knives, and he gave me some guidance.
Jenny was our server, and she was attentive and spot-on with food and wine recommendations. DW started with the goat cheese ravioli w/ sun dried tomato broth - very flavorful without being too rich. I had the sushi sampler, which was an excellent introduction to sushi for a novice like me. The tuna and salmon were particularly fresh and silky. DD had the hearts of romaine with buttermilk battered shrimp and green goddess dressing - also good.
For entrees, DW had the filet, which was perfectly medium rare and caramelized on the outside - fork tender and very juicy. DD had fish and chips. I had the pork medallions with polenta. What do you have to do get pork so juicy?
In between appetizers and entrees, DD 9 was invited to "start the fireworks." She pushed a few buttons on a console beneath the host stand, but she was thrilled to do it and got a picture and certificate. Watching fireworks from the observation deck is better than any other vantage point we've had.
DW had the banana-chocolate bread pudding with banana rum ice cream. A ball of ganache is baked into the center of this dessert, and it spills onto the plate when pierced with a spoon. We would make the return trip just for this dessert. DD had the rice crispie sushi, which was fun. I had the vanilla/chocolate/orange creme brulee sampler. This was rich, yet light and none of the flavorings covered up the basic custard taste.
Between the kitchen and the guests California Grill is pretty loud. Or you could think of it as vibrant and lively, matching the cuisine. I'll continue with part 2 of our fine dining experience at Artist Point in another post.
We had PS for 8 p.m., but mixed it up with our Citrico's night. Katie, our hostess, did her best to seat us in a timely way, but we ended up not sitting down until 9:15. Even though she didn't have to, she comped our bar bill. BTW, I found the smoothest vodka martini anywhere at this bar. While waiting, DD and I watched the action in the kitchen. A sous chef named Jonathon offered us a tour, which we heartily took him up on. For a foodie like me (and also the family cook) it was just really cool! I'm also in the market for knives, and he gave me some guidance.
Jenny was our server, and she was attentive and spot-on with food and wine recommendations. DW started with the goat cheese ravioli w/ sun dried tomato broth - very flavorful without being too rich. I had the sushi sampler, which was an excellent introduction to sushi for a novice like me. The tuna and salmon were particularly fresh and silky. DD had the hearts of romaine with buttermilk battered shrimp and green goddess dressing - also good.
For entrees, DW had the filet, which was perfectly medium rare and caramelized on the outside - fork tender and very juicy. DD had fish and chips. I had the pork medallions with polenta. What do you have to do get pork so juicy?
In between appetizers and entrees, DD 9 was invited to "start the fireworks." She pushed a few buttons on a console beneath the host stand, but she was thrilled to do it and got a picture and certificate. Watching fireworks from the observation deck is better than any other vantage point we've had.
DW had the banana-chocolate bread pudding with banana rum ice cream. A ball of ganache is baked into the center of this dessert, and it spills onto the plate when pierced with a spoon. We would make the return trip just for this dessert. DD had the rice crispie sushi, which was fun. I had the vanilla/chocolate/orange creme brulee sampler. This was rich, yet light and none of the flavorings covered up the basic custard taste.
Between the kitchen and the guests California Grill is pretty loud. Or you could think of it as vibrant and lively, matching the cuisine. I'll continue with part 2 of our fine dining experience at Artist Point in another post.
