Vegetarian options at Cathay Circle

[sonjaandsue]

I am looking for reviews of any of the vegetarian (no meat of any kind,dairy ok) dishes at Cathay Circle. We are trying to decide whether to go there for the WOC "package" and one of us is vegetarian. TIA!

 

[Eclectic Goddess]

I'll second this question! We're looking forward to visiting CC, even though I don't see much for vegetarians on the menu.

I know that DL is very good about special requests, if you call in advance and let them know one of the diners is vegetarian, but I'm curious about what sort of alternative dishes they'd offer.

 

[pixiewings71]

I would email dining and ask them. We don't have any vegetarians in our group, only meatatarians. I did have the shrimp when I ate there and it was very good, but I don't know if you count seafood as meat or not. Good luck, I'm sure you will be able to find some good options for veggie dining.

 

[Congo Queen]

I don't have a review of the vegetarian options as I will not eat at CCT until August 14, but I have been looking into veggie menu options as my teenage DS leans toward a vegetarian diet. (He is more of a really picky meat eater.) In any case, I can't remember where I saw it in all my online trolling on the CCT menu/dining experience, but I have seen that for dinner every day there is a Chef's Market Special Pasta which is vegetarian based on what is fresh that day. Also, since same chef runs CCT as Napa Rose I can say that in my past experience at the Rose, they have always been more than willing to modify any thing on the menu to make it a vegetarian version for my DS. I imagine it will be same thing at CCT. They want you to enjoy your meal and are extremely accommodating in my experience.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

I did have the shrimp when I ate there and it was very good, but I don't know if you count seafood as meat or not.

Even if the OP doesn't count shrimp as meat, isn't that shrimp wrapped in bacon? That's the dish I want to try. How was it?

To the OP, I haven't heard of a vegetarian entree either although I think some of the appetizers might satisfy that requirement. I will be interested to hear how they accommodate vegetarian diners.

 

[suevr]

Even if the OP doesn't count shrimp as meat, isn't that shrimp wrapped in bacon? That's the dish I want to try. How was it?

No idea about vegetarian meals, but the bacon wrapped shrimp was delicious! Definitely give it a try. You won't be disappointed.

 

[DisneytheKid]

That does sound good! Sorry that a vegetarian thread is quickly becoming about bacon wrapped shrimp!

No idea about vegetarian meals, but the bacon wrapped shrimp was delicious! Definitely give it a try. You won't be disappointed.

 

[pixiewings71]

Even if the OP doesn't count shrimp as meat, isn't that shrimp wrapped in bacon? That's the dish I want to try. How was it?

To the OP, I haven't heard of a vegetarian entree either although I think some of the appetizers might satisfy that requirement. I will be interested to hear how they accommodate vegetarian diners.

Yes, it was, sorry I should have been clearer, I assume that the OP (if shrimp is acceptable) would simply ask for it without the bacon.
OMG it was amazing!!!!! I loved it!! And the corn stuff it comes with was amazing too, I would go back to eat that again. I paired it with a glass of Rose and it was soooooooooooooo good.

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

I swear I read a post somewhere on here that the chef came out and prepared something special for the veggie in their group... if I can find the post I'll link it.

 

[bumbershoot]

We looked at the menu posted outside, and I only remember items that could be modified (and only one or two where that could be done). Doesn't excite me, to pay $$ and not have them have just ONE dish that we don't have to modify...

 

[lana772]

I don't know about reviews, but I have a DD with food allergies and have been told that CC is one of the few restaurants that can meet her needs.

 

[keahgirl8]

I am not a vegetarian, but I am having trouble finding something that is A. Healthy, B. Sounds good, C. Doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I think I may end up just getting the seasonal soup!

 

[sonjaandsue]

No idea about vegetarian meals, but the bacon wrapped shrimp was delicious! Definitely give it a try. You won't be disappointed.

My friend doesn't eat shrimp but I appreciate the recommendations for it!!!

I swear I read a post somewhere on here that the chef came out and prepared something special for the veggie in their group... if I can find the post I'll link it.

Thank you - I'd appreciate it that. My friend is also going to call the restaurant - I will post if he gets any helpful information!

 

[madmaxx]

Our daughter has been a vegetarian for about a year now, and we mostly follow along with her as it's easier to cook one set of meals (and it's tasty / healthy too). She's not a vegan (so she eats cheese) and she is still a bit picky with certain veg and more adult preparations. As we're going to DLR again this fall, the first time since she's made the switch, I've been scouring the menus to put together menus for her to pick from ahead of time. I'm really hoping to make the food part of our trip magical for her.

At Carthay Circle there are a few vegetarian items that I'm looking forward to trying with her:

• Crispy Gorditas (squash, corn bread, cheese, sauce)
• Heirloom Tomato Salad, Simply Green Salad
• Pastas

Now as my wife and I do eat seafood I'm totally looking forward to:

• Udon Noodle Bowl for lunch (I love seafood soups!)
• Grilled Jamaican Jerked King Fish for dinner

I believe you will have to ask your server if you're looking for vegan dishes. They should already have alternate menus for vegans (and for people with common food allergies), as do most restaurants elsewhere. I've found the Disney restaurants are especially good at this type of service, and the servers are always very happy to help you find something lovely to eat. Generally, these special dishes are just alternate forms of what's on the menu.

All of the reviews I've seen for the restaurant are positive, and the Gorditas rate very well:

Crispy Gorditas are topped with portobello mushrooms, poblano chile, Queso Fresco and Pepitas and offer savory and spicy flavors with each small bite.

(from Inside the magic).

While that's not much of a review, the photos look tasty (so I'm hopeful!).

 

[DisneytheKid]

Wow. Some of those sound really good!

Our daughter has been a vegetarian for about a year now, and we mostly follow along with her as it's easier to cook one set of meals (and it's tasty / healthy too). She's not a vegan (so she eats cheese) and she is still a bit picky with certain veg and more adult preparations. As we're going to DLR again this fall, the first time since she's made the switch, I've been scouring the menus to put together menus for her to pick from ahead of time. I'm really hoping to make the food part of our trip magical for her.

At Carthay Circle there are a few vegetarian items that I'm looking forward to trying with her:

• Crispy Gorditas (squash, corn bread, cheese, sauce)
• Heirloom Tomato Salad, Simply Green Salad
• Pastas

Now as my wife and I do eat seafood I'm totally looking forward to:

• Udon Noodle Bowl for lunch (I love seafood soups!)
• Grilled Jamaican Jerked King Fish for dinner

I believe you will have to ask your server if you're looking for vegan dishes. They should already have alternate menus for vegans (and for people with common food allergies), as do most restaurants elsewhere. I've found the Disney restaurants are especially good at this type of service, and the servers are always very happy to help you find something lovely to eat. Generally, these special dishes are just alternate forms of what's on the menu.

All of the reviews I've seen for the restaurant are positive, and the Gorditas rate very well:



(from Inside the magic).

While that's not much of a review, the photos look tasty (so I'm hopeful!).

 

[disneychrista]

The Carthay Menu is very unfriendly to vegetarians. Like Bumbershoot mentioned there really isn't anything that doesn't have to be modified. And even though I do eat meat (on occasion) there is nothing on the menu that appeals to me. I am very dissapointed in the menu. I was going to treat the family to a nice meal here, as a surprise, but with one semi-vegetarian, one vegan and two non-fancy meal eaters Carthay holds no interest.

 

[cmwade77]

Ok, we ate there on opening weekend with one vegetarian and one that is cutting back on meat consumption.

Here is how it works:
First, you will need to email DLR.Special.Diets@disney.com and let them know the number of people in your party, the dining times and locations, how many have dietary needs and what the restrictions are.

When your server comes to take your drink orders, inform them of the special dietary needs if they are not already aware (some times this gets to them, sometimes it doesn't).

At Carthay Circle the chef may very well come out to discuss it with you or your server will ask what kinds of foods you enjoy and will talk it over with the chef, who will come up with some options for you to choose from. The price range will be similar (in our case slightly cheaper) to the rest of the menu.

We had the opportunity to speak with the Chef and asked why there were no vegetarian options listed on the menu and he stated that it was done intentionally to ensure that he could work with those with dietary needs to get them something that they would truly enjoy. So, there is no set vegetarian or vegan menu items and honestly, this is a good thing as you end up with an amazing dish. In all honesty, I had the braised lamb pasta and my wife had a vegetarian pasta and I think I liked hers better (although mine was amazing as well)

If you would like to see my review, you can do so on Yelp at: http://www.yelp.com/biz/carthay-circle-restaurant-anaheim#hrid:9Z4eJv-DiFWGUYX0BrGvVw

Here are pictures of the Vegetarian dishes:

So, my answer is yes, as a vegetarian you can go and have a great meal, I am sure a vegan could as well, but that wasn't an issue for us. Do not let the fact that there are no vegetarian/vegan options listed on the menu deter you from going, it was done this way to give you an opportunity to get something better than you would get if there were set items on the menu.

The service is beyond incredible, but be sure to arrive a bit early for your reservation and enjoy the lounge, we had just sat down in the lounge and asked for glasses of water when we were informed our table was ready.

The WOC tickets are almost worth the cost of the meal alone, you can indeed arrive as late as 15 minutes before the show starts and get a good spot, even if you have a special need, they will do everything they can to accomodate you.

 

[kikiq]

We had our anniversary dinner at CCT on July 19. My DH had the fish (he's not a fish eater) and loved it although the salsa was sweeter than he thought it would be. I had the lamb...BUT the vegetable succotash that it was placed on was to die for. I could have eaten a whole bowl of those vegetables.

I second what the PP said about not being worried about not seeing vegetarian options on the menu. The executive chef and his assistant are Napa Rose's executive chef. Chef Sutton is currently or was the night we were there in the CCT kitchen. When we've eaten at Napa Rose, he has made modifications for our family (gluten free and vegetarian). The dishes he made were specific for the guest's taste.

Yes the WOC package is worth the money. We were told to come to the section 15 minutes before the show. We were able to stand behind the handicap benches and had a great view. My DD and her BF had the package in June. She said that there were only 10 people in the whole section for the late show.

 

[sonjaandsue]

Yes the WOC package is worth the money. We were told to come to the section 15 minutes before the show.

That does make it worth the money! We just need to decide which restaurant. We will probably take a chance on Cathay Circle because we have liked Napa Rose - I will report back if we gather more info.

I

f you would like to see my review, you can do so on Yelp at: http://www.yelp.com/biz/carthay-circ...iFWGUYX0BrGvVw

Here are pictures of the Vegetarian dishes:

Thanks for the pics & the link! I didn't think about checking Yelp...

 

[nancy drew]

Yes the WOC package is worth the money. We were told to come to the section 15 minutes before the show. We were able to stand behind the handicap benches and had a great view. My DD and her BF had the package in June. She said that there were only 10 people in the whole section for the late show.

Is this standing area/WOC section only open to CC guests? Or is there another restaurant that offers the same standing area? We had a really lousy experience with WOC last year, and I would gladly dine at CC (I'm vegan and gluten free, and the kids are picky) if it gets us in to a better viewing area for WOC.