My California Grill experience .

[real mad hatter]

Well our ADR was for 7.50 on July 26th,last Thursday,and we got into the elevator on the 2nd floor and whisked up to the 15th where we were seated at the back of the restaurant overlooking the lake towards I-Drive.Our server sounded like Dolly Parton and even looked a wee bit like her.My DS had a Flatbread for starters and DW had the Rock shrimp salad and I opted for the Spicy Kazan roll sushi,which had crab,Shrimps,scallops,and tuna in a fireball sauce and a small portion of smoked salmon in a ginger vinaigrette.It was outstanding,my DS had the kids steak with roast potatoes,my DW had Alaskan halibut which she loved and my Bison wasn't on the menu so I opted for oak aged fillet of beef which was very tender,but my sushi was my highlight,oh and we had a South African Chenin Blanc to go with our meals.At the end of our experience we went out on the viewing deck to watch Wishes..All in All,would I do it again,yes we would.We couldn't complain about anything from ambience to presentation to the view to die for,and that sushi will remain in my top ten meals of all time.

 

[ddbowdoin]

The Columbia River Salmon was one of the best salmon dishes I have ever had in my life... I don't say that about many dishes

 

[steviej]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. not my first choice, i've always felt that it's too pricy despite the upscaleness of the restaurant. Did you have dessert?

 

[ddbowdoin]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. not my first choice, i've always felt that it's too pricy despite the upscaleness of the restaurant. Did you have dessert?

I'd have to respectfully disagree, the pricing of the menu is in line with the quality of food being served. It may expensive for Florida, but Boston/New York/DC or any other major American city is in line with the price and quality of the CG.

 

[nngrendel]

The Columbia River Salmon was one of the best salmon dishes I have ever had in my life... I don't say that about many dishes

That looks nice. The more I look at it the better it looks. Love Love Love some Salmon!!

 

[mickey2008.1]

We love California grille! It's a must do for us. Can't wait to see the refurb and what new menu comes out. he views for wishes are amazing, and the ambiance of the place is great. One of WDW's finest in my opinion. Glad you enjoyed it.

 

[Amber]

mmmmmmmm Spicy Kazan roll. That's what I look forward to every time we go there.

 

[ddbowdoin]

That looks nice. The more I look at it the better it looks. Love Love Love some Salmon!!

as I said, this dish was really delicate and beautiful. Salmon needs to be prepared medium and is the sign of a well trained chef, all of which was reflected here at CG. They made me a definite return customer, it was my first time dining there.

 

[disney magic 06]

Glad you enjoyed it Hatter, it sounds like a top meal.

I wouldn't agree with steviej either. It IS expensive but imo it's better than similarly priced WDW restaurants, and very much better for food, service and surroundings, than Yachtsman.

 

[Sweet Melissa]

I'm glad you enjoyed your meal, and am not at all surprised to hear that the Spicy Kazan Roll was a highlight for you. Personally, I'd rather forego the entrées and just stick to sushi, flatbreads or their appetizers. They do all of them so well.

 

[bethymouse]

I want to try this some day!

 

[ddbowdoin]

I'm glad you enjoyed your meal, and am not at all surprised to hear that the Spicy Kazan Roll was a highlight for you. Personally, I'd rather forego the entrées and just stick to sushi, flatbreads or their appetizers. They do all of them so well.

I have to say... I was surprised to see they serve their filet with a sauce. Quality meat needs no such thing.

 

[Crush Dude!]

Well our ADR was for 7.50 on July 26th,last Thursday,and we got into the elevator on the 2nd floor and whisked up to the 15th where we were seated at the back of the restaurant overlooking the lake towards I-Drive.Our server sounded like Dolly Parton and even looked a wee bit like her.My DS had a Flatbread for starters and DW had the Rock shrimp salad and I opted for the Spicy Kazan roll sushi,which had crab,Shrimps,scallops,and tuna in a fireball sauce and a small portion of smoked salmon in a ginger vinaigrette.It was outstanding,my DS had the kids steak with roast potatoes,my DW had Alaskan halibut which she loved and my Bison wasn't on the menu so I opted for oak aged fillet of beef which was very tender,but my sushi was my highlight,oh and we had a South African Chenin Blanc to go with our meals.At the end of our experience we went out on the viewing deck to watch Wishes..All in All,would I do it again,yes we would.We couldn't complain about anything from ambience to presentation to the view to die for,and that sushi will remain in my top ten meals of all time.

Glad you enjoyed it Hatter AWESOME review

 

[Sweet Melissa]

I have to say... I was surprised to see they serve their filet with a sauce. Quality meat needs no such thing.

It seems to be the thing to do now. I feel like every filet I've had at a signature restaurant in the last couple years, save Shula's, served it with some kind of sauce or reduction.

 

[ddbowdoin]

It seems to be the thing to do now. I feel like every filet I've had at a signature restaurant in the last couple years, save Shula's, served it with some kind of sauce or reduction.

that's a shame... Shula's is a nice place, I've never been to the one at WDW but enjoyed an experience there in DC.

 

[Goofy6294]

I have to say... I was surprised to see they serve their filet with a sauce. Quality meat needs no such thing.

This

 

[Goofy6294]

Man, what a bad thread to read right before I settle for a sandwich for lunch...

 

[plaz10]

So happy to hear this. We eat there for the 1st time in about 45 days!

 

[Pooh Lover]

Thanks for the review Hatter. I've never tried California Grill but will definitely put it on my must-do list.

 

[Phonedave]

I have to say... I was surprised to see they serve their filet with a sauce. Quality meat needs no such thing.

Needs - no

Enhanced by - yes (with a cavaet)

There is sauce, such as a demi glace, plated in a small amount, next to or under the meat, that either enhances or serves as a foil to good meat. Then there is sauce such as Le celliars mess of mushrooms and butter which all but obliterates any taste of the meat and would better serve as a side dish.

I am not sure how the CG is saucing it's beef dishes at this time, but if done properly, I am fine with it.

And I belive that the dish we are talking about here is a filet mignon. Which even from the best of steers, is sub-par in the taste department. Tender yes, flavorful no. Other cuts of meat (like my favorite onglet) can stand up by themselves, but the tenderloin is a flavor desert.


I would also argue that any good meat (fish inculded) needs no sauce, but I bet that salmon was even better with it.

-dave