Opinion - The California Grill

[zurgandfriend]

Hello All,



My DS and I have an upcoming father and Son trip. Over the years the California Grill was always a must do, family favorite. Our last trip however was our first experience with the “Prix Fixe Menu.” Let’s just say the meal was underwhelming. I started with a Farmer’s Market Salad with heirloom tomatoes. The tomato were just two slices, and they were green. I asked the waiter if they had any ripe ones.

My entrée was lamb; I told the waiter I wanted it cooked well done. When he brought it out and I cut into it I think I heard it go “BAAAH”, and the “legumes” were lima beans which I don’t care for. The white chocolate mousse was the only part of the meal I enjoyed.

All of that said, has anyone been to the California Grill recently and how was your meal? Should we give it another try or give it a pass?



Thank you in advance

Z

 

[JIMINYCR]

I know their reasoning going Prix Fixe at Cali is to avoid guests going there for the fireworks and not ordering full meals. We haven't been back since our last trip but IMHO any time Dis has gone to the Prix Fixe menu it's ruined the dining experience. Whether to go back or not after having a bad experience at any restaurant is always a gamble. I tend to give a dining spot another chance on a return trip because it may have been an off night for the chef. Before booking my ADR's I always recheck the reviews that have been posted in several sites and get a feel of how the trend is going. l have gone back to spots and been pleasantly surprised that my meal was far superior than the last time I dined there. Other times its made me rethink ever going back for a third time.
When your lamb was brought out undercooked hopefully you immediately called the CM server over and had it returned and brought out how you wanted it cooked. Similarly you should have asked for a better plated salad. I have no qualms returning meals that I'm paying for that are uncooked properly.
Overall our meals at Cali have been well cooked and the service has been good for us to go back. The fireworks viewing is a plus but it isn't a priority for our selection of dining, it's the food.
Other than getting responses here look at other sites to get a feel of how it's faring recently and then decide. As I mentioned I am willing to give a spot a second chance, and hopefully walk away satisfied that my money wasn't misspent. Good Luck.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

I was at the California Grill a couple nights ago and sat at the bar. The food, drinks and service were excellent. My husband got sushi and I got the goat cheese ravioli and we shared the short rib wontons. Sitting at the bar is nice because there is a bar menu and the prix fixe options available.

 

[the.dreamfinder]

Been twice since it went to prix fixe in 2024 and 2026. Had excellent servers both times. We even had an OG server, Walter, on this most recent visit.

This most recent visit was hard because I was getting over a stomach bug, but everything I had was excellent. Very much enjoyed the blueberry goat cheesecake and can see why it’s been a staple on their menu for so many years.
Winter 2024

This was probably my favorite desert I’ve ever had at a TSR on property to this point.

Winter 2026

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Hello All,



My DS and I have an upcoming father and Son trip. Over the years the California Grill was always a must do, family favorite. Our last trip however was our first experience with the “Prix Fixe Menu.” Let’s just say the meal was underwhelming. I started with a Farmer’s Market Salad with heirloom tomatoes. The tomato were just two slices, and they were green. I asked the waiter if they had any ripe ones.

My entrée was lamb; I told the waiter I wanted it cooked well done. When he brought it out and I cut into it I think I heard it go “BAAAH”, and the “legumes” were lima beans which I don’t care for. The white chocolate mousse was the only part of the meal I enjoyed.

All of that said, has anyone been to the California Grill recently and how was your meal? Should we give it another try or give it a pass?



Thank you in advance

Z

We have been loving it lately. Pro tip: if you sit at the bar, you can order whatever you want, from the bar menu or the prixe fix menu! No rules! (I don’t know how old your DS is, or if they restrict what ages can sit at the bar.)

 

[Calmdownnow]

uncooked properly.

Must be an American thing -- in the UK we tend to regard pink lamb as being perfectly cooked.

 

[JIMINYCR]

Must be an American thing -- in the UK we tend to regard pink lamb as being perfectly cooked.

Well many people do enjoy their meats cooked rare. With lamb it has to be cooked and rested properly for it to be safely served and not everyone likes a more pink colored meat. The OP specifically asked for his lamb to be cooked well done.
My Dad was one who liked all his meats as rare as possible.

 

[Sweet tears]

Never have heard of any cooking restrictions with lamb and I’ve been cooking it for decades. you may be thinking of pork but even these restrictions no longer apply in most cases

 

[JIMINYCR]

Never have heard of any cooking restrictions with lamb and I’ve been cooking it for decades. you may be thinking of pork but even these restrictions no longer apply in most cases

Lamb, known for its tender and flavorful meat, can be enjoyed rare when proper precautions are taken to ensure food safety. When cooking lamb rare, it is crucial to understand that the exterior must be adequately cooked to eliminate surface bacteria. This means that while the center may remain pink and juicy, the surface should be cooked thoroughly to ensure any potential bacteria is killed off.

It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. When cooking lamb rare, aim for an internal temperature of 120-125 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius). This temperature range ensures that any harmful bacteria present in the meat are killed off, providing a safe and enjoyable dining experience. By paying careful attention to the cooking process, the risk of foodborne

 

[Sweet tears]

Isn’t this how you cook most cuts of meat?

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

is the bar seating walk up only?

 

[JIMINYCR]

Never have heard of any cooking restrictions with lamb and I’ve been cooking it for decades. you may be thinking of pork but even these restrictions no longer apply in most cases

Isn’t this how you cook most cuts of meat?

You're the one who brought up how you've cooked Lamb for decades and there being no restrictions. Clarify what I posted that you disagreed with. The OP didn't want it rare.