California Grill info

[baymenxpac]

my dad passed this along to me today.

from the All Ears newsletter:

According to sources at the California Grill at the Contemporary Resort, the signature restaurant is scheduled to close for an extended period soon while important maintenance is done. Glass windows will be replaced, and repair work will be done on the roof. In addition, the kitchen and other back room areas will be renovated. When the restaurant reopens, it will continue to operate as the California Grill and will serve the same type of menu. Exact dates for this work have not been confirmed as yet.

interesting. since it seems like maintenance, i didn't post it in the rumors thread, but i thought you fellow disney foodies should be aware. we have an ADR there in august that we booked with no problems, so not sure when they're planning on this. but a head's up nevertheless.

 

[real mad hatter]

Cheers.

Thanks for this info,will have to look into this as we have an ADR in late July.:wave:

 

[real mad hatter]

Update .

Ok I've just read on two different Disney sites that CG will close on Jan1st 2013 for up to 4 to 6 months for a complete refurbish,including windows,roof,etc.That's some time for a restaurant to stop operating but there you go.:wave:

 

[baymenxpac]

Ok I've just read on two different Disney sites that CG will close on Jan1st 2013 for up to 4 to 6 months for a complete refurbish,including windows,roof,etc.That's some time for a restaurant to stop operating but there you go.:wave:

that sure is one heck of a long refurb, especially for a restaurant that's so popular. good for disney though for not resting on their laurels. regular refurbs are an essential ingredient to the disney magic.

 

[real mad hatter]

Amazing.

Still can't believe it's going to be closed for that amount of time,glad my ADR is safe.:wave:

 

[GoochDSA]

Quite honestly, I'm glad it's going to be refurbed. Over the last few years CG has lost its romance and its quality. While I wouldn't mind it coming back with the same general idea of what it is now, I would like to see it come back with a new vibe and a creative menu that includes dishes that actually have some flavor to them. I know I am in the minority here, but CG has become more and more disappointing over our last few visits and is in real need of an overhaul.

 

[disneygirl76]

Thanks for sharing! We were there once for my DH's bday and just loved it!

 

[real mad hatter]

Oh no!

Don't say that,I've a ADR this year,but I reckon I'll enjoy it as I've studied the menu and will be eating food that I've never tried before,?sushi and Bison.:wave:

 

[baymenxpac]

Quite honestly, I'm glad it's going to be refurbed. Over the last few years CG has lost its romance and its quality. While I wouldn't mind it coming back with the same general idea of what it is now, I would like to see it come back with a new vibe and a creative menu that includes dishes that actually have some flavor to them. I know I am in the minority here, but CG has become more and more disappointing over our last few visits and is in real need of an overhaul.

i'd disagree that their existing menu lacks "flavor." i can understand if you want a few new dishes. can't ever go wrong with pushing harder to get better. i do think that the current menu is still sharp though.

 

[EvilQueen-T]

Quite honestly, I'm glad it's going to be refurbed. Over the last few years CG has lost its romance and its quality. While I wouldn't mind it coming back with the same general idea of what it is now, I would like to see it come back with a new vibe and a creative menu that includes dishes that actually have some flavor to them. I know I am in the minority here, but CG has become more and more disappointing over our last few visits and is in real need of an overhaul.

it may be a minority opinion but you're certainly not alone. we had a great meal there in 2007 but 2 subsequent visits have just been disappointing.

 

[real mad hatter]

The Smokin' Chef.

That's it,going to wear my Gordon Ramsay shirt for my ADR.:ROFLOL:

 

[GoochDSA]

Don't say that,I've a ADR this year,but I reckon I'll enjoy it as I've studied the menu and will be eating food that I've never tried before,?sushi and Bison.:wave:

Don't get too comfortable with any menu you read online. The menus constantly change to reflect what is in season and easier to get. While the menu on allears shows bison now, there were no bison dishes on the menu in October. And there is much better (and cheaper) sushi to be had elsewhere on property.

it may be a minority opinion but you're certainly not alone. we had a great meal there in 2007 but 2 subsequent visits have just been disappointing.

Glad to see I'm not crazy.

 

[real mad hatter]

Out Of Season!

Yeh,know what you mean.Bison is out of season in October,same as Buffalo.That's why we go in July as the Bison is juicy and tender:ROFLOL:.Went to a famous Scottish restaurant owned by celebrity chef Nick Nairns and asked what today's special was.The server told me Medallions of Venision in a redcurrant and port jus,and is priced at $3.00. I was amazed how cheap it was and remarked saying " That's not dear "The server just stared at me and said " Yes it is ":ROFLOL:Get it!not dear.Ah forget it.:hammer:

 

[real mad hatter]

Cheers.

Start time - pretty accurate. Length? Not so much....

We just got back from WDW. Our restaurant friends have pretty much confirmed the reno, and the start time (around early January). But the scope is smaller...

Replace window glass, light reno of interior, ETA for reopening around March of 2013 - about 3 months. This isn't the only restaurant that WDW will be working on.... they have wisely decided to spruce up a NUMBER of hotel restaurants - so we're going to see more of this. Watch those attempted ADR's - you could see several of your favorites blocked out for a time.

Thanks for that info,I thought 4-6 months was a lot,but it was quoted on a WDW website.:wave:

 

[Crush Dude!]

Don't get too comfortable with any menu you read online. The menus constantly change to reflect what is in season and easier to get. While the menu on allears shows bison now, there were no bison dishes on the menu in October. And there is much better (and cheaper) sushi to be had elsewhere on property.



Glad to see I'm not crazy.

Just out of interest, where do i get this better sushi??:wave:

 

[Zummi Gummi]

Just out of interest, where do i get this better sushi??:wave:

Kimono.

 

[Crush Dude!]

Kimono.

Which is where?

 

[Zummi Gummi]

Which is where?

It's at the Swan.

http://allears.net/menu/menu_su.htmn

 

[GoochDSA]

Just out of interest, where do i get this better sushi??:wave:

As Nick_A already answered, the better sushi is at Kimonos at the Swan. Much larger and better sushi menu, very enthusiastic, friendly and helpful service, much better pricing.