California Grill mini review with a few pics

[epcotisbest]

So my wife and some friends treated themselves to the California Grill Monday evening as a sorta reward for completing the Princess half-marathon Sunday.
I had tried for several days to get an ADR for them but was having no luck. Then Sunday evening, while checking often the entire weekend, there was an early dining time that came up for Monday. Someone must have cancelled, so it does pay to keep checking. Not exactly what they wanted but at Cali. you can dine early then come back later to view the fireworks, so that worked out fine.
I am sharing photos she took of what she had.
First is a shrimp cocktail, or the Cali. version. While not on the menu, when she asked about a shrimp cocktail, she was told they could "come up with something suitable." My wife said it was beautiful and indeed suitable. Nice touch making it. She did not really request it, but just asked if they had it and they made it happen.

 

[epcotisbest]

Next, Lobster Bisque with Maine Lobster, Crème Fraîche, Sambuca-whipped Cream

 

[epcotisbest]

Gotta have a $20 salad...OK, $18 but I rounded up.
Crispy Rock Shrimp Salad with Spicy Baby Greens, Subarashii Pears, Soy Reduction, Wasabi Cream

 

[epcotisbest]

Since I am still shaking my head about the bill for this meal, I might as well go ahead and share the entree photo as well.

Oak-Fired Filet of Beef with Florida Heirloom Tomato Risotto, Aged Balsamic, Tiny Basil, Tomato Butter

 

[epcotisbest]

She was either busy applying for a loan to pay for this or just forgot to take a picture of dessert, but she had Banana-stuffed, Cinnamon-dusted Fritters complemented with a Trio of Dipping Sauces.
She did come back later to go back up for fireworks. Somehow there was still room for a Dole Whip, so they went over to the Poly for the Dole Whip and just enjoying the Poly before coming back to the California Grill. It is a nice perk when dining early to be able to come back and view the fireworks. In my opinion, the outside observation deck at the California Grill for viewing the fireworks is one of the best places in all of WDW to see them if not standing on Main Street facing the hub. The other best place, for us at least, is the observation deck atop BLT.

 

[epcotisbest]

So she said it was a great ending to another fun half-marathon trip and worth every penny.
I pointed out it was well over 10,000 pennies, but she was not impressed with my math.

 

[TXDisney]

We ate at California Grill for the 1st time a couple years ago and loved it. We love Le Celier so it's always hard to not do a dinner there. It's a must for my wife every trip. But our trip 18 months ago, we knew it'd be our last trip just us 2, pre kids and or family coming along. Bc of that we did nice dinners every night. As a steak lover we did dinners at California Grill, Le Celier and Yachtmans Steakhouse. And while my wife will always have that soft spot for Le Celier, we were just as impressed with the other 2. California Grill was a breath of fresh air since you can't drink at MK. We did all the rides during the day then went up there for a couple drinks and dinner and relaxed. Not feasible really when we have kids. We then report hopped our way around having a drink at the other 2 hotels. We got married at the wedding pavilion so we like going back there as well. It broke the day up for us before we watched wishes.

 

[danyoung56]

The California Grill is my favorite restaurant on the planet. I have no problem spending north of $100 just for me, but I've never felt gouged at all. My latest trick is to visit without any rez at all. Just head up to the bar maybe 2 hours before fireworks time, have a few drinks, and enjoy a fine meal from the regular menu. Then take a drink outside and watch the MK fireworks from 15 stories up, including excellent sound from permanent speakers installed out there. An excellent time, without having to book a rez 180 days in advance!

 

[epcotisbest]

The California Grill is my favorite restaurant on the planet. I have no problem spending north of $100 just for me, but I've never felt gouged at all. My latest trick is to visit without any rez at all. Just head up to the bar maybe 2 hours before fireworks time, have a few drinks, and enjoy a fine meal from the regular menu. Then take a drink outside and watch the MK fireworks from 15 stories up, including excellent sound from permanent speakers installed out there. An excellent time, without having to book a rez 180 days in advance!

My favorite restaurant on the planet so far is a place called Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room in Savannah. Only open for lunch, and they serve southern cooking family style by the bowl full. You sit at a big table with a bunch of new friends, but the small talk with strangers is limited as everyone is busy passing around and devouring the many selections of southern comfort food.

 

[danyoung56]

Sounds nice!

 

[Figgy1]

Sounds nice!

It's a good thing it's not local to him it's NOT on his diet!

 

[epcotisbest]

Sounds nice!

It is very good. Lunch at Mrs. Wilkes:

 

[danyoung56]

Wow - that's a spread!

 

[Tuvalu]

While I can't speak for the shrimp cocktail, bisque or salad (not a seafood eater), I can say that both the beef and the fritters are
WORTH. EVERY. PENNY.

(Yes, even 6,500 of them...tax and gratuity not included )

 

[Phonedave]

Gotta have a $20 salad...OK, $18 but I rounded up.
Crispy Rock Shrimp Salad with Spicy Baby Greens, Subarashii Pears, Soy Reduction, Wasabi Cream

View attachment 132120

OK - maybe my eyes are going, but it sure looks like that rock srimp somhow transformed itself into a slice of a London Broil or Flank Steak.

-dave

 

[Phonedave]

Since I am still shaking my head about the bill for this meal, I might as well go ahead and share the entree photo as well.

Oak-Fired Filet of Beef with Florida Heirloom Tomato Risotto, Aged Balsamic, Tiny Basil, Tomato Butter

View attachment 132123

For the price that entree now runs, I would expect better plating.

 

[epcotisbest]

OK - maybe my eyes are going, but it sure looks like that rock srimp somhow transformed itself into a slice of a London Broil or Flank Steak.

-dave

They are good friends and apparently don't mind sharing samples of each other's choices.

 

[epcotisbest]

For the price that entree now runs, I would expect better plating.

It does seem like a low effort presentation, but she said it was delicious.

 

[DisneyFans4Life]

We ate there a few months ago for the first time and enjoyed it. It was a bit tough with an 18 month old...but once we got her to sleep...it was fine. The food was delicious and the view of the fireworks can't be beat. We will be back, but there are other restaurants on property that we want to try first.

 

[epcotisbest]

We ate there a few months ago for the first time and enjoyed it. It was a bit tough with an 18 month old...but once we got her to sleep...it was fine. The food was delicious and the view of the fireworks can't be beat. We will be back, but there are other restaurants on property that we want to try first.

Yeah, that is kinda like us. We truly enjoy trying different places but we do have a couple we seem to visit multiple times. Those two regulars are Earl of Sandwich and Sanaa. Pecos Bill's and Sleepy Hollow are repeats for us at MK.