First a note: I'd be careful of asking the server, and even many people here for recommendations at Disney in general, if you're a foodie. Across property, the servers are trained to up-sell while recommending the options on the menu that have been designed for the average Disney guest. Many people here will rave about the menu items that are built for that crowd. This isn't a slight or anything negative on those people, adventurous food is not for everyone, and I love a steak or burger as much as the next guy. If you want to experience the chefs more exciting stuff, you need to look over the menu carefully and let the waiter know what you're after. Most of the waiters at the higher end restaurants actually know food, and several know wine, but they are used to "this is amazing, we usually eat at applebees, what do you recommend?"
On to recommendations:
The beef tenderloin seems to be a favorite by many, i find it to be just sort of standard fare for fine restaurants. Everyone has a cut of beef with some sort of mash, a small veggie and a reduction sauce. I wouldn't even classify CG's as all that astonishing. They usually have a chicken dish that is about the same. Both rotate out the sides and glazes based on whats season. Tasty but not nearly as interesting as the rest of their menu usually. Their seasonal options are much more interesting if you are a foodie. The spicy seafood ramen was incredible, their vegetarian options are always interesting, the sushi ranks high on my list of american style sushi. Their flatbreads aren't revolutionary, and the desserts often leave a lot to be desired. Sometimes they are great, sometimes it feels like slightly altered Sysco stuff. Usually it's some random flavors of ice cream with a cookie, a crème brûlée , a cake of some sort, and some cookies. They have a great wine list, surprisingly not horrible prices for some of it either. Though I think I've seen a bottle of Meomi on there for like $85 lol
Have fun, enjoy the ambiance, the view, and hopefully see the fireworks if they aren't too late. It's a magical romantic dinner for us, we're usually there 2-3 times a quarter. The staff is great, the food is good, and the decor beautiful.
Let's see. Going point by point.
First off, I hate the term foodie, and when somebody self identifies as a foodie my initial reaction is they subscribe to the Emeril Lagisse school of "more garlic" or the maybe even the advanced degree of Guy's Flavortown, and sandwiches you have to eat while hunching over.
As far as filet is concerned, I have been saying that for years. The beef is not that great as far as a flavor profile is concerned, and the relative lack of flavor in all filets makes it even worse.
I have found CG's chicken to be surprisingly good. Even though it is just as you describe, the chicken itself is good chicken. My brain tells me they are likely getting a pallet at a time from Sysco, but by taste buds keep saying Bell & Evans
Sorry, but the sushi at CG does not rate all that high for me. Or maybe I am misunderstanding what you mean by "American Style". Sushi should showcase the fish (yes, yes, I know, sushi is all about the rice - fish is optional). When you drown it in spicy sauce, "crunch", and other assorted stuff, what is the point of even having good fish in the first place. If you mean American Style as crazy rolls, with lots of overly sweet sauces, and other stuff, then sure, I guess it is the top of the American Style heap - That's equivalent to being the best hockey player in all of Equador. (bonus points if you know where that came from without looking it up)
CG does have some good wines, and their mark up is not THAT bad. I expect to pay double retail for a normal bottle in any restaurant, and I will even give WDW up to 120% mark up because they are in WDW. I have been shafted on wines in other restaurants as well. The Vivino app can make or break a dinner. It really hurts when you get a $50 bottle, it comes to the table, you scan it, and find out it is selling for $10 at the store down the block (been there, done that).
Most desserts at WDW are nothing special. At least the infatuation with creme brulee seems to be slowing dying.
There are some interesting dishes at CG, but you have to move outside of the "meat and taters" offerings to find them. As you said, it helps to ask the waiters. Don't ask "what do recommend". Tell them you are looking for something unique, perhaps seasonal, that is really different.
-dave
