California Grill
After my nap, I had gotten myself looking presentable for our first fancy meal out in months. Oh, how I’ve missed having a reason to dress up and eat good food. Take out is ok but just isn’t the same.
All dressed up with somewhere to go!
Walkway
It was a very far journey to go across the bridgeway and down the stairs (the down escalator was broken - good thing I don’t wear heels!) where we had to check ourselves in on our phone. Walk away to be distanced only to immediately be called back to the podium after we sat down. A quick temperature check and we were on our way to the 15th floor alone in the elevator. We were taken towards a booth next to the observation deck, a nice distance away from other tables.
Using the QR Code, we reviewed the menu starting with wine. Our server was one of the sommeliers which was nice. We settled on a bottle of wine that would work fine with both of the selections whatever they ended up being as I was in an internal debate on what to do? Did I want sushi? Did I want chicken? Did I want to be weird and order scallops?
Chappellet Mountain Cuvee, 2018
Luckily, when our waiter had returned, I had solved my internal debate and we put our order in for food.
So as my husband enjoyed their sourdough bread, I enjoyed the appetizer that I always get now that my wasabi shrimp salad has gone the way of Fulton’s or Flager’s or Maelstrom. Never to be seen again. I love the flavors of this dish as it's just the right amount of spice. I had to laugh at my husband as he stole a piece of the pickled lotus root thinking it was going to be swiss cheese. His face was priceless. He actually likes lotus root when he’s had it before but it wasn’t what he was expecting at that time.
Braised Beef Short Rib Wontons - Doenjang Miso-Cola-Onion Sauce, Crispy Garlic Chili Oil, Radish, Pickled Lotus Root
My husband ordered the special which was the normal filet with lobster mac & cheese instead of just regular Gouda mac & cheese. The mac and cheese had a ton of lobster meat in it and he was very happy with this selection. The filet was cooked to the appropriate temperature and was super tender.
Oak-fired Filet of Beef w/ Lobster Mac & Cheese, Brussels Sprouts, Oxtail Marmalade, Red Wine-Sweet Onion Jus
I went weird as I was craving something different. I know I’m insanely picky about scallops and usually avoid them at most restaurants but I knew I could trust California Grill to not screw them up and they didn’t. The beurre blanc sauce had just the right amount of kick to it that didn’t overpower the scallop. The lump crab meat was wonderful with its light citrus flavor. I was very happy!
Jumbo Scallops - Lump Crab in Yuzu Vinaigrette, Carolina Gold Rice, Glazed Dragon Carrots, Shishito Beurre Blanc
After we finished our bottle of wine and entrees, we decided to go for dessert. We couldn’t find the list of dessert wines by the glass but luckily our server went to see what they actually had available. He said he’s trying to get the website to accurately reflect it in these menu-less times but he was happy we asked! My husband made his dessert selection where as I went with a cocktail off the normal menu as I knew my dessert would be super sweet so I wanted something less sweet to drink.
Sonoma County Sunset - Sonoma Distilling Co Rye, Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc, Sweet and Sour & float of Sonoma County Merlot
My husband had a glass of tokaji which is a very sweet Hungarian wine which some strange processing used that my husband was excited about. Somehow, he’s become more of the wine expert than me but that's probably a good thing considering his job.
Tokaji
For dessert, there were only 3 options along with a cheese plate so we went with the two sweetest ones. My husband enjoyed his chocolate cake. Can you really go wrong with vanilla, milk chocolate and pretzels?
Warm Valrhona Chocolate Cake, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Milk Chocolate-Whipped Panna Cotta, Pretzel Crunch
I went with the white chocolate creme brulee. I was happy with this as while it was sweet, the serving size made it not too overpowering.
White Chocolate Creme Brulee, Cornflake Crunch, Sponge Cake, Coconut Whipped Ganache, Plant City Strawberries
We finished our drinks and paid our bill. Made me wish I had a Tables in Wonderland - hopefully they are selling them again in November. At least DVC got me 10% off food. We walked back to the room in the slightly buzzed and happily full state before calling it a night!
Magic Kingdom
Overall, this meal was excellent from start to finish. Reminded me of the awesome meals we always had at California Grill pre-remodel. Right now, we’re planning on returning in November but could change depending on what other signature dining opportunities open up between now and then. (I really struggled making a plan for our 9 night trip for November due to the amount of favorites that are closed)