We are headed back to the fifteenth floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort today, as we take a closer look at the brand new California Grill!
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The outpouring of Disney food fan love has just been astounding throughout the last eight months as we’ve continued to watch the newly re-imagined California Grill take shape. Folks who love the restaurant and its amazing menu have been anxious for news. Would it retain its panache? Would beloved dishes from the old menu make the cut? How would we survive with no Yoshie??
We are happy to report that, if possible, California Grill is even more spectacular than before. We were happy to show you a first look at all that was new after last Thursday’s media event. Today, we’re unveiling more details. If you haven’t already, get ready to make those advance dining reservations. I think you’re going to like what you see.
Menus
Settle in. This is going to be a long one!
Atmosphere
Immediately, as you step out of the elevator onto the fifteenth floor, you are enveloped by the cool vibe of California Grill. You know at once that you’re in for a special experience.
If you weren’t aware of it already, now you know: wine matters in this restaurant. A lot. Wine coolers aren’t dressed up to be anything else; they’re unapologetically part of the decor here. This makes sense, as the restaurant now boasts 1,600 bottles of wine in the state-of-the-art wine display.
You’ll find around 250 wines on the list, with 80 available by the glass. And with more than 20 sommeliers on staff, you are literally enveloped in a wealth of wine knowledge.
Wine, Anyone?
Straight ahead, you’ll find the trademark view of Seven Seas Lagoon. With any luck there will be a spectacular sunset over the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa during your visit like there was for ours.
This area continues to serve as the lounge for the restaurant. You can still score a table here with no advance dining reservation, and the full restaurant menu is available for ordering.
Entrance and Bank of Wine Fridges
The bar area continues to be highlighted by the ceiling’s circular cutout. While the shape is the same, the whole bar has been overhauled with new finishes. Comfortable seating beckons you to relax and have a cocktail or two.
Bar
To quote one of my Disney friends, nothing here is the same as it was! The lights are wonderfully whimsical. While modern, there’s still a retro feel here. In fact, the lights remind me a lot of old pictures I’ve seen of the Contemporary from the 1970s.
Seating Area is Ready for Guests
Tables are set for service. I was glad to see that the white tablecloths and cloth napkins returned after the overhaul.
Here, you also see mixed seating. Comfortable tables and chairs share space with booths that are situated at the edge of the dining area. I love the accessibility of the booths; like those at Jiko, you can enter and exit from either side.
They’re also located close to the kitchen, so guests seated there will have great views of the action.
Tables Set for Service
Curves in the ceiling that were present in the old space have been updated with tonal lighting for continuity with other decorative elements. Warm tones of sunset actually served as inspiration for the color scheme.
Curve Detail in Ceiling and Warm Indirect Lighting
As you wrap around toward the back of the dining room, you see simple white walls with backlit art niches. Clean decor includes identical vases in varying shades. It’s a sleek effect.
Intimate Window Seating and Beautiful Art Niches
Back around at the front, I wanted to show you the new windows, which are truly remarkable. We all know that one of the biggest draws to California Grill are the sweeping, 360-degree views. You can see everything up there!
Designers and Imagineers decided to capitalize on that by replacing the windows for a greater guest experience. The new windows block ultraviolet light, and electronically-controlled shades ensure that just the right amount of Florida sunshine enters in.
Sunset
I love the new centerpiece candles in different colors! They add just the right touch of sparkle to the tables.
White Table Cloths and Beautiful Place Settings
Place settings definitely remind you that you’re in a fine dining atmosphere. And even though the experience is still supposed to be relaxed and fun, table settings are just a shade more formal, with a complete set of flatware, as well as water and wine glasses at each setting.
Place Settings
We showed you the new napkins during a first look preview last week. They replace the old green and white ones, and feature the restaurant’s new logo on a warm red background.
Napkins
But a view back at the kitchen from the dining area lets you know that the kitchen is center stage here. Even with the beautiful decor and sweeping views, the artistry that’s taking place there grabs your attention.
The Dining Areas and Open Kitchen
And it is a well-orchestrated flurry of activity as the culinary staff goes about, preparing the evening’s dishes.
The Bustling Open Kitchen Up Close
As the sunset gave way to a deep blue sky, we took advantage of the last light to check out the view of Bay Lake behind the Contemporary Resort.
The View as Night Falls Over Bay Lake
While we’ve spent most of our time up to this point in the main dining area, seating is still available throughout the entire floor, including two separate dining rooms available for private functions. In addition, there is a private, glass-walled space that’s part of the main dining room that offers a quieter dining experience. It lies just beyond this wine fridge.
Sleek Wine Fridges Show Off the Stellar Wine Collection
What was once the wine room has now been lightened up considerably, and shares the same decor as the rest of the restaurant. Lower ceilings mean a quieter overall experience, which may be preferable for some diners.
A Quieter Space with Views of Bay Lake
With low lighting and beautiful views, this is another great spot to take in a meal.
Another View
On the opposite side of the restaurant, The Napa and Sonoma dining rooms are perfect for private events.
Private Dining Room and Its Bank of Windows
Lighting here is the same as in the main dining room.
Private Dining Room is Ready for an Event
Back in the main dining room, this is a good time to mention the space’s new communal tables. They’ll be located at the north end of the restaurant, away from the kitchen. During the event, the tables were not set up, however, to make room for an opening cocktail reception.
After we finished touring the new space, I was interested in watching some of the action in the kitchen.
While it is true that the Grill reopens with veteran sushi chef Yoshie Cabral having retired, the returning staff is doing a fantastic job of carrying on the tradition of incredible sushi offerings.
Culinary Team Prepares Fresh Sushi for a Crowd
Everywhere we looked, the culinary team was busy preparing dishes for the evening’s tasting.
The Staff Prepares Tasting Plates of Oak Fired Beef
It would seem that they’re as happy about the reopening as we were. And it’s a great time to mention how sharp the staff looks!
With the renovation and new menu, staff — both in the dining room and the kitchen — also received new togs. Gone are the black shirts and slacks that servers wore before. They’ve been replaced by grey shirts, dark slacks, and burgundy aprons.
The culinary staff have brand new jackets sporting black buttons and the new logo, and have traded in ball caps for berets.
Preparing Desserts
Toward the end of the evening, we had the opportunity to take in the famous fireworks view! You can see them from the private room here. Lights are dimmed to make the most of the event.
Dimmed Lighting and Fireworks in the Private Dining Room
But while fireworks are great and all, I couldn’t wait to get a look at some of those dishes! Time to take a look.
Eats
Since we have a ton of awesome information to share, I’ve broken the food section into smaller headings. I can’t wait to share it all with you!
Let’s get started with a tour of the bar!
The Bar and Cocktails
Not only did the food menu undergo some changes — the Bar Menu did as well.
Cocktail Menu -- Click to Enlarge
In keeping with the general feel of the updates, the new bar menu features classic cocktails with some updated twists.
Ray, the bartender extraordinaire who has been with California Grill since it opened, was a delight to chat with as he handcrafted cocktails for guests.
The Famous Ray, Manning the Bar Like a Boss!
We chatted a bit, and he talked about how the best cocktails are made with the finest liquors. When you try and substitute less expensive brands, your drink just won’t turn out right. I quite agree!
Ray Makes Another Incredible Cocktail
We showed you this one already, but it’s so pretty, I had to include it again! The Sake Martini combines Karen “Coy” Sake, Licor 43, and Cruzan Mango Rum with a splash of Orange and Pineapple Juices for a fun, exotic drink.
Sake Martini
I also had a chance to try this beautiful Cucumber Fizz. Drinks with cucumber are all the rage right now. Ray told me that when they were formulating the new menu, they liked the idea of cucumber and were interested in seeing what they could come up with.
This drink plays on the classic combo of Cucumber and Gin, with a hint of lemon from Limoncello. It was very refreshing!
A Gorgeous Cucumber Fizz
One of my tablemates also had an opportunity to try one of the new drinks. He went for the San Fran Pisco Sour. Cute name, eh?
The twist on this classic featured Porton Pisco, Lime Juice, and Agave Nectar. It also included a beautiful frothy topping from the Egg Whites, and just a dash of Angostura Bitters.
San Fran Pisco Sour
There were, of course, copious amounts of wine poured throughout the evening. We will not bore you with glass after glass of red and white, since they tend to all look the same when you photograph them. However, we did snap a pic of this lovely little glass of Sake, and we thought you’d enjoy seeing the good stuff served as it should be.
Sake
The taste was clean, crisp, and fruity, with the tiniest hint of yeasty sweetness.
The sake — Karen “Coy” Sake — was actually the same brand used to make the sake martini. It’s one of nine varieties that will be available to guests.
I couldn’t resist showing you the bottle. It was just so pretty.
Karen Coy Sake
I chatted with the server who poured my sake, and we also talked of the importance of quality spirits. I loved this little tag, which shows that this particular one should be served cold.
Serve It Cold!
Before the end of the evening, Ray asked me to stop back by because he wanted to make me a special coffee drink. Well, who was I to argue?
The drink turned out to be this beautiful — and incredibly yummy — California Grill Coffee. With Godiva Dark Chocolate, Bailey’s, Licor 43, and Coffee, this was a perfect nightcap.
California Grill Coffee
But we aren’t ready to talk about endings just yet. Let’s look at some more dishes!
Starters and Sushi
The menu at California Grill is extensive — at least compared to many Disney signature restaurants. And you see a large variety of offerings, especially in the Starters and Sushi section. It would be very easy to make a meal out of a few of these tantalizing options.
Under Soups, Salads, and Appetizers, you’ll find some classics, like the fan favored Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli. But you’ll find fresh, seasonal flavors as well, made with local ingredients whenever possible.
Appetizers and Starters Menu -- Click to Enlarge
The menu will debut with a beautiful assortment of Heirloom Tomatoes as one option.
Heirloom Tomatoes with Grilled Bread, Baby Basil, Ricotta, and Blistered Shisito Vinaigrette
One of my favorite new menu items, however, is the perfectly named Duck In All Its Glory.
Duck in All Its Glory
On the menu, this beautiful platter will include House-Made Sausage, Rillettes, Prosciutto, and Duck Liver Pate, and will be served with housemade garnishes, like Pickles.
Duck in All Its Glory
Here’s a close up of some of the platter’s accompaniments, including those killer pickles, a play on the classic cornichons you normally see served with pate. There were also beautiful onions and the cranberry mustard mentioned on the menu.
Duck in All Its Glory
Here’s my little plate of the assortment. As I sit here writing this, I super wish I had another round of all of these amazing duck preparations.
Duck in All Its Glory
Hands down, my favorite was the duck liver pate. Incredible!
But lots of guests feel like a meal at California Grill isn’t complete without something from the Sushi Bar. The menu includes many favorites from before.
Sushi Menu -- Click to Enlarge
Beautiful sushi rolls take on a fusion of sorts, as they’re topped with Poke made with the freshest fish, and colorfully garnished with roe and baby herbs.
Sushi Rolls Piled High with Poke
Platters of Sashimi are lightly flavored with the brightness of Yuzu.
Sashimi Platters
I snapped this photo with my phone, and the quality isn’t quite up to snuff, but I couldn’t resist sharing with you this show-stopping platter. The colors blew me away, and everything was fantastically fresh.
Beautiful Sushi Platter
Of course, I had to try a little of everything! The Seaweed Salad was delicious as well — and was perfectly seasoned.
My Sushi Combo
Here’s a little Sashimi, along with a fun “take” on sushi — the Pork Belly Nigiri! House-Cured Pork sits atop a tower of Rice flavored with a little Yuzu and Bacon Fat.
This was completely amazing. I ate the components separately to catch the flavors of the rice, and sure enough, the subtle bacon flavor came through nicely.
Yuzu-Marinated Sashimi and Pork Belly Nigiri
There’s also new emphasis on utilizing the kitchen’s wood-fired oven. Now, you’ll find more than just flatbreads prepared there — although they’ll continue to offer that beloved menu staple.
Menu Options From the Wood Burning Oven -- Click to Enlarge
We’ve had a couple of opportunities to taste the new Three-Meat Signature Meatballs, and they continue to blow us away with incredible flavors! This one packs the perfect punch of heat, and I love that.
Oak-Fired Three Meat Meatball
While I didn’t have the opportunity to taste the Baked Jumbo Prawns, I expect this locally-sourced dish of Florida seafood will be a hit with guests.
Baked Jumbo Prawns
The restaurant reopens with two flatbreads featured, including an Oven-Dried Tomato Flatbread.
Oven-Dried Tomato Flatbread
Look for the flatbread varieties to change frequently to reflect seasonal flavors.
Entrees
The commitment to a lighter approach to the menu is evident in the Entree selection as well. While some favorites remain, most dishes have received a makeover.
Entree Menu -- Click to Enlarge
Breads have been updated as well. I was a HUGE fan of the amazing focaccia served here. But the new options are pretty special. They include Whole-Grain Sourdough Rolls and a new version of Focaccia, featuring California Lavender.
Whole-Grain Sourdough Rolls
Lavender Focaccia
In addition to the goat cheese ravioli offered as an appetizer, guests will also find Roasted Squash Ravioli on the menu.
Roasted Squash Ravioli
A light and delicious dish, the flavor is enhanced by one of the world’s most perfect foods — Sage Brown Butter.
Roasted Squash Ravioli
The Pacific Halibut with Parsnip Silk and Roasted Heirloom Beets offers a firm, meaty flavor. I absolutely loved every component of this dish.
I’m a big fan of beets, and the flavor and color they bring to the dish with the roasted beets and the syrup were lovely. The Macadamia Vinaigrette provided an unexpected rich depth.
Halibut
But my favorite component was the Parsnip Puree. I didn’t expect the silky consistency to contain this much flavor! I have a feeling I’ll be hitting up the chef for this recipe in the near future!
Halibut -- Side View
I think we all breathed a collective sigh of relief when word came that the Oak-Fired Filet would return!
Oak-Fired Filet of Beef
I know that there’s a little hesitation about the new accompaniments, but I can confidently declare them to be fantastic! The Tomato Butter was exquisite.
Oak-Fired Filet of Beef -- Up Close
And the Heirloom Tomato Risotto is bright and rich all at the same time. It’s a brilliant dish.
Desserts and After Dinner Drinks
Soon it was time to check out the Dessert Offerings. The Contemporary’s Pastry Chef, Jeff Barnes, created an entirely new dessert menu to celebrate the Grill’s relaunch.
Dessert Menu -- Click to Enlarge
A fine selection of Teas are available to enjoy as well.
Tea Menu -- Click to Enlarge
I enjoyed watching the culinary staff as they put the finishing touches on components of the highly anticipated Sundae Sampler.
Preparing the Caramel Corn Dessert
Garnishing the Strawberry and Basil Sundae
Heather proved to be handy with a blowtorch as she toasted meringue for another dessert.
Toasting Meringue
The Caramel Corn Sundaes received a crunchy garnish of Caramel Corn before being offered.
Caramel Corn
No Sugar Added Lemon Meringue Cheesecakes were garnished with beautiful flowers.
No Sugar Added Lemon Meringue Cheesecake
And I think there’s something completely wonderful about row upon row of Chocolate Pudding Cake!
Chocolate Pudding Cake
Assembled on a tiny plate, our sample-sized Sundae Sampler was just as cute as pictures had shown it to be.
Sundae Sampler
While the presentation was darling and each component was beautiful, I wasn’t blown away by the float or the strawberry sundae. I did greatly enjoy the caramel corn concoction.
Sundae Sampler - From the Float Side!
I am a complete sucker for honest-to-goodness caramel sauce — and this was the real deal.
Sundae Sampler Sundaes
But the surprise hit for me of the evening was the No Sugar Added Lemon Meringue Cheesecake.
I’m always on my guard when I read that a dessert is no sugar added. You never know what you’re going to get. But this cheesecake is fantastic! And as an added bonus, while I was chatting with one of the culinary assistants, she told me that the dessert was also gluten free!
No Sugar Added Lemon Meringue Cheesecake
Warm Homemade Fritters were another fun option. The play on flavors and textures was interesting, and I’ll look forward to hearing more about the Trio of Dipping Sauces!
Warm Homemade Fritters
Fritters -- Up Close
The Chocolate Pudding Cake is a new take on a familiar favorite. The staff wanted to introduce something at once classic and original. Since lava cakes are widely available at Disney (and just about everywhere else), this was Chef Barnes’ answer — a dark, rich pudding cake.
The consistency was definitely more pudding than cake, and the subtle flavor of real infused mint came through. I liked it and it was beautiful, but my jury is still out on this one.
Chocolate Pudding Cake
I would totally be up for another round of desserts, though. You know. For research purposes.
Chocolate Pudding Cake and California Grill Coffee
But the real icing on the cake are those California Grill views. Nothing comes close to the experience of those lights dimming, and listening as the narration and music are piped right in.
Fireworks
Fireworks
Fireworks
Even outside, large speakers keep you right in the middle of the magic.
Overall
I think that California Grill has knocked it out of the park with this renovation. This has long been a favorite spot of mine, but it was clear that the bold palette that the Grill opened with in 1995 needed an update. Inspired by Mid-Century Modern Design, the dining room is elegant and perfectly recaptures the sense of history and love we Disney fans feel for the Contemporary Resort. You feel as though you are in the grandchild of Top of the World, the restaurant and lounge that occupied this space all those years ago.
From speaking to Chef Brian Piasecki, you can tell that he feels a true passion for this restaurant. It’s hard to tell for sure what the menu will look like exactly from a parade of tasting plates, but if they are any indication, the Chef and his staff have done a stellar job breathing fresh air into the offerings. An expanded beer, wine, and spirits list offers guests more options than ever before, ensuring that your meal at California Grill will be an event to remember.
And that’s the takeaway here. What they’ve done, both in terms of decor and menu, isn’t necessarily just classic. It’s more than that. They’ve taken the best of the past and married it with the most up-to-the-minute in food trends. It’s timeless.
Have you made your advance dining reservation for California Grill? Leave a comment and tell us if you’ll be visiting in the near future!
DFB author Brooke Fehr and photographer @MealTrip attended this event on behalf of Disney Food Blog. However, they were not obligated to report on the event, let alone give California Grill glowing review. But seriously — Pork Belly Nigiri and Duck In All Its Glory? Out of the Park. Read more about our Disclosure Policy here.
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Related posts:
News! First Look at the New California Grill Menu at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
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First Look! The NEW California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort