Since we didn't really do any quick service lunches or dinners, I was actually starting to crave the house made chips that often come with sandwiches. I love potato chips and housemade thick chips are my favorite. On our walk back to our room after lunch, he noticed that Promenade Refreshments served House-made Ranch Kettle Chips. So although I was really full from lunch, I still managed to put away every last chip.
And since I had eaten a snack, DH hit the boardwalk bakery and got himself this little beauty to eat in the room.
I made our July 4th California Grill dinner reservations right at the 180 day mark because I wanted to be able to watch the special 4th of July fireworks without having to fight with the crowds at Magic Kingdom. While at brunch the previous day, we were told we could come back that evening and watch the fireworks from the restaurants viewing platform. We just had to show them the receipt from our meal. I was worried that with the brunch and dinner patrons allowed to watch the fireworks, the platform would be packed with people. I am claustrophobic and need my personal space so we decided to just wait. Which ended up being perfect because we had an awesome view of the fireworks from our seats!
I started the meal off with a passion fruit margarita (At least I think that is what this drink is! We were given complimentary champagne with our meal and I ordered a second drink which I didn't get a picture of because I may have been a little inebriated after the first two drinks
). This drink was much stronger then I thought it would be and less fruity so it didn't go down as smooth as I was expecting. The bread service was definitely a notch above what we'd been getting at the non signature restaurants. I really enjoyed the focaccia which was buried under the rolls in the bread basket.
For our appetizers, we both went with sushi. I got the California Combination Roll while DH got the Spicy Kazan Roll. We both enjoyed our sushi and it was definitely a notch or two above what we had eaten at Tokyo Dining.
I was really starting to get full so I wanted to get something light for dinner. So I ordered the Seafood Ramen. Which started our really good but then the spicy took over and that's all I could taste. No where in the description did I see spicy listed as an adjective for this dish. DH ordered the Wagyu Beef Strip Loin which he said was beyond amazing! I think that was his favorite entree from our trip. It was that good!
As we were finishing our entree's, people were starting to head towards the viewing platforms. We were fortunate to be able to see everything from our seats but that also meant throughout our meal we had adults and kids enjoying the view from behind our table. It was a little distracting but not unexpected.
The fireworks were absolutely amazing. I grew up going to the fireworks on the mall in DC every year with my family so I've seen really good fireworks displays and Disney's definitely rank up there with the best of them.
After dinner, our waiter did a vanishing act. It took forever to get our desserts ordered, delivered, and the get the check. I ordered the Chocolate Pudding Cake while DH ordered the Butterscotch Creme Brulee. My pudding cake was delicious but the best part of my dessert was the house made meringue kisses and marshmallows. DH said his dessert was also really good.
Overall the meal was very good. I would definitely order differently if we were to have dinner at the California Grill again. I would be adventurous with my appetizer choice and not repeat my ramen order! But you can't beat being able to watch the fireworks from your table! Although their brunch was definitely a much better experience for us.