California Grill - Picture Report - Relive the experience! ADDED MAY '09 Pics Page 23

[ciera321]

Thanks for the wonderful pictures!!! I can't wait to eat there in just over a month!!!!

[samples78]

Wow! What great pictures and what wonderful looking food. We are going to CG in September for my grandmother's 86th birthday - I am so excited now! It should be a wonderful evening.

About how long does a relaxing dinner take at CG? I was wondering if we will finish before the fireworks and have to come back.

Can't wait to hear how the food was.

[ehagerty]

Originally Posted by LJD2143

From what I've read, dinner service starts at 5:30pm, the same time as our ADR. Do you happen to know the EARLIEST that we will be allowed up?

And I don't know if this has already been established - but ehagerty, you must be a professional photographer, no? Your pictures are just amazing!

Since you asked this question between meal #1 and meal #2 this trip, I had a chance to ask/observe the "start" time of events. Basically, they staff the desk on the second floor (check in) at 5:00 pm - as soon as you are checked in, they will allow you to proceed to the restaurant (allow a couple of minutes to collect an elevator's worth of patrons). Once in the restaurant, you can get a drink, wander around until you are buzzed. They are still in the process of prepping from 5:00 to 5:30 (finessing the tables, checking silverware, etc.) - kind of like arriving early for a show.

And no, I am not a professional photographer - just a hobby - a creative offset to my job - which is managing global IT projects....

Originally Posted by luckytobeme88

How's the strawberry dessert? How is it like? I have always have the banana buzz thingy. I am thinking of getting something different this time around.

Strawberry dessert was good - I, too like to try something different, something lighter if I am full. Once I copy in the actual menu descriptions, maybe there will be more information to help you decide. Couple of thoughts - Chef Jens mentioned that they are getting a new pastry chef - so you probably want to keep an open mind - what you see here may be changing. Second thought - I was too full to finish my dessert, yet somehow my fork kept finding its way over to that warm chocolate cake and hazelnut torte......

And finally - see you at the HSBC Arena - preseason starts in just 3 months!!

Originally Posted by maxiesmom

O M G!!!!! Those look awesome!!!! Maybe we need to make a trip over there, just for dessert. Which was yours?

Mine was the strawberry, but we shared them!

Originally Posted by samples78

Wow! What great pictures and what wonderful looking food. We are going to CG in September for my grandmother's 86th birthday - I am so excited now! It should be a wonderful evening.

About how long does a relaxing dinner take at CG? I was wondering if we will finish before the fireworks and have to come back.

There is probably more detail contained within the thread (a couple of people asked earlier - but I understand not wanting to wade through it all) - but it totally depends on how many courses and how you cue your server regarding timing. You could be out in an hour, if you just ordered entree and dessert - if you had a reason to be out that quickly - but I suggest you pace the meal by communicating your expectations when your server first stops by, especially if you don't want to be rushed.

I haven't made my dining reservations for Sep, but there will almost certainly be at least one stop at the CG (after DVC member cruise). If you look around and see someone who appears to be more interested in taking pictures than eating - that would be me!!

[ehagerty]

.....and I would have re-arranged my DDP reservations to include a third trip here this vacation - but they were booked!!

Anyway - as with last pictures - I'm posting the pictures - descriptions, captions, opinions will have to follow when I have time. I only have 30 days to play with my PhotoPass pictures and that site is REALLY slow!!!

Disclaimer - some of the items you are about to see were "customized" and not a part of the regular menu. I don't know if they can do this all the time and don't want you to have unrealistic expectations. Still, they very much try to please - so there's no harm in asking if you see something you like...


Sample size corn chowder
Zellwood Sweet Corn Bisque with Nueskte's Applewood Smoked Bacon Foam





Kona Fish - so good, we ordered it again
Seared Hawaiian Kona Kampachi with Shiitake Mushrooms, Taro Root, Corn Butter Sauce, and Togarashi Oil






Oak-fired Filet of Beef with Tillamook Cheddar Grit Case, Sauteed Asparagus, and Teriyaki Barbeque Sauce





Dessert Sampler






"Strawberry Vacherin"
Pistachio Cake with Buttermilk Ice Cream ,Strawberry Sorbet, and Crispy Meringue






Butterscotch Buzz
Caramlized Bananas and Butterscotch Custard Stack with Caramel Source, Cocoa Nib, and Plantain Chip




.....and still, to follow, the amazing sushi entree.....

[ehagerty]

I inquired as to whether the CG was in the habit/business of "omikase" - chef's choice - preparing an entree's worth of sushi. Yoshe's creations were wonderful!! Pictures now, descriptions later.....

Overview of one of the plates






Yellowfin Tuna 3 ways - Poki, Tartare, and Tataki (same as appetizer)












Spicy Tuna Roll
Tuna Tartare, Avocado, Tobikko, and Fireball Sauce






"Snake in the Grass" - Eel with Shrimp Tempura, Avocado, and Cucumber






California Roll - Jumbo Lump Crab with Avocado and Cucumber






Sashimi
Yellowfin Tuna, Salmon, and Hamachi






Etc.









Click here to continue with next post, Sep 08



.

[mskayjay]

I am on the shores of Lake Ontario so I understand your mention several pages back of wishing to be at WDW and CG more often! Nothing like a little snow to make you dream of being in that photo you have where you are enjoying a pre dinner cocktail.....*sigh*

As a photographer, thank you for sharing your artistry. The shots are simply amazing and rival any "set and lighted" shots you would see in Bon Appetit, etc. Just fantastic.

As a huge fan of CG, thank you for whetting my appetite for our next visit. We will be spending our 25th anny there on 9/3 and I simply cannot wait to experience the joy of WDW and the great food at CG again to commemorate the day.

Again, thank you a million!!!!

[luckytobeme88]

Thank you for posting these delicious pictures for all of us to drool over with.
What do you think about Melrose's coaching again?

[hmillerbarilla]

Your photography is amazing. just perfect!

We'll be there at the CG in September too. I usually take pics but don't think they even compare to yours so you'll find mine on the Food part II thread!

Other thought: Does anyone know when the menu usually changes over on the DIS or allears that would be the one that would likely be available in September? I can't remember. Thanks!

[bytheblood]

You pictures are great, but the food does not look appetizing to me at all.

[HonnyDipp]

This thread is amazing!

[JMADgrad]

We will be dining at CG in about 3 weeks - and I cannot wait!!! Thanks so much for taking the time to post these amazing shots!

[liamsaunt]

YUM! Your photos are amazing!

[jimenyfan]

DH and I love California Grill, however we only seem to make it there every 5th anniversary: ex 15th & 20th.

[schmass]

Those pictures are truly amazing and that food looks so good! I am now starving after looking at all those pictures. And I am extremely happy that I chose CG for my birthday dinner in September. Thank you for posting all of those!

[qanita92]

1. Did the halibut taste or smell to fishey? The salmon at CRT smelled way too fishy for my taste and I didn't quite enjoy it.

2. How did you learn to take such great pictures (what type of camera do you have)? Did you have previous experience or did you learn from the Photography board?

3. What is the best time to go to CG to watch Wishes and the best way to a get a great table view?

4. How were you able to take pictures of the restaurant without anyone in there?



Thanks