This was the big night I had been planning for.....my special birthday dinner at California Grill! My reservation was for 9:25 so I left the Boardwalk around 8:00 to catch the bus to MK and then stroll over to the Contemporary. I arrived at the Contemporary around 8:50 and spent some time just enjoying the ambiance of the 4th floor area; looking at the gorgeous Mary Blair mural, watching the monorail and browsing at Fantasia. I made my way downstairs and checked in at the podium around 9:15 and was soon being whisked up to the 15th floor in the elevator. My table wasn't quite ready so I took a seat the the bar. After perusing the cocktail menu, I decided to go with a favourite from another Diser
@vettegirl, the Cucumber Fizz. I loved this, very refreshing with cucumber water, limoncello and Ciroc vodka.
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After 5-10 minutes, my table was ready and I was led to a lovely two top beside the window along the back wall. The table was sprinkled with Mickey confetti and had a lovely view towards the lake. Jorges was my server and he was friendly and welcoming. My one complaint is about the upsell here. I like to know exactly what the price difference is if I am making a choice. Jorges asked me if I would prefer still or sparkling water. I chose sparkling thinking they did their own house sparkling, only to find out it was San Pelligrino at $9/bottle! I would have liked to have been informed when he presented the options. Oh well!
Soon my wonderful bread basket arrived and while I didn't bother with the sourdough rolls, I could have happily eaten my weight in the lovely lavender focaccia. This was so soft and paired beautifully with the butter and sea salt. Heavenly!
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For my meal, I decided to go with the Georgia Peach salad to start and then the Truffle scented tofu roll as my main. When Jorges took my order, he said "Is that it?" which rather upset me. I don't feel it's the server's place to question what a guest chooses to order. I was determined not to let anything mar my evening so I just smiled and said "yes, it is, thank you". I definitely noticed a decline in the service I received after this which wasn't a good move on his part because I tip very well, especially for a special meal like this. I ended up only doing a standard 18% but I would usually tip 25% or more for great service.
The salad itself was good with fresh field greens, quartered peaches, goat cheese. marcona almonds and a tangy dressing. The peaches could have been riper but I will admit to being spoiled with the best peaches available in August in Ontario, it really is hard to compete with how luscious ours are.
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After finishing my salad, it was time for Wishes! I went out to the observation platform and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my favourite fireworks. It makes me cry every time...I am such a sap! When I came back to the table my tofu roll had been delivered. This was absolutely delicious! The roll was composed of avocado, jicama, quinoa, silken tofu, truffle emulsion and topped with crispy fingerlings. Yum, yum, yum! I chose a glass of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc to enjoy with my sushi.
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Even though I was pretty full at this point, I knew I couldn't pass on dessert. I chose the Peaches and Cream creme brulee. This was rich creamy custard over a sweet peach compote top with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust. So good!
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It was about 11:00 when I finished up. After settling my bill, I decided to stroll over to MK and enjoy the last hour or so before the park closed. Nothing like ending a lovely evening on Main St USA!
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Day 2 totals:
Boardwalk Bakery~ Muffin $3.29 Refillable mug $17.99
Garden Grill Breakfast ~ $31.95
La Cava de Tequila ~ Avocado margarita $14.50
Les Halles ~ Raspberry macaroon $5.75
Ample Hills Creamery ~ $5.79
AbracadaBar ~ Peppers Ghost cocktail $12.00
California Grill ~ Salad, sushi and dessert $51.00
~ Sparkling water, Cucumber fizz and glass of wine $35.50
Food total: $115.77
Bevvies: $62.00
Definitely a splurge filled kind of day!