Disney’s particular brand of magic does not usually require augmentation with spirits, unless you’re at the Haunted Mansion, but when I dine out at a nice restaurant like Disney’s California Grill, I do enjoy a glass of wine or a well-crafted cocktail with my meal.… Read More »Exploring California Grill’s New Beverage Menu
With sweeping views of Magic Kingdom fireworks from atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the re-imagined California Grill also features a new design inspired by mid-century modern California, and a new menu showcasing seasonal ingredients and a lighter touch.
The California Grill has always been my restaurant of choice when I wanted to celebrate a big event, so I was a bit nervous when they announced a major makeover for the space. But I needn’t have worried. The space is beautiful and the food still wonderful. If anything, I think they were a bit conservative in their vision.
You can now get your first look at the re-imagined California Grill as it is now open for dining, or drinks and a snack in the lounge (they serve the full menu there too), but the transformation didn’t happen overnight. Since the signature restaurant at Disney’s Contemporary Resort closed to guests in January, the space has been humming with activity. The wood-burning oven is just about the only thing that stayed in place as the kitchen and dining rooms got major makeovers.
Shortly after the installation of new floor-to-ceiling windows, a time-lapse camera went into place on the fifteenth floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, capturing all the construction and remodeling between June 2013 and the last test meals before opening to guests September 9th. I have a cameo during the 1:44 mark. But don’t blink!
Below the jump is a video featuring General Manager Michael Scheifler discussing the changes:
Read More »California Grill Construction Time Lapse Video
California Grill Chef de Cuisine Brian Piasecki spent nearly a year perfecting a new menu with seasonal ingredients and a lighter touch, such as baked local prawns and wild Columbia River salmon with Zellwood sweet corn pudding. He’s been a part of Disney’s excellent foodservice team since his apprenticeship in 1991, rising through the ranks to eventually take over The California Grill in 2009. I had the chance talk with Chef Brian a few days before the restaurant officially reopened after a long remodel process:
Full bio below the jump:
Last night I was invited to attend a gala party to re-open the California Grill at the Contemporary Resort. In addition to a revamped menu, they remodeled the dining area with a mid-century modern look inspired by Disney artist Mary Blair, added a new show kitchen, even upgraded the exterior with new windows and allowed easy access to the south observation deck for the first time. On both observation decks they added new lights and a new sound system that delivers the fireworks soundtrack clearer than ever before.
After dinner we were all invited outside to watch Wishes performed in the air over the Magic Kingdom. We choose the new south observation deck which allows a better view of the Magic Kingdom and Cinderella Castle. You’re able to see the front of the castle, which if you have great vision or a zoom lens, lets you get the digital projection show too and I’m sure will be spectacular when it’s lit up for Christmas season.
Below is a video of Wishes taken from the very end of the deck.Read More »California Grill: A New View for Magic Kingdom Fireworks
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If you twist my arm and force me to pick my favorite restaurant at Walt Disney World, I’ll probably say the iconic California Grill. It has certainly hosted many of my favorite meals over the years and a number of special occaisions. So when it… Read More »California Grill To Reopen in September, Reservations Available Soon.
The Chili in a Cone Sandwich is a well-themed treat that was first available at Disney California Adventures in the new Cars Land section. It made its first east coast appearance in Downtown Disney with both Chili and Meatball Marinara options. Now the easy to hold food treat is available in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in three new varieties, including the first two cold salad options.
We taste tested two of the selections – The Cajun Shrimp and the Chicken, Bacon & Avocado Salad. Both were made with fresh ingredients and served in large enough portions to be a meal. The Cajun spices weren’t overly hot, but not as mild as theme park food usually is either. The chicken salad was also yummy with a good mix of avocado and bacon. How can you go wrong with bacon? We used a fork to eat both, but it wasn’t strictly required for the Chicken Salad. And then when the salad was gone, you still had the bread cone to eat, which had now soaked up some of the flavor from the salad.
I’ve noticed that a lot of parents hesitate to take small children to Disney signature restaurants, choosing instead buffet and character meal options. While those are fine, even really great in some cases, I think that parents and grandparents miss out if they don’t have a… Read More »Signature Restaurants and Small Children? Yes or No?