My Favorite Restaurant EVER!

Last week, I told you all about the first time I ate lobster.  That was a good, good night.

And, like all good vacations, many more good nights were in store.  For this post, the second in my Disney series, I want to tell you about my favorite restaurant.

Of. All. Time.

It's that serious.

I'm talking about The California Grill, which is located at the top of The Contemporary Resort.

Prior to our honeymoon, I had heard nothing but good things about this place.  The food, the view, the service - glowing reviews all around.  That first meal did not disappoint, for sure.  So obviously we were psyched to return. 

And once again, we were extremely pleased.

First, let me tell you that if you're lucky enough to get a table by the window, you'll be treated to an incredible view of the Magic Kingdom and the other MK resorts - The Grand Floridian and The Polynesian.

Now.  On to the food.

CG is famous for their flatbreads.  For some time prior to our trip, the ovens were down or being repaired or something and we were fairly stricken by the news.  But no fear! By the time we sat down to our meal, this lovely flatbread was on the menu: the most luscious heirloom tomatoes you can imagine, arugula and cheese.  It was intensely flavorful.  Rob doesn't like tomatoes so - SCORE! - I got to eat his.  Yum yum yum!

As if the flatbread wasn't enough, we then BOTH had one of these...

Do you like sushi? Because I love sushi.  My husband is pretty much a sushi novice and he drools over the very thought of this.  Inside the roll itself is crab, tuna and avocado.  As you can see, the pieces are arranged in a circle and topped with a mound of tempura crispies.  Underneath? Tiny baby scallops in spicy fireball sauce.  OFF THE HOOK! I'm serious.  The creamy avocado with the super fresh fish and the crisps? With a little heat? Oh my goodness.  Spicy Kazan Roll.  You're still on the menu and I'm still gonna devour you joyfully.  On my anniversary.  Thank you.

Finally it was time for the entrees.  I was feeling a bit...um...full at this point, but I soldiered on.  Bravely.

This was Rob's entree.  Seared scallops and homemade gnocchi accompanied by pears in a pear/bacon sauce.  That's a mouthful, isn't it? Okay, let me describe it better for you.  It was freaking awesome, accompanied by awesomeness, in a finger-lickingly awesome sauce.  Yeah.  That's easier to understand.

I, on the other hand, decided to stick to sushi.

Yeah.  Check that out.  Did I mention that the CG's sushi chef is one of the top in AMERICA? Oh, I forgot that part? Sorry, I was busy crying over the beauty in front of me.

One roll in particular is my all-time favorite roll ever.  Ever ever ever.  Spicy Kazan, you're #2...

But shrimp tempura roll, you're #1 forever and a day.  Tempura shrimp, mango and rice wrapped in soy paper.  It's really as simple as that.  But the textures and tastes...the salty crispness of the tempura with the sweetness of the mango...I can't ever, ever speak too highly of this roll.  It's just the best.

Then it was time for dessert.  I have to say, I'm not totally thrilled to pieces with the desserts almost anywhere in Disney, save a few exceptions.  But they're still yummy.

I honestly can't tell you who ate what.  They were both chocolate and both good, and both included the sweet anniversary wish.  But thaaaat's about as far as my memory goes.  I think Rob had the one with the ice cream.

Then we savored after-dinner drinks which my husband so generously sprang for...

And we watched the sun set on our 1st anniversary.  It was a magical, 2 hour meal and it was worth every single glorious minute.

I absolutely cannot wait to go back in September to celebrate anniversary #2!