Originally Posted By vbdad55 ^^^^^^^^^^ one of the finest wine lists around - or I should say 2 of the finest wine lists around --
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Indeed, Napa Rose has a better wine list than CG, but only such. Sadly they have walmarted the Wine List in DLP, but the Steakhouse and CG (in Paris' Disneyland Hotel) still have some good wines too (French/Californian in a 50/50 split - MMMMMMmmmmmm
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<The filet at California Grill is $41, the filet at LeCellier is $34.99. >> Thank the DDP and abject greed. The filet at California Grill was about $27-29 just a few years ago. And at Le cellier it was in the $23-27 range. I love both restaurants, but the price increases are absurd and insulting.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 >>I really enjoyed the Mole Poblano at San Angel in 2000 (though I hear the menu has been walmarted since)<< <<Love that quote, Dave. But I'm not sure what it means....>> It means Dave owes me a nice dinner on my next visit across the Pond for using my trademarked dumbed down Disney phrase!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<True, Cal Grill is not that fancy (not in the same way as Victoria and Albert's or Napa Rose). But it is awesome, my favorite restaurant in Florida and probably in my top 10 (maybe even 5) around the globe.>> Agreed 100% on all counts! This is why I say we are kindred spirits (although the politics helps too!)
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Indeed, Napa Rose has a better wine list than CG, but only such. Sadly they have walmarted the Wine List in DLP, but the Steakhouse and CG (in Paris' Disneyland Hotel) still have some good wines too (French/Californian in a 50/50 split - MMMMMMmmmmmm>> Look at who is doing the 'consulting' to DLP's (until September) WDW castoff exec 'leadership' team ... and you'll have your answer to why DLP dining is heading down the Orlando road and who is making truckfuls of money for doing so. Oh ... and now you owe me two dinners!!! ;-)
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Now worries on the Dinner front Spirit (though I believe you too have use some of my turns of phrase on occasion, so quid pro quo). But I know a great McDonald's with crystal chandeliers and a grand piano! Or maybe we could drum up something different, just no running this time, ok?
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Please don't tell me DLP dining will be copying WDW????!!!!! Grrrrr, some places I would have thought couldn't get any worse, and all the good options seem to be going dark for the Spring!
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <<<The filet at California Grill is $41, the filet at LeCellier is $34.99. >> Thank the DDP and abject greed. The filet at California Grill was about $27-29 just a few years ago. And at Le cellier it was in the $23-27 range. I love both restaurants, but the price increases are absurd and insulting., Although I am far from a Disney apologist, I usually defend CG to the hilt. While it is still oneofmy top 3 restaurants anywhere I have traveled - I agree the price increase outstrips even those here in Chicago which have been hefty also....and like most price increases, they never roll back. That being said I will be there for my filet in mid June it appears.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo When you can get fillet mignon and lobster at the Blue Bayou in California for $39. And the Napa Rose Vintner menu with wine pairings is now $125 (and totally worth it).
Originally Posted By danyoung Well, I haven't been to the Blue Bayou since they changed up the menu a couple years ago, so I'm not really an authority. But as much as I love the BB, I've never had a meal there that even comes close to the perfection of the California Grill.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Agreed Dan, it is not as good as the CG - but I thought you might find the pricing interesting. I do think Steakhouse 55 at the DLH is on par with CG though.
Originally Posted By danyoung I've had great meals and great service at 55. But its atmosphere doesn't hold a candle to the CG. I know I sound like a broken record here. But what I'm trying to say is that it's the combination of food, service, atmosphere and location that makes the CG so unique.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Indeed I agree. That view at the CG cannot be beaten. The food and service is very high - but I think there are other Disney equals or better. But that is why CG is my 2nd fav Disney restaurant after the Napa Rose. It beats the culinary superior V&A because nothing beats sipping a good glass of wine and indulging in tasty meal while the fireworks explode over the MK cannot be beaten.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 It's a subjective thing -- I side with danny as CG just hits the target for me,in it's case the total larger thanthe sumof it's parts--service, view, food,atmosphere etc... I Like Napa Rose also ( not a huge V&A fan although I understand why some likeit. For me once I reach that level I start comparing with places like Charlie Trotters here in Chicago ) - Prefer Napa and CG to Club 33....although the 'intrigue' of being there is ultra cool
Originally Posted By t1lersm0m Sorry RoadTrip if I hijacked your thread regarding the DDP and prices for the filet. LOL Your dining plans look great. I can't wait to make my own in March for our trip in September. I definitely wouldn't get the dining plan if I had to pay for it. But since we've been going when it's free, we enjoy it.
Originally Posted By danyoung That whole "free" thing is kind of a misnomer. Yeah, it's free as long as you book a rack rate hotel room. I can get an AP rate that saves me $30 to $40 a day or more, but then I can't qualify for the "free" dining. Seems they're gonna make their money one way or the other!
