mcsue
15 Feb 06, 07:37 PM
As I haven’t yet posted my October 2005 food reports, you won’t be aware of just how absolutely amazing our last meal was here. First class in every way!
Well sadly, tonight our experience was going to be rather below-par.
Check in was a bit of a zoo, as the dedicated check-in podium on the 2nd floor was empty. There was just a notice on the desk, telling everyone to go on up to the 15th floor. I liked being escorted up in the elevator last time, it felt more special.
Anyway, we were seated quickly and our server D gave us our menus. Paul mentioned he was vegetarian and D just jabbed at the veggie items on the menu.
With no explanation of any of the dishes forthcoming, Paul and I discussed the menu between ourselves and chose our courses.
D soon returned and took our order. I mentioned that I‘d like some Sauvignon Blanc and he swiftly returned with a couple of bottles for me to try. I tasted them, and chose the St Supery from Napa Valley. Very nice indeed!
D poured my wine, then turned away and minced off before poor Paul could say, ‘and I’d like a …..’
I’m afraid that was the last we saw of him for some time.
Our starters were brought out by a bus boy, and we wrongly assumed D would soon be back with our bread and to take our wine order.
Some time later I flagged down a waitress and asked her for the bread. Paul’s food was getting cold and as you know, he likes to have his bread with his meal. It is nice chewy sourdough bread here, too good to miss out on, served with a pool of fruity olive oil.
The bread was delivered, but still no D, and still no wine.
Irritated, I got the attention of a more proficient waiter, who took the time to discuss the wines we were interested in with us, and serve us in a professional manner.
I actually overheard him say to another waiter ‘Can you keep an eye on my tables, while I get these people some wine, as D has gone AWOL again)
I don’t think it’s the first time D had left customers bereft of service!
I had a glass of Clautiere EstateViognier and Paul had a Gary Farrell Russian River Pinot Noir
We ate our starters, drunk our wine and chatted happily, again determined not to let dodgy service ruin our evening.
D finally popped up from ‘goodness knows where’ and we both genuinely thought he was about to apologise for leaving us without service – but no.
‘I thought I’d let you know the fireworks will be starting in 5 minutes.’
Just as quick he was gone again, leaving us open-mouthed in sheer disbelief!
We went out onto the observation deck which was extremely packed tonight (something to do with the 2nd floor check in desk being unmanned perhaps? I don’t know).
Anyway we had enough room to move, without being totally shoulder to shoulder, and we thoroughly enjoyed watching our favourite fireworks show Wishes, on this unseasonably warm January evening.
We returned to our table and our entree plates were immediately put in front of us, by D of all people!! He didn’t stop to ask if we wanted wine though!! Aaaarggghhh!
I could tell that our dinners had been held back a while by the kitchen as they weren’t too warm. We briefly discussed sending them back, but thought we may never see them again!
D flew past the table and I firmly called his name and managed to gain his attention. We’d like some wine with our entrees. I requested a glass of Dynamite Zinfandel from Mendocino and Paul wanted to taste some Napa Valley Merlot, but wasn’t sure which one at this point.
With no chance for discussion again, he was gone. He retuned with my wine and a bottle of Merlot that turned out to be slightly corked.
It wasn’t even the one of the wines that Paul wanted to try anyway and I told D a bit curtly to ‘forget it – just take it away’
Paul looked at me as if to say ‘cheers Sue, I’ll do without wine then’ but I thought it’d be so much easier if he just shared mine, or our dinners would be so cold they wouldn’t be worth eating.
I know I sounded a bit bossy, but I didn’t for a minute imagine D would ever return to our table with another choice of wine, and nor did he!
When we’d finished, our plates were removed by another bus boy and we were ready to get the check and leave.
D passed our table, and over his shoulder, asked us if we were ready for dessert.
‘No thanks’
‘But I thought you wanted to try the cheese plate’
‘That was at the beginning of the evening D, before I realised that we were going to be subjected to such abysmal service from one of Disney’s finest restaurants’
The supercilious smile he’d worn all evening dropped momentarily, and he actually came over to the table, sat down and engaged in non-robotic conversation for once.
His excuses ranged from;
‘You looked so happy; I didn’t want to interrupt you both’
‘We had computer problems’
‘I thought the other waiter was showing off, acting pretentious with the wine’
(uhh what? By serving us the wine that we were interested in? The same wine that you couldn’t be bothered to even ask if we wanted.)
Now I’m a pretty laid back person, not easily wound up – until you mess me about when I’m relaxing with my food and wine. I was getting cross now and I wanted some answers!
How long has he worked at CG?
6 years
Did he like his job?
Absolutely
Did he dislike us?
Not at all - we looked like we were friendly couple
Was he having a bad day?
No
What went wrong then? Did I leave the California Grill with the impression he was a crap waiter - or was there any valid reason for such bad service?
‘I just thought you looked really happy and romantic and that you wanted to be left alone. I’m so sorry - all I can say is that I must have completely misread the situation’
Did I still look happy now D?
He only blimmin said;
‘Yes, you look like a very happy person, with a lovely smile; I’ve noticed you’ve been smiling all evening’
‘Well you have a smile on your face too D, but I bet you are not actually very happy that I’m having this conversation with you, are you?
’I couldn’t believe I was saying all this out loud to his face, but I really didn’t want to discuss it with a manager, I wanted him to personally know he’d let us down.
Anyway, our conversation went on like this for a while, but I could sense Paul was getting bored and just wanted to go.
Paul was irritated all right, but he won’t his waste time getting all emotional over such trivial things as a bad server at Disneyworld. He’ll either takes matters higher or boycott the place, depending on his mood.
I’m a bit more emotional and vociferous, and find it more satisfying to air things face to face with the person who’s upset me.
D offered us free cheese, free coffee, free dessert. He seemed a bit panicky now!
We declined them all and I told him that all we ever wanted was good service – not free stuff!
When the check came I noticed he’d taken 25% off the final amount. We didn’t allude to it at all, neither did D. But I was pleased – it was a concession.
I too just wanted the evening to end now. I’d already decided to write the occasion off as one of those slightly farcical occasions, to look back at and have a bit of a laugh about in a bizarre, Basil Fawlty kind of way.
We’ll give the California Grill a miss in May.
Maybe our expectations were overly high, based on our wonderful experience in October 2005; which was impeccably perfect in every way.
Or maybe we did just have a crap waiter! ;)
To put things in perspective, with the extra 20% DDE discount, our meal actually cost about £60, and to be honest what food and wine we actually did have was well worth what we paid, and more.
Oh yes! Now let me tell you about the food!
Paul had the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli, served in a light tomato fondue and garnished with sun- dried tomatoes, pecorino cheese and fresh basil. It was soon gobbled up appreciatively!
I had the Frisee and Watercress Salad, with Blue Cheese, Poached Pear and raw apple.
It was ok, but I wouldn’t have it again.
The ingredients all complemented each other – or would have if there were enough of them present! Apart from an over-abundant forest of frisee!
There really wasn’t much cheese; about half a teaspoon, which I thought was rather mean. I couldn’t spot much watercress or really discern the orange vinaigrette either! There were some delicious fresh dates on the plate that I didn’t expect, and they tasted marvellous with what little cheese and poached pear there was.
Paul went on to have Roasted Eggplant Timbale with Israeli Couscous, Basil Oil, Spinach, Olives and Fennel-infused Tomato Broth.
What can I add? The title says it all really!
Well, I can always find something more to say about a dish…..
The aubergine could have been roasted a little longer to bring out the smoky flavour and the filling would have benefited from a bit more seasoning.
Oh and we’ve both decided we dislike Israeli couscous. It’s the shape and texture – a bit smaller than petit pois and slightly gummy. It seems to be very fashionable at the moment, but it makes me feel a slightly queasy.
There was a goodly measure of roasted fennel in the tomato broth, which Paul was pleased about as he’s a big fennel fan!
I had the Oak-Fired Fillet Steak and Tamarind BBQ Sauce, with Gorgonzola Cheese Gratin and Broccolini.
My steak was good, but not a patch on the oak-fired fillet I had at Citricos. It wasn’t as tender and it was actually slightly stringy. The BBQ sauce isn’t something I’d choose again. It had a very ‘in your face’ flavour and I’d expected something with a little more subtlety (it would make delicious BBQ ribs!)
The gorgonzola was noticeable only in the breadcrumb topping of the potatoes, which was fine, but I’d just imagined it to be blended with the cream in the potatoes. It was a nice twist on tradition and I’ll try it at home.
The broccolini was perfectly tender; I wished there’d been a bit more of it.
Reading my review back it sounds as if I wasn’t at all happy with my food. It was actually quite tasty and I did enjoy it, but I’d definitely choose differently another time.
Frisee salad
http://www.thedibb.co.uk/photopost/data/538/medium/Disney_Jan06_Res_053_Medium_.jpg
Goats Cheese Ravioli
http://www.thedibb.co.uk/photopost/data/538/medium/Disney_Jan06_Res_052_Medium_.jpg
Eggplant Timbale
http://www.thedibb.co.uk/photopost/data/538/medium/Disney_Jan06_Res_068_Medium_.jpg
Oak-Grilled Fillet Steak
http://www.thedibb.co.uk/photopost/data/538/medium/Disney_Jan06_Res_069_Medium_.jpg
Well sadly, tonight our experience was going to be rather below-par.
Check in was a bit of a zoo, as the dedicated check-in podium on the 2nd floor was empty. There was just a notice on the desk, telling everyone to go on up to the 15th floor. I liked being escorted up in the elevator last time, it felt more special.
Anyway, we were seated quickly and our server D gave us our menus. Paul mentioned he was vegetarian and D just jabbed at the veggie items on the menu.
With no explanation of any of the dishes forthcoming, Paul and I discussed the menu between ourselves and chose our courses.
D soon returned and took our order. I mentioned that I‘d like some Sauvignon Blanc and he swiftly returned with a couple of bottles for me to try. I tasted them, and chose the St Supery from Napa Valley. Very nice indeed!
D poured my wine, then turned away and minced off before poor Paul could say, ‘and I’d like a …..’
I’m afraid that was the last we saw of him for some time.
Our starters were brought out by a bus boy, and we wrongly assumed D would soon be back with our bread and to take our wine order.
Some time later I flagged down a waitress and asked her for the bread. Paul’s food was getting cold and as you know, he likes to have his bread with his meal. It is nice chewy sourdough bread here, too good to miss out on, served with a pool of fruity olive oil.
The bread was delivered, but still no D, and still no wine.
Irritated, I got the attention of a more proficient waiter, who took the time to discuss the wines we were interested in with us, and serve us in a professional manner.
I actually overheard him say to another waiter ‘Can you keep an eye on my tables, while I get these people some wine, as D has gone AWOL again)
I don’t think it’s the first time D had left customers bereft of service!
I had a glass of Clautiere EstateViognier and Paul had a Gary Farrell Russian River Pinot Noir
We ate our starters, drunk our wine and chatted happily, again determined not to let dodgy service ruin our evening.
D finally popped up from ‘goodness knows where’ and we both genuinely thought he was about to apologise for leaving us without service – but no.
‘I thought I’d let you know the fireworks will be starting in 5 minutes.’
Just as quick he was gone again, leaving us open-mouthed in sheer disbelief!
We went out onto the observation deck which was extremely packed tonight (something to do with the 2nd floor check in desk being unmanned perhaps? I don’t know).
Anyway we had enough room to move, without being totally shoulder to shoulder, and we thoroughly enjoyed watching our favourite fireworks show Wishes, on this unseasonably warm January evening.
We returned to our table and our entree plates were immediately put in front of us, by D of all people!! He didn’t stop to ask if we wanted wine though!! Aaaarggghhh!
I could tell that our dinners had been held back a while by the kitchen as they weren’t too warm. We briefly discussed sending them back, but thought we may never see them again!
D flew past the table and I firmly called his name and managed to gain his attention. We’d like some wine with our entrees. I requested a glass of Dynamite Zinfandel from Mendocino and Paul wanted to taste some Napa Valley Merlot, but wasn’t sure which one at this point.
With no chance for discussion again, he was gone. He retuned with my wine and a bottle of Merlot that turned out to be slightly corked.
It wasn’t even the one of the wines that Paul wanted to try anyway and I told D a bit curtly to ‘forget it – just take it away’
Paul looked at me as if to say ‘cheers Sue, I’ll do without wine then’ but I thought it’d be so much easier if he just shared mine, or our dinners would be so cold they wouldn’t be worth eating.
I know I sounded a bit bossy, but I didn’t for a minute imagine D would ever return to our table with another choice of wine, and nor did he!
When we’d finished, our plates were removed by another bus boy and we were ready to get the check and leave.
D passed our table, and over his shoulder, asked us if we were ready for dessert.
‘No thanks’
‘But I thought you wanted to try the cheese plate’
‘That was at the beginning of the evening D, before I realised that we were going to be subjected to such abysmal service from one of Disney’s finest restaurants’
The supercilious smile he’d worn all evening dropped momentarily, and he actually came over to the table, sat down and engaged in non-robotic conversation for once.
His excuses ranged from;
‘You looked so happy; I didn’t want to interrupt you both’
‘We had computer problems’
‘I thought the other waiter was showing off, acting pretentious with the wine’
(uhh what? By serving us the wine that we were interested in? The same wine that you couldn’t be bothered to even ask if we wanted.)
Now I’m a pretty laid back person, not easily wound up – until you mess me about when I’m relaxing with my food and wine. I was getting cross now and I wanted some answers!
How long has he worked at CG?
6 years
Did he like his job?
Absolutely
Did he dislike us?
Not at all - we looked like we were friendly couple
Was he having a bad day?
No
What went wrong then? Did I leave the California Grill with the impression he was a crap waiter - or was there any valid reason for such bad service?
‘I just thought you looked really happy and romantic and that you wanted to be left alone. I’m so sorry - all I can say is that I must have completely misread the situation’
Did I still look happy now D?
He only blimmin said;
‘Yes, you look like a very happy person, with a lovely smile; I’ve noticed you’ve been smiling all evening’
‘Well you have a smile on your face too D, but I bet you are not actually very happy that I’m having this conversation with you, are you?
’I couldn’t believe I was saying all this out loud to his face, but I really didn’t want to discuss it with a manager, I wanted him to personally know he’d let us down.
Anyway, our conversation went on like this for a while, but I could sense Paul was getting bored and just wanted to go.
Paul was irritated all right, but he won’t his waste time getting all emotional over such trivial things as a bad server at Disneyworld. He’ll either takes matters higher or boycott the place, depending on his mood.
I’m a bit more emotional and vociferous, and find it more satisfying to air things face to face with the person who’s upset me.
D offered us free cheese, free coffee, free dessert. He seemed a bit panicky now!
We declined them all and I told him that all we ever wanted was good service – not free stuff!
When the check came I noticed he’d taken 25% off the final amount. We didn’t allude to it at all, neither did D. But I was pleased – it was a concession.
I too just wanted the evening to end now. I’d already decided to write the occasion off as one of those slightly farcical occasions, to look back at and have a bit of a laugh about in a bizarre, Basil Fawlty kind of way.
We’ll give the California Grill a miss in May.
Maybe our expectations were overly high, based on our wonderful experience in October 2005; which was impeccably perfect in every way.
Or maybe we did just have a crap waiter! ;)
To put things in perspective, with the extra 20% DDE discount, our meal actually cost about £60, and to be honest what food and wine we actually did have was well worth what we paid, and more.
Oh yes! Now let me tell you about the food!
Paul had the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli, served in a light tomato fondue and garnished with sun- dried tomatoes, pecorino cheese and fresh basil. It was soon gobbled up appreciatively!
I had the Frisee and Watercress Salad, with Blue Cheese, Poached Pear and raw apple.
It was ok, but I wouldn’t have it again.
The ingredients all complemented each other – or would have if there were enough of them present! Apart from an over-abundant forest of frisee!
There really wasn’t much cheese; about half a teaspoon, which I thought was rather mean. I couldn’t spot much watercress or really discern the orange vinaigrette either! There were some delicious fresh dates on the plate that I didn’t expect, and they tasted marvellous with what little cheese and poached pear there was.
Paul went on to have Roasted Eggplant Timbale with Israeli Couscous, Basil Oil, Spinach, Olives and Fennel-infused Tomato Broth.
What can I add? The title says it all really!
Well, I can always find something more to say about a dish…..
The aubergine could have been roasted a little longer to bring out the smoky flavour and the filling would have benefited from a bit more seasoning.
Oh and we’ve both decided we dislike Israeli couscous. It’s the shape and texture – a bit smaller than petit pois and slightly gummy. It seems to be very fashionable at the moment, but it makes me feel a slightly queasy.
There was a goodly measure of roasted fennel in the tomato broth, which Paul was pleased about as he’s a big fennel fan!
I had the Oak-Fired Fillet Steak and Tamarind BBQ Sauce, with Gorgonzola Cheese Gratin and Broccolini.
My steak was good, but not a patch on the oak-fired fillet I had at Citricos. It wasn’t as tender and it was actually slightly stringy. The BBQ sauce isn’t something I’d choose again. It had a very ‘in your face’ flavour and I’d expected something with a little more subtlety (it would make delicious BBQ ribs!)
The gorgonzola was noticeable only in the breadcrumb topping of the potatoes, which was fine, but I’d just imagined it to be blended with the cream in the potatoes. It was a nice twist on tradition and I’ll try it at home.
The broccolini was perfectly tender; I wished there’d been a bit more of it.
Reading my review back it sounds as if I wasn’t at all happy with my food. It was actually quite tasty and I did enjoy it, but I’d definitely choose differently another time.
Frisee salad
http://www.thedibb.co.uk/photopost/data/538/medium/Disney_Jan06_Res_053_Medium_.jpg
Goats Cheese Ravioli
http://www.thedibb.co.uk/photopost/data/538/medium/Disney_Jan06_Res_052_Medium_.jpg
Eggplant Timbale
http://www.thedibb.co.uk/photopost/data/538/medium/Disney_Jan06_Res_068_Medium_.jpg
Oak-Grilled Fillet Steak
http://www.thedibb.co.uk/photopost/data/538/medium/Disney_Jan06_Res_069_Medium_.jpg