July 2007 - California Grill

[Guest]

California Grill

Wishes was scheduled for 10pm this evening and the latest time we could get a reservation for was 6.40pm. So we were here for the food alone tonight.
We’ve seen our fair share of fireworks from here and although it’s an extra special treat, the delicious food is the real star of the show for us.
We checked in at the desk on the 2nd floor at 6.20pm and along with a small group of fellow diners, we were escorted up to the restaurant.
We were seated straight away at a table by the window. I must say it made a nice change to see the view in daylight.



We ordered our traditional Cosmopolitans (very good, but could have been a tad colder) and a bottle of San Pelligrino.
We prefer to have lime with our water, but it’s a nice touch when one is brought a choice of fresh cut lemons and limes.



Having perused the menu online the week previously, I was excitedly anticipating my starter of Crab Timbale with Pea Shoot Salad, but to my shock and horror it was nowhere to be seen on tonight’s menu.
I know the menu changes often and that’s a good thing - but why did this particular dish have to disappear? The one I'd been dreaming about as I wanted to sample it so much.
I was very disappointed, and I admit to having a little sulk at this point. If I couldn’t have the dish I’d been looking forward to for weeks, then I didn’t want anything!
(I know - embarrassingly spoilt in hindsight! )
Behaving badly is almost always a big mistake of course, and when Paul’s starter arrived I immediately got my appetite back and wanted to have a share.

It was a scrumptious salad of crisp, feathery Frisee lettuce, Heirloom Radishes, Pont Reyes Blue Cheese, toasted Walnuts and Masumoto Peaches.
It really was a fabulous combo – the organic peaches were the juiciest sweetest peaches ever and were a wonderful contrast to the creamy, salty cheese.
Oh how I regretted my sulky strop and wished I’d ordered one of my own!

I had a glass of one of my favourites - Clautiere Viognier, Paso Robles ‘05 and Paul had a glass of Chardonnay - Gary Farrell, Russian River ’04.
Both of which paired very well with the salad.

I see we didn’t take a photo of the bread tonight, but it was the usual tasty sourdough served with a bowl of fruity olive oil for dipping.






For the main course, Paul’s veggie dish was Gratinated Ricotta Gnocchi with Roasted Tomatoes, Wilted Arugula, Olive Tapenade and Aged Balsamic Vinegar.

The dish had lots of rustic and intense flavours.
The sweetness of the roasted baby tomatoes, the slight bitterness of the greens and the concentrated flavour of black olives/sun-dried tomatoes in the Tapenade made a punchy complement to the light, Ricotta cheese flavoured gnocchi.
The gnocchi were delicious and we both thought they looked and tasted more like a twice cooked soufflé than any gnocchi we’d ever eaten.
He was a bit daunted by the amount on the plate. I know things look better in threes presentation wise, but two would have been plenty!
Of course he ate them all – this is Paul we’re talking about!




I went for the classic dish of Oak- fired Filet of Beef with Teriyaki Barbecue sauce, Crushed Red Potatoes with Nueske’s Bacon and Green Beans.
Everything on the plate was gorgeous, but the standout for me was the potatoes. They were mixed with chopped onion, chives and that wonderful smoky bacon. I couldn’t stop once I’d started on them. The best potatoes of the holiday!
I filled up on them a bit too much though as, succulent and tender as it was, I couldn’t finish all of my steak.
I had the remaining third boxed up and popped it in the fridge as soon as we got home. Sliced very thinly and added to a small side salad it made a lovely light lunch the next day!
We each had a glass of Ehlers Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ‘04 which paired nicely with both of our meals.








No dessert for us, as we were determined to order the Cheese Plate tonight!

I wasn’t as impressed as I wanted to be to be honest.
But I’m sure that was partly because of the anticipation of dining here three times previously, looking forward to sampling the cheese, and then being too full up to order it.
Anyway it was still pretty good – just not as good as I’d hoped it would be.






From left to right (in the lower pic) the cheeses were Coloummier, Lionza, Flixer, Clochette and Hubbardson Blue.
The accompanying fruits, nuts and conserves paired very well with each cheese but by the time we got to the Hubbardson Blue my taste buds were becoming a bit bored.
I’m being critical here, but I wanted more contrast of flavour between the cheeses.
As I said before, I know the menu is constantly changing to incorporate seasonal produce and I certainly applaud that. I just wasn’t wild about the latest offering from the Fromagerie tonight!

We had a really good evening once again (despite my little sulk). Generally the food, wine and service were excellent and I’m sure we’ll give the Cheese Plate another try next time we come to the California Grill.
For we will return!

[Leanne1977]

I have been desperately waiting for this one!

OMG! How large is that veggie main! I will really struggle with that if thats on the menu.
The salad looks nice and fresh but its not my cup of tea so i hope the sonoma goat cheese ravioli is still on the menu.

My DH would be dribbling over your main course Sue!

Great review and i am really looking forward to dining here. Just out of interest, was there many children in the restaurant when you were there?

[Sue]

Yummy yummy report and pics Su - lol about your little strop, I can just see that bottom lip jutting out now

I'm so going to try this one next time.
I know what you mean about the cheese plates though, I enjoyed the one we had at Artist Point but felt that they could make so many more varied choices - they even looked the same (apart from the blue one!)

[Guest]

Leanne I can't see they will ever take the Goat's Cheese Raviloli off the menu.
Every time we've been we always notice loads of people ordering it. We both think it is lovely!


This time there were no children seated near us, but I think that's a first.
Although there are quite a few youngsters around for a signature restaurant, 25% ish on average, I've never had a prob with kids running around the restaurant or anything. Always been nice to see them enjoying nice food with the family

[Guest]

Originally Posted by Sue

Yummy yummy report and pics Su - lol about your little strop, I can just see that bottom lip jutting out now

See more...

It was too!

Can't wait to see what you think when you go Sue.
You in full planning mode now?

[Leanne1977]

Thanks Sue, thats great.
I am a bit of a worrier when it comes to taking the children to nicer restaurants. They are 4 and 6 at the moment so its pretty impossible to have them sit still and quiet for the duration of the meal.
I thought i might take a puzzle book each for them to do to keep them occupied.

DH thinks i expect too much of them and to be honest i think hes probably right.

Really looking forward to dining here, the view is beautiful.

[Bob_and_Dawn]

You have a right to sulk Su!
I hate it when I am expecting something on the menu just to find it had been discontinued or replaced.

Great food report as usual.

Bob

[Guest]

They look lovely lads to me, with a thoughtful Mum Leanne.
Nobody expects them to be all buttoned up and silent.
There's always lots going on around them to keep them amused and I've noticed the waitstaff are really good with the kids.

Stop worrying - Just go and enjoy!

[Leanne1977]

Originally Posted by mcsue

They look lovely lads to me, with a thoughtful Mum Leanne.
Nobody expects them to be all buttoned up and silent.
There's always lots going on around them to keep them amused and I've noticed the waitstaff are really good with the kids.

Stop worrying - Just go and enjoy!

See more...

Aww bless you Sue, you are very kind.

[TinkTatoo]

A first class review as always Su - what a shame about your starter, I'd have had a sulk too