We previously brought you the news that California Grill, one of Disney World’s most popular dining spots, will be closing for a major renovation on February 1.
The signature restaurant, located high atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort, will be closed until late summer. In the meantime, Chef Brian Piasecki is already busily creating a new menu that blends classic dishes with fresh updates. Thanks to Disney Parks Blog, we’re getting a few first looks at a few of the creations. First up: sushi!
Although Yoshie Cabral, the restaurant’s beloved sushi chef, is retiring, sushi will continue to play a big role on the menu.
New Sushi Creations
Some of the new items aren’t fish at all, but take their inspiration from traditional Japanese dishes, like Japanese-style Bone Marrow with Crunchy Panko and Sweet Onion Jam and Beef Tartare. I can’t wait to try these!
Traditionalists will also find Sea Urchin Nigiri with Mamanori (soybean paper), Salmon Roe and freshly grated Wasabi Root.
More New Sushi Options
Meat lovers will find plenty to tempt their palates, too. The 24-hour Braised Beef Short Rib with Truffle Whipped Potatoes, Vol-au-Vent (puff pastry) with Roasted Vegetables and Natural Jus really sounds — and looks — incredible.
24-Hour Braised Beef Short Rib
One of California Grill’s most famous dishes (and one of my favorites!), Pork and Polenta, will be updated to Pork Two Ways.
Luckily, the wood-grilled pork tenderloin will still be accented with that awesome goat cheese polenta. Braised, Lacquered Pork Belly with a side of Country Applesauce takes its place beside the re-imagined classic.
Pork Two Ways
We will bring you more details of the renovation as they unfold. We can’t wait to see what Chef Brian and the rest of the talented staff have in store for us!
What are you most looking forward to trying in the new California Grill? Tell us in comments below!
Other Posts You May Enjoy:
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Guest Review: California Grill at the Contemporary Resort -
Guest Review: California Grill at Disney World’s Contemporary Resort -
UPDATE: New California Grill Menu with Photos -
News! California Grill Menu and Epcot’s France Ice Cream Shop Menu Updates -
News! Temporary Closure in 2013 for Disney World’s California Grill
Im dying to know when they will re-open. Ill be there the first and second week of september and I want in!
This all looks amazing. As someone who has dined at CG for the past three years, and enjoyed an AMAZING meal here on my honeymoon last month, this is really, really exciting.
We were told by the chef that the new menu would focus on fresh fare with an experimental and cutting edge flair, and he was NOT lying. This looks perfect.
How do you choose between 24-hour braised short ribs and pork two ways (pork belly….mmmmm)?
Also excited to try the Japanese-style Bone Marrow with Crunchy Panko.
I will be visiting in September or October so hopefully I can add this to my list of restaurants to try.
Janel — Agreed! We will bring you the date just as soon as we have it!
Sean — We’ve had incredible experiences at California Grill as well, and can’t wait to see all the new menu changes. We are also really excited to see the new decor. It will be fantastic to see the new vision for California contemporary!
Mark — I know – tough choice for sure! Good luck with getting an ADR and let us know your thoughts when you visit!
All of that looks very good. IF they allow substitutions (allergic to mushroom) the 24 hour ribs seem lovely. I’m also excited to try the marrow. I’ve never seen that on a menu near me.
Looks good. Now I wait for being able to book it again!!
I would love to try the California grill but I have a very fussy diet. We are there end of September for our wedding anniversary, I’m looking forward to the rest of the menu publicised so I know if there will be something I can eat on it, especially as we are staying at BLT, would be a perfect excuse to go and try it out
This looks AMAZING!!! I can’t wait to try it out and I’m so glad pork and polenta is still on the menu!
Just as long as they bring back the Oak Fired Beef Filet we wont have no problems… just sayin…. but everything looks great so far!!
Do you know when they will begin taking reservations for September?