OK, I will try this again. For some reason I can't seem to get my California Grill review to post.
After resting and changing into our fancier duds, we we picked up the crew and headed to California Grill. My main goal in California Grill was to see the fireworks from the California Grill outdoor Bridge. This View is so special to me. I was especially excited because there was a new firework show. When I called to make the reservation, yes I still call at times, I asked what time the fireworks would be starting. I was told 10 p.m., so I made a 9:30 reservation. As Mike and a were dropping us off at the front of the Contemporary, I hear a boom! The fireworks were starting at 9. I was so disappointed. We stayed and watched the fireworks in front of the Contemporary, but Mike and A missed them while they parked the car.
Once the fireworks were over, we made our way to California Grill check-in. I told the hostess that we were late because we watched the fireworks. I also let her know that we were told the fireworks would be at 10. She shuttled us quickly into the elevator. In the elevator, we met two couples who were also told that the fireworks would begin at 10 pm. Reservations need to get their schedules straight.
I seriously needed a drink by this point, and I got a serious drink. Z and I ordered the Cosmopolitan Martini. I have loved the California Grill Cosmo for years. Unfortunately, while still very good, this one did not match my prior experiences. When I say a serious drink, I mean serious. This was almost entirely made from vodka. I could not taste any of the typical Cointreau or cranberry juice. Just look in the picture below and see how pink this Cosmo is. It barely had any of the beautiful red color it normally has. While I drink vodka straight, I am not certain Z loved it so much. I had been pumping this up for years, only to let him down. The rest of the table had Bella Glos Pinot Noir by Clark & Telephone. You have to love the name. This was a very good pinot noir. It was light and fruity, but not too light or too fruity. This was just right.
On to the food. One reason I always go to California Grill in May is because it is soft shell crab season. No one does soft shell crab like California Grill! Unfortunately, I can't find my photo, so you will have to just imagine it. We received two crabs lightly breaded and fried to a golden luscious brown. The creamy buttery taste of the crab was terrific. It had a slight glaze on it that was reminiscent of a sweet chili sauce. This had just enough spice to it to give a little kick without overpowering the scrumptious delicate soft shell crab. Trust me, this was perfect yummy goodness. We tend to order appetizers and sushi here, not entrees.
A had the BLT flatbread.. I think.
BLT Flatbread - heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, cherrywood bacon jam, tomato mayonnaise, arugula. I couldn't find a picture of this either, but found an old one I had previously downloaded. I love the flat breads at California Grill. They are so big and easily shareable. This one was no different.
S & R felt like having dessert. They had the
Warm Valrohna Chocolate Cake - vanilla bean ice cream, milk chocolate whipped panna cotta, cashew clusters. Again, I have to use an old picture because I can't find mine. I didn't try this, is it was pretty small to share. Also, I was too busy sucking up my second Cosmo, then another glass of wine, then my scrumptious Soft Shell crab. They really seemed to like it though
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Z and I also each got dessert, which we shared with the rest of the table. As we were celebrating my birthday in a few days, and Z 's graduation from college, they brought us out an adorable Boston cream cupcake. It was a yellow cake with smooth cream in the middle and piled on top covered in chocolate ganache frosting. This was really good as well. This was a very nice dessert to receive for our celebration.
At some point, Mike and I went onto the bridge to view the New Castle show, where images are shown on the castle. This was another letdown, as we really could not discern what was being projected on the castle. We only saw a change of colors.
Overall, California Grill with another win for us. We are skipping it next time, but I'm sure we will be back soon.