Napa Rose still awesome!!

[worldfanatic]

The wife and I just returned from a quick trip to DLR.
We didn't stay at the Grand Californian this time, instead opting for the Super 8 because we'll be staying at the VGC for a couple nights in February. But as usual, we still spent some time there. It was packed with people and the holiday atmosphere was great. In fact, as we first entered the resort, we were greeted by a group of Disney carolers in front of the giant Xmas tree in the lobby. Fantastic!

Our Xmas present to each other this year was a dinner at the Napa Rose. The atmosphere, food, and service was perfect as ever.
I ordered the Cioppino which was great. My wife decided to order the Holiday Goose. Well those of you that have tried goose know it tastes very similar to turkey. My wife is not a big fan of turkey.
She didn't really think about it before ordering and was disapointed when she had her first taste. I think she kind of felt dumb also.

Well gentleman that I am, I exchanged my seafood for her goose and we were both happy. Napa Rose's presentation and sauces make any dish delicious and I devoured it happily. Our Seared Ahi appetizer was also amazing and a couple cocktails made it a perfect experience.

As a bonus, we were seated by the back windows for the first time and noticed that the monorail quietly whizzes by outside the restaurant as it makes its way through the interior of the GC, VERY COOL!! In fact, after I noticed it, Tracy said that I stopped looking at her during the meal, instead fixing my eyes out the window for a view of the monorail whizzing by in the dark.
What can I say?It's probably true.

I just wanted to boost the Napa Rose again to anybody who may be out visiting the DLR.
Obviously, it's not cheap, our bill with tip came out to just over $150. But it is a perfect place for a special occasion.

[madoka]

So glad you had yet another great experience at the Napa Rose, Jeff. It is a must-do for us as well. It is a wonderful restaurant, by far the best at DLR. Samantha Brown even said it's her favorite Disney restaurant at either DLR or WDW. I saw the holiday goose featured on the Disneyland special with Guy Fieri and so wished I could try it. Next year!

I would love to hear someone compare NR to the Cali Grill in terms of the food. I've not been to Cali Grill but everyone seems to love it. I think the cuisine is similar at both and the prices are comparable too?

[idratherbeinwdw]

I have been to Cali grill twice and napa once. I thought Napa was by far superior. The service at CG is spotty, and the food, while good quality, is not as equisitely prepared as it is at Napa Rose. I was just there in November, and I can honestly say it was the best Disney Dining experience I ever had. Best food quality, best preparation and best service. In the interest of full disclosure, I have not done V&A.

Jeff I am so glad you had a wonderful time at your dinner.

[DisneyGeek]

Glad you had such a wonderful time, and I can't wait to try NR someday! And the WDW monorail is a big part of why I bought @ BLT; I could TOTALLY see my attention being drawn outside like that!

My currently plan is to try for Chef's Table (or whatever they call it) for my birthday on Oct. 19, 2010. I'll be turning 35, so it isn't a mile marker age, but BD none the less and it will be during our first stay @ VGC [We did 2 nights in 2008 at the hotel on DPs and loved that]. DVC ressie done; waiting for 60 day mark to call for ADR @ NR! I need to add some more abbrevistions...

Anyway, my only worry (other than not getting a ressie or (gasp) having to cancel the trip for some reason!) is that the chef might be upset if I ask for no fish/seafood or organ meat (liver, etc.)... Then again, I also like my meat prepared well done, so I guess I should be used to angering the kitchen in resturaunts.

Guess we'll just see what the future holds!

[madoka]

Originally Posted by DisneyGeek

Anyway, my only worry (other than not getting a ressie or (gasp) having to cancel the trip for some reason!) is that the chef might be upset if I ask for no fish/seafood or organ meat (liver, etc.)... Then again, I also like my meat prepared well done, so I guess I should be used to angering the kitchen in resturaunts.

When you call for your Chef's Counter ressie, ask to be transferred to the Napa Rose directly. They do the bookings for the Chef's Counter. DLR Dining only handles regular table ressies. I personally prefer seats 5-8 to the right of the pass. That puts you in view of the grill and meat station as well as the dessert station. You should have no problems at all getting a ressie. ADRs (or really Priority Seating as they are called at DLR) are much much easier to come by at DLR than at WDW. No getting up at the crack of dawn on the 180 day mark to call type of craziness needed.

The chefs will be happy to accommodate all of your dining preferences. In the non-seafood realm I highly recommend the duck breast and venison. Also had a great stuffed quail there recently. We also really enjoyed the tagliatelle with lamb sauce, and a friend (who is also in the well-done camp) raved and raved about his steak. I have never seen offal served at NR so no worries there.

When you dine at the Chef's Counter, you can ask the chefs to completely customize your menu, a different taste at each course for each member of your party, even better than the Vintner's Menu! This is what we've always done. They will ask you questions about your preferences to ensure you only receive items that you will enjoy. You can also take a look at the regular menu before going in and ask for specific items you find interesting to be included in your tasting menu.

Lastly I encourage you to try the wine pairing. It's a pretty good deal at $45 pp, and their staff is extremely knowledgeable about wine.

Enjoy!

[worldfanatic]

Originally Posted by madoka

I would love to hear someone compare NR to the Cali Grill in terms of the food. I've not been to Cali Grill but everyone seems to love it. I think the cuisine is similar at both and the prices are comparable too?

I'd have to agree with Mar that Napa Rose is clearly superior in food and service.
I've also noticed the service at CG can sometimes be rushed or not quite complete. Something I could never imagine happening at NR.

But as is quite obvious, that view at the CG is pretty close to unbeatable for any restaurant, in or out of the World.
It's still a favorite of mine.

[DisneyGeek]

It all sounds great- I can't wait!!!

Originally Posted by madoka

Lastly I encourage you to try the wine pairing. It's a pretty good deal at $45 pp, and their staff is extremely knowledgeable about wine.

DW & I aren't big wine drinkers but I do enjoy sampling things in very small amounts; we've enjoyed splitting a few "wine flights" (and even a beer one!) on our last two WDW trips, getting only a few sips of each flavor per person. Do you think they would mind us splitting a "pairings" between us???

[madoka]

Originally Posted by DisneyGeek

DW & I aren't big wine drinkers but I do enjoy sampling things in very small amounts; we've enjoyed splitting a few "wine flights" (and even a beer one!) on our last two WDW trips, getting only a few sips of each flavor per person. Do you think they would mind us splitting a "pairings" between us???

Not at all. This is what we do as well since I'm a very light drinker (even one whole glass of wine can make me ill). I have a couple sips of each from DH's glass.

If you ask, they will also write down the names and vintages of each wine on a NR note card so that can make for a nice souvenir. Enjoy!

[DisneyGeek]

This just keeps sounding better and better! thanks everyone for all the tips.