LP Lotion: A Preview of the New California Grill
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A re-imagined California Grill atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort is set to open in early-September with a new dining room and onstage kitchen, and a new menu. Designed by the Puccini Group in San Francisco, the new restaurant will feature a wall of wines at the entrance. Chef Brian Piasecki is also tweaking the menu to make it even more "upscale" (to use his term) including top-of-the-line sushi. I found it interesting that the Contemporary Grill, one of the Disney's signature restaurants, is going even more upscale as the most upscale in-park restaurant, Bistro de Paris, recently was rennovated (and renamed to Monsier Paul) to make it a little more accessible.

Here are a few more items gleaned from our interview with Chef Brian and General Manager Michael at a recent Walt Disney World media event:

• The layout will not be changed very much, but there will be more onstage features and a better arrival experience. There also will be all new furniture and equipment.
• The menu will be the same concept but even more upscale than before with clean, crisp fresh flavors
• When asked if The Wave (the casual restaurant at the Contemporary Resort) may have influenced the menu at all, the chef said the menu does use more sustainable items as The Wave is known for and that their seasonal, organic approach fits in here as well.
• Disney's Healthy Initiatives program also has an influence as shown with flavorings like citrus zest, fresh herbs and olive oil.

Videos

Click below to view the entire interview

The California Grill display at the media event
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Samples of the three-meat meatball
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Bar and Entrance
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Kitchen and Wine Room
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