DJ's Restaurant Reviews
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It’s Really a Matter of Taste
by DJ

An enjoyable evening, weather was on the warm side, although the winds were rather brisk at times, as my friends and myself sat down to dinner at the Vineyard Room of the Golden Vine Winery at Disney's California Adventure. This was the first night of the new Spring Menu. Having no idea what to expect, although to be honest, Executive Chef Shannon Johnson has yet to let me down. He and his extremely competent staff have been doing a superb job of making dining at Disney an enjoyable experience since Disney took over the operation of the Winery.

Before I tell you of the wonders of the evening, let me begin by letting you know that I certainly don’t consider myself a food ‘snob’, just an individual who appreciates food prepped and presented in a way that is pleasing to look at and enjoyable to the palate (good food, good portions, reasonable prices). Everyone has their likes and dislikes for food items, and I want to tell you that this establishment (as any dining establishment of worth) should be willing to make ‘alterations’ to its menu to accommodate those who have special dietary requirements (although, at times it might be difficult if some items have to be prepped ahead of time) Now, on to the new menu.

The Vineyard Room has either a Three or Four Course price fixed menu. I suggest the three course, although if you are a ‘hearty’ eater, by all means go for the Four Course Not everyone at your table has to have a four course meal, the rest can have the three course. The same goes if you decide to have wine pairing, not everyone has to do it, you can just have it by the glass or none at all, they really want to accommodate everyone’s individual desires. The menu is easy, for the three course you pick one antipasto, either an item from the Pasta section or Specialty of the House section and a desert. The four course gives you an antipasto, something from both the Pasta and Specialty of the house sections and desert.

Since we were a party of four and enjoy sharing, we were able to have a taste of most of the new menu. It’s very creative. Beginning with the antipastos, we tried the fennel crusted yellow fin tuna, wine country platter, crispy soft shell crab, spring salad bundle and Ryan’s Rustic Pizzetta. Yes, I know, that’s five of them - I also ordered a soft shell crab as an item we can all share, and I enjoy soft shell crab. The presentation and taste of everything ordered was enjoyed by all - a nice start. Now, on to the entrées. From the Pasta section, one person had the Anolini (a pasta stuffed with tiger shrimp and sun chokes with blood orange and brown butter), from the Specialty of the House, two of us had the Truffled Porcini New York Steak and one individual had the combo of Pan Seared Lamb Chop and Braised Lamb Shank (yummy). All the side dishes were well thought out, and a nice compliment to their entrees. Everything was prepared as we asked, and portions were very reasonable (sometimes I think that stuffed pasta plates could have more on them). The consensus upon completion - all very pleased with their choice. There are even more ‘Specialty of the House’ selections yet to be tried on the next visit

Now the deserts - we seemed to either go for the Meyer Lemon Ice (with candied lemon zest and candied violets) or the Spring Berry Chiboust (almost like a marshmallow custard with berries), both excellent for sure. The third choice was a Bellwether Farms ricotta tart with semi-sweet chocolate and dried cranberries, sounded very good but no one seemed to be in a chocolate mood. I'll try it on my next visit. We all did the dinner with the wine pairings (when done right, a wine should both have a pleasing taste, and enhance the flavors of the meal) This season's pairings was put together by a group of the Vineyards newly registered sommeliers, and they were right on.

You certainly would be satisfied with any meal on this new menu with or without a wine. I sincerely hope that you will give this seasons menu a try, prices are very reasonable for what you get. Just the place to go for a special evening to celebrate anything.

The Golden Vine Winery. Located upstairs in the Golden Vine Winery district of Disney's California Adventure above the Wine Country Trattoria
Price: Three course menu $43. With wine pairings $62. Premium Annual Pass discount does apply

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-- DJ

-- Posted April 2, 2003