out and about: disney's grand californian hotel (GCH) craftsman bar
watermelon cucumber collins: tito's handmade vodka, watermelon juice, cucumber, watermelon syrup and lime juice
We just got back from spending two days at disneyland, to usher in the christmas holiday season. It was the perfect ending to our thanksgiving break, and a great way to spend time with the six of us, and to see some family friends who were also celebrating.
One of our very favorite haunts is the craftsman bar at the grand californian. It’s located outside the pool, has a great bar, and lots of comfy tables, couches, and chairs availible for reservations. It’s also right by the direct entrance to california adventure, so us adults like to spend sometime waiting while our kiddos check out grand rapids, and redwood adventure. Kids come in and out, they have tasty adult beverages, and everyone likes the food.
If you remember, I waxed poetic about the watermelon-cucumber collins so much the last time I was there, I made my own version at home. I order mine with gin (the traditional alcohol for a collins) since #vodkaallergy and I think it’s actually better this way. But what do I know, as I have nothing to compare it to.
baked nachos: choice of shredded beef or chicken, tortilla strips, cheese sauce, shredded cheese, black beans, green onions, pickled jalapeños, cilantro, queso fresco, avocado, crema, and salsa rojo
The nachos are always a hit… mine without beans, of course. I do think they could be a little more generous with the meat… but if you’re all about the cheese, these are definitely the nachos for you.
I prefer the chicken, but I have also heard a rumor that you can order both meats… at. the. same. time. So that’s worth a try, and may get you more meat for chip dipping pleasure.
sticky chicken wings: honey-soy-ginger-glazed, served with steamed calrose rice, and pickled cucumber slaw
offshoot hazy ipa draft
The wings were a new one for us this go round. But a pleasant try. They are giant and a hefty portion, so you definitely want them as a main course, or to split with the table.
A surprise hit was the slaw. While cucumbers aren’t the star of the slaw, as the name might lead you to believe, they definitely add a great bite to the slaw, and the dressing is spot on. I may have devoured all of it, and not shared. Which is quite rude, but it was simply that good.
The IPA was a new one as well, but well received. As was the fact they had modelo on the menu as well.
wagyu gouda burger: american wagyu patty, gouda, grilled red onion, lettuce, tomato, and preserved lemon aioli on a brioche bun served with seasonal fruit or seasoned fries. plant based burger available on request
This burger iteration was new to us this time as well… it’s been over a year since we got the burger, and it was different before. I really enjoyed the flavor profile… my only two comments were that I like my cheese more melted, and my patty more medium, not well.
They have also changed their fry style. They look like steak fries, but are super thin, and very crispy. Good, but takes some getting used to as you think you are going to eat a fry, and it tastes more like homemade potato chips. Just a little something to keep in mind.
poke bowl: choice of sushi grade tuna or salmon tossed in ponzu with cucumber, edamame, avocado, crab salad, green onions, radicchio, pickled seaweed, furikake and sriracha aioli, choice of calrose rice or mixed greens
They’ve changed a few things on the poke - added in crab salad, but the basic premise, and flavor is the same. And I can tell you that 5 out of the immediate 6 of us, order this on the regular. It’s that good. But in case you were wondering… order the tuna.
We go back next month, and I’m already jumping at the bit to see if there will be any new additions to the menu, or if I’m gonna go out on a limb and order the collins with a side of poke.