Recently, we asked our Facebook fans, “What’s your favorite restaurant — past or present — at the Contemporary?”
Not surprisingly, California Grill was a top pick, with 10 votes from our fans. Sitting atop the resort, the current signature dining option at the Contemporary is very popular, and a personal favorite of mine, too. Great sushi and flatbreads, inventive appetizers and entrees, an array of desserts and a wonderful wine selection — topped off with a viewing of Wishes. What more could you ask for?
Another current restaurant that received a few votes was The Wave, with 2 votes. Melissa G. said, “The food is amazing, the bar is awesome and the decor of the place is top notch.” Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Wave is known for a sustainable, fresh menu and its screw-top wine selection. If you haven’t been yet — go!
Moving on to restaurants of the past, the Concourse Steakhouse tied California Grill in our poll, with 10 votes as well. Patty S. said, “Best food — I miss it. Chef Mickeys is great for the kids but the Steakhouse was the best all around for everyone.” Open from August 1994 to May 2008, the Concourse Steakhouse was open recently enough for a lot of folks to remember it fondly. Contempo Cafe now stands in Concourse Steakhouse’s place.
Heading back further in time, Top of the World is another nostalgic favorite, with 4 votes in our poll. Open until September 1993 in the current home of California Grill, Top of the World was a classic dinner show, with live entertainment and dancing. Walt Dated World reports that the entertainment charge for this show in 1981 was $7.50 for adults and $3.75 for children age 3-11. Diana S. said, ” I thought I was so cool when eating cold strawberry soup.”
And finally, the Gulf Coast Room received a vote in our poll, too. It closed in 1988 and was one of the few restaurants that required jackets for men, along with Top of the World. Amy S. said, “It was such a special, fancy place. The servers were so professional. I still have a souvenir matchbook from my evening there. Does anyone remember the man who came to your table to play the ukulele and show pictures of his Pride and Joy? Loved him!” We found a fun post at parkeology.com about the Gulf Coast Room. Amy, it appears the ukelele player was named Carlos!
What’s your favorite restaurant at the Contemporary Resort, past or present? Leave a comment below!
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