Napa Rose at the Disneyland Resort

Napa Rose at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel

By: Nick Maglio, co-writer of the Disney Musings Blog

Last Friday I shared an excellent dining experience at the Carthay Circle Restaurant in Disney California Adventure. Today I'd like to share what was arguably an even better meal at Napa Rose at the Disney's Grand Californian Hotel at the Disneyland Resort.

I say arguably because our dining party, consisting of Barbie, her cousin Jill, Jill's husband Zach and me, literally couldn't agree on which meal was superior.

Let's look at this lovely establishment located at the equally beautiful Disney Grand Californian Hotel. As you enter, there is a lounge to the right.

 The dining room is warm and inviting, featuring an open kitchen.

 

 Barbie

There is a great wine selection, and Jill and Zach picked an excellent bottle for the table, Foxen Pinot Noir 2010.

For an appetizer, I had the Crepe Filled with Duck Confit and Swiss Chard, Carrot Puree and Pinot Noir Essence, $17.

Barbie had the Bellwether Farms Ricotta "Malfatti" Dumplings, Black Trumpet Mushrooms, Tuscan Kale and Blood Orange Vinaigrette, $17.

Zach had the Slowly Braised Kobe Beef Cheeks, with Parsnip Ravioli and Cabernet Broth, $20.

All of us loved our appetizers. As I was in a ducky mood, I continued with that theme with my even more wonderful entree, the Cedar Roasted Maple Leaf Duck Breast, Truffle Pumpkin Puree, Tree Mushrooms and Brown Butter Vinaigrette, $40.

Barbie and Zach had the  Sauteed Sustainable Fish of the Day - Roasted Golden Cauliflower Couscous and Cranberry-Walnut Pesto, $39, the fish that evening was Swordfish. This was Barbie's favorite dish of the entire trip, and that is saying something!

Zach also ordered the Truffled "Mac & Cheese" Orecchiette Pasta, with Parmigiano-Reggiano, $12 which was delicious, which he was kind enough to share, and it was delicious.

Jill had the Herb Roasted Colorado Rack of Lamb, Jalapeno Cheddar Pop-over, Roasted Root Vegetables and Sangiovese Jus, $44.

This was all outstanding. And I thought, "How could it get better?" Then, came the desserts!

Our Signature "Best Ever Hot Chocolate", Rich Scharffen Berger and Valrhona Manjari Chocolates with Fresh Doughnuts. $15 They even wrote Happy Anniversary on it, as Barbie and I were celebrating our wedding anniversary early. 3 months early, but still, celebrating none the less!

And yes, this may have been the best hot chocolate ever!

Warm Butterscotch Bread Pudding, Caramel Praline Ice Cream, Butterscotch Creme Anglaise. $12

They also brought this dessert out for our anniversary, a lovely surprise.

And speaking of lovely surprises, Jill and Zach surprised us by picking up the tab! Thank you again Jill and Zach!

Barbie, me, Jill, and Zach

Okay, I think looking back, and recalling the absolutely wonderful experience this was, I am going to give this the edge over Carthay Circle as best meal of the trip. 

This was originally posted on the Disney Musings Blog, which Nick co-writes with his wife Barbie. 

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