2016 - March 16th - 42nd Anniversary at Carthay Circle

We have wanted to dine at California Adventure's Carthay Circle Restaurant for a long time. It is the highest style restaurant in the park so no better opportunity to splurge than our 42nd Wedding Anniversary. We made our reservations a month or so ago and arrived at the park earlier to see some sights, grab a ride and shop a little.
               
For anyone that has not been to California Adventure's at the Disneyland Resort, Carthay Circle Restaurant is at the end of Main Street where the spokes to the various lands take off. Carthay Circle Restaurant is located on the second floor of the iconic reproduction of the Carthay Circle Theatre. The original Carthay Circle Theatre played a very significant role in the life of Walt Disney; it was the location where his first feature-length film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, premiered in 1937. The décor of Carthay Circle Restaurant reflects the romance and refinement of Hollywood's Golden Age, including references to the accomplishments of Walt Disney and his original animators.

We wanted to dine here so that we could see and enjoy the 1930s interior of this re-creation of the Carthay Circle cinema where Snow White premiered in 1937. It was no disappointment - many lovely details of the architecture, decor and soft furnishings (velvet drapes).


               
We discovered a classic movie palace where food is the star! Carthay Circle Restaurant serves exceptional modern cuisine that pays tribute to the bold and diverse flavors of Southern California - with a strong emphasis on contrasting flavors, innovative cooking techniques and fresh locally sourced ingredients. The privilege of a splendid dinner at Carthay Circle was superb! The setting couldn't have been more divine: a replica of the Carthay Circle Theatre replete with old Hollywood charm. We had a table for two window-side, outlooking the balcony and the park. Our server was excellent and always present for any need.
               
Wishing we had Ray (our English cousin wine connoisseur!) with us to help select the wine, we were pleased with our server's suggestion of a Riesling German wine by Dr. Loosen that had the fruity sweet feel of a White Zinfandel to start our dinner. The menu selections are outstanding and make a difficult choice!
               
We decided to start with sharing a basket of the Carthay Signature Fried Biscuits ... stuffed with White Cheddar, Bacon and Jalapeno, with a side of Apricot Honey Butter. The creaminess of the melted cheese and ingredients with the crunchy exterior of the warm fried biscuits was delicious!
For appetizers, Mary Anne had Roasted Cauliflower Pear Salad with Toasted Barley and Miso-Orange Vinaigrette while Larry chose the Blue Crab Lettuce Cups with Ginger, Soy, Romaine and House-made Sambal. These were not only works of art, but full flavor bites dancing in our mouths!
                          
Our dinner entrees were pure delights. Mary Anne selected the Salmon - Fish of the Day with Roasted Cauliflower, Pear Onions, with Tangerine-Jalapeño Salsa. Larry's selection was the tasty Crisp Duck Confit with Chestnut Gnocchi, Parsnips, Apples, and Wilted Spinach. What Heavenly entrees they were!
               
               
What a wonderful time and experience to add to our memories celebrating these Fabulous 42 Years!