New Napa Rose menu posted

[cstephens]

We have reservations for seats 5-8 on Sunday, July 24th and I'm hoping Chef Sutton will be there.

Unfortunately, it's pretty customary for executive chefs to have Sunday and possibly Monday off. The best days are usually Wednesday through Saturday since they're preparing for and serving the larger weekend crowds, though I've been there on a Friday or Saturday night and Chef Sutton hasn't been there because he has another commitment.

I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time nonetheless.

[disneyland addict13]

Thanks so much for the quick responses! I feared that Sunday might be one of his usual days off, but oh well! We've really enjoyed our times there with Chef Alex, and I'm positive it will be an amazing meal no matter what. Next time we visit (which should be soon because we just bought our first Annual Passes!), I'll be sure to make reservations for one of the days you mentioned that we would be more likely to find Chef Sutton in the kitchen.

[KarenW2]

While CS has never been working the times we've been to NR on a Sunday night, we have been well cared for and entertained by Chef Gloria and Chef Alex! They are both very warm and caring people, who definitely want their guests to enjoy a wonderful dining experience and the rest of the "cast" has never disappointed us!

I hope you have a great time there!

We're looking forward to our next NR dinner, during the D23 Expo next month!

[laurawill]

Do they offer a discount an AP discount at Napa Rose? We are getting AP's early next year and the discount would make it easier to not put off our first Napa Rose visit

PS Sorry if this too off topic, I thought it might belong here.

[Malcon10t]

Do they offer a discount an AP discount at Napa Rose? We are getting AP's early next year and the discount would make it easier to not put off our first Napa Rose visit

There is no discount for AP holders.

[cstephens]

Do they offer a discount an AP discount at Napa Rose?

They used to offer an AP discount, but they discontinued that about two years ago.

[missm]

I have heard everyone talk about how fabulous Napa Rose is and am thinking about going there for dinner on our next trip. My question is that I think the hot stone appetizer looks fantastic but wonder if it's considered a faux pas to order just an appetizer. I'm sure the answer will be no but I don't want to make anyone mad at the restaurant. I wish I was adventurous in my eating and could order the four course meal but I don't see that happening to be honest. I have come a long, long way in 10 years though. I used to pretty much only eat hamburgers and other so called "normal" food. I was reading through the thread and saw that some picky eaters go to Napa Rose successfully, what's your trick?

[SigalTchelet]

You can always eat at the lounge. I am like you-not adventurous in new foods. My bff and I went to the lounge for her birthday in May and just had dessert. It was delicious and so much fun.

[adriennek]

I have heard everyone talk about how fabulous Napa Rose is and am thinking about going there for dinner on our next trip. My question is that I think the hot stone appetizer looks fantastic but wonder if it's considered a faux pas to order just an appetizer. I'm sure the answer will be no but I don't want to make anyone mad at the restaurant. I wish I was adventurous in my eating and could order the four course meal but I don't see that happening to be honest. I have come a long, long way in 10 years though. I used to pretty much only eat hamburgers and other so called "normal" food. I was reading through the thread and saw that some picky eaters go to Napa Rose successfully, what's your trick?

Ok, missm, you have come to the RIGHT PLACE. I'm telling you, we will get anyone to go to Napa Rose here and MousePlanet. We have a reputation to maintain!!!!

Let's start off with this: I have a clarifying question because I want to give you good advice. If you went to NR, would your entire party "only" (your words) order one appetizer? Just checking. Might each person order one appetizer? Or maybe might one order two things and the other only one? Or hey, might you order an appetizer AND a dessert. (Because, really, I mean, how picky are you about dessert? They can go as simple as some fantastic ice creams...) Again, I'm just clarifying, not criticizing. I'm looking to be inviting and helping you create Napa Rose MAGIC.

Next up: "What's Your Trick?" Speaking Up!!!!

See, in my experience, just about every person who works at Napa Rose wants you to enjoy it as much as we Napa Rose fans want you to. And I think the LIKE getting the non-adventurous eaters to try newer things and get out of their comfort zones and then find out, HEY! That was pretty good!!

So I think that, for me, the trick is to just be honest and forthright with your servers and do not be worried that they're going to judge you or not like you or make fun of you or spit in your food. Because... they won't! They want to make you happy. This is not some pretentious gastro pub that thinks that the only people who should eat in their restaurants are other pretentious people. If you go into Napa Rose and say to them what you just said to us: "I have to be honest, I'm a bit of a picky eater but I'm working on it and those lovely people at MousePlanet just talk SO much about your restaurant that I had to come here and try it. But can you help me find something that I will like?" They will love to help you. Especially if you say the part about "lovely people at MousePlanet." That's really important. Don't forget the word "lovely". Or you could try "Delightful" "Friendly" or even "Charming". I was so CHARMED by the die-hard Napa Rose lovers at MousePlanet that I HAD to come here.

So. All that said. If you're going to "just" order an appetizer and maybe a dessert - I don't know if you'll feel more comfortable in the Lounge but that's definitely an option. The service can get slower there when its busy because they're really more focused on getting drinks to people who are waiting to be seated and there tends to be a lower wait-staff to table ration than there is in the dining room.

I have gone to Napa Rose fully intending to not order the full course meal and have eaten in the dining room. You will NOT be the first person to do that.

But if you're going to order DESSERT, too, hey, you just made it TWO courses!

[missm]

It would be at least one appetizer and definitely desert for both. Rick is much more adventurous so he would most likely order dinner. Heck I would probably order dinner too now that I know they are non judgmental about picky-ness. I'm not so out of control picky that I won't try things. I am just not a game eater. It's weird I'm not because where I live everyone grows up eating venison, duck, etc.

When we go I will most definitely say the lovely people at Mouseplanet sent me!

[bennette]

They always have some kind of steak.

It may not be on the menu but they have a roast chicken, mashed potatos, and green bean dinner for the very non adventerous. It's huge, though.

The only item I've seem them not make is a baked potato. In their defense, they are not a steak house; the night it was crazy busy in the lounge, where the requestor was; AND she was bat crazy, compaining about everything and making extreme requests, such as a hot dog for her unhappy daughter who hated being there. (I gently suggested they try Storyteller's for something more in line with their needs and pocketbook but they wouldn't go.) Napa made them reasonably happy but drew the line at baked potato for some reason.

[leota's necklace]

Frankly, I wouldn't have made one for her either, if it meant that her cranky butt was going to hang around the Lounge an hour while it baked.

But missm, GO! Let your server know that you're special, but willing to make an effort. They will do their best to make you happy.

[bennette]

Frankly, I wouldn't have made one for her either, if it meant that her cranky butt was going to hang around the Lounge an hour while it baked.

They have a convection oven. It wouldn't have taken that long. I think it was the only time I saw a request go to the chef and come back with a "no."

She claimed her doctor had put her on a diet fifteen years ago where the only dinner she could eat was steak, a baked potato, and spinach. She wouldn't try the vegetable of the day so they did get her some spinach (which she then complained about regarding the portion size); her steak came in a delicious pinot noir reduction which she doused with A-1 (kinda wondered how that tasted); and the chef definitively said no to a baked potato. They offered their garlic mashed potatoes and one other potato and she said no to both. It had to be a baked potato (presumably her diet included sour cream and chives but I did not ask). So she went without.

This is the same woman who was preparing to show me the videotape of her daughter's funeral when her food arrived and saved me from the experience. (Thanks AGAIN table mates for not noticing or rescuing me; no, I'm never going to let go of this one.)

Anyway, no way is missm going to be that hard to please! I will say her husband really enjoyed his meal and actually lingered long enough to have an extra beer.

[missm]

I love seafood, beef, pork, and poultry so I think I'll be okay. The menu just looks so intimidating. I know that Rick will love it though because he will eat pretty much anything. Neither of us like the texture of mushrooms but I do cook with them for flavor. I saw a lot of mushrooms on the menu but I will just push them to the side. I really want to go for the wine. And that hot plate appetizer. Is that an all the time thing on the menu?

I am excited now. I'll have to come back (in four months!) with a review.

[adriennek]

I love seafood, beef, pork, and poultry so I think I'll be okay. The menu just looks so intimidating. I know that Rick will love it though because he will eat pretty much anything. Neither of us like the texture of mushrooms but I do cook with them for flavor. I saw a lot of mushrooms on the menu but I will just push them to the side. I really want to go for the wine. And that hot plate appetizer. Is that an all the time thing on the menu?

I am excited now. I'll have to come back (in four months!) with a review.

Yes, the hot sizzling rock thing is ALWAYS on the menu.

Yeah for excitement!!! (And remember, tell them, "The LOVELY people at MousePlanet convinced me that y'all are SO wonderful that you'll help me LOVE this meal because they're so crazy fanatical about this place." They'll totally understand. You totally talk like that, right?)

If you love seafood, beef, pork and poultry, I know they'll be able to make you something you'll like. See, me? I don't love fish. Like, at all. I like shrimp and lobster. And scallops. I'm not a fan of crab. And I don't like fish. But at Napa Rose, they get this beautiful fish and they make it so well that I LIKE fish there. (Although I'm not as much a fan of firmer fish. That I've learned.)

Get a table and yes, we totally want a trip report!!

[adriennek]

I am excited now. I'll have to come back (in four months!) with a review.

Hi, I'm back.

A couple of things: If you're going in 4 months, that's December? Make sure you get your reservations early. The holidays can be harder to get a reservation. I've waited too long at times and couldn't even get a table.

[missm]

Hi, I'm back.

A couple of things: If you're going in 4 months, that's December? Make sure you get your reservations early. The holidays can be harder to get a reservation. I've waited too long at times and couldn't even get a table.

I am going to reserve on October 6th for us to go December 6th. It's a Tuesday. Woo hoo!

[adriennek]

I am going to reserve on October 6th for us to go December 6th. It's a Tuesday. Woo hoo!

Perfect.

[chahn]

*sigh* I just read through this thread to see the summer menu and now I want to go back! We had the spring menu when we went for the first time in June. I had DH at "Cracked pepper filet". The last time I ordered a salad, the truffled mac & cheese and a dessert and that was just the right amount of food for me to not be too stuffed (there may have been a few bites off other plates . Once we get confirmation that we're going on our quick overnight visit (next week!) for sure, I think I may have a phone call to make.

[adriennek]

Once we get confirmation that we're going on our quick overnight visit (next week!) for sure, I think I may have a phone call to make.

You THINK? You know you wanna. Your line can be "Those dangnabit enablers over at MousePlanet made me do it."

You're welcome.

[stan4d_steph]

I wish DL would make the menu available online, like they have at many other properties. It would be easier to keep on top of the seasonal changes.

[cstephens]

I wish DL would make the menu available online, like they have at many other properties. It would be easier to keep on top of the seasonal changes.

I've asked many, many times, especially since the Vintner's Menu changes on a weekly basis. For whatever reason, they just don't seem interested in doing it.

[Malcon10t]

I've asked many, many times, especially since the Vintner's Menu changes on a weekly basis. For whatever reason, they just don't seem interested in doing it.

I think because it does change so often, it would be a nightmare to keep up. Many of the DL menus are online now, but NR is one of the few that isn't. Maybe it will be in the future.

[leota's necklace]

I love seafood, beef, pork, and poultry so I think I'll be okay. The menu just looks so intimidating. I know that Rick will love it though because he will eat pretty much anything. Neither of us like the texture of mushrooms but I do cook with them for flavor. I saw a lot of mushrooms on the menu but I will just push them to the side. I really want to go for the wine. And that hot plate appetizer. Is that an all the time thing on the menu?

I am excited now. I'll have to come back (in four months!) with a review.

Don't forget, the menu is very seasonal, so what's available now (besides the hot rock and some other standards) will might not appear then. So it might not be as mushroom-intensive, for example.

As for the intimidation factor: it helps to read and then translate into Real English, you know? You start getting caught up with all the terminology and then decide "um, I'll just have a burger", but all those words mean delicious stuff if you think about it. If you find yourself glazing over, just break it down and you will find yourself saying "well, that's just meatloaf with tiny tender potatoes and what is going to be a really yummy ketchup, YES PLEASE." And the waitstaff is always willing to explain things and make suggestions, it's what they love to do.

[adriennek]

I wish DL would make the menu available online, like they have at many other properties. It would be easier to keep on top of the seasonal changes.

I didn't realize how often the menu changes until I was talking to someone with a connection to the staff. She explained that they don't just "put out" a new menu, but they roll it out, adding and taking off items here and there, even besides the Vintner's Menu. I suspect that's part of the problem.

My other guess is that while most of us would really appreciate just an idea of what's on the menu, some people get really upset if they see something online and then get to the restaurant and find out that what was online isn't there in person. (:cough: Matterhorn :cough: Hey, I mean it nicely!!)

Even if they posted "This is just a sample menu as our menu adjusts regularly as the availability of fresh ingredients fluctuates," you know people will get upset. It's like when someone finds an old MousePlanet page archived online and then gets upset at Disney that a price list from 2003 is no longer current.

I agree it would be nice if they could find a way to do it.