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View Full Version : Club 33 Dining Review – Friday, October 28th, 2005



Osky
11-08-2005, 12:30 AM
On our recent trip to Disneyland, I had the opportunity to treat my wife and parents to a fabulous dinner at Club 33. My twin sister accompanied us on our trip, and offered to watch our kids that evening so that we could have a nice “adult” evening out. I had intentionally asked for a reservation as late as possible with the hopes that my kids would sleep most of the time. Unfortunately they did not, but they were angels nonetheless. Dinner was scheduled at 8:00, and it seemed like time was standing still. Days typically go buy quickly in the Happiest Place on Earth, except for when you are waiting to dine at Club 33.

After a hectic day in the park that involved annual pass processing for my son (standing in that line with a three-year-old boy that cannot sit still, and then explaining to him that we were not in line for a ride… Not fun!), it was finally time to get ready for dinner. I had asked my parents and wife to bring something semi-formal out of respect for the club, and because it would be fun. We left our room at the Disneyland Hotel at 7:15, and we arrived at the infamous green door at 7:45. I had planned extra time to cope with the crazy lines at the bag check due to the Halloween party at Disney’s California Adventure, but it turned out to be not so bad.

At 7:45, I lifted the little brass plate and pushed the buzzer with much excitement, only to have them tell me that they were not ready for us yet. We were asked to come back in fifteen minutes, so we browsed through the shops in New Orleans Square. Apparently, park guests are not used to seeing other guests wearing slacks and a blazer. I had to answer, “No, I do not work here” a few times. Note to those who may be reading this, cast members wear nametags; even the executives.

When 8:00 rolled around, I was back on that buzzer like an anxious five-year-old on Christmas presents. We were escorted inside, but we still had to wait as our table was not quite ready. Once on the other side of the green door, it is amazing how quiet it is. The hustle and bustle and the noise that was just a few feet away were instantly imperceptible once that door shut. We engaged in some idle conversation with the hostess and a couple of other waiting parties as we checked out the lobby. After what seemed like forever, but in reality was about five minutes, the staff upstairs called down for us. The rest of my party decided to take the lift, but I chose to take the stairs.

Once upstairs, we were seated in the corner of the main dining room, next to the door to the balcony. The door was open for most of the evening and we enjoyed the music from New Orleans Square, as well as the Fantasmic! score. Alistair introduced himself as our server for the evening, and explained the menu to us. Let me say now that Alistair provided us with excellent service. In fact, I cannot remember better service anywhere. After examining the menu and ordering some alcoholic libations (what a wonderful treat it is to have a cocktail while in Disneyland), we decided on the Vintner Prix Fixe meal.

Prior to bringing out our first course, we were treated to a little finger food compliments of the chef. I didn’t quite catch what it was, but I did make out “dill cake”. What ever it was, it was pretty tasty. Our first course was Caesar Salad with Roasted Garlic Dressing and Olive Tepanade. Quite tasty as far as salads go. Once we were finished, out came our second course, which was definitely the best of the five: Seared Rare Ahi over Lump Crab and a Shiitake Emulsion. I cannot say enough about how fantastic this was. Everyone in our group agreed that this was simply fantastic.

Our third course followed, and was comprised of a Grilled Hanger Steak cooked to order, Pomme Frites, and a Rosemary Hollandaise Sauce. This was excellent, but I would rather have had a second round of the second course. The bar was set so high in round two, it would be nearly impossible to surpass.

The fourth course was a Regional Artisan Cheese plate with fresh peach slices, and for dessert, California Strawberry Tart with Mascarpone and Champagne Sorbet. Dessert was also beyond expectation. Simply divine!

After dessert, we took our time enjoying our drinks and soaking in the atmosphere. We took one last look around, and headed on out for a late night ride on the Haunted Mansion Holiday in semi-formal attire, and then back to the hotel for the evening. I had pretty high expectations for dinner before arriving at Club 33, and those expectations were exceeded in every way. I cannot say enough about the food and the club staff. I would also like to extend the most heartfelt thank you to our host who made the evening possible.

http://grundler.smugmug.com/photos/43230327-S.jpg

Opus1guy
11-08-2005, 12:55 AM
:)

It's when I read reviews like this, that my mouth starts to water and my fingers start to want to dial my friend who can make me a reservation.

Osky
11-08-2005, 01:07 AM
Oh man. It was fantastic. I now know a club member (met one under unusual circumstances a few months back) and will probably occasioanlly inquire about a reservation, but I hope my name comes up soon so I don't have to trouble others. If I was a current member, I would probably eat there a couple times a month. :eek:

SandraVB79
11-08-2005, 01:43 AM
OMG!!!! Lucky you!!!

After reading this review, I am really up to anything to get a reservation at Club 33!! Ok, let those indecent proposals come!
(But don't forget, I have to be 15 hours on an air plane before I get there, don't make that reservation for sinner tonight!)

geoffa
11-08-2005, 01:46 AM
OMG!!!! Lucky you!!!

After reading this review, I am really up to anything to get a reservation at Club 33!! Ok, let those indecent proposals come!
(But don't forget, I have to be 15 hours on an air plane before I get there, don't make that reservation for sinner tonight!)

"Sinner" tonight? Is that on the menu? LOL:cool:

SandraVB79
11-08-2005, 01:54 AM
"Sinner" tonight? Is that on the menu? LOL:cool:

Of course :D

cstephens
11-08-2005, 07:48 AM
Thanks for the review! Sounds great.

Vegitabeta
11-08-2005, 09:19 AM
I'm jealous! lol. Wow four courses and a dessert? I've never been anywhere that nice!

tod
11-08-2005, 02:14 PM
We left our room at the Disneyland Hotel at 7:15, and we arrived at the infamous green door at 7:45.

What is shameful about that green door? I have walked through it proudly the handful of times I have had occasion to.

--t

Osky
11-08-2005, 03:03 PM
What is shameful about that green door?
Nothing. However, to the many people who don't know what is behind it, and get turned away at the door... I should have said mysterious. Mea Culpa. I wrote that up after 1:00 am this morning, I was having a hard time staying awake.

Opus1guy
11-08-2005, 10:36 PM
Hmmmm. Behind The Green Door. Someone should make a movie with that title.

;)

Osky
11-08-2005, 11:09 PM
Hmmmm. Behind The Green Door. Someone should make a movie with that title.

;)
;) Then it would be infamous...

Maybe I had that on my mind... :eek::)

Opus1guy
11-08-2005, 11:59 PM
Well...I never did tell 'ya what really used to go on up at Club 33 in the "old days" when it was really a secret private club.

Where do you think the Mitchell Brothers got the idea from to begin with?

;)

tod
11-09-2005, 06:31 AM
Well...I never did tell 'ya what really used to go on up at Club 33 in the "old days" when it was really a secret private club.

Where do you think the Mitchell Brothers got the idea from to begin with?

;)

There's probably going to be a :eek: what-color-should-we-repaint-the-green-doors meeting at TDA this week, now.

;)

--t

SandraVB79
11-09-2005, 07:04 AM
There's probably going to be a :eek: what-color-should-we-repaint-the-green-doors meeting at TDA this week, now.

;)

--t

Red with white dots, and Minnie will be the host!

Osky
11-09-2005, 08:20 AM
Well...I never did tell 'ya what really used to go on up at Club 33 in the "old days" when it was really a secret private club.

Was Marilyn Chambers a member? ;)

Opus1guy
11-09-2005, 12:49 PM
Was Marilyn Chambers a member? ;)

Thanks for the great set-up line! So many ways I could go with it, but I suspect we've gone far enough. For this web site, at least. ;)

TikiGeek
11-09-2005, 12:59 PM
Well...I never did tell 'ya what really used to go on up at Club 33 in the "old days" when it was really a secret private club.I hope it was nothing like that scene in Eyes Wide Open - Ewww! I'll stick with Churros thanks. ;)

K & S
11-09-2005, 03:56 PM
OK, after reading the first post, I had to call for reservations.

BTW, has anyone read this month’s Los Angeles Magazine? They refer to us as Disoids. :confused:

K

Disneygirl65
11-09-2005, 07:14 PM
Sounds awesome!
( I can't believe you didn't take me....your 'lil republican friend)

SandraVB79
11-09-2005, 11:56 PM
OK, after reading the first post, I had to call for reservations.

BTW, has anyone read this month’s Los Angeles Magazine? They refer to us as Disoids. :confused:

K

And did you get your reservation??




Thanks for the great set-up line! So many ways I could go with it, but I suspect we've gone far enough. For this web site, at least.


We can move to another website, and continue over there... :D