Citricos
Located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Dinner

In order to reach the second floor where this restaurant is located we could either ride in the glass elevator, with view of the resort’s five story opulent lobby or ascend an elegant winding staircase.

Having chosen the staircase and after arriving on the second floor we were treated to the sound of the house orchestra that was playing a melody of popular show tunes. Putting our appetites aside for a moment we paused and took the opportunity to enjoy the sites and sounds that are very much a part of an evening at this resort.

There were no less that three cast member/hostesses position at the entrance to the dining room, which allowed us to be greeted immediately. After surrendering our priority seating number, which we had arranged for before leaving home, we were immediately escorted into the deceptively large dining room.

What I had read about this restaurant suggested that its design, at least in part, was influenced by the successful Californian Grill, another of Walt Disney World Resorts fine dining locations. I have dined at the California Grill previously and found myself wondering if there was any truth in this, because I was immediately struck by the sense that Citricos, at least on the surface appeared more refined and relaxed. As we were escorted to our table we did pass an “open kitchen” busily at work, but beyond that I did not see any obvious similarities. Perhaps the greater influence was yet to be seen in the menu and food.

Even with the elegant atmosphere and the call for “resort casual” dress there were guests seated all around in collage attire. Some guests had chosen to wear jackets while others had seemingly sprinted in from the theme parks. The graceful nature of the Walt Disney World Resort allowed everyone to feel welcomed and comfortable.

Our server was quick to find us and present us with the menu before retreating with our drink order. Our review of the menu was born more out of a sense of obligation and curiosity than necessity. Our choice had been made much earlier in the day. Both my dinner companion and I had elected to go with the house specialty the Braised Veal Shank with parsnip-potato puree and roasted vegetables. Our table also saw an order of Arancini, which is scrumptious appetizer of Crispy risotto with sausage and mozzarella.

The presentation of the Braised Veal dish was both inviting and a bit overwhelming at the same time. Certainly appealing with the succulent veal nestled among the potatoes and roasted vegetables, but a bit intimidating considering the rather large portions that were offered.

The relax European atmosphere encouraged and invited us to labor slowly over our dinner, which allowed to both finish and enjoy this most wonderfully prepared, presented and tasteful dish.


Some of the other menu offerings


Abundant Flavors

Sauteed Shrimp with Lemon, White Wine and Feta Cheese $12.00

Foie Gras Ravioli in Shiitake Mushroom Jus $8.00

Arancini - Crispy risotto with sausage and mozzarella $8.00


Intermezzo

Lobster Bisque with roasted rock shrimp $8.00

Salad of Romaine Lettuce - fresh hearts of palm, gorgonzola, late harvest riesling vinaigrette $8.00

Warm Goat Cheese Salad - with arugula, frisee, lardons and marinated tomatoes $9.00


Along the Mediterranean Sea

Grilled Swordfish with Vegetable Pearl Pasta and Red Pepper Coulis $27.00

Seared Tuna - with saffron pappardelle, tomatoes, olives and capers $28.00

Sicilian Seafood Stew with Italian couscous $26.00

Sauteed Salmon Filet with roasted fennel, Yukon gold potatoes & black olive butter $25.00

Grilled Lamb Chops with crispy polenta and puttanesca sauce $29.00

Oak Grilled Filet of Beef - Olive Oil, Crushed Potatoes with sweet onions and mushrooms $33.00

Braised Spring Vegetables - with goat cheese, pesto and beurre blanc $21.00

Braised Veal Shank - with parsnip-potato puree and roasted vegetables $33.00

Desserts

Tropical Fruit Creme Brulee $8.00

Trio of Sorbets du Jour $8.00

Seasonal Berry Gratin with champagne Grand Marnier sabayon $8.00

Lemon Cheese Cake $8.00