Chef's Table at Victoria & Albert's - what's your take?

[mermaidbride1108]

DF & I have an ADR at V&A for our wedding trip. We are staying at GF for our comp night, after our cruise - I was able to get the Chef's Table (Woohoo!) and I'm super excited about it, but I wanted to hear everyone's take - honest opinions here people! For everyone who has done, what did you think???

 

[oybolshoi]

It's an incredible, not-to-be-missed experience ... if you love food you will love the taste tour you're going to get at the Chef's Table.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

 

[Frothy]

The experience for us was very mixed. The food and the service was very good but we also expect some kind of ambience. It rather felt like we were inside a box. There are no outside windows or any kind of really nice decor. It was very disappointing from that point of view. Overall, I think there are nicer fine dining places in Orlando.

 

[oybolshoi]

The experience for us was very mixed. The food and the service was very good but we also expect some kind of ambience. It rather felt like we were inside a box. There are no outside windows or any kind of really nice decor. It was very disappointing from that point of view. Overall, I think there are nicer fine dining places in Orlando.

Well, I wouldn't disagree with your asessment of the ambience at the chef's table since it is in the kitchen.

The dining room at V&A is lovely ... romantic, hushed, elegant ... that is where you should dine if you want atmosphere. It you want the experience of interacting with the chef and the kitchen staff while being offered a tasting of upwards of 13 courses then dine at the chef's table.

Both are well worth the time and expense in our opinon.

PS ... there aren't any windows in V&A's dining room, either.

 

[Frothy]

I was talking about the main dining room.

 

[oybolshoi]

I was talking about the main dining room.

Oh ... I thought you were talking about the kitchen since the original post was about the chef's table.

Oh well ... sorry you didn't care for the dining room. I really liked it - especially the harpist - and I loved the quiet.

We all like different things ... and the hubby and I have never had a chance to try much in Orlando outside of WDW or Emeril's establishments over at Universal. What would you recommend that's on par with V&A if we're ever brave enough to get a rental car? My grandmother used to lived in Kissimmee and my aunt used to live in Winter Park, so I'm pretty familiar with the area.

Sorry, OP, to run away with your thread and thanks!

 

[2infinityandbeyond]

The Chef's Table was an amazing experience. Everything about it was top notch. If you're into food and cooking, it's a must do. I hit the wall during the beef course.

 

[Frothy]

Oh ... I thought you were talking about the kitchen since the original post was about the chef's table.

Oh well ... sorry you didn't care for the dining room. I really liked it - especially the harpist - and I loved the quiet.

We all like different things ... and the hubby and I have never had a chance to try much in Orlando outside of WDW or Emeril's establishments over at Universal. What would you recommend that's on par with V&A if we're ever brave enough to get a rental car? My grandmother used to lived in Kissimmee and my aunt used to live in Winter Park, so I'm pretty familiar with the area.

Sorry, OP, to run away with your thread and thanks!

As you said we all have different opinions and that's what makes the world go round. Arthurs 27 was our favorite before it closed down and now we prefer some of the places on Sand Lake Rd. We also love Manuels on the 28th and that's a really lovely restaurant overlooking Orlando.

 

[mcr5298]

We were lucky enough to grab the table during our 10 year anniversary trip last year! It was to die for! We enjoyed everything about it. We've been in the main dining room several times, and it is very romantic. However, I felt that my DH and I were secluded and treated like royalty at the Chef's Table. It was very romantic to us. Just pace yourself and don't rush. I tried things that I never thought that I would and really enjoyed it. Congratulations and have fun!

 

[engle]

If I could do it every trip I would!!! We loved it!! We also love the main dining room...go, you will have an awesome time....get the wine....

 

[TheDISneyFamily]

You will have a wonderful time! Congratulations! We have been to the Chef's Table numerous times and will be back later this year. Here's a photo review of our last dinner there...

V&A Chef's Table

Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Cheers!
Michelle

 

[maxmouse]

My DW and I were able to do the Chef's table last Sept and I can sum it up in one word. Amazing. If you love food and aren't pickey and willing to try new things then you will enjoy. We are planning to go back in Sept 2010 and I'm hoping to be able to surprize her with another reservation.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Years ago, shortly after the CT opened, Scott Joseph, the Restaurant Critic of The Orlando Sentinel did a review. He summed it up by stating that "Victoria and Albert's is a good value and the Chef's Table is an absolute bargain". Since then I have done CT more than the main dining room.

 

[mermaidbride1108]

Thanks everyone for your comments!!! And Michelle - those photos were awesome!!!

I guess I'm the type of person that's likes a ton of different choices when I eat, I like to try a little bit of everything and I really wanted the experience of it all. I would love to have the romance & atmosphere of the main dining room, but we are doing other things like California Grill, San Angel Inn, & Palo on the cruise too, but I thought the Chef's Table would be a really unique experience!

 

[Ms. Heimlich]

We also LOVEDLOVEDLOVED the chef's table experience. It was a once in a lifetime kindof thing and was worth every penny.

My only complaint for the evening was the wine selections - we did the wine pairings. I was never asked what I prefer and did not enjoy several of the pairings b/c of this lack of questioning.

I also have a review of the table (with tons of pics) in the link in my signature "parks? What Parks?...."

you will most certainly enjoy!



Ms. H

 

[Uncleromulus]

I think you'll be pleased. A "view" isn't really important at V&A anyway. We ate at Arthur's 27 once before it closed--had a lovely view of the Saratoga Springs construction site.
And Arthur's can't hold a candle to V&A. Which may be one reason why it closed.

 

[disneylove69]

Now I am thinking about this after the wonderful pictues I just saw. I assume there are several parties at the seating so a solo would not be bad?

 

[Ms. Heimlich]

Now I am thinking about this after the wonderful pictues I just saw. I assume there are several parties at the seating so a solo would not be bad?

Nope. There is only one table and while the table can seat up to 8, if you book it for one... thats how many will be seated there.

It is private dining with the kitchen staff and you (and whomever you eat with!).

 

[oybolshoi]

To clarify on the seating for the Chef's Table ... there is one seating per evening at 6PM (on those when it is in fact offered - it's not every night of the week) with a minimum party size of two and a maximum party size of twelve.

I have heard that if you make the request at booking it's possible to have the CT menu served in the dining room, but I can't personally vouch for that.

 

[Ms. Heimlich]

wow. i didn't know there was a minimum of 2.

Ya learn sumptin new every day.