ehagerty
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 16, 2001
I couldn't stay away - we were so enchanted with our dinner in January (click here for THAT report) that I really wanted to find an excuse to return for our May (annual, official) family vacation. I didn't have to look far - DS only turns 21 once - and that day would be the day, the justification for "V&A, Part 2".
Planning Theory
Today was a travel day. Normally I would not plan anything special on travel day, as it can be a looooong day, on too little sleep, with non-Disney experiences (although Southwest is always good - the service they provide for the prices they charge = amazing). The only other time I tried this - when DS turned 5, at Chef Mickey's (at the Marketplace), we didn't get there in time (American Airlines - flat tire - 1993 - I cried - we rode first class from the layover to Orlando.) Since today was the actual birthday, and Southwest is so reliable, I made the reservation. I'll go back and add punctuation when I have time.
We took the boat from WLV over to the MK, planning to catch the boat launch to the GF. Missed that by a moment and moseyed up to the monorail. While waiting for the monorail, we timed the launch. It takes 4 minutes for the launch to reach the GF dock. Twenty minutes and three monorail stops later, we checked into our 5:30 V&A reservation - at 5:31.
I don't actually remember how Israel arranged the menu - I think we just told him we had no allergies, liked everything, and left ourselves in his and the Chef Scott's remarkably capable hands (you get to meet them later, during the kitchen tour).
I mention that, because there are no pictures to illustrate some of the wonderful moments that make V&A so special. I never gave the menu another thought - and what a wonderful meal unfolded over the course of the next 3+ hours - perfectly paced, perfectly presented, perfectly enjoyed.
Now, for the pictures (thank goodness they provided me with a detailed menu - no WAY I would be able to remember all this):
Dinner setting:
A toast to DS21's 21st birthday:
Yes, he was proofed. He seemed to be pleased. The champagne was delightful. The menu says Pommery Royale Brut NY
Amuse Bouche
A collection of wonders
Item listed on the menu that must not have turned out as pictures (if I find them later, I will modify the post): Trout Custard Baked in Shell - back left.
Heirloom Tomato-Fennel Cream
Knock-out.
I had my fill of Cambell's back in the day - tomato soup with grilled cheese, tomato soup with buttered crackers, tomato soup on Friday - I had it so much - and my mother was so creative at making it appealing, that I actually grew to like it, in the spirit of nostalgia and comfort food. I haven't voluntarily had it since. My point? Don't think "tomato soup, eeeeh" - think "something exquisite I've never tasted before."
Sesame Crusted Big Eye Tuna - two views
Once again, I have to say it - EDIBLE ART!!
So delicious. I suppose if there is "no way" you could ever consume rare fish, you wouldn't be able to like this. But DS19 is not a sushi fan, and he likes it. DS21 and I LOVE it.
Stay tuned, more courses and pictures to come.
.
For those who may not already be aware, there are other nights to this story..
Night #1 - Victoria & Alberts - Picture Trip Report (January, 2009)
Night #2 - Victoria & Albert - A Once-in-a-Decade Dinner, for the second time in 2009 (May, 2009) - THIS REPORT
Night #3 - Victoria & Albert - My Dining Scheherazade (September, 2009)
Night #4- Victoria & Albert - Dining Scheherazade Night #4 - "Table for One" (October, 2009)
Night #5 - Victoria & Albert - Dining Scheherazade Night #5 - "Table for One - Again" 23 FEB 10 (February, 2010)
[/INDENT]Night #1 - Victoria & Alberts - Picture Trip Report (January, 2009)
Night #2 - Victoria & Albert - A Once-in-a-Decade Dinner, for the second time in 2009 (May, 2009) - THIS REPORT
Night #3 - Victoria & Albert - My Dining Scheherazade (September, 2009)
Night #4- Victoria & Albert - Dining Scheherazade Night #4 - "Table for One" (October, 2009)
Night #5 - Victoria & Albert - Dining Scheherazade Night #5 - "Table for One - Again" 23 FEB 10 (February, 2010)
Planning Theory
- Tables in Wonderland discount = 20%
- Dinner for 3
- One wine pairing
Today was a travel day. Normally I would not plan anything special on travel day, as it can be a looooong day, on too little sleep, with non-Disney experiences (although Southwest is always good - the service they provide for the prices they charge = amazing). The only other time I tried this - when DS turned 5, at Chef Mickey's (at the Marketplace), we didn't get there in time (American Airlines - flat tire - 1993 - I cried - we rode first class from the layover to Orlando.) Since today was the actual birthday, and Southwest is so reliable, I made the reservation. I'll go back and add punctuation when I have time.
We took the boat from WLV over to the MK, planning to catch the boat launch to the GF. Missed that by a moment and moseyed up to the monorail. While waiting for the monorail, we timed the launch. It takes 4 minutes for the launch to reach the GF dock. Twenty minutes and three monorail stops later, we checked into our 5:30 V&A reservation - at 5:31.
I don't actually remember how Israel arranged the menu - I think we just told him we had no allergies, liked everything, and left ourselves in his and the Chef Scott's remarkably capable hands (you get to meet them later, during the kitchen tour).
I mention that, because there are no pictures to illustrate some of the wonderful moments that make V&A so special. I never gave the menu another thought - and what a wonderful meal unfolded over the course of the next 3+ hours - perfectly paced, perfectly presented, perfectly enjoyed.
Now, for the pictures (thank goodness they provided me with a detailed menu - no WAY I would be able to remember all this):
Dinner setting:
A toast to DS21's 21st birthday:
Yes, he was proofed. He seemed to be pleased. The champagne was delightful. The menu says Pommery Royale Brut NY
Amuse Bouche
A collection of wonders
Item listed on the menu that must not have turned out as pictures (if I find them later, I will modify the post): Trout Custard Baked in Shell - back left.
Heirloom Tomato-Fennel Cream
Knock-out.
I had my fill of Cambell's back in the day - tomato soup with grilled cheese, tomato soup with buttered crackers, tomato soup on Friday - I had it so much - and my mother was so creative at making it appealing, that I actually grew to like it, in the spirit of nostalgia and comfort food. I haven't voluntarily had it since. My point? Don't think "tomato soup, eeeeh" - think "something exquisite I've never tasted before."
Sesame Crusted Big Eye Tuna - two views
Once again, I have to say it - EDIBLE ART!!
So delicious. I suppose if there is "no way" you could ever consume rare fish, you wouldn't be able to like this. But DS19 is not a sushi fan, and he likes it. DS21 and I LOVE it.
Stay tuned, more courses and pictures to come.
.
That's a beautiful picture of you and your son. What a great birthday gift. 
I'm sure it will be a night he will remember forever! 
Thanks for sharing it with us! 
