I meant to ask about this when we were there a few weeks ago but I forgot (too much wine). It will be interesting to see what's offered on the 12-16 course menu and if it varies from the main dining room and Chef's Table.
We always enjoy V&A but would like to start seeing a little more variety on their menu. There were items on our October 18th menu that were also on our menu from three years ago ... that's not necessarily bad but neither is mixing things up now and then.
Hi UncleR! Just wanted to ask...I heard V&A lost their 5th star a few years back. They are 4 star now. Not 100% sure if this is true, but I seem to remember confirming it. I will do some research and see if I can find this out.
I spoke with V&A's this morning and we have this booked for May! I am so incredibly excited. Here is the information I have found so far and may be slightly inaccurate as I specifically asked about private dining room and was told about this new program:
1) Minumum will be paying for 7 people - $2100.
2) It is $295 a person, so if you want more than 7 people, you will pay the $295 per additional and it can seat up to 12. If you want only 6 people, still have to pay for 7.
3) Amount of the $2100 does not include gratuties or tax.
4) The amount includes wine pairings and there will not be a discount if a person can not drink wine or chooses not to
5) There will be no surcharges for the more extravagent menu items like there is in main dining room
6) Chef will be making appearances through out your meal
7) If you only book 7 people, the room is still all to your family, no other guests will be added (bascially one party a night)
8) Meal will be 4 hours long and will start at 6:30
I was told this will surpass the Chef's Table in so many ways. The only thing I am not sure of is whether they will be offering as a reservation for only 2 people if you do not want the room booked all to yourself since I specifically asked for private dining.
Technically, they aren't "star" rated but diamond rated. Victoria & Albert's is one of only 3 AAA 5 diamond restaurants in Florida and they have received this ranking for 2010. The restaurant has maintained that ranking for 10 consecutive years.
There are only 52 restaurants in the world considered AAA 5 diamond. And for context there are only 3 restaurants in New York City that maintain this standing. And V&A has been 5 diamond rated longer than The French Laundry, Alinea, Le Cirque, Joël Robuchon, Restaurant Guy Savoy and many more.
AAA's five-diamond restaurant list for 2010