mom2my3kids
DIS VETERAN
- Joined
- Sep 28, 2005
Love Love Bubba Gumps....
'You Big Fatty!' A delicious dining review- COMPLETE!!
- Thread starter mamaboogie
- Start date
mamaboogie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2008
We found that most servers did offer items that weren't covered on the dining plan - they just pointed out that we would have to pay OOP for it and we were always happy with that. I think our server's lack of caring made us feel the same! And we just couldn't be bothered.
About time Miss Shari! Good to see the reviews continuing
Sorry Meryll! I promise to do better. Watch out for the 'big one' coming soon....
Us too! It's a kind of a must do for Universal! Thanks for reading
mamaboogie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2008
So - back in February, on Valentines Day, Simon had surprised me with the news that he had booked us a table at V&A's for a romantic meal (ie without kids) during our 2012 holiday at WDW.
We had talked about going to this restaurant over the years, debating whether it was 'our' kind of restaurant, whether we would enjoy the food or whether we would feel out of place and intimidated by the atmosphere.
But after reading many fantastic reviews on these boards, pouring over menu's and having children who were now old enough to be left to their own devices, we decided to go for it. We were still a bit nervous though, and unsure about what kind of evening we would have....
First things first. We had to prize ourselves out of our shorts, tee-shirts and sandals and into something a little more...Downton Abbey....:
It was quite fun dressing up actually! We had debated how to get to the Grand Floridian...taxi? No....we decided it would be more fun to travel by Disney bus:
The Disney Transport Gods were with us this evening and we had an easy journey to the GF via bus and monorail.
We got there slightly early so we had a wander and took in the beautiful surroundings:
Now the Grand Floridian had proved to be somewhat jinxed for us in the past - Triflegate anyone? Happy Birthday James at Narccoosses? This was another reason why were slightly nervous about giving it a 3rd try. Would we be disappointed again?
It was eventually time to check in. It was quite exciting as the restaurant was tucked away - it was like finding a secret hideaway. We were greeted by Israel - which I found very exciting as I'd seen him in reviews on here lots of times.
I'm ashamed to say I cannot remember the names of our two servers - Simon might have it written down somewhere, I will have to ask him. But they were both excellent. Attentive and informative without being overbearing and patronising.
We were taken through to our table. There were maybe about half a dozen other tables in the dining room - during the course of the evening only 3 or 4 were occupied. The atmosphere was very calm and relaxed.
We were presented with personalised menus:
Very exciting! We poured over the menus - it really was hard to make a decision!
First up was the amuse-bouche which I was very much looking forward to. Although with a slight trepidation....
Simon had informed the restaurant of his allergy to salmon a couple of days earlier - so I knew there probably wouldn't be any salmon in the amuse-bouche - a shame as I love salmon. And I knew it would probably mean that the amuse-bouche would be heavy on the very one food stuff that I didn't really care for......melon! And I was right!
Here it is:
Melon salad, melon ball with parma ham and chilled melon soup. Melon, melon and melon - my idea of food hell!
But if I was ever going to eat melon, it would be here. And eat it I did. And enjoy it I did. Especially the melon ball with the crispy parma ham on it. Everything tasted very fresh and it boded very well for the meal ahead.
We were both given a glass of Piper Heidsierck Cuvee 1785 NV Brut to go with it - very nice I might add!
Onto the first course. And we both chose the same thing (only time it happened during the meal I think!)
Roasted Long Island Duck with pomegranate, pistachios and hearts of palm:
Oh my goodness! This was wonderful! A lovely tender piece of duck so beautifully served. We both absolutely adored this dish. And nearly as much we adored the wine that accompanied it. Oh, I forgot to say, we both decided to have the wine flight. And we were really glad we did. The duck was served with Poet's Lepa Riesling from Columbia Valley 2010. This was quite possibly the nicest wine Simon and I have ever had. So smooth and delicious and now we are lifelong fans of Rieslings!
This was the first bread course - like a small white bagette:
Delicious! I tried not to fill up on bread but this was very more-ish.
Onto the fish course. I 'accidentally' ordered something with a $30 surcharge on - I felt guilty because the meal was Simon's treat to me. But he didn't seem to mind - at least I hadn't 'accidentally' ordered 1oz of caviar at a surcharge of $180!!
I had the Wild Turbot with toasted capers and preserved lemon:
This was absolutely delicious and well worth the extra $30.... I love any fish with a lemon sauce.
It was served with Les Chailloux Chateauneuf-du-pap Blanc Rhone 2011, another outstanding wine.
Simon had the Onion Ash Crusted Alaskan Halibut with sauce Soubise:
He loved this - look at the cute onion ring on top! This was served with Mer Soleil Silver Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands 2010.
And this was the bread - a kind of brioche I think:
Coming up: Main course and dessert
We had talked about going to this restaurant over the years, debating whether it was 'our' kind of restaurant, whether we would enjoy the food or whether we would feel out of place and intimidated by the atmosphere.
But after reading many fantastic reviews on these boards, pouring over menu's and having children who were now old enough to be left to their own devices, we decided to go for it. We were still a bit nervous though, and unsure about what kind of evening we would have....
First things first. We had to prize ourselves out of our shorts, tee-shirts and sandals and into something a little more...Downton Abbey....:
It was quite fun dressing up actually! We had debated how to get to the Grand Floridian...taxi? No....we decided it would be more fun to travel by Disney bus:
The Disney Transport Gods were with us this evening and we had an easy journey to the GF via bus and monorail.
We got there slightly early so we had a wander and took in the beautiful surroundings:
Now the Grand Floridian had proved to be somewhat jinxed for us in the past - Triflegate anyone? Happy Birthday James at Narccoosses? This was another reason why were slightly nervous about giving it a 3rd try. Would we be disappointed again?
It was eventually time to check in. It was quite exciting as the restaurant was tucked away - it was like finding a secret hideaway. We were greeted by Israel - which I found very exciting as I'd seen him in reviews on here lots of times.
I'm ashamed to say I cannot remember the names of our two servers - Simon might have it written down somewhere, I will have to ask him. But they were both excellent. Attentive and informative without being overbearing and patronising.
We were taken through to our table. There were maybe about half a dozen other tables in the dining room - during the course of the evening only 3 or 4 were occupied. The atmosphere was very calm and relaxed.
We were presented with personalised menus:
Very exciting! We poured over the menus - it really was hard to make a decision!
First up was the amuse-bouche which I was very much looking forward to. Although with a slight trepidation....
Simon had informed the restaurant of his allergy to salmon a couple of days earlier - so I knew there probably wouldn't be any salmon in the amuse-bouche - a shame as I love salmon. And I knew it would probably mean that the amuse-bouche would be heavy on the very one food stuff that I didn't really care for......melon! And I was right!
Here it is:
Melon salad, melon ball with parma ham and chilled melon soup. Melon, melon and melon - my idea of food hell!
But if I was ever going to eat melon, it would be here. And eat it I did. And enjoy it I did. Especially the melon ball with the crispy parma ham on it. Everything tasted very fresh and it boded very well for the meal ahead.
We were both given a glass of Piper Heidsierck Cuvee 1785 NV Brut to go with it - very nice I might add!
Onto the first course. And we both chose the same thing (only time it happened during the meal I think!)
Roasted Long Island Duck with pomegranate, pistachios and hearts of palm:
Oh my goodness! This was wonderful! A lovely tender piece of duck so beautifully served. We both absolutely adored this dish. And nearly as much we adored the wine that accompanied it. Oh, I forgot to say, we both decided to have the wine flight. And we were really glad we did. The duck was served with Poet's Lepa Riesling from Columbia Valley 2010. This was quite possibly the nicest wine Simon and I have ever had. So smooth and delicious and now we are lifelong fans of Rieslings!
This was the first bread course - like a small white bagette:
Delicious! I tried not to fill up on bread but this was very more-ish.
Onto the fish course. I 'accidentally' ordered something with a $30 surcharge on - I felt guilty because the meal was Simon's treat to me. But he didn't seem to mind - at least I hadn't 'accidentally' ordered 1oz of caviar at a surcharge of $180!!
I had the Wild Turbot with toasted capers and preserved lemon:
This was absolutely delicious and well worth the extra $30....
I love any fish with a lemon sauce.It was served with Les Chailloux Chateauneuf-du-pap Blanc Rhone 2011, another outstanding wine.
Simon had the Onion Ash Crusted Alaskan Halibut with sauce Soubise:
He loved this - look at the cute onion ring on top! This was served with Mer Soleil Silver Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands 2010.
And this was the bread - a kind of brioche I think:
Coming up: Main course and dessert
mamaboogie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2008
Okay - so I was a bit previous - we have another course before the main course! So many courses, I get a bit confused...
My next choice was Braised Oxtail and Cherry Ravioli with Roasted Red Peppers:
So very yummilicious! This was served with Highflyer Centerline Syrah Blend Napa 2007
Another excellent wine...was beginning to feel a bit squiffy by now...
Simon plumped for Herb Crusted Ocala Rabbit and Sausage with Carrots:
He loved this! Now, Simon doesn't 'do' vegetables but he probably ate more veggies and V&A than he did in the last year! The only ones he didn't really like were the carrots that came with his rabbit dish. But other than that he loved this dish. It was accompanied by Michel Redde 'Les Tuilieres' Sancerre, Loire 2010.
This was the next bread course - a kind of granary:
NOW it's time for the main course! I had the Poulet Rouge 'Oscar' with Alaskan King Crab and Spring Asparagus:
Oh. My. Goodness. This was heaven on a plate. Lots of different components and all cooked perfectly. It was quite a big dish though and I was already getting full!
The wine was Vincent Giradin Pouilly-Fuisse, Vielles, Vignes 2009. Another smashing glass of wine. Hic!
Simon had the Kurobuta Pork Tenderloin and Belly with Verjus-Bacon Vinaigrette:
Now, if you look carefully, you can see this dish actually has popcorn on the top of it! And Simon said it worked beautifully with the dish. He loved it.
It was served with Cuvelier Los Andes Malbec, Mendoza 2007
Next Course. I was brave and went for the cheese course:
Colston Bassett Silton, Sottocenere Al Tartufo, Gouda Reypenaer XO and Flagship Reserve Cheddar. Served with a lovely glass of Quinta do Crasto Late Bottled Vintage Porto 2006. Absolutely delicious!
Simon was more restrained and had the White Chocolate Gelato with tableside shavings:
This was accompanied by Bosio Moscato D'Asti, Santo Stefano Belbo 2010.
While we were deciding on dessert (and having a bit of a rest) we ordered some coffee. It was fascinating watching it 'brew' in this device:
I knew what I wanted for dessert - I'd been eyeing it up for months. The Grand Marnier Souffle:
I had never had a souffle before and I knew if I was ever going to try one that this should be the place. And it was simply stunning. Crispy on the outside and so light and fluffy on the inside. The only trouble was - I couldn't finish it! I was full on all the delicious food of the evening.
Simon went for the Tanzanian Chocolate Timbale with Orange Scented Milk Chocolate gelato:
He loves anything chocolatey and this was no exception.
We were also served 'Friandises':
I was given a beautiful rose:
And we were also given a fruit loaf 'in case we got hungry later' - yeah, like that was going to happen!
The meal at an end, we stumbled from the dining room, full and slightly tipsy. No buses this time but a trip to the Grand Floridian's taxi rank.
Final Thoughts: What a simply amazing experience. Victoria and Albert's was everything we hoped for and more. Unlike any other meal out we have ever had. The food and drink was sublime, the service fantastic and the atmosphere just perfect. We were so very, very happy we decided to go there - and it restored our faith in the Grand Floridian restaurants! I would not hesitate in recommending Victoria and Albert's to anyone.
Big Fatty Rating: A complete and utter 10 out 10
Coming up: Back Down to Earth!
My next choice was Braised Oxtail and Cherry Ravioli with Roasted Red Peppers:
So very yummilicious! This was served with Highflyer Centerline Syrah Blend Napa 2007
Another excellent wine...was beginning to feel a bit squiffy by now...
Simon plumped for Herb Crusted Ocala Rabbit and Sausage with Carrots:
He loved this! Now, Simon doesn't 'do' vegetables but he probably ate more veggies and V&A than he did in the last year! The only ones he didn't really like were the carrots that came with his rabbit dish. But other than that he loved this dish. It was accompanied by Michel Redde 'Les Tuilieres' Sancerre, Loire 2010.
This was the next bread course - a kind of granary:
NOW it's time for the main course! I had the Poulet Rouge 'Oscar' with Alaskan King Crab and Spring Asparagus:
Oh. My. Goodness. This was heaven on a plate. Lots of different components and all cooked perfectly. It was quite a big dish though and I was already getting full!
The wine was Vincent Giradin Pouilly-Fuisse, Vielles, Vignes 2009. Another smashing glass of wine. Hic!
Simon had the Kurobuta Pork Tenderloin and Belly with Verjus-Bacon Vinaigrette:
Now, if you look carefully, you can see this dish actually has popcorn on the top of it! And Simon said it worked beautifully with the dish. He loved it.
It was served with Cuvelier Los Andes Malbec, Mendoza 2007
Next Course. I was brave and went for the cheese course:
Colston Bassett Silton, Sottocenere Al Tartufo, Gouda Reypenaer XO and Flagship Reserve Cheddar. Served with a lovely glass of Quinta do Crasto Late Bottled Vintage Porto 2006. Absolutely delicious!
Simon was more restrained and had the White Chocolate Gelato with tableside shavings:
This was accompanied by Bosio Moscato D'Asti, Santo Stefano Belbo 2010.
While we were deciding on dessert (and having a bit of a rest) we ordered some coffee. It was fascinating watching it 'brew' in this device:
I knew what I wanted for dessert - I'd been eyeing it up for months. The Grand Marnier Souffle:
I had never had a souffle before and I knew if I was ever going to try one that this should be the place. And it was simply stunning. Crispy on the outside and so light and fluffy on the inside. The only trouble was - I couldn't finish it! I was full on all the delicious food of the evening.
Simon went for the Tanzanian Chocolate Timbale with Orange Scented Milk Chocolate gelato:
He loves anything chocolatey and this was no exception.
We were also served 'Friandises':
I was given a beautiful rose:
And we were also given a fruit loaf 'in case we got hungry later' - yeah, like that was going to happen!
The meal at an end, we stumbled from the dining room, full and slightly tipsy. No buses this time but a trip to the Grand Floridian's taxi rank.
Final Thoughts: What a simply amazing experience. Victoria and Albert's was everything we hoped for and more. Unlike any other meal out we have ever had. The food and drink was sublime, the service fantastic and the atmosphere just perfect. We were so very, very happy we decided to go there - and it restored our faith in the Grand Floridian restaurants! I would not hesitate in recommending Victoria and Albert's to anyone.
Big Fatty Rating: A complete and utter 10 out 10
Coming up: Back Down to Earth!
nanienamou
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2008
oh wow! your review is amazing! I would sure like to try V&A some day! 
AvasMommy526
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 30, 2012
Oh my! What a wonderful review!! 
Victoria and Alberts is one of my dream restaurants! Someday we will dine there! I'm happy you had a great anniversary time!
Victoria and Alberts is one of my dream restaurants! Someday we will dine there! I'm happy you had a great anniversary time!
mamaboogie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2008
Yes, the food is amazing but it isn't overwhelmingly family. I would say definitely go for it!
oh wow! your review is amazing! I would sure like to try V&A some day!
It was soooo worth it!
You know how fussy Simon is - and he coped fine with it! There is something for everyone on the V and A menu!
Oh my! What a wonderful review!!
Victoria and Alberts is one of my dream restaurants! Someday we will dine there! I'm happy you had a great anniversary time!
It was such a magical, special meal. Thanks for reading
dixonsontour
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2008
What a great review.
Loved your dress aswell
Loved your dress aswell
meryll83
All it takes is faith and trust...
- Joined
- Nov 23, 2006
How many choices are there for each course?
auntfrannie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2001
Loved the V&A review! It's on my list for my birthday trip next year. I've never been but keep reading wonderful reviews. <sigh> Less than a year to wait!
emmysmommy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2010
Shari - Congratulations on an amazing anniversary dinner at V&A!!! What an amazing looking experience. You were lovely in your pretty dress!
I was trying to count the courses but I think I lost track!
Seriously though, what a wonderful meal!
I was trying to count the courses but I think I lost track!
Seriously though, what a wonderful meal!
mamaboogie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2008
It is bit pricey - but you do get value for money! Thanks for reading
What a great review.
Loved your dress aswell
Awww....thanks!
It was nice to have an excuse to go posh dress shopping.Oh Shari what a wonderful review
Now I want to go to V&A
Oh and by the way you both look wonderful
Thanks Linda
It really was a magical experience - the very reason we go to Disney - so have these amazing experiences. I would heartily recommend anyone to go if they can.
One day Jill....one day....
I think there were about 3 or 4 choices for each course. It was very hard to decide what to have and we didn't want to have the same things - so we could try more different dishes!
You will not regret it!
I believe you will - and I can't wait to hear about it when you do!
Shari - Congratulations on an amazing anniversary dinner at V&A!!! What an amazing looking experience. You were lovely in your pretty dress!
I was trying to count the courses but I think I lost track!
I lost track too! I think there were 7 courses altogether!
I was worried how I would cope with all that food (and all that wine!) but the portions were manageable and nicely spaced out - it was only at the very end I was defeated....Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment
I promise I will get some more reviews up this weekend
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