The Everything Victoria & Albert's Thread

[Hannikins]

just packing and my husband is panicking.

He's got a shirt and is planning on 'borrowing' a jacket since we've run out of room in the suitcase. However he's not sure about trousers. Can he wear smart black jeans, or do they have to be dress pants?

 

[jedijill]

just packing and my husband is panicking.

He's got a shirt and is planning on 'borrowing' a jacket since we've run out of room in the suitcase. However he's not sure about trousers. Can he wear smart black jeans, or do they have to be dress pants?

He'll need dress pants. No jeans allowed. Can he wear the jacket on the plane? I know several men who do that to save suitcase space.

Jill in CO

 

[2manypets]

Thanks to this thread, I decided to bite the bullet and made reservations for Queen Victoria's room for our 25th anniversary in September.

I also have a question about outfits to wear. Usually I'm very casual so I don't have a lot of dresses other than sundresses. I do, however, have a floor length, spaghetti strap gown for those ever so often formal events. Would that be over doing it, or should I buy a LBD?

One more question, my DH is more of an eat and run kind of guy. Can the servers adjust the timing between courses? I know he'll love the experience, but he gets bored easily.

Trying this one more time...

 

[DrGaellon]

I've only eaten there once, but my understanding is that more formal is better than less.

Timing can be adjusted, within limits. This is not a meal to rush through.

 

[poohlover4life]

Hello all! I have wanted to eat at this resturant for YEARS! But my husband and I are on a fixed income and were not able to. Well this year I have the money and am wondering if we should do it. But I have some questions and this seemed like the perfect place to ask them!
1) How dressy are we talking? My hubby HATES to dress up are khakis ok?
2) I know its a long meal from what I've heard but how long are we talking? 2,3,4 hours?
3)I am a HUGE wine fan but my husband is sort of picky about wine. Should we go for the pairing or just pick a bottle we both like and call it a day? Are the pairs really exciting?
4) I know there are several courses from what I've read. Are they ALL good or are some great but others ok?
I need everyones widsom here thoughs? Help lol?

 

[engle]

I would say no to khakis. We are talking pretty dressy. My husband always wears a suit and is not over dressed. And I would say around 3 hours average. The wine pairing is a must do. If you like wine even remotely, you will love the pairings. And every course in my opinion is amazing. Do it. You will not be disappointed.

 

[2manypets]

I've only eaten there once, but my understanding is that more formal is better than less.

Timing can be adjusted, within limits. This is not a meal to rush through.

Thank you!

 

[poohlover4life]

I would say no to khakis. We are talking pretty dressy. My husband always wears a suit and is not over dressed. And I would say around 3 hours average. The wine pairing is a must do. If you like wine even remotely, you will love the pairings. And every course in my opinion is amazing. Do it. You will not be disappointed.

Thank you so much!!! I am so happy I found this thread I was so wanting to ask questions about this amazing place! I think we will give it a try Thank you so much for your wonderful, and VERY helpful, answers.

 

[Pygoplites]

Congratulations Pink5683! This is my first post on these boards so pardon if this is too broad of a question, but I have a three day platinum plan for December. I have been to Disney a lot and except for Victoria and Alberts I believe I have eaten at all the signature restaurants. We are staying at the GF too. What are your thoughts on eating there twice in 4 nights?

I have 2 meals at V&A booked for my trip in June. In fact, I almost always eat there twice during my vacations. Because there are so many choices (including ordering some courses off of the vegetarian menu). I don't find the experience repetitive at all. For one meal, I'll sometimes do a food-pairing (basing my selection of courses off of a great bottle of wine) and then do V&A's wine pairing with the second meal.

 

[Pygoplites]

Hello all! I have wanted to eat at this resturant for YEARS! But my husband and I are on a fixed income and were not able to. Well this year I have the money and am wondering if we should do it. But I have some questions and this seemed like the perfect place to ask them!
1) How dressy are we talking? My hubby HATES to dress up are khakis ok?
2) I know its a long meal from what I've heard but how long are we talking? 2,3,4 hours?
3)I am a HUGE wine fan but my husband is sort of picky about wine. Should we go for the pairing or just pick a bottle we both like and call it a day? Are the pairs really exciting?
4) I know there are several courses from what I've read. Are they ALL good or are some great but others ok?
I need everyones widsom here thoughs? Help lol?

1) Somewhat contrary to what others have posted, not everyone is super dressed up. Many men wear blazers and slacks (even dressy khakis) and collared shirts without ties. I usually get very dressed up, however (just short of black tie).

2) A meal in the main dining room is usually just short of three hours, in my experience. The courses are well-paced; I've never felt they were too slow or too fast.

3). I am a major wine geek and find that the wine pairings are generally spot-on, but not particularly memorable. The wines are mostly "value-oriented," but well-chosen. For the money, the pairings are an excellent deal (especially considering the generous pours). However, they do have an excellent wine list that rewards knowledgeable patrons with some wonderful "gems," such as ultra-high-end wines (mostly $500 and up) at less than current auction/retail prices (especially some of their Burgundies). You can also bring your own wine. Their corkage fee is reasonable. I bring my own wine about 50% of the time, but I also make sure that what I'm bringing isn't on their list.

4). Your question about the quality of the courses is purely subjective. I will say this: after numerous dinners at V&A, the worst thing I ever ate would still count as "good." And the best things have been "knock your socks off perfection." V&A is as good or better than just about any 1 or 2 Michelin starred places I've eaten. At times, it even nudges into 3-star territory.

 

[poohlover4life]

1) Somewhat contrary to what others have posted, not everyone is super dressed up. Many men wear blazers and slacks (even dressy khakis) and collared shirts without ties. I usually get very dressed up, however (just short of black tie).

2) A meal in the main dining room is usually just short of three hours, in my experience. The courses are well-paced; I've never felt they were too slow or too fast.

3). I am a major wine geek and find that the wine pairings are generally spot-on, but not particularly memorable. The wines are mostly "value-oriented," but well-chosen. For the money, the pairings are an excellent deal (especially considering the generous pours). However, they do have an excellent wine list that rewards knowledgeable patrons with some wonderful "gems," such as ultra-high-end wines (mostly $500 and up) at less than current auction/retail prices (especially some of their Burgundies). You can also bring your own wine. Their corkage fee is reasonable. I bring my own wine about 50% of the time, but I also make sure that what I'm bringing isn't on their list.

4). Your question about the quality of the courses is purely subjective. I will say this: after numerous dinners at V&A, the worst thing I ever ate would still count as "good." And the best things have been "knock your socks off perfection." V&A is as good or better than just about any 1 or 2 Michelin starred places I've eaten. At times, it even nudges into 3-star territory.

Thank you so much for your wonderful answers. I am so grateful for all the help!

 

[Skylarr29]

Anyone know if booking for the Chef's Table is at 180 + 10, or only 180? We only have one night of our vacation to fit this in so we have one shot. If not we will book the Queen Victoria room.

 

[pink5683]

It was 180+10 with a resort reservation when I made my reservation last week.

 

[Skylarr29]

It was 180+10 with a resort reservation when I made my reservation last week.

Thank you!

 

[t_daniels]

Trying this one more time...

From what people tell me, LBD would be fine.

I searched for V&A trip relax reports, to see what people wore, too.

 

[donut42]

my 180 ADR day is coming up quickly. while i am clear on how to make ADRs using the "old" site at 6am ET to optimize my chances, I am confused if QVR can be booked online. the website gives two online reservation options for the V&A: Chef's Table or just plain, old V&A. i assume the latter is for the main dining room. is it not possible to book QVR online? thanks for your help

 

[t_daniels]

my 180 ADR day is coming up quickly. while i am clear on how to make ADRs using the "old" site at 6am ET to optimize my chances, I am confused if QVR can be booked online. the website gives two online reservation options for the V&A: Chef's Table or just plain, old V&A. i assume the latter is for the main dining room. is it not possible to book QVR online? thanks for your help

I actually didn't think you could make v&a adrs online! I knew they had a separate reservation line, if you call .


Sorry I'm no help. Someone will know.

 

[2manypets]

@donut42...When I tried to book online it didn't give me a choice of dining areas. I had to call to get QVR. The woman I spoke with was very sweet and helpful.

@t daniels...Thank you, I will probably go out and get a LBD. In the heat of summer it sounds more comfortable than a full length.

 

[mikeyusc]

My 180 is coming soon.. I've seen conflicting info..can Chef's Table be booked online, or do i need to call the V&A line directly?

 

[DrGaellon]

I was able to book the main dining room on the website.