Celebrating 10 years together, a trip to Victora & Albert's - The DIS Discussion Forums

Beka · 05-20-2012, 07:51 PM

My husband and I (as of May 18) have been married 10 years! We recently moved to Orlando, and hadn't thought much about celebrating our milestone together. DH had gotten me a gift earlier in the week, so I told him he could choose what he wanted to do for the weekend. He said he wanted to go on an airboat ride, then have dinner. I suggested a few local restaurants, & none appealed to DH. He finally said "Are you sure you don't want to go somewhere on property?" Then the light went off (or the nickle dropped, as Nebo would say.) I got to work & scored at 9:15 reservation for May 19th.
Here's how dinner went down...

Beka · 05-20-2012, 08:10 PM

We arrived at the GF close to 8:00 for our 9:15 reservation. Pictures do NOT do this resort justice. Valet parking was included, so we didn't have to make the hike from the parking lot. (I must admit I was rather happy about this, as I do NOT wear heels on a regular basis, so my feet were screaming by the time we reached the doors.)

I always love seeing little girls dressed as princesses on WDW property, don't you? Maybe it's because I have 2 boys and don't get to throw gallons of glitter at them... anyway it puts me in a good mood.

...veering off the rabbit trail & back to dinner...

We entered the GF and took a moment just to absorb our surroundings. On the 2nd floor, opposite side of the entry but facing everyone was a band playing big band/swing music.

Ok, I'm hooked, thanks GF, I now want to live here, in this resort, full time.

We had a little time to kill before our reservation, so we walked in a gift shop & looked around the property some. the staff had set up a large screen for kids to play Mario Kart beside the pool. I loved hearing the boats from the courtyard. Then I realized that not all of what I was hearing was the boats, I could hear the train from the Magic Kingdom! Holy Mouse Ears, Batman, I'm in Heaven!

Contemporary from the GF boat dock:

MK from the GF boat dock:

By this time we had wasted enough time & decided to go check in.

OneTreeHillAddict · 05-20-2012, 08:15 PM

....can't wait for the rest!

Beka · 05-20-2012, 08:34 PM

We checked in early, and were told that our table was ready, so we could be seated.

The restaurant is intimate. It's dim, but not so dark you can't see your food. there aren't windows to the outside from the main dining room. It's a round room, the walls are padded to muffle the sound. There's a live harp player (harpist?), and they play harp music over the speakers while she is taking a break. In the center of the room is a large floral arrangement.

Each table has fresh roses & is lit by candle light. How romantic.

They knew it was our anniversary and offered champagne to toast with. YUM! I'm not normally a fan of champagne, but this was delicious! I wish I could remember the name.

Ok, let's start with the Amuse-Bouche:
This is a little bit of lobser wrapped in a crepe. I think there was some chive and some kind of filling. Descriptive, I know, but I wasn't exactly taking notes. I must say, it's nice to have our lobster cooked properly for once!

Cold-smoked buffalo. I don't remember the sauce that was underneath it. I just know I love bison. LOVE it.

Ahi tuna. Another favorite of mine.

What you see in the background is a cauliflower panna cotta topped with caviar. It was delicious, but VERY rich.

Beka · 05-20-2012, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OneTreeHillAddict

....can't wait for the rest!

I'm still uploading & editing photos! I'm kind of reliving it too as I write this. I really think people who love food should budget an experience like this at least once!

Beka · 05-20-2012, 08:59 PM

I should also note that between courses, the pastry chef had prepared freshly baked breads.

Here's the hand-rolled French Baguette, served with a European style (apparently it's higher in fat??) butter:

I love bread. Think they can make an adult sized version of this, so I can wrap myself in it like a cocoon and eat my way out? Or is that a bit gluttonous?

dreamscometrue101 · 05-20-2012, 11:37 PM

I'm looking forward to the rest of the review. DH ok'd a trip for our 5th anniversary August 2013 and I'm hoping to dine here.

emmysmommy · 05-20-2012, 11:39 PM

A belated Happy Anniversary! I am sooo looking forward to reading more of your review.

jedijill · 05-21-2012, 01:52 PM

You are off to a great start. I

V&A. Happy Anniversary!

Jill in CO

TheNewMrsB · 05-21-2012, 02:51 PM

Looks great so far! I've been wanting to try V&A's for years.

And yes, the European butter has a higher fat content - to the point where butter + cheese = alfredo sauce, whereas we normally add cream over here. Isn't it heavenly?

Beka · 05-21-2012, 05:40 PM

Just got home from Sea World, I hope to post more on this tonight!

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreamscometrue101

I'm looking forward to the rest of the review. DH ok'd a trip for our 5th anniversary August 2013 and I'm hoping to dine here.

Budget at least $400+ for the meal for 2. No joke. That way you can enjoy it stress free and add the kobe beef, wine pairing, turbot, etc. if you want to. Let me be the 1st to say Happy 5th Anniversary!

Quote:

Originally Posted by emmysmommy

A belated Happy Anniversary! I am sooo looking forward to reading more of your review.

Thanks! I just had a small morsel of the bread the chef sends us home with. Don't expect pictures, it'll be in my tummy long before I'll get a pic of it. I'm having fun writing it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jedijill

You are off to a great start. I

V&A. Happy Anniversary!

Jill in CO

I really feel that most people who would remotely enjoy this type of experience should budget for it, at least once. I hope to go again!

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheNewMrsB

Looks great so far! I've been wanting to try V&A's for years.

And yes, the European butter has a higher fat content - to the point where butter + cheese = alfredo sauce, whereas we normally add cream over here. Isn't it heavenly?

GO! I've been reading V&A reports since 2007, and finally made it there!
OMG, the butter I had in Paris was delicious. That was in 97 & I still remember it. It was so delicious.

Krissalee · 05-21-2012, 06:10 PM

Ooooooh! Happy Anniversary!

I am looking forward to reading more of your review. DH and I have been fortunate to have had a couple anniversary dinners at V&As, and am eagerly awaiting October 2013 so we can enjoy our 15th Anniversary there as well.

Thanks for sharing - I will be reading!

nebo · 05-22-2012, 02:25 PM

Nice storytelling, Beka, now, how can I make sure
that Smidgy never gets to see this?

Beka · 05-22-2012, 08:08 PM

On to the salads....

Kyle & I decided to change up things a bit & ordered what we usually wouldn't.
My choice:

Roasted Long Island duck with pomegranate, pistachios & hearts of palm

Yum! The duck was flavorful & tender, with no hint of "gaminess". It's been a long time since I've had duck, mostly because I didn't enjoy my 1st experience with it.

Kyle's choice:

Chiogga beet carpaccio with pickled peaches & burrata cheese.

He's admittedly not a fan of beets, but that changed after this salad! I agree, it was delicious. Ok, so carpaccio doesn't usually apply to beets; the waiter did explain that sometimes the chef uses a term liberally. He can call it whatever he wants for all I care, so long as it tastes good!

Beka · 05-22-2012, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krissalee

Ooooooh! Happy Anniversary!

I am looking forward to reading more of your review. DH and I have been fortunate to have had a couple anniversary dinners at V&As, and am eagerly awaiting October 2013 so we can enjoy our 15th Anniversary there as well.

Thanks for sharing - I will be reading!

It's a perfect place for an anniversary dinner! I hope to have more dinners there! Happy (early) Anniversary!

Quote:

Originally Posted by nebo

Nice storytelling, Beka, now, how can I make sure
that Smidgy never gets to see this?

I'll be vewy vewy quiet. It's a far cry from Dinty Moore & cottage cheese!

05-20-2012, 07:51 PM	#1
Beka Goes to 11 Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,336	Celebrating 10 years together, a trip to Victora & Albert's My husband and I (as of May 18) have been married 10 years! We recently moved to Orlando, and hadn't thought much about celebrating our milestone together. DH had gotten me a gift earlier in the week, so I told him he could choose what he wanted to do for the weekend. He said he wanted to go on an airboat ride, then have dinner. I suggested a few local restaurants, & none appealed to DH. He finally said "Are you sure you don't want to go somewhere on property?" Then the light went off (or the nickle dropped, as Nebo would say.) I got to work & scored at 9:15 reservation for May 19th. Here's how dinner went down... __________________ Celebrating 10 years together, a Victoria & Albert's review Trips to see The Mouse 1984 1988 1992 1994 1995 1996 2009 2010 2012 2013 _____________________________________________ Kyle & me DS DS Matches Booger

05-20-2012, 08:10 PM	#2
Beka Goes to 11 Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,336	We arrived at the GF close to 8:00 for our 9:15 reservation. Pictures do NOT do this resort justice. Valet parking was included, so we didn't have to make the hike from the parking lot. (I must admit I was rather happy about this, as I do NOT wear heels on a regular basis, so my feet were screaming by the time we reached the doors.) I always love seeing little girls dressed as princesses on WDW property, don't you? Maybe it's because I have 2 boys and don't get to throw gallons of glitter at them... anyway it puts me in a good mood. ...veering off the rabbit trail & back to dinner... We entered the GF and took a moment just to absorb our surroundings. On the 2nd floor, opposite side of the entry but facing everyone was a band playing big band/swing music. Ok, I'm hooked, thanks GF, I now want to live here, in this resort, full time. We had a little time to kill before our reservation, so we walked in a gift shop & looked around the property some. the staff had set up a large screen for kids to play Mario Kart beside the pool. I loved hearing the boats from the courtyard. Then I realized that not all of what I was hearing was the boats, I could hear the train from the Magic Kingdom! Holy Mouse Ears, Batman, I'm in Heaven! Contemporary from the GF boat dock: MK from the GF boat dock: By this time we had wasted enough time & decided to go check in. __________________ Celebrating 10 years together, a Victoria & Albert's review Trips to see The Mouse 1984 1988 1992 1994 1995 1996 2009 2010 2012 2013 _____________________________________________ Kyle & me DS DS Matches Booger Last edited by Beka; 05-20-2012 at 08:44 PM.

05-20-2012, 08:15 PM	#3
OneTreeHillAddict CNC Photography of Myrtle Beach, SC Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 5,425	....can't wait for the rest! __________________ 14 night Nov/Dec 2012 WDW trip report & WDW/Disney Dream Cruise Sept 2012 May 2009 SWW & Flower n Garden 3/4-3/12 Wilderness Lodge, Thongs, Celebrities, & River Country Why is there a Disney waiter at my door? Polynesian, DLX DP, & more! Sept '08 2007 & Before A recollection of trips gone by... 365 days of Disney Dining PTR's: Aug/Sept

05-20-2012, 08:34 PM	#4
Beka Goes to 11 Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,336	We checked in early, and were told that our table was ready, so we could be seated. The restaurant is intimate. It's dim, but not so dark you can't see your food. there aren't windows to the outside from the main dining room. It's a round room, the walls are padded to muffle the sound. There's a live harp player (harpist?), and they play harp music over the speakers while she is taking a break. In the center of the room is a large floral arrangement. Each table has fresh roses & is lit by candle light. How romantic. They knew it was our anniversary and offered champagne to toast with. YUM! I'm not normally a fan of champagne, but this was delicious! I wish I could remember the name. Ok, let's start with the Amuse-Bouche: This is a little bit of lobser wrapped in a crepe. I think there was some chive and some kind of filling. Descriptive, I know, but I wasn't exactly taking notes. I must say, it's nice to have our lobster cooked properly for once! Cold-smoked buffalo. I don't remember the sauce that was underneath it. I just know I love bison. LOVE it. Ahi tuna. Another favorite of mine. What you see in the background is a cauliflower panna cotta topped with caviar. It was delicious, but VERY rich. __________________ Celebrating 10 years together, a Victoria & Albert's review Trips to see The Mouse 1984 1988 1992 1994 1995 1996 2009 2010 2012 2013 _____________________________________________ Kyle & me DS DS Matches Booger

05-20-2012, 08:59 PM	#6
Beka Goes to 11 Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,336	I should also note that between courses, the pastry chef had prepared freshly baked breads. Here's the hand-rolled French Baguette, served with a European style (apparently it's higher in fat??) butter: I love bread. Think they can make an adult sized version of this, so I can wrap myself in it like a cocoon and eat my way out? Or is that a bit gluttonous? __________________ Celebrating 10 years together, a Victoria & Albert's review Trips to see The Mouse 1984 1988 1992 1994 1995 1996 2009 2010 2012 2013 _____________________________________________ Kyle & me DS DS Matches Booger

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05-20-2012, 11:37 PM	#7
dreamscometrue101 Mouseketeer Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 290	I'm looking forward to the rest of the review. DH ok'd a trip for our 5th anniversary August 2013 and I'm hoping to dine here. __________________ First Solo Trip In The Works! October 19th to 26th

05-20-2012, 11:39 PM	#8
emmysmommy DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Near Disneyland Posts: 2,492	A belated Happy Anniversary! I am sooo looking forward to reading more of your review. __________________ Brenda - Facebook ~ The story behind my signature photo *Feb/Mar 2013 10 Day Girl's TR - IN PROGRESS*BIG REVEAL POST 222 August 2012 DR ~~ August 2012 TR ~~August 2012 PTR Feb. 2012 Dining Review ~ April 2011 Dining Review ~ August 2010 BLT/BCR Trip Review~ August 2010 Dining Review - Dlx Dining with CL!!!

05-21-2012, 01:52 PM	#9
jedijill Chiefs fan living in Bronco country Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 3,243	You are off to a great start. I V&A. Happy Anniversary! Jill in CO __________________

05-21-2012, 02:51 PM	#10
TheNewMrsB DIS Veteran Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Southern NJ Posts: 683	Looks great so far! I've been wanting to try V&A's for years. And yes, the European butter has a higher fat content - to the point where butter + cheese = alfredo sauce, whereas we normally add cream over here. Isn't it heavenly? __________________ Jen & Rob's Not-So-Scary Deluxe Dining Report 1988 - First Visit, September 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012 - Polynesian, December 2012 - Christmas at the Polynesian

05-21-2012, 06:10 PM	#12
Krissalee DIS Veteran Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Jersey Posts: 2,524	Ooooooh! Happy Anniversary! I am looking forward to reading more of your review. DH and I have been fortunate to have had a couple anniversary dinners at V&As, and am eagerly awaiting October 2013 so we can enjoy our 15th Anniversary there as well. Thanks for sharing - I will be reading! __________________ Krissy & Craig's next trip: 10/13 Celebrating Our 15th Anniversary Trip plus Food & Wine Festival @ BWV Past Trips: 11/12 OKW 10/11 BWV (13th Anniversary), 2/11 Mom & Dad's 40th Anniversary with 8 adults & 4 children @ SSR, 10/10 SSR (12th Anniversary), 1/10 BWV, 3/09 BWV, 10/08 SSR (10th Anniversary), 10/07 BCV/SSR (9th Anniversary), 10/06 BWV (8th Anniversary), 10/05 BWV (7th Anniversary - Hurricane Wilma), 10/03 BWV (5th Anniversary), 12/02 AKL/YC (my 30th birthday), 3/02 ASM, 10/01 WL (3rd Anniversary), 1999 CBR, childhood trips late 70s/early 80s

05-22-2012, 02:25 PM	#13
nebo sharkbait Uh oh, this conversation isn't going as planned All of you are welcome to come along Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: near Chicago, Il Posts: 2,469	Nice storytelling, Beka, now, how can I make sure that Smidgy never gets to see this? __________________ Ok, who turned up the gravity?: Orlando Smackdown, Disney Vs. Universal! Coronado, Springs Eternal, & SATAN'S HAMMER! pg.74 P.O.T.C. On Stranger Rides.............. Dining Reviews That You Can't Use From Oil Wells to Jingle Bells Smidgy and the Grump Honey, I Shrunk the Checkbook Still Feeding Nebo Guess Who's Coming to Free Dinner! If it's Tuesday, This Must be Epcot Be who you are, and say what you feel. Because those that mind, don't matter, and those that matter, don't mind. Dr. Suess

05-22-2012, 08:08 PM	#14
Beka Goes to 11 Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,336	Salad course On to the salads.... Kyle & I decided to change up things a bit & ordered what we usually wouldn't. My choice: Roasted Long Island duck with pomegranate, pistachios & hearts of palm Yum! The duck was flavorful & tender, with no hint of "gaminess". It's been a long time since I've had duck, mostly because I didn't enjoy my 1st experience with it. Kyle's choice: Chiogga beet carpaccio with pickled peaches & burrata cheese. He's admittedly not a fan of beets, but that changed after this salad! I agree, it was delicious. Ok, so carpaccio doesn't usually apply to beets; the waiter did explain that sometimes the chef uses a term liberally. He can call it whatever he wants for all I care, so long as it tastes good! __________________ Celebrating 10 years together, a Victoria & Albert's review Trips to see The Mouse 1984 1988 1992 1994 1995 1996 2009 2010 2012 2013 _____________________________________________ Kyle & me DS DS Matches Booger

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