The Everything Victoria & Albert's Thread

[NML11383]

I apologize in advance, as I have not read every post in this thread.

My fiance and I will be honeymooning in July, and while we had never considered V&A's, a trip report in the wedding/honeymoon section made it sound so interesting that we now find ourselves debating about it (and yes there are still ADRs left- I checked ).

We aren't sure, however, if it's something we would actually enjoy. Neither of us are foodies at all, and while I am a fairly adventurous (albeit picky!) eater, as in I'll try anything once but don't make any promises that I'll like it , there are a lot of things that I can't eat, or things that I just flat out dislike. I was a vegetarian for years, and while I am slowly transitioning to meats again, it's been a while, and many meats (beef, pork, duck) still make me sick. I also can't stand onions or peppers, which was the reason I started eating meat again- since these are a mainstay of almost every veggie dish lol. I personally have never had a problem finding something to eat at WDW restaurants before, but since this place is so small, and since it's such a high end chef, I don't want to insult him by being super picky. I read in this thread a few times that they do take into account likes/dislikes/allergies, but how much do they really pay attention to that? And does that mean that each person gets a different menu, or do they base the dishes on the evening on what everyone says they like/dislike? I would hate to influence what others could eat

On the opposite end of the spectrum, my fiance is one of the least adventurous eaters I've ever met (I blame his mother , but we're slowly working on it! ), and is very much a steak and chicken person. His response to the menu and the trip report was "that seems... different...", so needless to say he isn't exactly excited already If we went I'm sure he'd try things, but if we're going to spend that much money I want him to come out wowed, not say "well that was okay but I prefer my plain chicken breast or steak at Outback"

Neither of us have ever done any fine dining before, and we don't want to be intimidated by the menu or feel out of place while we're there because we aren't foodies. Is it possible to enjoy even if you are just a regular person who likes to eat?

I know it's nearly impossible for someone else to tell us whether we'd like it or not, but perhaps someone can at least comment on the way they handle food aversions, and if it's worth going there if you aren't an adventurous eater?

Thanks!

[Mrsjvb]

NML: in my personal opinion.. SKIP it.

try Jiko or one of the DTD establishments instead. work your way up to V&A.

yes they do actually consider preferences and allergies, but the food is more exotically prepared, has unusual( albeit tasty) combinations and is generally far more upscale.

if you have no experience with fine dining, the atmosphere may be too stuffy/uncomfortable for you and you won't enjoy yourselves.

[RachVH]

So I know I am breaking a rule of etiquette by not reading the whole thread before I ask a question, so if this has been asked and answered multiple times I truly apologize. My question is this: Neither my DH and I are huge wine drinkers (for different reasons), so I don't think the wine pairings are for us. What would all of you V & A experts suggest in that situation? Do they have an ala carte wine option?

TIA

[mjtm610]

You don't have to order the wine parings. The dinner can be done with out them. You would be able to order a glass of wine, hard liquor, pop, water before your dinner begins.

[Mrsjvb]

Originally Posted by RachVH

So I know I am breaking a rule of etiquette by not reading the whole thread before I ask a question, so if this has been asked and answered multiple times I truly apologize. My question is this: Neither my DH and I are huge wine drinkers (for different reasons), so I don't think the wine pairings are for us. What would all of you V & A experts suggest in that situation? Do they have an ala carte wine option?

TIA

the sommalier is EXCELLENT and can make recommendations .. either singly or you can purchase a bottle..

[NML11383]

Thank you for your honest advice!
Opted for California Grill this time based on your advice (I LOVE their sushi and seafood dishes!), but will definitely keep V&A's on the back burner for sometime in the future

[RachVH]

Thanks to those who answered my question! I definitely want a glass of wine, just not one for each course. It is good to know that they will still recommend something, even if it is not the full pairing. Much appreciated!

[DrGaellon]

Originally Posted by RachVH

Thanks to those who answered my question! I definitely want a glass of wine, just not one for each course. It is good to know that they will still recommend something, even if it is not the full pairing. Much appreciated!

If you want the wine paired with any particular dish, they will be happy to pour it for you a la carte.

[Kidgoingon40]

Hi, I have been switching resizes for my husband and my 10th anniversary in October a million times...and then I thought about V and A! I know hubby has been wanting to try it for a while, and I thought - what better occasion? I have been going over some of the thread, but I had a few questions I wanted to clarify.

Hubby is mildly allergic to some seafood (like mollusks) and I do not like much seafood (very rarely eat lobster or shrimp) - will it be a problem to not have seafood there? We also do not like veal - will the be a problem? Hubby is an adventurous eater, and I haven't really had that many "strange" things. I am fine with any pork, chicken, lamb, and beef (except veal) though...will I not have a good time? I also can't stand the idea of eating duck or rabbit (esp rabbit - i don't like the idea of something sold in a pet store being eaten ).

About the dress code. I have a nice cocktail dress that goes to about my knees. I wear a nice black shrug with it. Would it be wrong for me not to wear pantyhose? I HATE pantyhose with a passion, and I also find them very constricting (sometimes this can make me feel sick when I eat - I do get the right size, btw!). Also, i do not walk well in heels. At all. Would it be wrong to wear some dressy black flats?

I have been to nice restaurants before (like Ruth's Chris and Fleming's), but I have NEVER been to something as nice as Victoria and Albert's. I just want it to be really special and not stress inducing!

After having a severe panic attack in a restaurant a couple of years ago (due to a medication i was taking), I have kinda had anxiety about eating in restaurants. Weird I know... But I am hoping this won't feel like a stressful/chaotic dinner which can add to my nerves...I also plan on getting a glass of wine at Mizner's beforehand which helps with the nervousness...

Any tips you can give me as a first time diner at Victoria and Albert's would be wonderful!

[Cheshire Figment]

Last time I was there three of the four people had different foods they would not eat, either for dislike or allergies. When I got the confirming call, I indicated which people had which problems. When we got there and received out menus, each person's had the same number of items, but each did not have any of the items that person could/would not eat. So each of the four menus was different.

[domiii]

Originally Posted by Kidgoingon40

...But I am hoping this won't feel like a stressful/chaotic dinner which can add to my nerves...I also plan on getting a glass of wine at Mizner's beforehand which helps ...

It was the most relaxed evening for us and we were there for 4 hours! There is no way you will feel stressed or chaotic!

Regarding the food - Some of my family are plain eaters, meat and potatoes type. We were all very pleased with the food and choices and they changed the menu when we arrived because I forgot my MIL does not like mushrooms. Just her menu was adjusted too!

As far as the dress code, we went very formal, tuxes and gowns, but it was our 25th wedding anniversary. Others were in the clothes you describe. And once you are seated no one can see your legs anyway. Be comfortable. It is truly a wonderful experience!

[Kidgoingon40]

Cheshire Figment and domiii, thank you so much for your responses! :D That makes me feel a bit less worried!

[Tinkerbellie16]

We will be at V&A at the end of July. It will be hot and sticky as we make our way over there. We are taking a taxi from BWV to Poly and dropping the kids off at the Neverland club then either walking or taking the monorail to GF. So I've got a dress that is lighter and bares more of my skin. How cold do they keep it in the restaurant? I can bring a large, dressy scarf with me but will I need it? And is there a table cloth that will cover my legs? If I get cold on my legs, I can use the scarf to drape over my legs but I'd rather do that if no one can really see that I have a scarf draped over me.
Thanks!

[jedijill]

Originally Posted by Tinkerbellie16

We will be at V&A at the end of July. It will be hot and sticky as we make our way over there. We are taking a taxi from BWV to Poly and dropping the kids off at the Neverland club then either walking or taking the monorail to GF. So I've got a dress that is lighter and bares more of my skin. How cold do they keep it in the restaurant? I can bring a large, dressy scarf with me but will I need it? And is there a table cloth that will cover my legs? If I get cold on my legs, I can use the scarf to drape over my legs but I'd rather do that if no one can really see that I have a scarf draped over me.
Thanks!

I've found it cool in the restaurant. The tablecloth will cover your legs. I would bring the scarf just in case.

Jill in CO

[jkh1978]

I'm not sure, but I think they offered my wife a scarf. I think my wife turned it down even though she did find it chilly in there. We were in the QVR. I of course was comfortable.