The Everything Victoria & Albert's Thread

[franandaj]

Originally Posted by netsorc

Can you book the Chef's Table for one?

The chef's table is booked for whatever the size of your party, be it one or ten.

[jenneth79]

Originally Posted by mickeyd78

Really hoping to book the Chefs Table for our wedding anniversary in November. Can you book the Chefs Table 180 days plus 10 if you are staying on property, or is it just 180 days? Also, is there a special number to call.

We've never been to V&A's before. Can't wait to try it.

Also, is it possible you are staying Club Level? The IPO can make your V&A reservation for you... and I'd highly recommend for you to go that route if you can. I have always gotten everything I've requested through IPO, for all dining locations, typically within 10 minutes of my requested time.

[Tinkerbellie16]

DH does not get dressed up for meals (he makes sure to take off a hat though!). He has a suit he wears to funerals and weddings. Would that suit be appropriate for V&A? If at all, he prefers not to wear a tie but he also hates to underdress (or overdress). He wants to blend in. So would he blend in more wearing a tie or not wearing a tie?

And ladies - it says you can't wear sandals??? Do they expect you to wear pantyhose with closed toed shoes then? Or what shoes have you worn? Thanks!

[OKW Lover]

A coat is required for men but a tie is not. We ate there earlier this month and I'd estimate 2/3rds of the men were wearing a tie. I did not and didn't feel at all uncomfortable about it.

[Tinkerbellie16]

Originally Posted by OKW Lover

A coat is required for men but a tie is not. We ate there earlier this month and I'd estimate 2/3rds of the men were wearing a tie. I did not and didn't feel at all uncomfortable about it.

Well, a tie isn't that much to pack so we'll have him bring it. He can decide if he wants to wear it. Thank you!

[netsorc]

For those who have eaten at V&A, can you give any etiquette tips? I'm pretty good when it comes to not making a fool of myself when eating at a nicer restaurants, but when I sit down, am I going to be faced with a choice of six forks, five spoons, and seven knives? Do the servers only have what utensils you need for each course? Any insight is appreciated!

[DrGaellon]

If you are presented with multiple iterations of tableware, the rule of thumb is very simple - the outermost pieces are for your first course, and you work your way inward.

[jedijill]

Originally Posted by netsorc

For those who have eaten at V&A, can you give any etiquette tips? I'm pretty good when it comes to not making a fool of myself when eating at a nicer restaurants, but when I sit down, am I going to be faced with a choice of six forks, five spoons, and seven knives? Do the servers only have what utensils you need for each course? Any insight is appreciated!

You will only be presented with the utensils needed for each course. You'll be fine!

Jill in CO

[Cheshire Figment]

Prior to each course being served, each person will receive the proper utensils for that course, and they will be cleared away at the end of the course.

I remember the first time I went to V&A, for the soup course Judy ordered the consomme and I ordered a cream soup. Judy's was served in a two-handle consomme cup with a round spoon and I was served in a bowl with the flattened edges with an oval spoon. Both the bowls and the utensils were "correct" for what was served.

[LilyWDW]

Originally Posted by Cheshire Figment

Prior to each course being served, each person will receive the proper utensils for that course, and they will be cleared away at the end of the course.

I remember the first time I went to V&A, for the soup course Judy ordered the consomme and I ordered a cream soup. Judy's was served in a two-handle consomme cup with a round spoon and I was served in a bowl with the flattened edges with an oval spoon. Both the bowls and the utensils were "correct" for what was served.

I am so happy to read this. It was stressing me out too! I try, I really do try, but I have no experience with this sort of dining. I was terrified that I wouldn't know what to do with which utensil and I would look like a fool.

[MoonFaerie]

Originally Posted by Tinkerbellie16

And ladies - it says you can't wear sandals??? Do they expect you to wear pantyhose with closed toed shoes then? Or what shoes have you worn? Thanks!

You know, I didn't even think about it, but technically I wore sandals. They were of the strappy heeled variety though. I'm sure that dressy sandals are fine, and that it's flip flops and other casual sandals they are talking about.

[ctnurse]

DBF and I dined in the QV room in December. He wore a dark suit with a Mickey tie and I wore a silver and black sequin cocktail dress with a pair of black heels without hose. I would have worn opened toes heels,but I'm not sure about the sandals, only because of the dress I was wearing. I do own some pretty dressy sandals/flip-flop style shoes that are dressy enough for V&As.

I felt that we were dressed right and were able to get some great pics in front of the tree before dinner. We loved getting dressed up and going to dinner. I would rather be a bit over dressed than under dressed. I hope this makes sense.

[Tinkerbellie16]

Originally Posted by MoonFaerie

You know, I didn't even think about it, but technically I wore sandals. They were of the strappy heeled variety though. I'm sure that dressy sandals are fine, and that it's flip flops and other casual sandals they are talking about.

I was thinking the same thing - that sandals was referring to something casual. Many of my heels could be considered sandals due to them being so 'strappy' but I have no desire to wear closed toed heels with or without hose in July! I'll go with my strappy heels - I doubt it will cause a rucous

Originally Posted by ctnurse

DBF and I dined in the QV room in December. He wore a dark suit with a Mickey tie and I wore a silver and black sequin cocktail dress with a pair of black heels without hose. I would have worn opened toes heels,but I'm not sure about the sandals, only because of the dress I was wearing. I do own some pretty dressy sandals/flip-flop style shoes that are dressy enough for V&As.

I felt that we were dressed right and were able to get some great pics in front of the tree before dinner. We loved getting dressed up and going to dinner. I would rather be a bit over dressed than under dressed. I hope this makes sense.

I agree - I'd rather overdress for just about anything! Especially if it came to V&A. Thanks!

[domiii]

We just had our first visit and we were dressed to the 9's. DH in tux and I wore a gown. We were in the QV room. What an experience. Terry and John were fantastic servers.

I was overcome when we walked in, the tears just flowed. There was one other table in the room and found out the women at that table was overcome when she walked in as well. Has this happened to anyone else?

[MaryJ]

Originally Posted by Tinkerbellie16

DH does not get dressed up for meals (he makes sure to take off a hat though!). He has a suit he wears to funerals and weddings. Would that suit be appropriate for V&A? If at all, he prefers not to wear a tie but he also hates to underdress (or overdress). He wants to blend in. So would he blend in more wearing a tie or not wearing a tie?

And ladies - it says you can't wear sandals??? Do they expect you to wear pantyhose with closed toed shoes then? Or what shoes have you worn? Thanks!

When we went there last fall, DH wore a suit with a tie. There were two other women and myself in our party and we all wore sandals. No one turned us away.

I am really excited because we were able to get the Chef's Table in November on my birthday!!! Really looking forward to this one! We have eaten in the Queen Victoria room before, but this will be our first time at the Chef's Table!