A few questions about V&A

[arminnie]

We have some time, so I will see if I can find anything lightweight like you describe in the end of summer sales. It would definitely be better if we didn’t need to buy anything, but because he rarely needs to wear suits for work (he’s a scientist, works in a lab) his dressy wardrobe is pretty limited - he has 2 suits and a kilt, all of which would normally be too heavy for Florida. However, going from an air conditioned car to an air conditioned hotel shouldn’t be too bad. I think I will be happier once I speak to the restaurant. Thank you!

My DH is retired so really didn’t need these either - but he really wanted a seersucker suit when he moved to New Orleans. He got the beige linen suit and the linen blazer at great sales. The Brooks Brothers linen suit was just a little over $100 at the outlet! and the blazer was about $60 at Belks if I remember right. Deals too good to pass up.

You might check EBay too. Tell him to leave the jacket off until you go to check in for V and A.
I easily get hot too and my shoulder length hair becomes dripping wet. I don’t remember being hot at dinner and I did have a glass of wine which tends to make me hot.

 

[kiford]

You definitely are making the right decision to avoid the Queen Victoria room; both times we've been seated near the fireplace. It wasn't too hot but I wore a light dress and sat closest to it. There are two tables across the room from it but you're probably going to get cooler temperatures in the main room. And the main room is very nice. If he gets too hot, he can go out of the restaurant to the open area. Just let the server know he needs a break and they'll pause dinner for you. It's not a problem because they cook every course once you've had a chance to rest after the last one. That's why it takes 3-4 hours. They give you some time between courses to chat, drink your wine if you're having some, eat some of the bread course (yummy) and just generally relax.

We basically skip breakfast on V&A days. DH might have a small breakfast sandwich from Starbuck's; I just have a coffee. Then V&A is pretty much all we eat that day.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

avoid the Queen Victoria room; both times we've been seated near the fireplace.

1) Another CAVEAT.
2) Ask not to be seated "under the dome" in the main dining area.
3) The dome acts like a parabolic mirror, and magnifies your conversation.
4) People can hear you talk in other parts of the dining room the restaurant, even if you whisper.

 

[loves to dive]

It's a great experience and if you can swing it I would suggest it. My son wore a sports coat and collard shirt, no tie since we were there in August it was just too hot. I wore a nice sundress with a wrap and nice sandals. Yes,they have loaner jackets but I think you tell them you will need one when you book. We were in the main room and loved it. I had wanted the V&A room but was actually glad we didn't get that as the 7 course meal was more than we could eat so the larger one served in the V&A room would have killed us. We each had a wine pairing with our meal and our bill, including tip, came to about $750 and was worth every penny.

 

[loves to dive]

Oh, I forgot to add, ask when you call to verify but I think if he needs to, you husband can remove his jacket during the meal.

 

[arminnie]

Oh, I forgot to add, ask when you call to verify but I think if he needs to, you husband can remove his jacket during the meal.

I think that is only true for the Chef’s Table. The times I’ve done the chef’s table the men were told they could remove their jackets while in the kitchen, but had to put them back on to walk thru the dining room.

 

[Cabius]

It's a great experience and if you can swing it I would suggest it. My son wore a sports coat and collard shirt, no tie since we were there in August it was just too hot. I wore a nice sundress with a wrap and nice sandals. Yes,they have loaner jackets but I think you tell them you will need one when you book. We were in the main room and loved it. I had wanted the V&A room but was actually glad we didn't get that as the 7 course meal was more than we could eat so the larger one served in the V&A room would have killed us. We each had a wine pairing with our meal and our bill, including tip, came to about $750 and was worth every penny.

IIRC you can now get the 7- or 10-course menu in either room! That was the case for us in February 2017, and I think it was a fairly recent change at the time.

 

[Lunagirl]

It is a fabulous restaurant. My husband and I love to eat out and are lucky enough to live an hour away from both Philly and NYC where we have gone to some great restaurants. That being said, V&A is still one of our all time favorite restaurants (for both the food and experience). We’ve always done the standard dining room and I highly suggest doing the wine pairing as well. Last time my husband chose to do the course upgrades (ie to wagu beef) but I think it is fine without.

The Grand Floridian is well air conditioned and I would think your husband would be fine.

 

[soniam]

Dined there twice: once in the main room and once for the special Food & Wine dinner. Both meals have been in the top 5 meals of my life. I would do it again in a heart beat. I would eat there every trip if I could. The wine pairing is definitely worth it.

 

[Tigger in a kilt]

Thank you again for the replies and advice. I'm really excited - it sounds like it will be an amazing evening!