Cant get V&A Chefs Table doing Cali. Grill instead, Questions.

[Poppinsme]

Howdy,
The Poly Concierge tried to get me V&As Chefs Table for our Anni. but was unable (we are staying Poly LVC so have that service).

I asked them to get California Grill for our Anni. dinner if it was available. It is and we got a 7:30 p.m. ressie.
My questions.
Can you get the Chef to prepare a special dinner for you? Like a Chefs choice?
Do they have a wine flight?
Where is the best place to sit? We have never been here.
I have been looking at the California Grill thread and it looks beautiful.
DH and I are total foodies so am hoping we will enjoy it.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I don't believe you can get the CG Chef to prepare a special dinner, even for an anniversary; did you consider "regular" Victoria & Albert's? It seems to me that would be a far more special experience, in terms of both decor and menu selection, than California Grill or really any other restaurant onsite. Or, Private Dining at the Grand, which is different from Room Service?

The 'best' place to sit at California Grill would probably be at a window table but, while that can be requested it can't be guaranteed.

 

[Poppinsme]

I don't believe you can get the CG Chef to prepare a special dinner, even for an anniversary; did you consider "regular" Victoria & Albert's? It seems to me that would be a far more special experience, in terms of both decor and menu selection, than California Grill or really any other restaurant onsite. Or, Private Dining at the Grand, which is different from Room Service?

The 'best' place to sit at California Grill would probably be at a window table but, while that can be requested it can't be guaranteed.

We were going to do just the "regular" V&As but everybody said so many wonderful things about Cali. Grill and the pics looked so romantic that we couldn't resist.
So now im realy torn.
Thanks.

 

[tinkandpan]

Honestly, if it were me- i would try the regular V&A over Cali Grill. It's a nice place, but it is pretty loud with lots of families. You won't be able to get a special dinner, but the wine list is absolutely terrific.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I haven't been in this section, but I think the CG Wine Room - not exclusive, but smaller - is pretty um, sophisticated; but as nice as the pictures of the restaurant look, and it WOULD be great at sunset, it's loud. I'm not sure it has the ambience you want for your celebration. Here's another, albeit expensive, suggestion - dinner on the boat that replaced the Grand I. Ask Poly Concierge to check into that for you.

 

[luvpooh]

there really is no comparison between V&A's and CA Grill. Even though the Chef's table would be special b/c it's your anniversary, if you are interested in V&A's in any way shape or form, do that over CA Grill!
You will not experience anything remotely romantic at CA Grill, it's a wide open space with a lot of noise from the open kitchen, people all around, etc. V&A's is a dim well appointed room with a harp player and it's mostly couples experiencing fine dining. The atmosphere generally lends itself to hushed conversations between couples. You have 2 servers and several courses, with which you can pair wines. Your servers will explain everything to you about your food, and there is a sommelier if you have wine questions.
Please reconsider booking a table in the dining room @ V&A's over CA Grill for your anniversary, I don't think you will regret it!

 

[SauceBoss]

I agree with luvpooh - while the California Grill has amazing food, great wine and an extremely talented Chef - sadly, about 50% of those that dine there are more interested in seeing fireworks than enjoying the great food and wine that they offer. Other than a great view, there is nothing romantic about it. It's loud, noisy and very crowded. I'd go with V&A, it's romantic, quiet, dim and they don't allow children.

 

[momomonster]

Wow, this is a great thread- thanks to all!

I am booked at Cali Grill for our upcoming trip and am having second thoughts. . . Do you think it would be less crowded and noisy on nights when Wishes doesn't happen? I thought the sunset alone would be nice and maybe less hectic than a night when fireworks were happening.

DH is also concerned about the menu. I'm always dragging him to sushi restaurants where he orders teriyaki or whatever and he JUST told me, "Non-sushi food at sushi restaurants usually isn't very good." I told him I didn't think Cali Grill was was sushi restaurant at all, it's just something they serve.

What do you guys think? I've never been there. We are foodies (to a certain extent- we don't care for food that is fancied-up unnecessarily) and we love modernist architecture. I chose it for those two reasons.

Thanks a bunch.

 

[luvpooh]

I wouldn't avoid CA Grill on a whole, it's just not a place for a romantic dinner, per se. The food there is very good, and they have a great wine selection. If you do go when there aren't fireworks, I think it may be 'less' busy, but it's relative. I've seen some beautiful sunsets from there.
And you can tell your DH that it's not a sushi place, so there will be plenty of offerings for him that are great!

 

[Mcbruns]

While we're on the V&A topic and have V&A folks on this thread, may I ask a question (hope this is ok).

About how long does a non chef table dinner take at Victoria and Albert's? We had to move to a later seating and am curious.
Thanks.

 

[shellybaxter]

I'm going to agree with most everyone else. If I were going to choose between Victoria and Alberts and Cali Grill for a special anniversary dinner I'd go with V&A in a heart beat. I like Cali Grill. We eat there every couple of trips. but V&A is special. It is an experience like no other in WDW. Please reconsider V&As for your special occation

 

[kaytieeldr]

Probably two and a half to three hours. Nobody forces you to stay (sort of) if you're in a hurry, but if you are in a hurry you might want to eat somewhere else.

 

[two-foxes]

I'm going to agree with most everyone else. If I were going to choose between Victoria and Alberts and Cali Grill for a special anniversary dinner I'd go with V&A in a heart beat. I like Cali Grill. We eat there every couple of trips. but V&A is special. It is an experience like no other in WDW. Please reconsider V&As for your special occation

Absolute ditto! V&A's is an AMAZING dining experience (we've only done the "regular" V&A) and compared to Cali Grill (or any other restaurant on property), V&A is my hands down choice for an amazing, memorable, high end, great service from beginning to end meal!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) People seem to want the V&A Chef's Table, but probably due to its rep.
2) Kind of like Le Cellier - the rep is WAY overblown.
3) It used to be a nice treat, but they put in that bloody "fence".
4) Now the special feeling of a true chef's table is gone.
5) Plus, you usually will be sitting with other families at the same table.
6) Hardly romantic.

7) We have done Chef's Table and Dining Room.
8) We prefer the Dining Room, as it is more romantic.

NOTE: California Grill has good food, but they don't do "special" meals. They have alternate meals (eg, Kosher, Vegan, Allergies), but not "off menu" items. And, as mentioned, it is NOT a quite atmosphere.

 

[engle]

I was under the impression...because I was told so by the reservationist...that if you reserve the Chef's Table, it is for you and you alone. No other families.

 

[oybolshoi]

I was under the impression...because I was told so by the reservationist...that if you reserve the Chef's Table, it is for you and you alone. No other families.

That's correct - the reservation is first come first serve for one party ranging in size from 2 to 12 (that's what we were told when booked CT last year). There was no one else at the table with us when we dined at the CT in May of this year.

And I'll agree with the others here - CA Grill does have good food but the restaurant is very loud. If you want a really special evening with fabulous service and atmosphere make a reservation for V&A in their dining room; you won't be disappointed!

 

[engle]

THANK YOU oybolshoi!!! I was starting to panic...I made Chef's table at V&A ressies for my anniversary dinner this November and we were really looking forward to the private dining experience...even if interrupted by the chef!!

I was madly dialing V&A's when you responded...I did ask and we are both correct!!! HOORAY!!

 

[oybolshoi]

THANK YOU oybolshoi!!! I was starting to panic...I made Chef's table at V&A ressies for my anniversary dinner this November and we were really looking forward to the private dining experience...even if interrupted by the chef!!

I was madly dialing V&A's when you responded...I did ask and we are both correct!!! HOORAY!!

You'll have a great time at the CT - we did it for our anniversary too. Just remember - it's pretty loud and busy in the kitchen so you won't have a typical romantic dinner, but just being on the receiving end of so much individual attention and trying so many yummy dishes will make it a wonderful and memorable experience.

Enjoy!!

 

[eeyore45]

I've read so many posts my head is spinning! We usually go to the Party for the Senses to celebrate our anniversary - now that the price has gone up to $135 per person - its time to think about V&A's instead!!

I went to alearsnet.com to check out the menu and prices - I'm in!!! Even if we cant get the Chef's Table, a prix fix menu with a wine pairing looks amazing!! http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menu_va.htm

 

[BCV23]

1) People seem to want the V&A Chef's Table, but probably due to its rep.
2) Kind of like Le Cellier - the rep is WAY overblown.
3) It used to be a nice treat, but they put in that bloody "fence".
4) Now the special feeling of a true chef's table is gone.
5) Plus, you usually will be sitting with other families at the same table.
6) Hardly romantic.

7) We have done Chef's Table and Dining Room.
8) We prefer the Dining Room, as it is more romantic.

NOTE: California Grill has good food, but they don't do "special" meals. They have alternate meals (eg, Kosher, Vegan, Allergies), but not "off menu" items. And, as mentioned, it is NOT a quite atmosphere.

1. A reputation well deserved.
2. Completely disagree. See above.
3. It's not a fence but a half wall. Very easy to see yet keeps everyone safe.
4. Disagree.
5. Not true.
6. We found it romantic when we celebrated an anniversary there but agree that the regular dining room is even more so.
7. So have we.
8. Love them both but usually prefer the regular dining room for an anniversary.

We love CG too and dine there every trip. We've even celebrated an anniversary there in the Wine Room. But V&A is much more quiet and romantic. Even the Wine Room is loud compared to V&A. Oh, and CG is not a sushi restaurant by any means although my sushi lovers enjoy the creations there.