Chef's Table at V&A's

[MindyLuvsMickey]

So, I was forcing DH to watch one of the specials from the Travel Channel the other day. He was quite interested in eating at the Chef's Table at Victoria and Albert's.

Does anyone have any information about it? How far in advance to actually get a reservation? How about the cost? I know it's not going to be a cheap meal . . . not expecting to walk out of there paying pocket change. Just trying to get an idea.

Thanks!

 

[alldiz]

So, I was forcing DH to watch one of the specials from the Travel Channel the other day. He was quite interested in eating at the Chef's Table at Victoria and Albert's.

Does anyone have any information about it? How far in advance to actually get a reservation? How about the cost? I know it's not going to be a cheap meal . . . not expecting to walk out of there paying pocket change. Just trying to get an idea.

Thanks!

You can book....and should book...exactly 180 days before...
at 7am....there is only 1 table and they go fast....

Price is around 170pp....and more than 200pp with
the wine pairing...ballpark figure...
There is 1 seating at 6pm....expect to be there around 3hrs..
Kerri

 

[DisneyFans4]

I saw this on the travel channel too the other day and didn't even know the chef's table existed. Looks fantastic.
Would love to hear from anyone who actually experienced it.

 

[2Princes2Princesses]

Dh and I did the CT on 2/6 and it was incredible! Chef Scott is very nice and explains all the dishes to you in detail. It was also very interesting to see the kitchen working. One of the neatest things we saw was one of the guys doing some prep and he was actually husking little baby corn!

The atmosphere is different from the dining room...brighter, louder, NOT as romantic. My DH is a huge foodie and I am too. Romance could be found later, we were interested in the FOOD!

The cost is up there. We had dinner, I had one glass of wine, and I think DH had a soda. Our total was something like $360.00 before the tip.

I think it is a great experience if you like to try new things, new flavors. We ate everything and there was only one thing we did not like. If you have any specific aversions, the Chef will accomodate that and create your menu without that item.

At the end of dinner, we were given a folder containing the menu of what we had for dinner.

It was a wonderful night and we had a great time. We WILL be doing it again on a future trip for sure.

For booking, as a PP mentioned, call 180 days out. The table will be gone by 7:05. Also, they hold the table on certain days...I think Wed is one day you cannot book it. And this cannot be booked using the 180+10 rule. You must call back every day to get it.

Uncloremus has been to V&A's MANY times and has done the CT many times, as well. I am sure he will offer some more information for you.

 

[MindyLuvsMickey]

It sounds like a fabulous thing to do, but looks like we will be waiting until we are empty-nesters. Considering our son is only 2, that's going to be a while. Our next trip is in Dec. 2008 and he will NOT be ready to sit a table that long. It doesn't sound like it's at all approriate for children, so alas, we will wait.

I'll just have to read up on everyone elses experiences and wait for my chance! LOL

Thanks for all of the information, though. It sounds fantastic!

 

[DisneyFans4]

Thanks so much for the info! I definitely would love to do this with my DH. My boys are older so they can do something else but my oldest is a culinary student so he'd love to see that kitchen!!!

 

[Rneighh]

What is the cost for the regular menu? I looked on Allears menus and could not find the regular menu on the site. What is the dining experience like?

Renee

 

[kaytieeldr]

There IS no "regular" menu. It can vary by the day. If you read the reviews/experiences on that site, and in the Dining Reviews board here on the DIS, you may be able to pick out some common items - foods that are on the menu pretty regularly. But there's no long-term menu that anyone could post.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Last time I checked the regular menu was $115 per person, wine pairings $65 additional. Plus tip.
The best way to understand V&A is to read the many excellent reviews. Here are but two:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1375468

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1310285

The pictures will show you the food portions and presentation. The setting is elegant, the service outstanding. If you like true "fine dining" you will like V&A. be going back again myself, on May 15!!

 

[2Princes2Princesses]

Thanks so much for the info! I definitely would love to do this with my DH. My boys are older so they can do something else but my oldest is a culinary student so he'd love to see that kitchen!!!

He would probably love it! My DD14 is a foodie in training and I already plan to take her to the CT when she turns 16 for a special treat.