Chef's table at Victoria & Albert's

[Shelly888]

If there is thread already, please direct me. DH really thinks we should try this. He is a chef, educated at CIA in NY, and we are planning a night out without the boys(in room sitter). I know this is NOT in DDP. *ETA: i found the V&A thread...it sounds to die for, but think it might not be the best choice for us this trip.

We also have 2 "extra" days from the DDP due to going to Universal. I was thinking we could try another signature that is in the DDP, perhaps Jiko. We are planning on eating at Boma on our AK day. Are they too close food wise?

I was also thinking perhaps we could catch dinner and Illuminations somewhere(where?!) Maybe if the fireworks can be seen from a resort like the wishes can from the Poly beach, we could dine at a resort place and watch them there. We already have a wishes cruise booked, and not a solid plan to see Illuminations since it's late and we have a 1 year old.

We are both thinking the cost of the chef's table is likely going to be crazy expensive and since we will already be spending 100+ for a sitter, plus the DDP it is likely out of our budget, especially since we'll have the extra credits to use, but we would at least entertain the idea. Any special ideas for us?

 

[plutolovr]

Another option would be the Chef's wine pairing dinner at Flying Fish. I think it runs about $145/pp and includes wine pairings. Flying Fish is a wonderful restaurant and we enjoy sitting at the counter with a kitchen view. I think they still do the dinner. I would call and find out.

Also, Jiko is one of our favorite signature restaurants. The wine list is extensive and always good. I don't think the food is anything like Boma. Definitely more upscale with different flavors and a little more spice on some of the entrees.

 

[2infinityandbeyond]

Another option would be the Chef's wine pairing dinner at Flying Fish. I think it runs about $145/pp and includes wine pairings. Flying Fish is a wonderful restaurant and we enjoy sitting at the counter with a kitchen view.

I'd do the main dining room at V&A's before the FF wine dinner. V&A's, with the wine pairings, would be just a little more than FF.

The wine dinner at FF was really good, but doesn't compare to the food, preparation and service at V&A's.

 

[carrollchristoph]

We've never done the Chefs table at V&A, but the regular dining room is fantastic. My wife and I are "foodies" and really love it! I would agree with 2infinityandbeyond, the Flying Fish is good, but not as great as V&A!

 

[TDC Nala]

I do not know if you can do the Flying Fish chef's table on the dining plan. I think it has to be prepaid at booking.

If you're ok with not doing the dining plan have you considered the main dining room at V&A, it's not quite as expensive as the Chefs Table.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

We are planning on eating at Boma on our AK day. Are they too close food wise?
. . . not really
. . . they are quite different cuisine
. . . Jiko is probably 1 to 2 steps above Boma

I was also thinking perhaps we could catch dinner and Illuminations somewhere(where?!)
. . . viewing is limited, except at Rose & Crown patio seats
. . . and, patio tables there are not guaranteed
. . . Bistro has a good view from a window seat, again not guaranteed

Any special ideas for us?
. . . the above Flying Fish idea ia a possibility

NOTE: If your husband is a chef, then eating DDP will probably be a disappointment. The food has been dumbed-down to a point where it is pretty much average. Try Shula's for steak, Il Muliono's for Italian.

 

[snykymom]

NOTE: If your husband is a chef, then eating DDP will probably be a disappointment. The food has been dumbed-down to a point where it is pretty much average. Try Shula's for steak, Il Muliono's for Italian.

I have to agree with Rusty on this one. My DH is a frustrated chef, and I'm pretty adventurous, and I won't do the DDP. I often find that the appetizers are more intriguing than the entrees, or the desserts (maybe because they're not on the regular DDP?). I sometimes want dessert much later than the meal, but unless it's a "dessert to go" it's not on the plan.

I'd suggest that you look for a room discount and pay OOP so you can eat exactly what you want exactly when you want it.

 

[lilonstitch12008]

Have you ever been to Citrico's? My husband and I went there for our anniversary dinner and it was amazing! I liked it more than the Cali Grill! I don't know if they have a chef's table, but it might be worth looking into!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I think that if your husband is a professional chef it would be worth the extra money to do the CT. There are only 46 restaurants in the US with an AAA Five Diamond rating, and this is one of them. The price of $200++ is actually a real bargain compared to other Five Diamond restaurants.

And my late wife was a gourmet cook; the first time we did CT at V&A her comment afterwards was: "This is the best cooking lesson I have ever had in my life".