Difference between V&A and V&A Chef's Table?

[kathyg]

There will be six of us (2 real adults and 4 wannabes). Originally, I thought maybe I would make a ressie for just my DH and myself for V&A Dining Room. But then I started reading about the Chef's Table.

Can someone fill me in on the differences. Also, and not to sound gauche, but what are the prices (I know, if you have to ask, you can't afford it!). Just trying to gauge how much it will cost for 6 of us.

Thanks.

 

[Master Gracie]

I'm sure you have probably read this already, but in case you have not, dress at V&A is semi-formal. Men should be in a jacket and women should be in a skirt or dress. Not sure if they allow pant suits for the women or not, I think not, but as I said, I am not positive.

That aside, my wife and I ate there on our honeymoon and it ended up being about $250 for the two of us (without the wine pairings). I think allearsnet.com has the prices listed. Things have probably went up a little in the past 5 years.

The food was excellent and the atmosphere was very upscale. We were in the regular dining room. We have not been to the Chef's Table, but I have read reviews of those who have and I believe the price is a little higher, but you get to sample everything on the menu instead of having to pick one choice from each course.

Those of you who have more insight, please straighten me out.

 

[princess-rn]

We've never done the Chefs table..but thought about doing it during our honeymoon but everynight we were in WDW the Chefs table was booked. The main differences seem to be....First of all the cost. The chefs table is a bit more expensive. Also at the Chefs table I believe you get to try everything. The chef comes over and talks to you and tells you about the food etc...You are sitting in the kitchen so you get to see what is going on. VERY personalized service. The CM that I talked to when I was trying to book it for our honeymoon said most of the people that seem to like the Chefs table the best were either gourmet chefs themselves or just lovers of gourmet food in general. My husband and I were 25 and 24 respectively and we just wanted a nice romantic once in a life time meal. So the CM suggested just having dinner in the main dining area. She told me it was MUCH more romantic than the chefs table. She was right. THe dining area is VERY small. There is a harpist playing..the lights are dim. You still get VERY personalized service as you have 2 servers (Victoria and Albert) THat night My husband and I got personalized menus to take home along with a red rose and some V&A chocolates. It was such an amazing dinner. you will LOVE it. It''s definately something everyone should do at least once.

It's pretty expensive. 6 years ago (on our honeymoon) we did the regular dining area and it was almost $400 with wine pairings and tip (we tipped big b/c it was such a perfect dinner. It was WELL worth it. It was a meal we will never forget.

Have a great trip!!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Currently the regular dining room is $100 per person without the wine pairings, $155, with. The Chef's Table is $150 without the wine pairings and $215 with. To this you have to add 6.5% sales tax and the tip.

Note that non-alcoholic beverages are included in the basic price. You can also order wine by the glass or by the bottle; they do have a full bar available.

Normally, except during very slow periods, they have to seatings per night, with the first people being seated between 5:45 and 6:30 and the second seating starting at about 8:45 and they will make reservations until 9:30. Figure about 2½ hours for the meal.

However, the CT is only one seating per night at 6:00 and figure about 4+ hours. It is almost impossible to get as there is only one reservation per night.

 

[dhcoffey]

Women can wear nice pant suits also, no problem. Every time we've been, there's people in tuxes and long gowns to suits and pants suits. Also, last time we went in Feb, they no longer call the waiters and waitresses Victoria and Albert. They used their own names. I kind of missed the other way, though. Hope you have a great time. The food is wonderful!

 

[jiminy14]

We dined in the regular dining room in May and the price was still $100/person. There are additional charges for special items such as caviar and Kobe beef. My DH and DD ordered the Kobe beef which was an additional $25/person. V & A's has an extensive wine list with prices ranging from about $35 and up.
As far as the dress code, I wore a dressy pantsuit and had no problems. Men must wear a jacket but it does not have to be an entire suit. Sports jackets are fine and no ties are required. We were advised by the CM that took our ressie that sandals such as the flip-flop/casual type were not allowed.
Our total for dinner for four adults was just over $500 with tip and tax. This included a 20% discount from using the DDE card. It was expensive but it was one of the best meals we have ever eaten.

 

[webray]

..........

 

[kathyg]

All wannabes are 21 or over.

Thanks for the replies everyone.

 

[punkin]

I hope the wannabees are 18 or older, as this is an adult only restaurant.

Really? That's the first I've heard of it.

 

[sweetpeakaris]

Children are allowed, they are rarely there since the prices are the same for them as adults. When we were there in April, there were 4 children that looked to be around 6-10.

 

[TDC Nala]

I have worn a pants suit to V&A.

 

[elaine and the boys]

A few weeks ago, there were three Disney specials on the Travel Channel. One of the special programs discussed the lesser-known adventures and experiences you can have while in the World. One of the featured experiences was the Chef's Table at V&A. Looked like a very cool experience....especially if you're a foodie!! Your table is right by the kitchen, so you can see your own dinner being created right before your eyes. The chef explains everything in person before you order. And personal menus were given to each guest at the end of their dinner. Try to see this Disney tv special if you can. It will show you exactly what the Chef's table is all about.

 

[orljustin]

The Chef's table is an awesome experience. $215 is a little pricey, but if you are a foodie, you should try it once.

Just get out there and google a little bit to find reviews. Here is a quicktime VR:
http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/media/quicktim/vr/gf/gfVictoriaAlbertChefTable.mov

The table was big and rectangular when we were there.

 

[mmmcq]

My husband and I did the Chef's table in '04 and it was so much fun and worth every penny. I set it up because my husband has been collecting wines for sometime and loves visiting Napa for the food and wine and enjoys trying new restaurants wherever we travel. We've sampled some amazing restaurants on vacation.

The chefs in the V & A kitchen (multiple because there are chefs for different courses) come by the table and explain their courses or what's going on in the kitchen. They give you some choices of wines based on your tastes and they pour a different wine with each course. They joked with us and were really great sports. They made us feel like a part of the action that night.

The night we were in the kitchen there was a group from AAA Travel in the dining room...so the staff was super charged. We got to see them line up to serve the group all at once. It was like what you see on a cooking show.

By the way the table is in the back of the kitchen and they have to escort you in and out. From where you sit - you see everything.

We had a wonderful time and will do it again in a few years.

To get the reservation, I just kept calling and calling....and finally someone cancelled and I snagged a reservation. So don't give up trying.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Just to chime in--pants suits are allowed. As are kids. But very few kids at V&A. Only seen 2 in all the years we've been going.

 

[mmmcq]

Forgot to add that it was delicious.

Ditto on the kids. We left our teens at the resort with our then 4 yr old.

I don't think they are forbidden, but the cost is prohibitive and unless they are really into cuisine the whole experience would be lost on them.