For that special occasion...

[OKW Lover]

Val & I had dinner at Napa Rose chef's counter last night to celebrate my (our) retirement. Mary Jo joined us for an absolutely wonderful meal. I won't do a full review - which is more appropriate on a different section of the DIS - but I did want to highly recommend doing this if you are celebrating.

It was a five-course meal and we opted to have the chef make all our choices for us. After first asking each of us our likes/dislikes and any food allergies, they produced a meal that was different for each of us for each course. We did the wine pairings as well and each course came with a different wine. Perhaps the best part was that because there were three of us, we each got to try a broad range of items. Yes, we each let the others try a taste of their own item.

The whole meal took about three hours, but it certainly didn't feel that long.

 

[Cherinva]

Sounds wonderful !!!

 

[limace]

Not much I love more than a three hour meal with great wind and food. I'll have to do this sometime when I don't have small children with me.

 

[jeanigor]

Would I need to sell one (or both) of my fur-babies to afford this? Is the chef's table exempt from AP discount?

 

[OKW Lover]

Would I need to sell one (or both) of my fur-babies to afford this? Is the chef's table exempt from AP discount?

Possibly both Todd. No AP discount at Napa Rose (chef's table or regular restaurant) and by the time you add wine pairings to the chef's table you're looking at $150/person plus tip. You can eat cheaper off the regular menu and by not adding the wine pairings. I'll have to see if I kept the receipt for the breakdown of food/wine cost. When we get home I'll go through everything.

 

[limace]

This is why I'm currently so enamored with the idea of going with a friend on a solo trip (solo meaning without my family). $150 is manageable with just me; if I have the whole gang, that's what I'll pay for a mediocre meal at any other Disney table service restaurant. Or at least thinking of it that way helps me rationalize! I wish the Adventures by Disney Disneyland trip did Napa Rose.

 

[rtobe]

Would I need to sell one (or both) of my fur-babies to afford this? Is the chef's table exempt from AP discount?

If I recall last month's visit, vintner's dinner without wine pairing was about $90 with wine around $145. We didn't do Chef's table. No discounts at Napa Rose.

Was absolutely one of the best meals ever.

 

[OKW Lover]

We spent $90 for the chef's counter with them picking the courses plus $55 for the wine pairings. Yes, that is per person. Plus tip. The food and service is outstanding, so the tip was large.

 

[mopee3]

If I recall last month's visit, vintner's dinner without wine pairing was about $90 with wine around $145. We didn't do Chef's table. No discounts at Napa Rose.

Was absolutely one of the best meals ever.

What is the difference between Vintner's Dinner vs Chef's Table or are they one and the same. Do sit at the counter and watch the chefs work or at a table?

M

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

The Vintner's Dinner is a preset menu, and the chef's dinner is a surprise - whatever the chef decides to serve you.

Between Jeff, Val, and I we had an amuse bouche (all the same), 1st course, 2nd course, 3rd course, main course, and the finale. We each had a different item at each course, and a different wine, except for the finale, where Jeff & I had the same dessert wine. Since we all tasted each other's dishes, we had 16 different food items to taste (including the amuse bouche), and 15-16 different wines to taste.

We were all feeling VERY relaxed and happy at the end of our meal.

You sit at a counter facing the kitchen, and the chef's chat with you as they work. We also had an excellent sommelier who was happy to explain things to us.

It was funny because the pastry chef came over and told us it was nice seeing (and hearing) us enjoy our food.

It was an excellent meal.

I talk a little bit about it on this week's DL podcast, and will be blogging about it (with pictures, of course) this week.

 

[OKW Lover]

Not to take away the thunder of Mary Jo's blog (which I eagerly look forward to), here's what we had.

Napa Rose Chef's Counter

Amuse Bouche
Scharffenberger Sparkling Wine, Mendocino CA

1st Course
Jeff - Steak Tartare - Valdique, J Lohr Vineyards
Val - Skuna Bay Carpaccio - Nora Albarino, Spain
Mary Jo - Smiling Tiger Salad - Zilliken Riesling, Germany

2nd Course
J - Oak Roasted Calamari - Livio, Falluga, Italy
V - Striped Bass - Far Niente Chardonnay, Napa
M - Diver Sea Scallops - La Crema Chardonnay, Sonoma

3rd Course
J - Saute of Pheasant - Crozes Hermitage, France
V - Rabbit Meatloaf - MacMurray Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
M - White Cheddar Jalpeno Risotto - EnRoute Pinot Noir, Sonoma

Main Course
J - Petite Filet Mignon - Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander
V - Venison Loin - Lassiter Meritage, Alexander Valley
M - Braised Short Rib of Beef - Faust Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa

The Finale
J - Dulce de Leche Creme Brûlée - Renwood Orange Moscato
V - Scharffenberger Chocolate Pate - Dows 10 Year Tawny Port
M - Citrus Celebration - Renwood Orange Moscato

 

[mopee3]

The Vintner's Dinner is a preset menu, and the chef's dinner is a surprise - whatever the chef decides to serve you.
You sit at a counter facing the kitchen, and the chef's chat with you as they work. We also had an excellent sommelier who was happy to explain things to us.

Ok I have the sitting down now, are the prices different for Vintner's Dinner vs Chefs Table? Or is it one price no matter which option you chose.

M

 

[jeanigor]

Jeff, that menu sounds delectable, save the dishes of fishes, of course.

 

[OKW Lover]

Jeff, that menu sounds delectable, save the dishes of fishes, of course.

Todd, the really great part is that before they start they first ask your likes, dislikes and any food allergies. They then tailor what they give you based on that. So you would never see fish on your plate if you ate there.