For those who have done "A Private Affair" with Chef Gordon....

[TimeforMe]

Does the price of the dinner include tip? Or how was this handled. This will be our first time doing this so if anyone can share their experience so we know what to expect, I would love to hear your story. It will be me, my husband and a good friend for dinner. Thanks!

 

[vernon]

I offered a tip and Gordon declined, he said that it was included in the program. I phrased the question as whether he would prefer cash or to include it on the bill, but he'd already filled in the total. Maybe I didn't offer enough and he thought I obviously needed it more than he did LOL. I'm sure he gets asked/offered a lot so I'm sure he won't be insulted if it's offered.

We had a great time, at that time it was held in one of the grand villas so we wandered around a little to check out the villa, sat and had a few drinks in front of the fire, went and chatted to Gordon and watched as he prepared some of the food, he is very informative about HH in general and DVC HH in particular. HE has lots of good stories and we enjoyed chatting with him. I believe if you feel so inclined you can "help" with the cooking (didn't try this ). The table was close to the kitchen and just separated by a breakfast bar so it was easy to chat with him while he was in the kitchen, I don't know how it works now it's at the beachhouse. We did some pretty serious damage to the wine suppy so if you like a glass of wine or two, I wouldn't plan on driving back to the resort LOL.

As a PS, if he's running the wine "pairing" program while you're there ( which wines work with which types of food) this is also an evening I'd strongly recommend if you want to learn a little more about wines. It's a nice informal evening, we attended with 3 other couples who I don't think any had met each other before ( although I later found out 2 of the couples are DIS regulars ) . It was a nice informal way to get to meet a few other people and improve your knowledge at the same time.

 

[TimeforMe]

It's funny you should mention the wine tasting as DH and I were just talking about this last night We actually did do this on our last visit and enjoyed it very much. We were laughing, though, as there were about 4 couples I believe and we were the youngest by about 25 years (even though we are in our early 40's) and the other couples hardly drank any wine! They would take one little sip from each glass and leave the rest, while DH and I were getting 2nds and 3rds It was quite funny.

But anyhow, I couldn't remember if that was Gordon or not and I meant to ask this very same question several times so thank you for answering. We are very excited about our "private affair". My best friend is driving from Atlanta to spend a few days with us and will do this with us also. Thanks for the tip info.

 

[vernon]

They would take one little sip from each glass and leave the rest, while DH and I were getting 2nds and 3rds It was quite funny.

I bet it got funnier the more tasting you did as well ROFLMAO. We did a pretty good amount of damage that night as well. I think Jana and I were the youngest, just on our evening, I'd guess everyone else was 40-55 range.

You'll have a great time I'm sure

 

[Kim&Chris]

We did this back in April and loved it! It was worth every penny. He was really accomodating, because I am a picky eater and didn't really want any of the entrees he was offering. I asked him if he could make something different for me and he said "no problem!".

The night was beautiful, and we really enjoyed looking out onto the beach while Chef Gordon prepared dinner. After dinner, he chatted with us for a while, and then we were ready to pay. We paid with cash and gave him a seperate envelope with his tip. Initially he said that it wasn't necessary, but we insisted because we had such a wonderful night. He took it and thanked us, shook our hands, and the night was over.

I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

 

[LUVDVC]

We just enjoyed A Private Affair a few weeks ago. What a special experience! We enjoyed the atmosphere, the beautifully-presented, delicious food, and Gordon's company. We waited for the bill and thought we'd just leave the tip and leave quickly, since we had heard that Gordon generally refuses a tip, but we were never presented with the bill. When we finally figured out that it wasn't coming, we tried to give Gordon a tip. He more than deserved it, but he firmly refused it. I'd like to think of another way to show my appreciation next time.

 

[Disneyaholic]

The last time we did a Private Affair, Gordon just put it on our room bill. That makes it much easier for him and for the guest, I think.

Both times we have done this special program, we have just left some cash on the table as we left, as Gordon will not generally take tips. With larger parties, he usually has another CM help him as a server, and I would imagine that he probably shares the tips with that person. Maybe if he really doesn't want the money, he donates it to his favorite charity. I don't know, but I feel better leaving something there for him.

 

[sumessefui]

When we did "A Private Affair" in March, we never asked Gordon about a tip. We just forgot and left money on the table.