HHI's Private Affair w/ Chef Gordon

[amw5g]

A few weeks back we were lucky enough to spend an evening with Chef Gordon via the HHI DVC's "A Private Affair" dinner.

Essentially, you are renting the chef for an evening. A menu is crafted with as much input on your part as you desire. He then prepares the meal before you in the Signals restaurant (closed to regular traffic in the evening). A lovely table is set to enjoy the fruits of his labor, loking out onto the ocean (too dark our evening, but we saw a beautiful full moon). My wife and I shared a lovely evening with him. While it was just the two of us for dinner, Chef can host larger groups.

Our menu was:
Daufuskie crab cakes with Devil's Elbow dressing- Chardonnay to drink
Filet mignon (tender as warm butter) w/ a pinot noir & green pepepr corn sauce, BBQ shrimp, wild rice and a squash medly- Pinot noir to drink
Chocolate fondue w/ frangelico accompanied by angel food cake, wafers and fruit- Brut Champagne to drink

This meal was definitely the highlight of the vacation and certainly the best food. Chef's company was never intrusive and we had a wonderful time hearing his stories of the profession. My wife and I are big fans of WDW's dining options and Chef Gordon carried on that tradition with flying colors.

I could go on, but you get the picture. If anyone would like more details, I'm more than happy to oblige. I would definitely suggest this service to anyone looking for an alternative dining experience.

Cheers,
Andrew

 

[trampslady]

Thanks so much for a wonderful report. This sounds like something my husband and I would definitely be interested in. Is this an option anytime? We are scheduled to spend the week between Christmas and New Year's Day at Hilton Head. It's our first trip home to our new add-on addition!

 

[VMS]

We have our dinner booked for our upcoming April trip. We did it last year and it was an unforgettable evening. I recently saw the new menu and I know we will have a tough time choosing!

 

[Firefighter Mickey]

Originally posted by trampslady
Thanks so much for a wonderful report. This sounds like something my husband and I would definitely be interested in. Is this an option anytime? We are scheduled to spend the week between Christmas and New Year's Day at Hilton Head. It's our first trip home to our new add-on addition!

I would contact HH resort now and find out about making reservations. Gordon usually books up quite early - I'm not sure how soon he'll take reservations, but I'd call to find out.

 

[amw5g]

Originally posted by VMS
recently saw the new menu and I know we will have a tough time choosing!

The menu is what you want the menu to be. He will provide a sample of past options to you, but I'm pretty sure that it is open to just about any interpretation. Of course food cost is factored into the pricing so you couldn't select anything but you are not pegged to one specific menu.

-Andrew

 

[Disneyaholic]

Originally posted by Firefighter Mickey
I would contact HH resort now and find out about making reservations. Gordon usually books up quite early - I'm not sure how soon he'll take reservations, but I'd call to find out.

If you'd like, you can contact Gordon via email: ChefLCC@cs.com.

We did private affair with a large group last summer and had a blast! We also have him booked again for April. Can't wait! I agree, the new menu is outstanding! We will definitely have a hard time deciding. Since it's only four of us, Gordon said we didn't all have to have the exact same thing, which is good, since DD is vegetarian...

Mmmmmm...I can hardly wait!

 

[Jimbo]

I just booked an anniversary dinner for my daughter and SiL for August. One question for anyone who's done Private Affair: Did you tip? If so, how much?

Sorry, that was two questions, wasn't it?

 

[amw5g]

There is no place on the payment form for a tip. In fact, he drew a line through the tip portion so we couldn't. I asked him if there were some way we could show our gratitude and his only suggestion was to give honest feedback should we get a survey ffrom Disney.
That ebing said, I suppose you could always thrust some money on him, but we felt that was a bit gauche.
So we're singing his praises to all our friends instead.
-Andrew

 

[mickeydvcer57]

I just read about this in Member Clubhouse newsletter. Sounds like something to try next time we're at HHI. Sounds like a great way to try new foods and get to know a real Chef in the process.

 

[trampslady]

Oh I am so hoping that this is an option when we go in December.

For those who have the details, how much does this wonderful treat cost?

 

[Jimbo]

It's $150 a couple, or $50 per person for larger groups. Wine is included with each course.

 

[vernon]

Just another vote for this function/program, it was by far the best dining experience we had at HH Xmas 2001.

 

[sueg]

Another cheer for Chef Gordon. We had a rainy, miserable week in HH, last Aug. & dinner w/ Chef Gordon was definitely the high point of the week. I think it still would have been the highpoint if we had great weather.

 

[RobDoc]

"A Private Affair" is a wonderful experience. We've enjoyed it the last two years and have reserved again for this July.

Here is the current menu information from Chef Gordon:

Dial 843-341-4166 for further information

One or Two Guests $150.00
Three or more Guests $50.00 per person
To allow for proper preparation of your event, a
minimum 24-hour advance notice is required.

Appetizer Selection

French Onion Soup au Gruyere or
Sea Island She Crab Soup
Recommended: Madeira
Alternate: Chardonnay

Lowcountry Barbecued Shrimp Sate
Recommended: Pinot Noir
Alternate: Zinfandel

Daufuskie Island Crab Cakes with
Devil’s Elbow Dressing
Recommended: Chardonnay
Alternate: Sauvignon Blanc

Baby Spinach Salad with
Warm Bacon Dressing
Recommended: French Colombard
Alternate: Pinot Grigio






Entrée Selection

Filet Mignon with
Lemon Butter Brandy Flambé
Recommended: Cabernet Sauvignon
Alternate: Merlot

Tilapia Provencale with
Blue Crab Stuffing
Recommended: Chardonnay
Alternate: Sauvignon Blanc

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with
Vidalia Onion Confit
Recommended: Merlot
Alternate: Cabernet Sauvignon

Herb Crusted Sautéed Grouper
Recommended: Sauvignon Blanc
Alternate: Chardonnay


Dessert

Vanilla Caramel Flan
Recommended: Champagne
Alternate: Port

Chocolate Pots-de-Crème with
Grand Marnier Cream
Recommended: Madeira
Alternate: Champagne

White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake
Recommended: Port
Alternate: Muscat

Classic Crepes Suzette
Recommended: Champagne
Alternate: Madeira

 

[sweetp0618]

Not only is Gordon a wonderful host and chef, creating a superb dining experience, but Private Affair is THE BEST fine dining experience on HHI!

I've done it several times and can recommend it without hesitation.

Patti
sweetp0618

 

[LUVDVC]

When booking for two people, does each person get to select appetizers and entrees or do both people share the same selection?

I just booked for my trip in June and am already trying to decide what to choose!

 

[Kim&Chris]

Each person choses their own appetizer, main dish, and dessert.

FYI: I had the chocolate pots de creme for dessert and OMG....it was wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The french onion soup was also wonderful (no grease!).