Napa Rose Chef's counter experience, Sunday 9/12/21

[avalon451]

There have been a few questions lately about the Chef's counter; what it's like, etc. We went two weeks ago for my birthday. It was the fifth time for me, third for DH and second for the adult kids. It is currently $150 per person, and the wine pairings are an additional $50. They are now doing just one seating rather than two, and there are more courses over a longer period of time. I really enjoyed it; it was very relaxed and fun. We did get up and move around occasionally. I liked that I didn't feel rushed, and the wine didn't creep up so fast as it's done before, over the longer meal length!

The service was amazing, and the food, of course, was also. We had no problems with accommodations for our various allergies (gluten for 4 of us, nuts and salmon for DSIL). I have posted a detailed review over on the dining thread, here: Napa Rose , along with the picture of one of the souvenir menus they gave us with all the detailed descriptions.

Note that if you are dining at the Grand Californian, you can get free valet parking, validated at the restaurant for 5 hours! Very nice.

Here's a couple pictures of us enjoying ourselves: (no idea why some come out sideways no matter what I do; they're not like that in the previews!)



Our view from the dessert side, and Jorge the pastry chef:


Ask if you have any questions!

 

[l4dyj8]

The pictures in the other thread look amazing!

how far in advance did you book? Did you call even before Napa Rose dates were released?

 

[avalon451]

The pictures in the other thread look amazing!

how far in advance did you book? Did you call even before Napa Rose dates were released?

They had just announced that the Chef’s Counter was starting up again just before our 60 days. I called on the 60 day mark in the early afternoon, and already, only the dessert side was left! So I would call first thing in the morning, in the future. Also, you have to call the restaurant directly, not the Disney dining line. You’ll inevitably get the voicemail, and they’re good about calling you back, usually in a few hours.

 

[l4dyj8]

They had just announced that the Chef’s Counter was starting up again just before our 60 days. I called on the 60 day mark in the early afternoon, and already, only the dessert side was left! So I would call first thing in the morning, in the future. Also, you have to call the restaurant directly, not the Disney dining line. You’ll inevitably get the voicemail, and they’re good about calling you back, usually in a few hours.

Good to know! Thanks. Hopefully, one of these days…

 

[BriannaRuth]

Reservations for Chef's Counter open on the FIRST day of the month, two months out. So on October 1, they will be taking reservations for the entire month of December (and earlier). I made my October reservations on August 1. And yes, call the restaurant directly.

 

[Geemo]

Reservations for Chef's Counter open on the FIRST day of the month, two months out. So on October 1, they will be taking reservations for the entire month of December (and earlier). I made my October reservations on August 1. And yes, call the restaurant directly.

As mentioned in BriannaRuth's post Napa Rose has their own System-Calendar for booking Chef's Counter Reservations.

When I have called to place a reservation, I have always gotten voice mail.
In my message I leave my Name, Phone and email along with date and seating preference for a reservation.
Sometimes it has taken a few days for them to call me. But I have always received a call back confirming my request.

I have also made reservations through email - napa.rose@disney.com

 

[AndrewC]

Hold up... the wine pairing is only $50?! So ~$200/person for the meal + wine (before tip and if there is any tax)

I don't drink that much wine and I feel horrible wasting a quarter to half a glass... but for that price getting to try that many different ones paired with the meal is just too hard to resist! (I know some people have complained that they don't grab the "good" wines till you sort of push back a little and request something nicer, but I recall being pretty happy with the wines when I went in 2019, though it was A LOT of wine... )

I felt like I was served like a bottle of wine back in 2019 (didn't drink all of it). I wonder if I should ask them to just do like half pours or just not worry about leaving some with each glass...

I'm going to have to check my plans that day and see if I've got Oga's booked anytime close to dinner or Trade Sam's after dinner, lol

 

[AndrewC]

Speaking of tip... what's the general consensus when it comes to ordering a meal that contains alcohol. Do you normally factor in the cost of the booze when tipping? I think I normally do, but I think I normally tip heavy usually.... on a $400 dinner for two though I might recalibrate my tip, still to be fair and generous, but maybe not what I usually do....

 

[Diana ZP]

My husband and I took our goddaughter to Napa Rose and did the Chef's Counter and it was the best experience...especially for her. They really paid attention to her likes and dislikes and were very encouraging on trying new things without pushing. We did the wine pairings for us and it was excellent. I am hoping when I go with a friend in December to do it again...with or without my friend!

 

[maleficent55]

Speaking of tip... what's the general consensus when it comes to ordering a meal that contains alcohol. Do you normally factor in the cost of the booze when tipping? I think I normally do, but I think I normally tip heavy usually.... on a $400 dinner for two though I might recalibrate my tip, still to be fair and generous, but maybe not what I usually do....

For me, regardless of the total amount, 20% should still be tipped for good service. So yes, factor in the whole amount, wine included to determine 20%

 

[l4dyj8]

Reservations for Chef's Counter open on the FIRST day of the month, two months out. So on October 1, they will be taking reservations for the entire month of December (and earlier). I made my October reservations on August 1. And yes, call the restaurant directly.

thanks for the tip! Our dilemma would be telling the kids we are heading over to Disney without them and they need to stay with Grandma . We aren't too far, so we can plan accordingly. I'm open to just picking a month and seeing whatever Saturday is available.

 

[AndrewC]

For me, regardless of the total amount, 20% should still be tipped for good service. So yes, factor in the whole amount, wine included to determine 20%

So $80. I hate feeling cheap but I also hate how out of control my vacations get

 

[avalon451]

Hold up... the wine pairing is only $50?! So ~$200/person for the meal + wine (before tip and if there is any tax)

I don't drink that much wine and I feel horrible wasting a quarter to half a glass... but for that price getting to try that many different ones paired with the meal is just too hard to resist! (I know some people have complained that they don't grab the "good" wines till you sort of push back a little and request something nicer, but I recall being pretty happy with the wines when I went in 2019, though it was A LOT of wine... )

I felt like I was served like a bottle of wine back in 2019 (didn't drink all of it). I wonder if I should ask them to just do like half pours or just not worry about leaving some with each glass...

I'm going to have to check my plans that day and see if I've got Oga's booked anytime close to dinner or Trade Sam's after dinner, lol

So our server, Becca, told me something interesting… it used to be at their discretion for what they poured you. (I don’t know if it’s still the case, but Napa Rose used to tout that each of their servers had trained as a master sommelier.) She says that now there’s a set wine list of pours for the wine pairing. She had a few options on some courses and poured us a couple different things depending on what we were having. But once or twice when we were like “Ummm… Gewurtzraminer?” (DH may or may not have muttered something like “Ugh, sweet.” ) she would give us something she’d been going to pour for another of us. (She actually retorted sassy to my hubby, “It’s not sweet. Trust me and try it..” He did and she was right.) DD26 tasted the dessert wine and was like, “Yeah, no offense, but no.” And Becca poured her another glass of champagne instead.

 

[BriannaRuth]

It is currently $150 per person, and the wine pairings are an additional $50.

Are you sure on this wine price? I asked when I made my reservations ... I don't recall what they said because I decided I probably wasn't going to do the wine pairing, but I thought they said it was more than this.

 

[limace]

So $80. I hate feeling cheap but I also hate how out of control my vacations get

Absolutely 20%.

 

[SherylLC]

I really, really want to do this!! Thanks for the peek into the experience!

 

[avalon451]

Are you sure on this wine price? I asked when I made my reservations ... I don't recall what they said because I decided I probably wasn't going to do the wine pairing, but I thought they said it was more than this.

Pretty sure.

 

[Maddysmommy]

What questions do they ask for food preferences? My daughter & I are so different I'm concerned about our long list of dislikes! And what is the dress code?

P.S. My signature is incorrect. My DD is now 16! Haha!

 

[thenicefamily]

Are you sure on this wine price? I asked when I made my reservations ... I don't recall what they said because I decided I probably wasn't going to do the wine pairing, but I thought they said it was more than this.

I agree - I believe when I made my reservations (for November 12th) I was told $90 per person for the wine pairing. I'd appreciate knowing for certain so perhaps OP will come back and confirm. I'm paying for 4 and, at $90 it's just too much but, at $50PP, probably doable as a special once-only splurge.

 

[Araminta18]

What questions do they ask for food preferences? My daughter & I are so different I'm concerned about our long list of dislikes! And what is the dress code?

P.S. My signature is incorrect. My DD is now 16! Haha!

My husband and I were there on 9/18 for my birthday, and they were super easy with food preferences. The chef comes over and is very friendly, but asks lots of questions to make sure they give you something you'll like and enjoy. So I wouldn't feel bad at all or be worried about preferences -- they likely have a menu already mostly in mind (the menu my husband and I got on 9/18 was very similar to this one from 9/12), so they may even ask specifically if you like or dislike certain things, thinking on their side about dishes they have already tentatively planned. They were really friendly and nice about it -- I wouldn't worry.