Poll: Should V&A "expand" their menu???

[Uncleromulus]

Often times on the boards I see posters wondering if they'll be able to find anything to their liking on the menu at V&A. Although they usually should, having but 4 entrees on the menu does limit things a bit. Same with appertizers and soup. On our last visit, they only had THREE entrees from which to select--.
I'm not suggesting any wholesale menu change or anything like that. But maybe just increase the # of entrees to six--that sort of thing?
So what do you think??

 

[queenmichelle]

I totally agree. I would love to dine there but the menu is intimidating for people with simple food tastes. I'm all for 6 course meals(or whatever it is) but I've looked at the selections a number of times and feel they should offer some wonderfully prepared more basic dishes.

 

[Peter Pirate]

As one of those who has not vsited V&A's for that very reason (oh, plus that silly dress code ) I don't think they should mess with success just to try and woo a broader group of people.

V&A's is a fine, upscale restaurant, probably bordering on gourmet and cannot be expected to be appreciated by the masses (myself included). But just because the menu scares me doesn't mean they should dumb down their "art" just so Mr. meat and potato Peter Pirate can enjoy it as well.

No, I think they should keep doing what they are doing as long as it's successful and stays challenging to the Chef and staff.

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Absolutely not.

Victoria & Albert's chef should be the one to decide. If you don't like the choice, go somewhere else. I am sure you could phone first to see what's on the menu.

V&A have the reputation of being the best restaurant on site. The kitchen is not huge (I have eaten at the chef's table). The restaurant is probably the smallest at WDW, with the fewest people eating there each evening. They should only prepare the number of dishes that they feel comfortable with, no more. They should not reduce their standards in order to put more dishes on the menu.

We all have a choice of where to eat, and there are many fine alternative restaurants at WDW.

Andrew

 

[Ron from Michigan]

No No NO, we love it just the way it is now.

 

[Laurabearz]

I like it the way it is.... I dont want to stay 'in the box' while dining there... esp not at those prices.

Do a few things well.....

 

[DVCconvert]

I'm happy to say, that I'm in complete agreement with:

PETER PIRATE on this one!

At the same time, I think 3 choices is too few Uncleromulus.

V&A's is a good example of what Disney can do very well; sticking with quality - and doing it up right!

I won't mind if they tried added one more entree, or maybe from time to time had a Harpsichordist or some violins (or something) that's not over-powering for live tasteful music to accompany the meals. (instead of the harp)

 

[magicmouse2]

I voted expand the menu. My DH does not eat nuts or root veg, which regularly occur on the menu.

 

[webray]

Absolutely not..There is nothing obnoxious or adventurous about V&As menu, and if you can't find anything you like there...then I say go elsewhere. It is regular food, done very well.

 

[chobie]

I'm happy to say, that I'm in complete agreement with:

PETER PIRATE on this one!

At the same time, I think 3 choices is too few Uncleromulus.

V&A's is a good example of what Disney can do very well; sticking with quality - and doing it up right!

I won't mind if they tried added one more entree, or maybe from time to time had a Harpsichordist or some violins (or something) that's not over-powering for live tasteful music to accompany the meals. (instead of the harp)

ITA! Even about the musician, how about a harpist?

 

[OKW Lover]

There's no reason to change. Expanding the menu would only result in an overall lower quality experience. Let the chef decide what's the best items to be on the menu for the day based on what's fresh and then let them prepare it.

I can see it now. Would you like fries with that?

 

[MickeyMonstersMom]

It's true that the menu intimidates me and I'd be more likely to eat there if there were a few more offerings (especially any not involving shellfish, game, or organ meats). However, I also feel that any expansion of the menu would lead to dilution of its quality. I'd hate to see an exceptional experience ruined just to cater to a lower common denominator.

 

[BCV23]

I voted leave it as is, too, although I don't think you are always trying to change things that need no improvement, Uncleromulus!

However, three entrees does seem too narrow...four was fine. Do you think that was a permanent change or maybe there just wasn't enough good choices for the chef that day?

 

[Uncleromulus]

Wish I knew--but no fish whatsoever--just one lamb, beef, chicken--that was about it. Had I been a person who really had a longing for fish (or any seafood for that matter) that nite, it would have been a major disappointment.

 

[BCV23]

Were you there after one of the hurricanes? Perhaps that made it more difficult to ascertain that the seafood was really fresh and had been properly cared for before V&A received it.

Of course, I could be grasping at straws here . But it does seem very unusual to not offer a fish or seafood selection.

Enjoying your poll.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Thanks!! Does seem to be a trend--
NO-no hurricanes or anything of that nature. Only thing I can think of is that they had maybe ONE particular fish on order that night and it failed to show up-?? There are all sorts of sources for fresh seafood in Florida, so it couldn't have been a general problem. And I should have added that this "3 entree" nite was the only time it happened--all other times they have had the usual 4 entrees.

 

[The4OfUs]

Many times the menu is based on what the chef/kitchen can buy fresh that day, and rather than have a large selection, they keep the choices to the top quality - DH is a professional chef, and has said in the past that a small select menu is a sign that the kitchen is incredibly focused on providing a culinary experience. I'd rather have that than a few more choices, myself.

 

[married@wdw]

With the flexiblity of the kitchen staff at V&A's I think you'd be crazy to change a thing! The staff can cook to your liking, the chef even come out to your table to talk to you -- and you can certainly call ahead with any special needs or requests. V&A's is not stuffy -- just exquisite dining!

I know one incredibly picky eater who doesn't even like to sit at a table with seafood of any kind -- basically only eats chicken off the bone and beef. He's been there three times and absolutely loves it because there's always some kind of beef which always tastes fantastic and the other courses usually have something he's willing to try. If there's not, he simply tells his waitstaff that he's not fond of either of the choices and they usually find him something he'd like better (or his fortunate wife gets to try both items from that course.). And of course, he never has a problem finding dessert!

 

[Micca]

Unless they add some basic plain food (like prime rib and baked potato), I will never get to eat at V&A because of DW's taste for meat & potatoes.

 

[nasmith]

Quality NOT quantity!! As everyone else has said - The Chef prepares what he can get fresh ! The menu changes due to availability.

And they certainly DO make every effort to accomodate all of their diners!!
One time, we happened to mention (during our reservation confirmation phone call) that we had especially enjoyed the Nantucket scallops that we had been served the previous year as an Amuse Bouche (we rec'd 2 tiny scallops each) (Nantucket scallops are available for only a few weeks each year around December - very short season). Then, while at the Chef's table, We were amazed that Chef Scott had ordered us a 1/2 lb. of these little delicacies (and created a recipe using them) just for the 4 of us - they weren't even on the menu!

Micca - If you called them and spoke to them (at least a week out) - I'm sure they could accomodate your wife! (although it will be the BEST beef she;s had - and you will pay the same price as everyone else!).

Uncleromulus - Shame on you for even suggesting change!!! Perhaps you've just become jaded!! You've eaten there around 236 times, right? Maybe if you didn't dine there every week, you would find the menu less dull...... (Just ribbing you in all jealousy.......) Jill