Question(s) About Napa Rose Chef's Counter

[jamieann]

DH and I are visiting Disneyland in January and I booked us at the chef's counter at Napa Rose for one evening. I have a couple of questions about the chef's counter. I've read that your server or the chef or someone will ask you questions about food preferences and such. Do they get pretty specific, or should I kind of have a list in my head of things I'd like to mention? For instance, I don't care for mushrooms or meat that tastes very gamey. Will they ask about things like that or will I need to specify?

Secondly, my husband is pretty picky. Doesn't care for vegetables or seafood, etc. Will this be a problem or will we feel out of place because he's not super adventurous? From reviews I've read, seafood is a very popular item at the chef's counter and my husband really doesn't like any of it.

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Astylla]

The more specific you can be all the better ! As chefs they deal with special needs , dietary requirements , etc constantly. I was never a fan of lamb until I had it at Napa Rose now it's amazing.
My hubby hates vegetables so mentioned that and they were awesome about it. It actually made him more adventurous because things he never thought he would like , he loved.

Just be honest , as specific as possible but at the same time willing to try something new. It's an amazing experience.

 

[Eclectic Goddess]

We've been twice, and the chef has always asked what sort of things we like. I'm a vegetarian who doesn't like onions or mushrooms, so I offer up some pretty specific challenges. I was worried the first time that it would be an issue, but they didn't even blink and I got some AMAZING food. Plus, giving them specifics means that they are more likely to craft something special for you, rather than serve you variations on menu items.

 

[CassieF]

Yes, you can be as specific as you'd like, but the more limitations they give you the more restricted They will be, which can take the fun out of it a little. Just to note, I always say no spicy because I just can't do spice no matter who much I try and I was so disappointed that they gave me lamb with harrissa for my entree. I have eaten at the chefs counter several times and will be back again but it made me really woNader how closely they paid attention that night (it was the worst chefs counter experience we had...normally they are beyond attentive and amazing, this one they didn't even tell us what we were eating half the time!). Even if you are completely specific about what you want you will still have an amazing meal so if knowing you'll like the food is more important than trying new things let them know and they will work with you!

 

[NewbieMouse]

We've been twice, and the chef has always asked what sort of things we like. I'm a vegetarian who doesn't like onions or mushrooms, so I offer up some pretty specific challenges. I was worried the first time that it would be an issue, but they didn't even blink and I got some AMAZING food. Plus, giving them specifics means that they are more likely to craft something special for you, rather than serve you variations on menu items.

I think I would be inclined to go with the vegetarian option, and I can't stand onions, so I'm just curious what kinds of offerings you had? We're thinking of doing this for our upcoming trip. Also, if you come as a couple do you get asked individually? My husband will want meat for sure!

 

[Astylla]

I think I would be inclined to go with the vegetarian option, and I can't stand onions, so I'm just curious what kinds of offerings you had? We're thinking of doing this for our upcoming trip. Also, if you come as a couple do you get asked individually? My husband will want meat for sure!

Yes every person is individual in this sense.

 

[whoever]

One of my party said she didn't like tomatoes... what did she get... tomatoes...pretty sure the wife and I took them off her hands. Sometimes the chef knows (or thinks they know) better than you.

 

[ArchOwl]

I think it is a good idea to approach the tasting menu at the counter with an attitude of being willing to try new things. Normally I hate beets, but I had beets prepared there that I loved.

If you really don't want to do that, maybe sit at the counter and order off menu. It is a perfectly legitimate option.

 

[MommyJKM]

DH and I are visiting Disneyland in January and I booked us at the chef's counter at Napa Rose for one evening. I have a couple of questions about the chef's counter. I've read that your server or the chef or someone will ask you questions about food preferences and such. Do they get pretty specific, or should I kind of have a list in my head of things I'd like to mention? For instance, I don't care for mushrooms or meat that tastes very gamey. Will they ask about things like that or will I need to specify?

Secondly, my husband is pretty picky. Doesn't care for vegetables or seafood, etc. Will this be a problem or will we feel out of place because he's not super adventurous? From reviews I've read, seafood is a very popular item at the chef's counter and my husband really doesn't like any of it.!

From my experience, the whole fun of the Chef's Counter is to allow the CHEF'S to dictate what you eat (minus allergies). One of my good friends is a famous chef and HATES when people go to his pop-up restaurants and make large changes to what he's prepared, he feels like it's his art and creativity. You won't feel out of place, but maybe just dining in the dining room would work for you? They have great food on the regular menu.

 

[ArchOwl]

From my experience, the whole fun of the Chef's Counter is to allow the CHEF'S to dictate what you eat (minus allergies). One of my good friends is a famous chef and HATES when people go to his pop-up restaurants and make large changes to what he's prepared, he feels like it's his art and creativity. You won't feel out of place, but maybe just dining in the dining room would work for you? They have great food on the regular menu.

Yes! And the tasting menu is a lot of money to pay if you aren't really into the whole experience. I think if someone is not very adventurous they would probably enjoy ordering from the menu a lot more than being surprised and paying extra for the privilege, lol.

 

[Astylla]

I think it is a good idea to approach the tasting menu at the counter with an attitude of being willing to try new things. Normally I hate beets, but I had beets prepared there that I loved.

If you really don't want to do that, maybe sit at the counter and order off menu. It is a perfectly legitimate option.

I completely agree with this and can attest that I was served things I never would have chosen for myself and was so happy I gave them free reign aside from asparagus LOL.
My husband and I really enjoyed tasting each others dishes.

I also have ordered the Vintner's Table menu selection in the dining room ( this changes every week but they post it outside) and it was fabulous too.
Wherever you dine you can't go wrong imo.

 

[ArchOwl]

I completely agree with this and can attest that I was served things I never would have chosen for myself and was so happy I gave them free reign aside from asparagus LOL.
My husband and I really enjoyed tasting each others dishes.

I also have ordered the Vintner's Table menu selection in the dining room ( this changes every week but they post it outside) and it was fabulous too.
Wherever you dine you can't go wrong imo.

Tee hee, next time try some asparagus! Seriously, I abhor beets and was so sad when I saw them on my plate. But I tried them and ate them all! Hahaha. Magic I tell you!

 

[Eclectic Goddess]

I think I would be inclined to go with the vegetarian option, and I can't stand onions, so I'm just curious what kinds of offerings you had? We're thinking of doing this for our upcoming trip. Also, if you come as a couple do you get asked individually? My husband will want meat for sure!

As some PPs mentioned, they will ask you individually. My DF is a meat eater, but after seeing my dishes on our first trip, she went veg for the second! Some of the dishes I remember include a Brussels sprout, parsnip, walnut and cranberry hash on top of cauliflower couscous, Asian shredded vegetable salad with fresh citrus dressing, leek gratin, sweet potato gnocchi, and pumpkin ravioli. Honestly, it was some of the best and most creative food I'd ever had.

 

[Astylla]

Tee hee, next time try some asparagus! Seriously, I abhor beets and was so sad when I saw them on my plate. But I tried them and ate them all! Hahaha. Magic I tell you!

It's totally a mental block from my childhood and taste issue. I've tried it everywhere from local diners to 4/5 star restaurants and just cannot do it.
And I love just about everything and consider myself fairly adventurous.

 

[NewbieMouse]

As some PPs mentioned, they will ask you individually. My DF is a meat eater, but after seeing my dishes on our first trip, she went veg for the second! Some of the dishes I remember include a Brussels sprout, parsnip, walnut and cranberry hash on top of cauliflower couscous, Asian shredded vegetable salad with fresh citrus dressing, leek gratin, sweet potato gnocchi, and pumpkin ravioli. Honestly, it was some of the best and most creative food I'd ever had.

I think this is why I was thinking I may go with the vegetarian option. I would be willing to try pretty much any vegetable, but some meat would be a like a Survivor challenge for me to get down. These veggie options look fantastic though so I think I will do that! So you just phone to make reservations? How much does it cost?

 

[MommyJKM]

I think this is why I was thinking I may go with the vegetarian option. I would be willing to try pretty much any vegetable, but some meat would be a like a Survivor challenge for me to get down. These veggie options look fantastic though so I think I will do that! So you just phone to make reservations? How much does it cost?

You do have to call the restaurant directly. The direct phone number (in my phone so I hope it's right) is 714-300-7170

The good thing is they don't require a deposit so if you have to cancel last minute you won't get charged (but it's not nice in case others are waiting )

It's $100 and adding the wine flights is an additional $50...and WORTH EVERY PENNY!

 

[Malcon10t]

When I did it, the chef was pretty good, except for a couple little things. Despite my saying I didn't like spicy he brought me the Smiling Tiger salad with the sirachi sauce and said I'd "like it the way I make it." He did make a dish different from me when I told him while I don't like fish, I do like shrimp, so he substituted a huge prawn for the scallop. The filet mignon was very good. The oatmeal ice cream was awesome.

Prices - for me, it was about $185. I did have the wine pairing, which was GREAT. They did a great job pairing with the food, and with ME (don't like dry wines!)

 

[Aladora]

When I did it, the chef was pretty good, except for a couple little things. Despite my saying I didn't like spicy he brought me the Smiling Tiger salad with the sirachi sauce and said I'd "like it the way I make it." He did make a dish different from me when I told him while I don't like fish, I do like shrimp, so he substituted a huge prawn for the scallop. The filet mignon was very good. The oatmeal ice cream was awesome.

Prices - for me, it was about $185. I did have the wine pairing, which was GREAT. They did a great job pairing with the food, and with ME (don't like dry wines!)

I totally forgot about that! I cannot stand chardonnay at all so I made sure to let them know and they were great at making substitutions! (I wish I had done that the first time we did the chef's counter, I ended up trading my chardonnay for whatever it was he had)

 

[CassieF]

@Malcon10t did you end up liking the smiling tiger salad or was it still too spicy for you? When did you go? They replaced my spicy entire as I couldn't eat it but there was no apology and by the time I receive my new entree everyone else was finished. The previous several times we've gone over the past two years we had exceptional food and service, and Chef Gloria was Head Chef for all of them. This last time is was another (not Sutton...is he even there at all anymore?) guy and he felt very inattentive, both with requests, customization, meal progression (I had Chanterelles in three consecutive courses...I like mushrooms and all, but I didn't mention that I did and it was a bit much) and just generally, like telling us what we were eating. I'm hoping this isn't a new trend...

 

[Malcon10t]

@Malcon10t did you end up liking the smiling tiger salad or was it still too spicy for you? When did you go? They replaced my spicy entire as I couldn't eat it but there was no apology and by the time I receive my new entree everyone else was finished. The previous several times we've gone over the past two years we had exceptional food and service, and Chef Gloria was Head Chef for all of them. This last time is was another (not Sutton...is he even there at all anymore?) guy and he felt very inattentive, both with requests, customization, meal progression (I had Chanterelles in three consecutive courses...I like mushrooms and all, but I didn't mention that I did and it was a bit much) and just generally, like telling us what we were eating. I'm hoping this isn't a new trend...

No, I didn't care for it. It ticked me off that he felt that I would like HIS version when I specifically said I wouldn't. I had Sutton. He is still there. He is there more frequently than he is at the other 2 locations he is over.