The Everything Victoria & Albert's Thread

[hstrickland]

Thank you for sharing Heather, it made me even more excited if that is possible!

You're welcome! It's such an awesome experience....wishing I could go back soon! Y'all have a wonderful time!!

Thank you, Heather!!!

We have dined at V&A's one other time (in 2006) and we are headed back on 12/26. I CAN'T wait!!! I talked DH into making this my Christmas gift (and we're taking the kids (adults) and parents and my brother with us this time too!

Awesome Christmas gift!! I think that's really nice to have the entire family there. Have they ever been or is this there first experience?


Heather

 

[Pygoplites]

Excellent review, Heather! You really captured the feel of dining there...I was "transported."

I'll be at V&A three weeks from today. Even though I've dined there many times, it's always an event. This time I get to share it with someone who has never been before, which will make it extra-special. I know it will be the highlight of 5 days of eating around the world.

 

[kungaloosh22]

I have a ladies attire question. Would something like this be dressy enough?

I don't have many dresses, and nothing really between that and formal dresses for holiday parties (i.e. black velvet and/or sequins). I'm wondering which option would feel more appropriate?

 

[jedijill]

I have a ladies attire question. Would something like this be dressy enough?

I don't have many dresses, and nothing really between that and formal dresses for holiday parties (i.e. black velvet and/or sequins). I'm wondering which option would feel more appropriate?

You will be fine. I wore a light weight dress (nothing too fancy) and was not out of place.

I ate there in May for the first time and it was AMAZING! So much so, I'm going back for my birthday in October.

Jill in CO

 

[jedijill]

Wanted to post the links to our V&A review...we had an awesome experience!! I would highly recommend it.


Victoria & Alberts Part 1


Victoria & Alberts Part 2


Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
Heather

Fantastic review. I had the pleasure of dining solo a couple of weeks before you so the menu was much the same. Absolutely fantastic. I can't wait to experience it again.

Jill in CO

 

[JenKatt]

I've worn everything from a formal evening gown to a less formal, yet pretty shorter dress. As long as you follow the guidelines, you'll be fine. Or so stuffed by the end you won't care.

 

[hstrickland]

Excellent review, Heather! You really captured the feel of dining there...I was "transported."

I'll be at V&A three weeks from today. Even though I've dined there many times, it's always an event. This time I get to share it with someone who has never been before, which will make it extra-special. I know it will be the highlight of 5 days of eating around the world.

Thanks! I hope y'all have a fabulous dinner!

I have a ladies attire question. Would something like this be dressy enough?

I don't have many dresses, and nothing really between that and formal dresses for holiday parties (i.e. black velvet and/or sequins). I'm wondering which option would feel more appropriate?

Love it!!! You'll look great

Fantastic review. I had the pleasure of dining solo a couple of weeks before you so the menu was much the same. Absolutely fantastic. I can't wait to experience it again.

Jill in CO

Thanks! There was a guy sitting next to our table who was solo...not sure if he was a dining critic or what. He was snapping pictures of everything, taking notes and talking to the waiter in detail...not that it bothered us at all....just thought it was interesting.

 

[kungaloosh22]

Thank you Heather, Jill, and JenKatt! It sounds like I'd be fine with the "day dress." I think I'll go with the day dress if DH just brings a jacket, or the formal wear if DH chooses a tux.

Of course leaving it up to him means for sure we'll be doing the more casual option.

Or maybe I'll find the perfect "in between" cocktail dress between now and mid-Oct. Now I'd have an actual excuse to wear one.

 

[jedijill]

Thank you Heather, Jill, and JenKatt! It sounds like I'd be fine with the "day dress." I think I'll go with the day dress if DH just brings a jacket, or the formal wear if DH chooses a tux.

Of course leaving it up to him means for sure we'll be doing the more casual option.

Or maybe I'll find the perfect "in between" cocktail dress between now and mid-Oct. Now I'd have an actual excuse to wear one.

When in October are you going? I have a reservation on the 16th!

Jill in CO

 

[kungaloosh22]

When in October are you going? I have a reservation on the 16th!

Jill in CO

We'll be starting our trip in October, but we actually won't be at V&A until Nov. 1. It will be our first time dining there, and we cannot wait!

 

[beansmom]

I have had gastric bypass and no how, no way can i eat 7 (or 4 or 5) courses...period. Is it possible for us to share at V&A or just too tacky? I'm sorta leaning towards the 'too tacky' ...i really, really need to hire a 'stunt eater'.

 

[engle]

We won't even talk about the possibility of it being tacky but V&A just isn't the "share an entree" sort of place. The portions are very small - each one being 4 or 5 bites at the most...okay, maybe the main course is more than that (although by the time you leave there, you will be full!!) and if you really want to experience it, you will need to eat an even smaller portion of each course...a bite maybe...or two. And don't eat ANY of the bread. That will help alot. You won't get a reduction in price but you may want to call and see if they would do less courses for you...maybe one app and the main and a dessert...really, with the portion sizes, you could do it....just don't eat the entire main or dessert.

 

[beansmom]

engle, i sorta thought so.

DH was 'well, let's see if we can afford this trip' last night...but after showing him all the perks, he's loving it! V&A, here we come!

 

[engle]

Awesome!! You will love it!! It is not a stuff your face sort of meal either...it is very leisurely and can take up to 3 hours...another perk for a gastric bypass patient. Tell them when you call and tell them when they confirm.

 

[ADS2508]

My DH and I will have reservations for the Queen Victoria room for this upcoming week-end. I just received our confirmation call. We have had some lovely tasting meal experiences before, but this one will serve as the kick off to our 10 day trip. I can't wait!

 

[BC1836]

My DH and I will have reservations for the Queen Victoria room for this upcoming week-end. I just received our confirmation call. We have had some lovely tasting meal experiences before, but this one will serve as the kick off to our 10 day trip. I can't wait!

Get ready for an exceptional dining experience!

However, we couldn't finish our desserts after our June QVR visit (we gave them to our outstanding servers). With a single wine pairing and an added bottle of wine that we ordered in advance, it was simply too much.

Next time for us: back to the main room with just a single wine pairing.

All the best.

 

[TwoIfBySea]

Do you have to decide anything in advance when you have the Chef's table booked? E.g. whether you're going to want a glass of wine, or a wine pairing? Or can you tell them when you arrive?

If you order a wine pairing at the Chef's Table: how much wine is that, altogether? Normally I can't drink more than one glass of wine, maybe two at most, with a meal. But perhaps the wine pairing glasses are much smaller?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

It is a lot of wine. Almost all the courses get a standard five ounce pour. I think the champagne with the Amuse Bouche may be less than five ounces, and the Port with the cheese course is less. At the CT or QVR the total wine for the pairings is more than a full bottle. Unless you are really used to heavy drinking either split the pairings, order one bottle to split, or order by the glass.

 

[TwoIfBySea]

Thanks -- that does sound like a huge amount of wine. And as my dinner companion will not be drinking alcohol, I have no one to share a pairing with. I guess I'll just stick to the one glass, especially if there is champagne with the amuse bouche!

I am looking forward to this! Can hardly believe I managed to get the reservation!

 

[xxliz28xx]

I had gastric bypass too and I didn't want to give V&A up for my honeymoon. I told them that I had the surgery when I booked, and what I couldn't eat, but I'm willing to try everything and do not expect to finish it all! I know the portions are small so that helps! It also helps that it takes a few hours so I can digest easily.