The Everything Victoria & Albert's Thread

[franandaj]

Okay, let's just say that I hypothetically do... I'm just trying to understand how the process works and understand how to have the best chance of getting the Chef's Table.

I know when we did it we called at 4AM every morning (we're DL locals too), but that was six years ago and I didn't know about the 180+10 advantage.

 

[brios86]

How is anyone booking online with the 180+10? Does it work with the old site?

From what I think I understand, you have to call the restaurant directly, the dining line cannot book it. The restaurant line opens at 9. What else do I need to know?

 

[bbagnall]

You can book V&A Chef Table online. If you are using the new website, under dining there is V&A and then V&A Chef Table. Just select the Chef's Table and then look for availability like you normally would. If you are using the old website you need to do the dropdown menu for dining event and then select Chef's Table.

When I was making my reservations for Thanksgiving week, I got up early and reserved V&A in the dining room. I went back to bed, woke up around 10 and then thought "I want to sit in the Queen Victoria Room." I definitely couldn't find that online so I called the reservations line. It rang but eventually went to voicemail, so I left a message. I literally thought no way are they going to call me back and if they do what I want will not be available so I'll just keep my regular reservation. They called me back 30 minutes later and were making my changes and then I asked "is the Chef's Table available?" The man on the phone and myself were pretty surprised when it WAS available. I booked that sucker right then and there at 11am!

So to summarize, yes you can book online and it is possible to not be on the phone 180 days out at 6am to book it (I'm going to classify this as a pixie dust experience).

 

[sabcook]

So I was told by my TA and a CM that the Chef's table could be booked online starting at midnight on your 180 day mark (the +10 def. refers to up to 10 days after your check-in day). I tried at 12:02 and for the next 20 minutes or so and got nothing. Was busy the next am and ended up leaving a message on their direct line about 11:30. I got a call back around 2pm and the reservation person was just as suprides as I was that the Chef's Table was available. She said "I usually don't get to book it because it is already full when I get in at 9am". I asked her to confirm that you can reserve it at 12:01 on your 180 day online and she said yes - and more and more that is when it gets booked. I told her that I had tried and was unable to and she was suprised and promised to call her IT person right away to make sure it got straightened out.
Hope that may help someone.....

 

[minniesbiggiestfan]

Can kids eat at the chefs table? Coming in September and our anniversary is on arrival day. Wondering if it would be something kids could do or if it's more adult style?

 

[DrGaellon]

Can kids eat at the chefs table? Coming in September and our anniversary is on arrival day. Wondering if it would be something kids could do or if it's more adult style?

V&A has an age restriction of 10 years and older.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Can kids eat at the chefs table? Coming in September and our anniversary is on arrival day. Wondering if it would be something kids could do or if it's more adult style?

1. There is a strict dress code. No Shorts. No jeans. Men must wear jackets.

2. Children under the ago of ten are not permitted in V&A. Since this rule went into effect several years ago I have heard of only one exception being made, the Food Critic of The New York Times was at the Chef's Table and her children were very used to fine dining.

3. Even if they allowed children, it is a fixed price menu with no child price.

 

[ses1230]

I just read a review on trip advisor that said there are charges in addition to the regular price for the food, is this true?

Here is the quote: "The other irritiating thing is that many of the courses have an additional upcharge (since $135 a person isnt enough money, apparently) So for the entrees, if you want the lamb or chicken, thats included but if you want the beef? another $80. Pork tenderloin? Another $40."

Anyone know? Trying to budget for our anniversary next year.

 

[Conservative Hippie]

I just read a review on trip advisor that said there are charges in addition to the regular price for the food, is this true?

Here is the quote: "The other irritiating thing is that many of the courses have an additional upcharge (since $135 a person isnt enough money, apparently) So for the entrees, if you want the lamb or chicken, thats included but if you want the beef? another $80. Pork tenderloin? Another $40."

Anyone know? Trying to budget for our anniversary next year.

We were just there last night for the first time. It was our 10th anniversary! There are some choices for an extra charge, but we did not get any of them. I don't have my menu in front of me, but iirc, there were only 4 items that had an up charge - two Kobe beef dishes (one was American Kobe-style for around $25 I think, the other was real Japanese Kobe beef for $90.), $210 to add caviar, and one more dish I don't remember. I will post a full review with pics hopefully tomorrow, but we were thrilled with the whole thing!

 

[ses1230]

We were just there last night for the first time. It was our 10th anniversary! There are some choices for an extra charge, but we did not get any of them. I don't have my menu in front of me, but iirc, there were only 4 items that had an up charge - two Kobe beef dishes (one was American Kobe-style for around $25 I think, the other was real Japanese Kobe beef for $90.), $210 to add caviar, and one more dish I don't remember. I will post a full review with pics hopefully tomorrow, but we were thrilled with the whole thing!

Thank you, that makes me feel better. I will be looking or your review! Happy Anniversary!

 

[DrGaellon]

Here is the quote: "The other irritiating thing is that many of the courses have an additional upcharge (since $135 a person isnt enough money, apparently) So for the entrees, if you want the lamb or chicken, thats included but if you want the beef? another $80. Pork tenderloin? Another $40."

Certain specialty items (caviar, filet mignon, Kobe beef) have an additional upcharge. Also, the wine pairings have an upcharge. (I can tell you that dinner for two, with no upcharges for food, and one shared wine flight, plus tax and tip, came to $475.)

 

[Conservative Hippie]

Thank you, that makes me feel better. I will be looking or your review! Happy Anniversary!

Our's was around $350 including tip for 2 with no up charges and no alcohol.

 

[Kathymford]

Our's was around $350 including tip for 2 with no up charges and no alcohol.

This helpful! Can I ask if you used TiW?

 

[minniesbiggiestfan]

1. There is a strict dress code. No Shorts. No jeans. Men must wear jackets.

2. Children under the ago of ten are not permitted in V&A. Since this rule went into effect several years ago I have heard of only one exception being made, the Food Critic of The New York Times was at the Chef's Table and her children were very used to fine dining.

3. Even if they allowed children, it is a fixed price menu with no child price.

Thank you for the info. We will just stick to O'hana.

 

[Conservative Hippie]

This helpful! Can I ask if you used TiW?

We did not.

 

[Conservative Hippie]

Victoria & Albert's menu from June 7, 2013

Amouse-Bouche
Piper Heidsieck Cuvee 1785 NV Brut

Imperial Caviar with Traditional Garnishes $105.00 ½ oz $210.00 1 oz

Roasted Duck with Watermelon Radish and Lavosh
Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 2012
Octopus “A La Plancha” with Black Garlic Aioli
Granbazan Albarino, Etiueta Ambar, Rias Baixas 2011

Masago Crusted Diver Scallop with Cocnut-Curry Sauce
Poet’s Leap Riesling, Columbia Valley 2011
Alaskan Halibut with Yellow Tomato Bouillon and Almonds
Piano di Avellino Dei Feudi di San Gregorio, Campania 2011
Wild Turbot with Toasted Capers and Preserved Lemon $30.00
Domaine de la Solitude Chateauneuf-du-Pope Blance, Rhone 2010

Braised Oxtail and Cherry Ravioli with Roasted Red Peppers
Highflyer Centerline, Napa 2008
Veal Tenderloin and Cheek with Petite Celery
Beni di Batasiolo Dolcetto d’Alba,, Piedmont 2011

Mangalitsa Pork with Roasted Beets and Toasted Caraway Vinaigrette
Cuvelier Los Andes Malbec, Mendoza 2009
Poulet Rouge with Hen of the Woods Mushrooms and Gnocchi
Talley Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir, Arroyo Grande Valley, 2010
Onion Ash Niman Ranch Lamb with Sauce Soubise and Ramps
Gigondas Domaine du Grapillon d’Or, Rhone 2011
Austrailian Kobe-Style Beef Tenderloin with Smoked Garlic-Potato Puree $35.00
Iwate Japanese Beef with Oxtail Jus $90.00
Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley 2008

Sottocenere Al Tartufo, Parmigiano Reggiano, Colston Bassett Stilton, Gouda Reypenaer XO
Qunita do Crasto Late Bottled Vintage Porto 2007
White Chocolate Gelato with Tableside Shavivngs
Bosio Moscato D’Asti, Santo Stefano Belbo 2011

Tanzanian Chocolate Timbale with Orange Scented Milk Chocolate
Meyer Lemon and Blood Orange Purse with Blackberry-Violet Sherbert
Caramelized Banana Gateau
Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee
Grand Marnier Souffle
Hawaiian Kona Chocolate Souffle

“Celebes” Coffee, Tea, and Friandises

Scott Hunnel, Chef de Cuisine @ Erich Herbitschek, Pastry Chef @ Israel Perez, Maitre d’Hotel
Menu Prix Fixe $135.00 per Guest. May we suggest our Wine Pairings $65.00 per Guest.



Click here for my review with photos.

 

[pixie08]

This helpful! Can I ask if you used TiW?

We were just there a few weeks a go and used TIW with great success. We each had a glass of wine and a glass of champagne (the wine tasting tends to be too much wine for us). The discount was great.

 

[ninecrayons]

Has anyone ever done New Year's Eve at V&A? DH and I are thinking about trying to do that this year. I'm curious about what their special menu might be.

 

[Tink rules]

Don't know what the current price is... but I looked it up and in 2009 it was 8-10 courses and was $375 a person including wine and gratuity...

 

[ninecrayons]

After some googling, I found a blog post from Disney Parks from last year.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...-years-eve-plans-at-walt-disney-world-resort/

It was $475 last year and I'm going to imagine it would be the same or more this year. Obviously we didn't expect V&A to be cheap, but that definitely is more than we want to spend.