V & A advice for a picky eater, please help!

[halfway there]

First, I know this has been done a million times but I'm not looking to get out of eating here. I already tried that! DH is insistent that we try this, at least for the experience, if nothing else. Of course, he eats everything! We want to go for our 20th anniversary dinner while staying at the GF in November.

What I want to know is:
Since I don't eat seafood, duck, venison or liver will I be allowed to substitute if at all possible? And how do I go about doing this? Will I be able to pass on some courses or hand them off to my DH discreetly enough? Or would this be frowned upon? I don't want to offend any of the staff and especially not the chef but I am a very picky eater. I can't imagine eating most of what I've seen on the menus or in pictures although I wouldn't be opposed to trying something if it looked and sounded somewhat normal. I'm definitely up for the wine pairings, at least!

I have eaten to satisfaction at CG, AP, Jiko and Boma (which I love!). I don't even mind not eating a thing since DH is willing to pay and will finish off anything I don't, if allowed. The portions are small, right? It would be the first one man $300 meal!! I could always gorge myself at the concierge lounge before or after for free.

I am concerned about being uncomfortable, not enjoying myself and ruining it for my DH. How far in advance can you find out what they will serve on any particular night? I'm thinking that if I could plan my choices ahead of time it will save me some squirming time.

I appreciate any advice you can offer!

 

[kpm76]

Are you planning to eat at the Chef's Table? If so, those portions are small. We ate there in September and it was WONDERFUL!! I am an extremely picky eater and was really nervous about not eating what was served to me. I'm the kind of person that loves nice dining experiences but prefers simple food. However, let me tell you V & A's Chef's Table blew me away and I ate everything that was served!!! The Chef met with us before our meal and asked if we had any allergies or dislikes...I went through my long list...LOL...he was extremely accomodating.....I loved the experience DH eats anything....very adverturous so I was not worried one bit about him....have fun!

 

[halfway there]

Are you planning to eat at the Chef's Table?

No, I didn't think it was for me, just more food to try. We don't have any reservations as of yet. I'm thinking of requesting a dark corner so nobody will see my facial expressions when I turn up my nose at a particular food!

Do you think this would help? Is that the only way to make special requests? Did the chef actually substitute foods for you? Could you give some examples? It's good to know there are others out there like me!

Yeah, my DH would enjoy the food with or without me, I'm afraid! Since it's our 20th, he's making me go! LOL I just want to enjoy it with him.

 

[kpm76]

No, I didn't think it was for me, just more food to try. We don't have any reservations as of yet. I'm thinking of requesting a dark corner so nobody will see my facial expressions when I turn up my nose at a particular food!

Do you think this would help? Is that the only way to make special requests? Did the chef actually substitute foods for you? Could you give some examples? It's good to know there are others out there like me!

Yeah, my DH would enjoy the food with or without me, I'm afraid! Since it's our 20th, he's making me go! LOL I just want to enjoy it with him.

To be honest, I don't know too much about the main dining room...have only dined at the Chef's Table. It's not too much more $$, so it might be something you want to consider only because I thought the chef went above and beyond to accomodate me. Yes, it's a lot of food but really the portions are small so it's not too over the top I'm sure someone who has been to the main dining room will be able to give you specific advice and feedback about the menu there. Since DH will eat anything, he had some pretty exotic courses. Mine were much simpler but the presentation was unreal....I'll find some picture tonight and post them so you get an idea....to answer your questions about substituting foods, I'm not sure if that is exactly what happened but because of our very different tastes DH and I only had a few courses that were the same. For example, if DH was served quail, I was served a vegetable dish....that's one ting I'm not picky with...I'll eat any vegetable....aside from chicken and really good steak, most meats gross me out...LOL....let me know if you have any other questions, I'll be glad to help....and congrats on your 20th Anniversary...that's quite an accomplishment

 

[Mister Disney]

First, What I want to know is:
Since I don't eat seafood, duck, venison or liver will I be allowed to substitute if at all possible? And how do I go about doing this?

The way this is handled...when you make your reservations, tell them you have allergy / food concerns and need to speak to a Chef regarding what you can and can not eat. They will contact you and work out things with you.

Will I be able to pass on some courses or hand them off to my DH discreetly enough? Or would this be frowned upon? I don't want to offend any of the staff and especially not the chef but I am a very picky eater.

We always share when there. It is not frowned upon and you won't offend anyone. Once you work things out with the Chef, the wait staff will be fully aware of your allergies and things.

I can't imagine eating most of what I've seen on the menus or in pictures although I wouldn't be opposed to trying something if it looked and sounded somewhat normal. I'm definitely up for the wine pairings, at least!

I would be willing to bet that with the more Wine you have, the more adventurous you'll become....so DRINK UP!!!

I have eaten to satisfaction at CG, AP, Jiko and Boma (which I love!). I don't even mind not eating a thing since DH is willing to pay and will finish off anything I don't, if allowed. The portions are small, right? It would be the first one man $300 meal!! I could always gorge myself at the concierge lounge before or after for free.

Well, I made the offer before....I'll step up to the plate and help you finish off whatever you don't want to eat. I understand that your husband might look funny, so....I'll sit under the table and you can pass things to me.

I am concerned about being uncomfortable, not enjoying myself and ruining it for my DH. How far in advance can you find out what they will serve on any particular night? I'm thinking that if I could plan my choices ahead of time it will save me some squirming time.
I appreciate any advice you can offer!

The "basics" stay the same, such as filet etc, but the menu is changed daily / weekly depending on the availability of fresh items / market prices for various things etc. Your conversation with the Chef will most likely happen within one to two weeks of your reservation at which point you can tell them in detail your concerns and they will work it out for you and most likely get an "ok" for various things. Trust me they will make it magical!

V&A dining room is available like all restaurants with 90 PS available, BUT since you are staying on Concierge level, just contact the Concierge staff and tell them specifically what date you want right now! They will make a note of it and will get you the date you want as soon as it becomes available in the PS system.

Go and ENJOY....speak to the Chef and they'll work out something spectacular for you!

 

[StuartMI]

We loved V&A when we went on our honeymoon. They're very accommodating. Try it!

 

[Merriwind]

I would be willing to bet that with the more Wine you have, the more adventurous you'll become....so DRINK UP!!!

This is exactly what I was thinking!

My sister would never go near liver or venison and isn't a huge seafood fan and hasn't had a problem at V&A's. I am sure that they can be very accomodating. Enjoy!

 

[halfway there]

Thanks all, for your replies!

kpm76 - I can't wait to see your pics!! I know that the Chef's Table offers you all the selections for that night so I guess you could pick and choose which you would eat. I'll have to find out how it works in the main dining room like you said. I'm pretty sure you have a choice from a few items for each course. I'm thinking that between us we could each order something different then see if I like at least one and if not then DH gets two things! I just know he'll pick a seafood for his choice though! Yuck!

I guess I should have mentioned the veggies I won't eat either! LOL Told ya I was picky! It's not that I'm allergic either so I hope that's not a problem with just refusing to eat certain things. Thanks for the congrats!

MisterDisney - You really keel me!! How do you split the quotes like that? You're so talented! Thanks for the tips regarding the chef. I will be sending along an email to IPO shortly so I will include all of your suggestions.

I would be willing to bet that with the more Wine you have, the more adventurous you'll become....so DRINK UP!!!

THIS has to be the best advice I've seen so far!!

Thanks again everybody!!

 

[Mister Disney]

I guess I should have mentioned the veggies I won't eat either! LOL Told ya I was picky! It's not that I'm allergic either so I hope that's not a problem with just refusing to eat certain things. Thanks for the congrats!

OMG, what DOOOO you eat? or should I just guess you only drink WINE?

How do you split the quotes like that? You're so talented!

Its all about magic and pixie dust!

 

[kpm76]

Here are some pictures...enjoy

 

[Mister Disney]

mmmmm......

I have to wait 18 more days till I get to eat some more......at V&A

 

[Mister Disney]

Do you remember what this is? Asperagus tips and something or another....Looks yummy and something new to try...

Here are some pictures...enjoy

 

[Forever42]

If only we were going....

FH feels that the Party for the Senses makes up for V&A's, and I agree, but those pictures.......

 

[aunties]

Another picky eater here. My DBF convinced me to go back in 1996. It is now a must do each trip. We have been four times. As long as an allergy isn't an issue, try a little of everything. We always share and have been encouraged to share by Victoria and Albert. We have even traded plates. When we were there in January, nothing looked really tempting on the menu except the chocolate souffle for dessert. I am a choco-holic. Dessert ended up being my least favorite course. I hate butternut squash (and most other veggies). The butternut squash soup that DBF ordered became mine! It was the best soup I have ever had. Not overly fond of crab, but the crab appetizer was exquisite. Over the years, I have had food there I had never heard of, like squid ink pasta (much yummier than it sounds), that I wish I could find again. It is an amazing experience. They will accomodate you as much as possible. I do not like red wine and they were able to pair all my courses with a white wine. The courses look small, but looks are deceiving. We are always pleasantly full by the end of the evening. Go in with an open mind and promise yourself that you will try just one bite of everything. I am glad I did.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Not much I can add ,except that I doubt you'll see liver and onions on the menu!!
They almost always have some sort of filet and/or tenderloin, and quite often lamb, or "poulet". The problem is that until shortly before (or even the day of) your meal you probably won't know exactly what they'll have that evening.
So take the good advice that's been given and call to discuss the matter before you go. As has been said, I know V&A will work to make your dining experience a memorable one.

 

[Mister Disney]

Not much I can add ,except that I doubt you'll see liver and onions on the menu!!

I DID have pork and beans though at V&A on Easter Sunday.....

 

[robinb]

I agree that you should talk to the chef in advance. Even though you are picky rather than allergic. The staff at Victoria and Albert's most wants you to have a special dinner and you won't offend them if you don't eat fois gras (goose liver), scallops or asparagus. Both you and the chefs will be happier if you work out your food preferences in advance.

 

[kpm76]

Do you remember what this is? Asperagus tips and something or another....Looks yummy and something new to try...

I just consulted our keepsake menu It is Jumbo Lump Crab with Asparagus Timbale with sauce beurre blanc....it was sooooo yummy!!!

 

[Reyasmom]

It looks delicious!

Amanda

 

[Cheshire Figment]

There is no children's menu. The price, per person, for dinner is $95 (plus tip and tax). Most people are there for about 2.5 hours. There is a dress code.

There is nothing to prevent bringing a child. However, this child should be able to stay at the table for the entire time without running around or making noises, and be willing to eat real food.

Unless you are prepared to spend about $120 (including tax and tip) for the child's meal and know that people at other tables will not be disturbed, you might be much better off leaving the child in one of the Kid's Clubs while you eat.