This brings back memories!
The first time, I went for my 27th birthday, in the days of cramped
alcove / visit by two giant rodents.
Then, during Labor Day week, 2002, five of us went for a friend's birthday.
(Four women and the DH of one of us). I immediately noticed the expansion
and thought it was a wonderful improvement. We had a round table, as
V&A's was waiting for the long table to be shipped.
Three of us women of the five people at the table had wine pairings.
Needless to say, we were quite "happy" as the meal progressed.
In fact, we were so boisterous in the kitchen, it was surreal to be
escorted to the bathroom. Imagine four women, three of whom had
wine pairings, immediately heading through what we called "The Stepford
Diners". It was so eerily quiet (and dark) compared to the kitchen,
we barely could contain our giggles. (It didn't help that the Birthday Girl
made a joke about us being the "8:00 parade to the Unisex Bathroom". It's
more of an Adventurers Club reference, but when you're semi-smashed,
it's hilarious.)
The food was fabulous, and there were four desserts to share among us.
Two of us received the same dessert, though. So we had decided to
"take two spoonfuls and pass to the left". Worked really well, but I didn't
want to give over my chocolate souffle!
Anyway, your menu sounded amazing, and I was ROFL about that Mickeyroni
and Cheese "course". Heheheh.
There's one other thing I wanted to mention: After our party had checked in,
we witnessed a couple approach the maitre d', asking if the Chef's Table
was available. They were hoping we hadn't shown for our reservation!