V&A Chef's Table

[Cplofdisneynutz]

Well, DH and I got up early yesterday and today, called and called on three different phones until we got the messages saying the lines were open and got right through to CSOs, but the tables were already booked.

DH is convinced that agents are entering in "choice" reservations for their friends as soon as they login to the computers in the morning. I say that someone just beat us to it by a few seconds. After all, yesterday's call was for a Saturday night, and today's was for a Sunday when MK closes 4 hours early.

Oh well.

I agree with MisterDisney it took us a few trys to get the chef's table. the odd thing is I got through to someone before before DF did and was told the table was booked, but she started booking after i hung up Best thing to do is for both of you to call at the same time and not give up.

Best of luck to you

 

[heathriel]

I guess it's for the best, really.

We can do the Party for the Senses on Sunday, or go to California Grill, and try for the Breathless on Saturday (or Sunday, if Party for the Senses isn't interesting that evening) and CG on Saturday.

You see, I don't eat red meat, pork, or game (well, some game is ok, but I've got an allergy to myoglobin that intensifies the higher the concentration, so while the level in chicken is ok, and turkey is acceptable, goose is pushing it and ostrich is right out.) I'm also allergic to mushrooms. My husband, however, can eat anything.

So, I wanted to do the chef's table because I could make sure the chefs really understood that I *can* eat the bass seared in truffle oil, so long as she doesn't sear it in truffle oil. Or that I can *only* have the duck in chocolate reduction if it is done in a light stock (chicken base) instead of a demi glaze (beef) or, well, naked. And if the cheese soup is done in a mushroom base with bacon pieces, well, um, no.

And that the strictly meat courses can be served to my husband instead of simply skipped.

But at CG I can just order sushi and not have to worry about it, I guess. I was looking at the allears.net sample menu from January and noticed that of the actual "entrees" listed, there were three I *could* eat as presented, and two more I'd have to switch a few things around on, so I know I'd be ok.

I'll try again next year - I just don't want to do the regular room of V&A, and I don't want to stress over keeping this in my mind for any part of the next 6 months. I'm Disney-stress free for 3 more months, until CRT for a 5pm PS on October 31st (anyone else looking for a romantic dinner in costume? ), CG and Breathless, or Party for the Senses.

 

[ElizabethB]

I am reposting what I posted on another thread about the Chef's Table. Posters on these boards seems to have gotten the impression (I'm not sure how) that an evening at the Chef's Table is an evening with a PERSONAL CHEF. That is not the case. The Chef asks what you are allergic to, but other than that, you're eating exactly what everyone in the dining room is eating. If the soup is made with a mushroom base and you're allergic to mushrooms, they won't serve it to you. But it doesn't mean the chef will make you another soup in substitution.

Also, Chef's Table patrons should never forget that the kitchen is a place of work, at times quite intense work. The chefs are busily turning out meals for everyone in the restaurant. The Chef's Table patrons are not the sole guests for the evening. And, when that kitchen gets hopping, it is very busy -- especially on a Saturday night! The chefs are very pleasant, but they are working (sometimes at warp speed) to get a couple of hundred meals out to the restaurant in two main seatings.

The Chef's Table has exactly the same choices as the dining room. It's just you get to taste more of the choices from that evening's menu. For example, instead of one entree, you may get a selection of three. You get a little taste of the oestra caviar as an amuse bouche.

If you don't like something, they won't bring that to you. But they don't prepare a special meal tailored specifically to your personal likes and dislikes. Not sure where that notion started. Mr. Disney suggested on the other thread that it might be because the evening concludes with a personalized menu. It's just that, however -- a printed menu with your name on it.

The Chef's Table is a good choice for an adventurous "foodie" who is willing to try about anything. Last time we were there, in addition to more typical choices like the filet mignon, we had caviar, raw cured Kobe-style beef, pork belly and fois gras. All, great for us, but not to everyone's taste. The Chef's Table is not a good choice for picky eaters, diners with food allergies, diners with lots of things they can't/won't eat.

If you want more control over your food selection, the dining room is a better choice. You can certainly sit in the dining room and request that they hold the sauce. They can hold it for you if you're in the dining room to the same extent they can hold it for you if you're at the Chef's Table.

No one should book the Chef's Table thinking they are getting a personal chef for the evening who will cater to all of their individual likes, dislikes, allergies, preferences, etc.

It isn't set up that way and doesn't work that way.

 

[heathriel]

No, that's not what I meant...

I didn't think that they'd be giving me a personalized menu, I just meant that I didn't want to have to ask the waiter during every course "What's the duck placed on?" "Can you please check to make sure it's not a demi glaze?" "If it's a demi glaze, can you please ask them not to swirl that on the plate because I am allergic to it?"

If i'm in the kitchen, I can explain to the chef all this without embarrassing myself and my husband and the waiter like I end up having to do all the time. I didn't want anything that isn't on the menu, I just didn't want to end up dead on the floor from an allergic reaction to vegetable broth that the waiter didn't know off the top of his head was mushroom based.

 

[D&R love Disney]

Mr Disney I want to thank you for your incredible review and photos. I am not convinced my DH and I must try V&A in September.

I see you are from CT, do you ever visit Newport, RI? There is a restaurant I think you would love, it's called the Spiced Pear and it's at the Chanler. Wonderful dining experience.

 

[D&R love Disney]

Mr Disney I want to thank you for your incredible review and photos. I am now convinced my DH and I must try V&A in September.

I see you are from CT, do you ever visit Newport, RI? There is a restaurant I think you would love, it's called the Spiced Pear and it's at the Chanler. Wonderful dining experience.

 

[luuuceee]

Yes, after reading Mr. Disney's review, we just had to do V&A's too! I have my PS booked for August 12th. We booked too late to get the Chef's Table (though they said they weren't offering it on the 12th), so we'll just experience the restaurant instead. Next trip is August '06, so I'll be ready to book the Chef's Table in February!

 

[Mister Disney]

Mr Disney I want to thank you for your incredible review and photos. I am now convinced my DH and I must try V&A in September.

I see you are from CT, do you ever visit Newport, RI? There is a restaurant I think you would love, it's called the Spiced Pear and it's at the Chanler. Wonderful dining experience.

We do get to Newport.....I'll have ot check out the Spiced Pear.

Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

Bumping for GinaGrumpyDwarf

Lori

 

[ghidorah97]

I would like to join the chorus of thank yous, MisterDisney, for posting such a detailed review. The pictures you included were MUCH appreciated and perfectly captured each dish.

I'd like to touch on the CT, and the number of people posting throughout this thread stating that they hope to get a ressie for it. Remember, as MisterDisney has stated previously, that the CT is EXTREMELY difficult to get reservations for. MisterDisney is correct in stating that it is not made available every night. Many nights, in fact, are pre-reserved well in advance of the 180 days due to various reasons (Disney Execs, WDW VIPs, Exec Chef needs, etc.). This is also part of the reason why they then have "last minute openings".

Don't limit yourself and/or your V&A experience to just the CT. As previously mentioned, the main dining room and the CT are serving the exact same dishes. The only difference being that you are choosing between one of four entrees, one of two hot appetizers, etc in the main room -- while tasting all of them at the CT. The main dining room is a MUCH more romantic dining experience, btw.

DW and I have had the pleasure of dining at V&A several times and have always LOVED it.

As an aside, Morimoto's was mentioned earlier in the thread and I wanted to expand on MisterDisney's information regarding the omakase choices. As you correctly stated, the menu offers three levels of omakase. There are, however, choices beyond the top omakase. I once had Chef Morimoto prepare a $200 omakase each for DW and I -- even more luxe ingredients and amazing preparations. Also, to expand on the lobster dish you were served there, it may have been his roasted 1/2 lobster with twelve spice rub and creme freche. It is heavenly!

Lastly, a hello to you, MisterDisney, from a fellow CT "food nut". I'd love to hear more of some of your favorite dining experiences. I've got a few favorites that you simply must try.

-Brad

 

[Mister Disney]

As an aside, Morimoto's was mentioned earlier in the thread and I wanted to expand on MisterDisney's information regarding the omakase choices. As you correctly stated, the menu offers three levels of omakase. There are, however, choices beyond the top omakase. I once had Chef Morimoto prepare a $200 omakase each for DW and I -- even more luxe ingredients and amazing preparations. Also, to expand on the lobster dish you were served there, it may have been his roasted 1/2 lobster with twelve spice rub and creme freche. It is heavenly!

Lastly, a hello to you, MisterDisney, from a fellow CT "food nut". I'd love to hear more of some of your favorite dining experiences. I've got a few favorites that you simply must try.

-Brad

Hi there Brad -

Regarding the lobster at Morimoto's, now that you mention it, I do think it was the 1/2 lobster with spice rub and creme freche.

Funny you should bring up the favorite dining experiences request. I was just speaking to another DISer about that. So....with the magic of "cut and paste", here we go....

As I travel around the country, I like to seek out "dining experiences". "Dining experiences" - are not neccesarily the most costly place though. Dining Exp. for me incoporate atmosphere, food, presentation, service etc etc. V&A is one of my top 5 favorite dining experiences in the country. The others in that group are Nicolai's Roof in Atlanta, The French Room at the Aldophis in Dallas, The Old Warsaw, also in Dallas, The Sky Room in Long Beach, CA, and finally a small little place called Ondine's in New Fairfield, CT .

I am ALWAYS interesting in hearing about new places to try and I am sure there are more than a few fellow DISers out there that feel the same.

 

[Brightsy]

(snip)
I am ALWAYS interesting in hearing about new places to try and I am sure there are more than a few fellow DISers out there that feel the same.

I love foodies, they always know the best places to go! In that light I wanted to recomend to you a couple of places if you ever find yourself in Hawaii, on the isle of Oahu to be specific. Now, these aren't gourmet, upscale places but they are yummy and fun!

First there's Kua'Aina Burgers. It's at the Victoria Ward Center in downtown Honolulu. Yummy greasy burgers... mmm... And my kids say the grilled cheese is top notch!
Just down the road is Ala Moana Shooping Center, an outdoor mall that is pretty big and confusing and full of high end stores. On the fourth floor is a place called Jackie's Kitchen... it features Pan-Pacific Asian Rim cuisine. It's also owned by this guy named Jackie Chan, it's his first US restaraunt. It's pretty good. The Double Dragon Burger is enourmous and VERY yummy (I'm a bit of a cheeseburger lover). I also HIGHLY recommend the Tea-Smoked Duck. JK also boasts HI's only bar where the bartenders toss the bottles around and do other fun things, so order something neat and enjoy the show.
Also in Honolulu, but going away from Waikiki (back in the Victoria Ward area) is Dixie's. There are only two Dixie's in the world, both on Oahu. It's HI's version of ribs and BBQ. Yummy.
And last, but certainly not least... on Pu'uloa St. tucked between recycling places and other industrial type stuff is a little hole-n-wall called Da' Big Kahuna. They have some of the best pizza on the whole island... and their BBQ sandwhiches are amazing... and the garlic cheese rolls well, dey broke da' mouth bradda!

So, if ya' ever find yourself on the Oahu look those places up, I don't think you'll be disapointed. (Oh, and if you go to Maui look for Maui Tacos, it's a chain of sorts, but really good! And there is one on Oahu in Kailua.)

Sara

 

[BluOrchid2]

Mister Disney, thank you so much for your detailed review and photos of your dining experience at the Chef's Table. We are not ones for fancy dinners much, or even for getting dressed up much - can't remember the last time I had a dress on, probably for someone's funeral - but after reading this thread I now have put this fabulous dining experience, nay extravaganza - on my list of things to do at WDW someday. It won't be happening on our upcoming trip in September, but SOMEDAY it will happen. I really enjoy reading your posts on the DIS...you are SO charming and entertaining. You seem like a wonderful person to know in real life.

 

[Mister Disney]

Mister Disney, thank you so much for your detailed review and photos of your dining experience at the Chef's Table. We are not ones for fancy dinners much, or even for getting dressed up much - can't remember the last time I had a dress on, probably for someone's funeral - but after reading this thread I now have put this fabulous dining experience, nay extravaganza - on my list of things to do at WDW someday. It won't be happening on our upcoming trip in September, but SOMEDAY it will happen. I really enjoy reading your posts on the DIS...you are SO charming and entertaining. You seem like a wonderful person to know in real life.

Thank you for your kind words.

I only get dressed up for business trips (which happen WAY too often) and fine dining (which doesn't happen nearly enough!).

I have a ton more posts / reviews to do, but have been a slackered. I promise I'll start working on them again tonight, so look for some.

 

[luuuceee]

I have a ton more posts / reviews to do, but have been a slackered. I promise I'll start working on them again tonight, so look for some.

Yippee! I love reading your reviews. You have inspired me to do the Chef's Table one of these days - we tried for our trip this August, but they didn't happen to have it available (i.e., they weren't doing it at all) on the day we're going, Friday the 12th. But we're going to have our first experience at the restaurant that day anyway - I can't wait!

 

[BluOrchid2]

You can bet I will look for more reviews from you, and before I forget I'm going to subscribe to this thread right now so that next year, maybe for our 10th anniversary? when I'm trying to convince DH that dining at the Chef's Table is a good idea, I can show him your review. Just hope the pictures will still be up!

 

[Cplofdisneynutz]

I have a ton more posts / reviews to do, but have been a slackered. I promise I'll start working on them again tonight, so look for some.

Mr Disney you know we love your reviews, its nice to hear that we have more to look forward too!! Your reviews always get us excited and geared up for our honeymoon. And yes we promise to pay our dues with reviews & pictures. DW2B is so excited about the pictures and reviews I started to worry about memory for the camera...so just bought a nifty little portable flash media drive to store 40gb worth of pics, so there will be LOTS of food pictures

Thanks again for all your time and exceptional mouth watering reviews. We will do our best to try and live up to the standards you have set for us to strive towards

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

Wow!

If someone weren't into fine dining, they would be by now!
Since my December trip is waaay too short, I can't fit in V&A's but next year, I was thinking of a trip w my dbf to celebrate our 4th anniversary and getting the couple's massage at the GF Spa ( I had a pedicure there for my 21st birthday solo a little over 4 yrs ago it was amazing) and then a nice dinner at V&A's Chef's Table and I am getting more and more set in those plans now! I think it would be perfect! I may even try to swing a one night's stay at the GF to complete the idea!

I love hearing all these dining reviews! I would love to go to Hawaii- I've always had a *thing* for that place. I even remember I had a picture book when I was little of a girl and a boy dressed up in traditional clothes- one for each country, that I used to love reading- and I would always fixate on the Hawaii page! (This is when I was about 4) I think I lived there in a past life!

I would love to hear if any of you have eaten at any great places in the New York City area- I live very close by (If I could stop all traffic, it would take 10 minutes. Since I can't it takes 20-30 or more if it's rush hour(s) there) There are some great Italian places it Little Italy, (Ralph's!) but I haven't really explored the others. My brother and sister in law ate at the Rainbow Room, gave it an A+ for atmosphere, but mixed reviews on the food.

Thank you all for sharing!!

Mister Disney, between the pics of V&A's and the GF in-room treats, and all the other great advice you've given, you have definitely enhanced my dining plans for all future trips, as well as increased Disney's bottom line from all the extra money I'll be spending. Thanks all around!

 

[oybolshoi]

I'd just like to add my thanks to the others here - what a wonderful review! I am already planning our WDW trip for October 2006 and was just going to go for the regular dining room at Victoria and Albert's, but now it's all about the Chef's Table, baby!!

The best fine dining experience we've had so far has been at Commander's Palace in New Orleans, and just from your review it looks like we may walk away with a new favorite if we're fortunate enough to snag it.

Thanks so much for sharing this with us!

 

[PrincessAurora]

Thanks Mister Disney for the wonderful food porn and reviews. I leave for the World in 10 days and this is really putting me in the mood. I am returning in April 2007 and October 2008. You and your partner would be more than welcome to share our Chefs Table (if we get it, Gods willing). You guys would be a blast to hang with.

If you are ever in San Francisco, you really need to try the Ritz Carlton. Their chef, Ron Siegel, use to be the head chef at Masas and he is AMAZING!
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/hotels/s...+room+at+the+ritz-carlton,+san+francisco.html

Cheers from the City by the Bay, as I finish my lamb and drink my Rubicon. mmmmmmmmm I really have to pack my camera.