V & A Observations

[anita46]

We were lucky enough to enjoy dinner at V&A last week.

Here are some of our recollections from that evening:

• Great service by our two servers...very knowledgeable and helpful...we were never rushed even though we were the very first seated.
• We added the wine tastings...it seemed that all were perfectly matched...some I wouldn't order again but even so they were perfect with the food served...The Charddonay was great!
• We loved the caviar in the Amuse Bouche with cauliflower panna cotta...wow was this amazing. Kinda wished we had upgraded to the $200 caviar...can't imagine how it could have been better than what was served...just so tasty, but now I'm curious...anyone upgrade on the caviar????
• We did upgrade on to the Wild Turbot...mind blowing!
• And the Miyazaki Beef...not so much. Actually preferred the Kobi
• All the other dishes were spectacular
• Well...until it feel apart with the dessert dishes...really not good....they were very pedestrian...like the desserts put out at club service...totally missable
• We also expected more from the chocolates...good but not up to the standard set by the initial dishes
• If you want to complete all the meal offerings without being stuffed at the end...DO NOT consume the bread...I had 1/2 of the first roll and just a small taste of the rest...well and the amazing butter! but my companion ate all 3? 4? servings and was uncomfortable by dessert. Luckily dessert was meh.
• To anyone worried about WHAT TO WEAR....keep this in mind....3 ladies were seated across from us and here's what two of them were wearing....Pull on white twill pants, blue cotton s/s t-shirt, and....wait for it....cream colored CROCs. No lie...Cripes they looked like they stopped in from shopping at the local Wal-Mart...I don't mind how anyone dresses and it certainly didn't affect our meal or the atmosphere...just...uhhhh?
• I always stress out about how fancy to dress but not anymore
• We plan to return next year....well worth the price.

 

[Pumbaa_]

I was with you until the critique of your fellow diners. I am sure you didn't mean to be so judgemental of their attire.

What was dessert? How was coffee? I love their coffee service

Glad the night was so well executed for you

Oh oh did you have the purse stool? Love that touch

 

[anita46]

I was with you until the critique of your fellow diners. I am sure you didn't mean to be so judgemental of their attire.

What was dessert? How was coffee? I love their coffee service

Glad the night was so well executed for you

Oh oh did you have the purse stool? Love that touch

Yeah guess it did come off as judgmental but in my defense...when V&A calls you the week before your reservation they grill you about your attire for the evening...I was hoping to get around the "no sandals" in their dress code. I had a cute pair of strappy sandals I wanted to wear but went with dress pumps instead after that phone call....guess it was the crocs sighting that did me in...

We loved the coffee service but be warned ...we were up until 4:00am...that's one potent brew.

Dessert was a multi-layered red something followed by a chocolate mound something...bland and kinda of awful...

Yeah we were befuddled by the purse stool until John suggested I un-hook my clutch from the back of my chair to the stool...first time for everything.

 

[Pygoplites]

Nice review! While I don't recall ever disliking any V&A desserts, most have not been as dazzling as the savory courses. They seem to play it a bit too safe with their desserts, but I understand why they may not want to end the meal with something "controversial."

I have done most of the upgrades over the years (caviar, Wagyu/Kobe, turbot, abalone, white truffles). The turbot is always worth it; always fantastic. They serve excellent quality caviar; I've never had buyer 's remorse!

FWIW, I don't find anything wrong with your comments on inappropriate attire. They require men to wear a jacket; why would a woman think a T shirt and rubber shoes is V&A-worthy?

 

[Jadyreen1282]

We enjoyed the coffee and dessert. Loved how the coffee brewed itself down. Do you call that Vacuum brewing?

 

[CinderDuffy]

I can't believe you spent even one second of a wonderful meal looking at someone else's feet.

 

[Megara5115]

In the original posters defense, what I took away from the Croc comment was that she was nervous about being dressed up enough at such a fancy place and was shocked to see people dressed so casually. Of course there may be some foot related medical reason (?) or something for the Crocs but I don't think your comment about them was particularly malicious. I rememeber being self conscious for our first visit but instantly put at ease by the staff and surrounding. Glad you enjoyed your meal!

 

[anita46]

I can't believe you spent even one second of a wonderful meal looking at someone else's feet.

Well they were right in front of me....

 

[cigar95]

Did you enjoy the harpist? When we went in September, she was reading our minds and playing a number of our favorites. Eventually came over to our table to visit with us.

And did you happen to order coffee at the end? Our server gave us a great, detailed explanation for the really fancy coffee-brewing gizmo they use. He even took our photo with the coffee-maker in the foreground.

 

[bladiator]

I can't believe you spent even one second of a wonderful meal looking at someone else's feet.

Part of the reason for a dress code is specifically so nothing that you encounter during your visit will take you away from the atmosphere they are trying to create and control. Otherwise, there is no need for a dress code. It's not to make the waiters feel more comfortable.

 

[CinderDuffy]

Part of the reason for a dress code is specifically so nothing that you encounter during your visit will take you away from the atmosphere they are trying to create and control. Otherwise, there is no need for a dress code. It's not to make the waiters feel more comfortable.

Clearly, the humble Croc has not been deemed something that "takes away from the atmosphere" or it would not have appeared in the dining room.

I'm so glad dress codes are going the way of the dinosaur. The food should speak for itself & other people's shoes should go unremarked on.

 

[bladiator]

Clearly, the humble Croc has not been deemed something that "takes away from the atmosphere" or it would not have appeared in the dining room.

I'm not sure that's totally true, but more -- as many have pointed out in other threads -- that Disney is not much for telling people to adhere to the rules unless it's going to physically harm someone.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Thanks for the review! It’s been years since I’ve been to V&A and would love to go again.

 

[marikujawa]

Part of the reason for a dress code is specifically so nothing that you encounter during your visit will take you away from the atmosphere they are trying to create and control. Otherwise, there is no need for a dress code. It's not to make the waiters feel more comfortable.

Be careful not to set off the anti-dress code crowd - they can be rough. I once had my upbringing disparaged because I suggested dressing nicely at signatures out of respect for the experience and fellow diners. Too funny.

 

[Spencer Wright]

Be careful not to set off the anti-dress code crowd - they can be rough. I once had my upbringing disparaged because I suggested dressing nicely at signatures out of respect for the experience and fellow diners. Too funny.

I was not aware of this crowd but am now!!!

For a man its very easy to dress appropriately for pretty much anything so I try not to judge. For really any table service I'll wear a polo shirt and khaki shorts and am fine. For women it seems infinitely more complicated (I'm not even entirely sure what twill is).

 

[marikujawa]

I was not aware of this crowd but am now!!!

For a man its very easy to dress appropriately for pretty much anything so I try not to judge. For really any table service I'll wear a polo shirt and khaki shorts and am fine. For women it seems infinitely more complicated (I'm not even entirely sure what twill is).

The outfit you described will take you anywhere from California Grill to the 'Ohana dumpster!

 

[bladiator]

Be careful not to set off the anti-dress code crowd - they can be rough. I once had my upbringing disparaged because I suggested dressing nicely at signatures out of respect for the experience and fellow diners. Too funny.

I know it exists. Just seems strange that there is no place that a person could be expected to raise their standards for. Is our personal comfort worth that much to us? Maybe a wedding? Or a funeral at least?

 

[anita46]

Did you enjoy the harpist? When we went in September, she was reading our minds and playing a number of our favorites. Eventually came over to our table to visit with us.

And did you happen to order coffee at the end? Our server gave us a great, detailed explanation for the really fancy coffee-brewing gizmo they use. He even took our photo with the coffee-maker in the foreground.

Yea she was great...and the fact that she played mostly current themes was really enjoyable...the last time we were there she did Bohemian Rhapsody....we were cracking up!

 

[Dean Marino]

OK - going to get killed here....
"Old World" dress code for Men - suit and tie.

"Old World" Dress code for Females.... anything you like, understanding that the Restaurant will be on the lookout for a serious problem. Serious problems sometimes "arrive". Both you, and the Fine Dining Restaurant will get this.

Above: All personal opinion - I'm not necessarily right, no one else is necessarily wrong. My Father, a Maître d' in San Francisco, sort of had to deal with this most nights . Prime rule? Arrive looking elegant - one is in public, and it's NOT a Burger shack.

Now, the V&A Dress Code is clearly defined:
http://www.victoria-alberts.com/reservations.html

Bottom of page. It's clear, without being overly restrictive.

 

[anita46]

This is the dress code I received from the V&A email:

Dress Code
Guests must wear proper attire.

Men must wear dinner jackets with dress pants or slacks and shoes. Ties are optional. Women may wear a cocktail dress, nice dress, dressy pant suit or a skirt with a blouse.

Jeans, shorts, capri pants, sandals, flip-flops or tennis shoes are not permitted.