VA Chef's Table vs. Restaurant

[kathyg]

This will be our first time at V&A and although I couldn't book the Chef's Table, I understand one can order the Chef's Table menu in the restaurant. Now, can someone please tell me what the difference is? Would it be "better" to order the Chef's menu instead of the regular restaurant menu? Is it just more food or is it different food?

Thanks so much.

 

[engle]

If you have never been, I would just stick with the regular menu. While you are there, ask about the chef's table. They will explain it better than anyone. It is more food (more courses)....but you can get most of the same courses on the regular menu. The chef's table is made especially for you and guests....you may have different things and you get NO choices...you get what you get. I loved both but glad I tried the regular dining room menu first. And as always, I suggest the wine pairing!!! 11 more days and I will be there!!!

 

[webray]

1st time, stick with the regular menu and enjoy your experience.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Here is a review of the Chef's Table from about 2½ years ago and here is a menu from the dining room in July.

Basically the difference is you get a lot more food, including almost everything as well as samples of all the extra cost items and all the desserts.

Where most people will spend 2¼ - 2½ hours in the regular dining room, with the Chef's Table you will spend about 4 hours.

 

[Gobbles!]

If you have never been to V&A's, you should definitely go with the 'normal' menu in the main dining room. Don't worry about trying to get the Chef's Table menu. You won't be disappointed. You will most likely appreciate the Chef's Table even more if you experience the main dining room first. It's such a wonderful experience to be given your menu with the night's offerings. It's very hard to make choices sometimes, but it's a lot of fun discussing what you and your party will order. I'll be doing just that tomorrow night. I can't wait. I have dined in both the main dining room and at the Chef's Table numerous times and I enjoy both very much. Don't worry about the Chef's menu and just enjoy every aspect of the 'normal' experience.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) We have done both the restaurant and the Chefs Table.
2) Luckily, we did the Chefs Table before they installed the pony wall fence.
3) Now, we only do the restaurant.
4) I think you will have a marvelous time.

 

[BriarRosie]

1) We have done both the restaurant and the Chefs Table.
2) Luckily, we did the Chefs Table before they installed the pony wall fence.
3) Now, we only do the restaurant.
4) I think you will have a marvelous time.

I feel like using your numeric method to reply to you.

1. First time at V&A in 1996, I was at the Chef's Table. Tiny Alcove.
2. Second time was also Chef's Table, in 2002. This time the "back porch" effect.
3. I thought the expansion of the "back porch" was a heckuva lot better than the alcove.
4. In a few weeks, I'm trying the main dining room for the first time. I'm looking forward to it.
5. I hope that I don't have to keep a 6 year gap between visits. It's just funny how it worked out that way!

 

[PaulaSB12]

In 2006 I did the normal table with wine paring (oh boy just couldn't handle all that booze!) 2007 did the chefs menu in the main room which was blissfull, they made me feel so comfortable being the only solo diner in the room. 2008 went to wdw with sister who didn't want to do v&a so missed it this year. Next back to V&a with chef's table in main room (it seems a bit mean to try and snack the chefs table just for one person.

 

[Uncleromulus]

I agree-try the main room first. We did the Chef's Table some years ago (when they also had Mickey and Minnie pay a suprise visit to your table!) and it was nice. But almost TOO much food, since you get some of everything on the menu.
Now we're content with just doing the main room--our 32'nd V&A dinner is coming up on MOnday night.

 

[kathyg]

Based on all the great responses, I'm almost glad now that I couldn't snag the Chef's table. I am sooooo looking forward to this meal. Thanks for the replies.

 

[snykymom]

A question for all you veterans - d and I are going for the first time.
1) Can we order a glass or two of wine if we're not doing the pairings?
2) Will a mother & daughter feel out of place in such a romantic setting?

OK, that's two questions. Sorry!

 

[ElizabethB]

We always do the wine pairings, but I'm sure you can order just a glass or two. I think it's a perfect place for a mother and daughter. It can be a romantic place, yes, but it can also be luxurious and indulgent -- a perfect way for mom and daughter to relax and catch up -- better than a spa visit by far, IMO!

 

[Uncleromulus]

Yes, they have wine by the glass.
And no, you won't be out of place. In fact, we saw a mother-daughter (I am guessing that's what they were) a couple of trips back.

 

[BriarRosie]

I agree-try the main room first. We did the Chef's Table some years ago (when they also had Mickey and Minnie pay a suprise visit to your table!) and it was nice. But almost TOO much food, since you get some of everything on the menu.
Now we're content with just doing the main room--our 32'nd V&A dinner is coming up on MOnday night.

I dug up a picture of the original Chef's Table that I had to scan in order to post it, back when V&A had that rodent infestation. My friend and I wanted to try it, and this is us back in 1996. I'm a redhead now, and I prefer it much more than my original blonde.

 

[PaulaSB12]

A question for all you veterans - d and I are going for the first time.
1) Can we order a glass or two of wine if we're not doing the pairings?
2) Will a mother & daughter feel out of place in such a romantic setting?

.



OK, that's two questions. Sorry!

1 Yes you can order a glass or two
2 If a single person can be made not to feel out of place mother and daughter should be easy

 

[Uncleromulus]

BRiarRosie:
Great picture!! Especially since a photo op like that probably won't happen ever again.