Victoria & Albert - A Once-in-a-Decade Dinner, for the second time in 2009

[TigerKat]

Stunning, simply stunning.....

 

[luckytobeme88]

I have ran out of words to describe your post anymore.

 

[engle]

Wow, DH and I both just looked at this and thought the same thing....that is alot of food on one plate for V&A!!! We have been there several times and have never seen this offering!!! It looks WONDERFUL!!!! Is all of that a regular menu offering?? It seems like several different entrees on one plate!

 

[Miffy2003]

Super! Just super!

I love your photos and review.

 

[TheDISneyFamily]

Wow! Everything looks delicious! I just love the picture of the foam on the chicken dish. Look at that detail! You know, I had a question... while I appreciate all of these wonderful pictures you've taken at V&A... don't you ever feel uncomfortable taking pictures in the main dining room? We've only taken pictures of our dinner when we are in the back at the Chef's Table. I mean, it's not like California Grill where it's loud and bustling and a flash picture gets lost in the atmosphere. V&A's dining room is dark and subdued. Aren't you afraid that you'd bother other diners by taking so many pictures?

 

[oybolshoi]

Wow! Everything looks delicious! I just love the picture of the foam on the chicken dish. Look at that detail! You know, I had a question... while I appreciate all of these wonderful pictures you've taken at V&A... don't you ever feel uncomfortable taking pictures in the main dining room? We've only taken pictures of our dinner when we are in the back at the Chef's Table. I mean, it's not like California Grill where it's loud and bustling and a flash picture gets lost in the atmosphere. V&A's dining room is dark and subdued. Aren't you afraid that you'd bother other diners by taking so many pictures?

Hi Michelle!

I'm gonna jump in with my two cents since we've taken pics in the dining room before. When we were first seated I was very concerned about whipping out the camera and snapping pics because the dining room is so dim and hushed ... I was absolutely worried that I'd be disturbing someone else during their special evening.

So I asked our serving staff and Israel if it would be acceptable for us to take pictures. Their response was "go ahead - people do it all the time and we think it's wonderful."

We were still very careful with the flash and tried to keep everything to a minimum because we really didn't want to annoy anyone, but I figured if the restaurant staff told us it was alright, then as long as we weren't obnoxious about it we were fine.

 

[TheDISneyFamily]

Like I said, I really appreciate everyone's pictures and reviews, but I've just never, personally, felt comfortable taking pictures in the main dining room. Maybe I will next time.

Hi Michelle!

I'm gonna jump in with my two cents since we've taken pics in the dining room before. When we were first seated I was very concerned about whipping out the camera and snapping pics because the dining room is so dim and hushed ... I was absolutely worried that I'd be disturbing someone else during their special evening.

So I asked our serving staff and Israel if it would be acceptable for us to take pictures. Their response was "go ahead - people do it all the time and we think it's wonderful."

We were still very careful with the flash and tried to keep everything to a minimum because we really didn't want to annoy anyone, but I figured if the restaurant staff told us it was alright, then as long as we weren't obnoxious about it we were fine.

 

[oybolshoi]

Like I said, I really appreciate everyone's pictures and reviews, but I've just never, personally, felt comfortable taking pictures in the main dining room. Maybe I will next time.

I get it ... I still have moments at certain restaurants where I don't feel totally comfortable taking pictures, but then Jay usually takes over and I can drink that feeling away.

It's nice to see you posting again, my friend!

 

[ehagerty]

Think I'll catch up on come of the commentary before proceeding to the last few courses......

I updated post #40 with the wine pairing - for those who are into that....

Wow, DH and I both just looked at this and thought the same thing....that is alot of food on one plate for V&A!!! We have been there several times and have never seen this offering!!! It looks WONDERFUL!!!! Is all of that a regular menu offering?? It seems like several different entrees on one plate!

It's always good to have multiple views, as the information helps disreaders with understanding what their experience is likely to be like - aligned expectations = greater likelihood that the exeperience will satisfy....

So let me start with "context" - you have been to V&A several times, I've really only been once before this. I would not have recognized the entree as an anomaly - I actually had to visually compare the picture of the entree from the first meal to realize that this contained more. It is starting to dawn on me that maybe, just maybe, out of the goodness of Israel's heart, we were given something more akin to the Chef's Table, in the main dining room. It is probably good for the readers to realize that the my first V&A report (before we took pictures, posted, and subsequently chatted via email with Israel) is probably more of what you can expect from a typical dining experience in the main dining room.

Click on this link if you want to see a more "standard" main dining room meal

Like I said, I really appreciate everyone's pictures and reviews, but I've just never, personally, felt comfortable taking pictures in the main dining room. Maybe I will next time.

Thank you, Brenda, for providing feedback.

Building on the point, a couple of thoughts:

There is quite a range of "picture taking" styles. Everything from shooting with a silent shutter and available light, no flash, absolutely no sensory "intrusion," - to a very busy, fussy, noisy set-up and execution of shots. My shutter is not silent - but can't be heard beyond 2 feet, if at all - an "artificial" sound for people who are used to it from film and mechanical shutter days. I do need to use flash. That is true. However, here is my M.O.
- I keep the camera on top of my camera bag at my side (Israel brought over a little footstool to keep it off the floor).
- The dish shows up, I lean over, pick up my camera, lean back and shoot my plate from 2 angles, with a close-up here and there.
- If my sons have something different, they hold up their plate (I don't even need to ask) and I shoot theirs from 2 angles.
- Camera down.
- We eat.
- Couple of interim shots for bread, wine.
That's it. If you add up all the pictures here, the flash went off probably 30 times over the course of 3 hours. More like "stealth photography" than a fussy photo shoot.

Quite honestly, the most irritating thing about having photos taken around me is the irritating verbal "direction" of the amateur photographer - usually barking orders for setting up the shot, cajoling people to smile, etc, taking 10 pictures of the same shot, because it is digital, and they can. The rest, I can tune out easily.

Of course, if the "house" requested that I NOT photograph, then I would NOT.

I think it is worthy of note that V&A, while plush and refined, is still a Disney restaurant. People are largely tourists, and they want a visual record of their experiences. I'm sure if there were complaints, they would deal with it appropriately.

I've taken pictures at restaurants in other cities. They are not as used to it as the Disney restaurants, but no one has asked me to stop. They usually provide their email and ask for a link.....


.

 

[BriarRosie]

I thought you had more food on your plate because the Kobe selection is an upcharge item, correct? Maybe they were giving you more bang for your buck.

And I was worried at first whether my photos would annoy other guests. From where I was sitting, it didn't seem that way, but I only took maybe two shots of the food if the first shot didn't seem right. I'm a point and shoot girl, so my pictures won't come out as well as yours.

 

[Flossbolna]

Thanks for the wonderful review and the lovely pictures! One day I will make it to V&A, it just seems to be so much money for a meal. So I appreciate your story and that you came to the conclusion that it's really worth that money.

 

[davinakb]

Thanks for the reviews, the lovely V&A food porn pictures. BTW Baileyana Grand Firepeak is one of my favorite Chardonnays (Pinot Noir too), cool to see it on the wine pairing. Everything looks so good, makes me want to go back!

 

[soulmates]

I couldn't stay away - we were so enchanted with our dinner in January (click here for THAT report) that I really wanted to find an excuse to return for our May (annual, official) family vacation. I didn't have to look far - DS only turns 21 once - and that day would be the day, the justification for "V&A, Part 2".


Planning Theory

• Tables in Wonderland discount = 20%
• Dinner for 3
• One wine pairing

Today was a travel day. Normally I would not plan anything special on travel day, as it can be a looooong day, on too little sleep, with non-Disney experiences (although Southwest is always good - the service they provide for the prices they charge = amazing). The only other time I tried this - when DS turned 5, at Chef Mickey's (at the Marketplace), we didn't get there in time (American Airlines - flat tire - 1993 - I cried - we rode first class from the layover to Orlando.) Since today was the actual birthday, and Southwest is so reliable, I made the reservation. I'll go back and add punctuation when I have time.

We took the boat from WLV over to the MK, planning to catch the boat launch to the GF. Missed that by a moment and moseyed up to the monorail. While waiting for the monorail, we timed the launch. It takes 4 minutes for the launch to reach the GF dock. Twenty minutes and three monorail stops later, we checked into our 5:30 V&A reservation - at 5:31.

I don't actually remember how Israel arranged the menu - I think we just told him we had no allergies, liked everything, and left ourselves in his and the Chef Scott's remarkably capable hands (you get to meet them later, during the kitchen tour).

I mention that, because there are no pictures to illustrate some of the wonderful moments that make V&A so special. I never gave the menu another thought - and what a wonderful meal unfolded over the course of the next 3+ hours - perfectly paced, perfectly presented, perfectly enjoyed.

Now, for the pictures (thank goodness they provided me with a detailed menu - no WAY I would be able to remember all this):


Dinner setting:

A toast to DS21's 21st birthday:

Yes, he was proofed. He seemed to be pleased. The champagne was delightful. The menu says Pommery Royale Brut NY





Amuse Bouche

A collection of wonders

Item listed on the menu that must not have turned out as pictures (if I find them later, I will modify the post): Trout Custard Baked in Shell - back left.





Heirloom Tomato-Fennel Cream

Knock-out.

I had my fill of Cambell's back in the day - tomato soup with grilled cheese, tomato soup with buttered crackers, tomato soup on Friday - I had it so much - and my mother was so creative at making it appealing, that I actually grew to like it, in the spirit of nostalgia and comfort food. I haven't voluntarily had it since. My point? Don't think "tomato soup, eeeeh" - think "something exquisite I've never tasted before."




Sesame Crusted Big Eye Tuna - two views

Once again, I have to say it - EDIBLE ART!!


So delicious. I suppose if there is "no way" you could ever consume rare fish, you wouldn't be able to like this. But DS19 is not a sushi fan, and he likes it. DS21 and I LOVE it.




Stay tuned, more courses and pictures to come.



.

I must say, because of your AMAZING review of Victoria & Alberts, we are officially booked! This will be a HUGE surprise for my DP. Thank you again, for your wonderful pictures and fantastic review!

 

[ElizabethB]

Thanks for the great photos plus the notes about the wine pairings! We have reservations for the dining room in August and can't wait. Thanks for the reminder about the 20% off with TiW. I'd forgotten about that since we usually do the Chef's Table.

Looks like the edible art is as beautiful and delicious as ever!!

 

[ehagerty]

I must say, because of your AMAZING review of Victoria & Alberts, we are officially booked! This will be a HUGE surprise for my DP. Thank you again, for your wonderful pictures and fantastic review!

Lucky DP!! My plan in January was to surprise DS's with this treat. Plan A was to "pretend" that we were going to Citricos - right down to the fake reservation on the planning worksheet (no offense, we like Citricos, too). That way, I could them into business casual attire, which we could supplement with a loaner jacket from V&A. When it came time to evaluate the wardrobe for another "business casual" dinner (before V&A), DS21, in true college mode presents himself in long shorts and leather flip-flops. He LOOKED cool, but I knew it wouldn't fly. I had to reveal the surprise and scramble to come up with pants and shoes. It is not as big an issue for women, as the acceptable attire range is wider, but there may be a cautionary tale in that story. Or not.

Thanks for the great photos plus the notes about the wine pairings! We have reservations for the dining room in August and can't wait. Thanks for the reminder about the 20% off with TiW. I'd forgotten about that since we usually do the Chef's Table.

Looks like the edible art is as beautiful and delicious as ever!!

I can only HOPE that someday, I can say, as casually as you just did, that I "usually do the Chef's Table" - WOW - lucky you!!!

Now, on with the pictures.

 

[ehagerty]

Colston Bassett Stilton and Cheesecake, Coach Farm's Goat and Tomme Garyeuse
Wine Pairing: Taylor-Fladgate 20 Year Old Tawny Port

.

 

[dhay]

Oh no I made the mistake of stumbling on this thread!!!!! I love V&A although we have only been 2x. Our last time was our wedding reception. As a treat to everyone who flew in (we had a small wedding only 16 guests) we booked the private room and it was so yummy!!!

These pics make me want to go back NOW! Glad you had another great experience!

 

[ehagerty]

Hawaiian Kona Chocolate Souffle

Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee

Meyer Lemon and Blood Orange Purse with Blackberry-Violet Sherbet

... with a close-up of the details (all edible)

This dessert was placed in front of me - it being a "purse" and all - it has that feminine "ribbon" accent. The purse was white chocolate, the filling had the "lemon-orange" flavor - the consistency of a dense panne cotta. I really enjoyed it, because it was so unique. Of course, we all share everything, so I also had all my tastes of the other desserts.





Caramelized Banana Gateau

Think Bananas Foster (at least the BF I had 30 years ago at Brennan's - you couldn't go to New Orleans and NOT have brunch there in 1978) - morphed into Butterscotch Buzz (Cali Grill, 2008) - and on into this delight. Very rich!




Random shot I found - it isn't a great picture, but provides a "sense of place," fond memory:

"Celebes Coffee, Tea and Friandise

I have a picture of the coffee pot, but I have not found a way to take a picture of it that "succeeds" - something resulting in a decent picture - the flash bounces all over the place off the silver and glass. Still, practically speaking, the picture shows the unique coffee apparatus - heat creates vacuum, vacuum pulls the water into the grounds, drips back down into the pot. I keep meaning to take a quick progression pictures, but the process completes while I am still enjoying my food, and I forget.

As for the Friandise, you'll have to check that out in the first report.


Next time!!

We are nearing the end of the report. But, we're not over yet. Next, and last, up - a few pictures from the kitchen and wine cellar.



.

 

[ehagerty]

Oh no I made the mistake of stumbling on this thread!!!!! I love V&A although we have only been 2x. Our last time was our wedding reception. As a treat to everyone who flew in (we had a small wedding only 16 guests) we booked the private room and it was so yummy!!!

These pics make me want to go back NOW! Glad you had another great experience!

That must have been dazzling - what did your guests say? Did they understand the magnitude of the treat / experience? Congratulations on your marriage!

 

[dhay]

That must have been dazzling - what did your guests say? Did they understand the magnitude of the treat / experience? Congratulations on your marriage!

Most of the guests truly enjoyed the expereince and said it was the best meal they ever had! Unfortunately all MIL did was complain about how she could not eat anything and kept asking DH if he wanted her food. BUT all she did was complain about the entire wedding so it was par for the course Dh had a conversation with her afterwards but we expected this from her and didn't let it bother us.

We were engaged about 30 minutes before our first meal at V&A so not only did we want to treat our guests, there was a sentimental aspect to eating there for our wedding so it was a perfect night for us!

Your pics make me want to go back for our one year anniversary trip (a month late anyways) in January. The food, service, preperation is amazing. It truly is a phenomenal experience there. We have done the wine tasting both times and I am in heaven!!!

Thanks so much for sharing!!!