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

[ehagerty]

OMG your pictures and report brings back such GOOD YUMMY memories. We were just there last year August for my husbands birthday. Everything was so well put together and the wine pairings were to die for. For some people they say that it is something you just have to do once in life BUT for my husband and I we say it is something we have to do once a year. We will be there in October, and I can hardly wait.

Enjoy your Oct dinner - I am hoping to dine there 10/17 - we'll see

Wow, both of your dinners look so delicious! I am inspired to try for a reservation on our trip in December. It's our anniversary, so maybe a reason for the splurge.

Thanks again for the info about the wine you shared with us on the SS Member Cruise 08. I got a bottle for my husband for Christmas and he loved it.

Hope to run into you again on a future cruise or trip to WDW!

We will be on the DVC DCL 2009 cruise in 5 weeks. Doesn't sound like you are going. Sniff!

I hope you DO go to V&A for your anniversary. I can still picture you and your husband reading you books while waiting in line to get into Palo. I have this image of the same at V&A - it would be a good photo-start to your dining report!!

 

[oybolshoi]

If you are at V&A on 10/18 be sure to say hello if you see us ... we are dining there that evening with some other DISfriends!

 

[ehagerty]

If you are at V&A on 10/18 be sure to say hello if you see us ... we are dining there that evening with some other DISfriends!

Unfortunately, I have to depart Sun 10/18 in the mid afternoon to return home. I did finalize my plans for my mini-post-conference weekend yesterday, though:

Thursday (10/15) - shuttle over from the Gaylord Palms and 5 intensive professional development days (including Monday night at Universal, poor me!!!) - to the AKV. Hang out at the resort taking pictures - probably dining at Mara - unless I can negotiate renewing my PAP at the renewal rate (as I am out of the grace period - but they weren't offering the extra 3 months at the time).

Friday (10/16) - Backstage Magic, followed by F&W at Blue Zoo (if I get a reservation)

Saturday (10/17) - Aqua Seas Tours (everything planned to consider that I do not have an Annual Pass....), followed by dinner at V&A (5:00) {Sorry about that mistake earlier, stating 10/18) - I was actually hoping you ended up booking it for your birthday and I WOULD see you there!! Too late to change? Other F&W interests that night? Party for the senses?)

Sunday (10/18) - relax at resort (unless I renew my PAP), and head to airport on the ME around 3:30 pm. Perhaps you might be going a birthday brunch as well???

Maybe next time!!

 

[oybolshoi]

Unfortunately, I have to depart Sun 10/18 in the mid afternoon to return home. I did finalize my plans for my mini-post-conference weekend yesterday, though:

Thursday (10/15) - shuttle over from the Gaylord Palms and 5 intensive professional development days (including Monday night at Universal, poor me!!!) - to the AKV. Hang out at the resort taking pictures - probably dining at Mara - unless I can negotiate renewing my PAP at the renewal rate (as I am out of the grace period - but they weren't offering the extra 3 months at the time).

Friday (10/16) - Backstage Magic, followed by F&W at Blue Zoo (if I get a reservation)

Saturday (10/17) - Aqua Seas Tours (everything planned to consider that I do not have an Annual Pass....), followed by dinner at V&A (5:00) {Sorry about that mistake earlier, stating 10/18) - I was actually hoping you ended up booking it for your birthday and I WOULD see you there!! Too late to change? Other F&W interests that night? Party for the senses?)

Sunday (10/18) - relax at resort (unless I renew my PAP), and head to airport on the ME around 3:30 pm. Perhaps you might be going a birthday brunch as well???

Maybe next time!!

I sent you a PM about the 17th, but if the stars align we will all be at the Blue Zoo dinner on the 16th.

I think on the 18th we're going to try for a breakfast ADR at Kouzzina ... right now we have one for the Wave but the other would be more convenient. My nephew and his wife arrive to spend a few days with us the 18th, so that day is tight tight tight.

I hope we can manage to bump into each other ... it would be a shame not to!

 

[BriarRosie]

I'm one of the DISers going to V&A on the 18th.

I hope to meet you at the Todd English's bluezoo™ event, pending that we all get in. You've already met some of my friends (and have photo evidence from your cruise! )

 

[ehagerty]

I'm one of the DISers going to V&A on the 18th.

I hope to meet you at the Todd English's bluezoo™ event, pending that we all get in. You've already met some of my friends (and have photo evidence from your cruise! )

I see TDC_Nala's artwork in your signature. We got "pre-acquainted" with her travel companions at the Wave TiW dinner shortly before the cruise - started the bonding process early. Look forward to hearing how everyone's F&W reservations turned out.

 

[Jenna319]

Can you tell me an estimate of the cost for just 2 adults for the chef's table? This looks amazing and something really different and unique to do for DHs bday but I just can't imagine spending $500 for a dinner..... my husband is not an adventurous eater at all and is allergic to shellfish. I am not a fan of seafood either. Would they have anything to substitute for the seafood dishes? Thank you!

 

[LWQuestie]

We will be on the DVC DCL 2009 cruise in 5 weeks. Doesn't sound like you are going. Sniff!

I hope you DO go to V&A for your anniversary. I can still picture you and your husband reading you books while waiting in line to get into Palo. I have this image of the same at V&A - it would be a good photo-start to your dining report!!

No, we decided against the 09 SSMC when we got home last year. I'm jonesing for a DCL cruise though, so I'm trying to convince my mom to go on a 4 night in February.

I'm going to keep talking to Eric about V&A. I think it would be a nice treat, we just have to save up as it's a bit pricier than the usual dinner

We are planning to go to Tampa to catch a hockey game in December. Maybe we can arrange a Sabres/Penguins get-together when they are playing sometime this season!

 

[ehagerty]

Can you tell me an estimate of the cost for just 2 adults for the chef's table? This looks amazing and something really different and unique to do for DHs bday but I just can't imagine spending $500 for a dinner..... my husband is not an adventurous eater at all and is allergic to shellfish. I am not a fan of seafood either. Would they have anything to substitute for the seafood dishes? Thank you!

Actually, I haven't done the Chef's Table yet. I know others on this thread have, and they may be a better source of answers for your questions.

I can state what is publicly stated (at this time - always check for current information if you are reading this in the future) = the price person is $165 per person, plus gratuity (your call, usually 18-20% - no way you will get less than superb service, so you can't really plan on less), no discounts. I presume wine pairings are $60/person (plus gratuity).

The simple response to your request for an estimate is that you can't spend less the $330 +20% = $396. You don't have to spend $500, but you have to expect no less than $400.

 

[ehagerty]

No, we decided against the 09 SSMC when we got home last year. I'm jonesing for a DCL cruise though, so I'm trying to convince my mom to go on a 4 night in February.

I'm going to keep talking to Eric about V&A. I think it would be a nice treat, we just have to save up as it's a bit pricier than the usual dinner

We are planning to go to Tampa to catch a hockey game in December. Maybe we can arrange a Sabres/Penguins get-together when they are playing sometime this season!

The only reason I am considering NOT doing the DVC DCL in 2010, is that I already have a 7-day Jan 2010 cruise reserved and also scheduled our "free" 4 day cruise (bonus for buying into BLT onboard in May, up to 4 in room, including tips, oceanview) for Dec 2010 for my immediate (DH, DS21, DS19) family. DVC DCL in Sep 2010 (12-16 probably) is attractive, but not essential. I will miss the programming and the people (DVC DCL DisBoarders), but it is likely to be a pass. Besides, I am afraid I will add on DVC again!!

As for hockey - I bought 3 season tickets for Sabres this year (first time, high up, but towards center). If you are going to be in town, let me know and I will attend a Pittsburgh game with you and Eric (my treat). Hmmm looks like Sat Dec 19 or Tue Dec 29. I am giving myself a crash course in stubhub and ebay to sell Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa to help fund the rest!!

 

[LWQuestie]

The only reason I am considering NOT doing the DVC DCL in 2010, is that I already have a 7-day Jan 2010 cruise reserved and also scheduled our "free" 4 day cruise (bonus for buying into BLT onboard in May, up to 4 in room, including tips, oceanview) for Dec 2010 for my immediate (DH, DS21, DS19) family. DVC DCL in Sep 2010 (12-16 probably) is attractive, but not essential. I will miss the programming and the people (DVC DCL DisBoarders), but it is likely to be a pass. Besides, I am afraid I will add on DVC again!!

Right about now, I'm regretting not going on the 09 SSMC, but that's because it's been a whole year since the last one, but the DVC add-on worry is valid! I added on during our 7 Day eastern in '07!

As for hockey - I bought 3 season tickets for Sabres this year (first time, high up, but towards center). If you are going to be in town, let me know and I will attend a Pittsburgh game with you and Eric (my treat). Hmmm looks like Sat Dec 19 or Tue Dec 29. I am giving myself a crash course in stubhub and ebay to sell Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa to help fund the rest!!

It sounds like your seats are similar to the place where we sit when we go to Pens games. Eric's dad has season tickets but lives out of state, so we get to go to a lot of weeknight games during the season. Eric's birthday is December 31, so that game on the 29th sounds like a good reason to take a trip up. Wow, I'm so looking forward to seeing you again!

 

[WDWFigment]

I just read through both of your V&A reviews (or two of them, if there are more than two) and I have to say, great work. Excellent pictures and very nice review.

My fiancee and I plan on going to V&A for our honeymoon. I have a few questions that I wondered if you could answer:

1) How difficult is it typically to get reservations? Will I need to be on the phone at 8 a.m. 180 days in advance?

2) Were other people taking pictures as well? I am a bit of an amateur photographer, and I really want to take pictures of us and our food at the restaurant. Ideally I would like to bounce my flash off the ceiling, but I am unsure if taking pictures in the first place meets the appropriate level of decorum for the restaurant. Any insight you could offer would be appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[ehagerty]

I just read through both of your V&A reviews (or two of them, if there are more than two) and I have to say, great work. Excellent pictures and very nice review.

My fiancee and I plan on going to V&A for our honeymoon. I have a few questions that I wondered if you could answer:

1) How difficult is it typically to get reservations? Will I need to be on the phone at 8 a.m. 180 days in advance?

2) Were other people taking pictures as well? I am a bit of an amateur photographer, and I really want to take pictures of us and our food at the restaurant. Ideally I would like to bounce my flash off the ceiling, but I am unsure if taking pictures in the first place meets the appropriate level of decorum for the restaurant. Any insight you could offer would be appreciated!

Thanks!

1) I don't think they are so difficult that you have to reserve 180 days in advance at 8:00 am - unless, MAYBE, you are trying for a major dining holiday. Keep in mind, I have only been twice - both in 2009. Neither time was there a problem, calling only a couple of months out. This upcoming October's reservation was the first time I heard they may be completely booked - which I attribute to the foodies being in town for the Food and Wine festival. Another consideration - I prefer eating early (5:30 pm) - which may also have something to do with reservation availability. It is good that you posted your question here, though. There are other, more experienced people than I who might be able to answer. That said, there is no harm in securing your preference as soon as you can. There is a 48 hr, $20/pp cancellation charge - which leaves you a fair amount of latitude to secure something when you know, and modify from there....

2) There has been some debate on this thread about the picture taking. There is more than one point of view, and, to date, no specific discussion about bouncing a flash off the ceiling. It would appear that V&A allows picture taking. If you are concerned about "too many" or "bouncing flashes" annoying other diners, just ask the staff to let you know if you are disturbing your neighbors - take your guidance from them - they are in the best position to know.

p.s. Congratulations on your planned nuptials - and we look forward to your pictures!!