Victoria & Albert's review 11/22

[diswedwish]

Subtitle should be "Curious George goes to a restaurant"

V&A was one of the reasons I wanted to try the Platinum Plan. Otherwise, I never would've been able to talk DH into trying it. Fine dining? Our experiences at home are basically pizza, the better to afford our Disney habit; but we have been to a lot of the restaurants on Disney property. So prior to this our fanciest dining experience was Bistro. DH hates Bistro which I mentioned in a previous post. He was prepared for teeny tiny portions that he would hate in an atmosphere that would be too stuck up for either of us. I didn't know what to expect, except that from reading menus on-line there was a lot of stuff I couldn't identify, so I went in with a (mostly) open mind.

What did we experience? Our favorite dining experience to date - DH wants to do the Platinum Plan again so we can eat there every night -lol Our Victoria and Albert were nice, welcoming, and never the least bit condescending. The atmosphere was perfect, we were seated in the private dining room which was open that night with only 4-5 other tables. DH was right by the fire and a Christmas tree, and we could hear the harp in the background. While we were the youngest diners there that evening (that we saw anyway), and did feel a bit awkward walking in, once we were seated we felt fine and had a great time.

After being seated we received our menus and had some time to look them over. Then onto our selections... I decided to have the wine pairing. DH doesn't drink much so he wanted a n/a strawberry daiquiri Should've had the "don't order drinks like that in a place like this" talk... Victoria suggested he just have a soda since a daiquiri would be too heavy for all the courses. She also asked if he liked champagne and brought him a small glass of that.

We received our first course which was tuna and we both liked it. So far, so good...

For the next course, DH chose the Jumpo Lump Crab Timbale and Fresh Alaskan King Crab with Lavosh Crouton. I chose the Terrine of Foie Gras with Pumpernickel Curls and Sierra Beauty Apple Chutney. I'd only had a taste of DH's foie gras at Bistro and didn't know what to expect. It looked kind of like cat food, but it tasted wonderful! lol

Next I had the Roasted Duck with Candy-Stripe and Golden Beets with Pomegranate Vinaigrette, DH chose the Nantucket Scallops with Shaved Fennel and Satsuma Tangerines. Again, we didn't really know what we were eating (other than the duck and scallops), but it tasted great.

Next DH had the Casco Bay Cod with Brentwood Corn, I had the Blue Hubbard Squash and Hazelnut Cream. This course was supposed to come with Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout - she asked if I'd prefer wine, I said yes. She ended up bringing both. The beer actually went very well with the soup and I liked it.

For the main course I had the Roasted Petit Poulet with Mushroom Custard and Truffle Foam, DH had the Grilled Prime Filet with Celry Root Puree and Braised Short Ribs. Yummy...

We both chose the Pineapple-Passion Sorbet with Micro Mint. I think at this point I took my 2nd bathroom break - definitely not used to so much wine!!!

For dessert I had the Hawaiian Kona Chocolate Souffle, DH had the Pyramid of Tanzanian Chocolate Mousse with the neat coffee. I received my rose and off we went to walk back to the Poly. We can't wait to return...

Any questions?

 

[meuseman]

Thanks for sharing - reading it brings me back. We ate at the chefs table, so we had a choclate course with both the souffle and the pyramid. We had something else too, but I can't remember. What a wonderful time you must have had!

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Thanks for the detailed review! I am so JEALOUS!

I want to plan a visit there for our 10 year anniversary (2 years from now!)

 

[SamSam]

Thanks for such wonderful, detailed reviews. We have only dined at V&A's one time, but will definitely be going back.

 

[Minniespal]

Great review ~ Thanx for sharing.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Glad you had a good time and a great meal!!

 

[UKDEB]

It took us a while to get around to dining at V&As, too, but now we understand why it's the "best" restaurant on property. Reading your review reminded me of how much I get in a tizz at having to choose between all the wonderfull options. Whenever I see Fois Gras on a menu, it has to be done, though - I don't even look at the other choices!

 

[Krissalee]

Thanks for sharing your review. After reading it, I decided that I should probably plan for dinner there on our next trip!

 

[Cinderelli]

Thanks for your report. I'm a little nervous about trying the place myself but would love to go some time. Thanks for sharing.

Lissa

 

[Gaiusrex]

Sam Smith's Oatmeal Stout! Excuse me while I dash off to the cellar. (hmm it's after 11:00am isn't it?)

 

[marlogood]

We've dined at the Chef's Table and it is wonderful. Sometimes hard to get a reservation but well worth it if you get it. Can't wait until we can go back.

 

[BCV23]

Sounds like another great experience at V&A....thank you for sharing your review.

 

[TwingleMum]

Enjoyed reading your post. Thanks for sharing it sounded wonderful.

 

[wilderness gal]

I have a question, I hope is not to nosy. Was the alcohol included in the meal @ V & A/Platinum Plan? We did the Gold Plan May 2003, and in 11/06 we are planning on going back to Disney but I'm leaning toward the Platinum Plan & wanting to go to V & A because it will be out 20th anniversary & our son will be graduating from high school & wanted to give him this as his senior trip. Your dinner sounded wonderful & fun !!

What you describes sort of describes the way we eat.

Haughton High School Big Red Band

 

[Patty3]

We love V&A, we ate at the chef's table two years ago and it was wonderful. I am looking forward to going back next August. Thanks for the great review!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Sounds divinely yummy!

I would love to go again--and now know to ask for the vegetarian menu just in case (I loved all my courses except for the main course--I only do chicken--otherwise it's vegetarian main courses for me).

We also did the wine pairings--unfortunatley most of my course selections meant that it was red wines for me. I couldn't drink most of them--but finally happened upon a red wine I do enjoy--Shiraz...thanks V&A Next time I would probably not get the wine pairings.

We sat next to the Harpist in the main room. Very lovely!

 

[diswedwish]

wilderness gal - nope, you're not being too nosy
The wine pairing was not included with the plan - I decided to get it anyway. They'll bring you a separate bill for that. Although, with the new packages for 2005 it doesn't look like Victoria and Albert's will be included anymore

 

[floridagirrl2]

What is the vegetarian menu like? I looked up the menu at allears, and it looks like it varies nightly, so wondered if I DH and I would be able to have something we like (I'm vegetrain, he's not).

What is the Platinum Plan? And what did you wear?? Not sure I could get my husband any dressier than khakis and a polo shirt.

 

[diswedwish]

The Platinum Plan is (at least until MYW kicks in) the $$$ plan where you get a fireworks cruise, 3 meals + snacks (which includes V&A and room-service), spa treatment, gift, etc.

I wore my little black dress, DH wore a suit and tie. V&A is the only restaurant with a strict dress code - men must wear jackets.

As far as vegetarian meals go, I know we were asked several times if we had any menu questions, etc. And you do have to re-confirm your reservations, plus you get your name printed on the menu, so I'm sure you'd have plenty of opportunities to talk about the menu and I'm sure they'd offer something yummy for you - if you could get your DH to dress up

 

[wilderness gal]

Diswedwish; I saw the new packages, it also didn't have Fulton's Crabhouse & that was one of our favorites. I'm anxious to see the entire premium package. I wonder if it will have the fishing excursions. We will still get the package and maybe it will save us some money. Who knows !! I'm glad you had a great time, sounded like it. Thanks for answering my question !! Have a wonderful day !! It's alittle chilly & wet here in north Louisiana wishing I was @ Disney. My 16 year old son asked us one day, can we live at the Wilderness Lodge? I wanted to reply yes, yes, yes.... had to come back down to reality !!!