Victoria and Alberts or Chef's Table

[Mickey Fliers]

Which would you choose? Anyone done both?

Any and all insight is appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I have done both, and more than once each.

CT is basically a sampling of just about everything being served that evening. The items that are extra cost in the main dining room (caviar, foie gras, Kobe beef) are included. Dining at CT takes 4-4½ hours compared to the normal 2½ hours in the main dining room.

The downside is that CT, as it is in an alcove of the kitchen, is noisy and brightly lit. The main dining room is subdued in both lighting and sound level, with entertainment provided by a harpist who takes requests. (Have you ever heard the Mickey Mouse Club March played on a harp?)

If you are a serious cook, as Judy said after our first CT visit, it will be the best cooking lesson you will ever have.

The main dining room generally has 30 to 35 reservations per evening (15 to 18 per seating) while there is only one reservation per evening for CT.

For romantic and quiet the choice is clearly the main dining room. For an experience unlike any you have ever had go with CT.

 

[NejTheLion]

I agree with the atmosphere differences, although I didn't find the CT to be particularly bright or noisy. It is a big change from the main room, but not so much that it makes for an unpleasant dining experience.

And having eaten at Chef's Tables in other restaurants, I was amazed at how subdued the kitchen was at V&A. Typically, it seems a bit more crazy and chaotic, but I thought it was very mellow there.

I think the biggest difference is how much you're prepared to eat and drink. You really need to be prepped for the CT. The wine is what got to me the last time. Damned if I want to leave wine in the glass, but when you're brought about a half to 2/3 glass with every course on top of 2 glasses of champagne to start, it gets to be a little much