If you're looking for somewhere really special to eat while on holiday in Orlando then Disney's Victoria & Albert's restaurant is the perfect choice. The restaurant has been awarded the AAA Firve Diamond award which reflects its great food and service.
We've eaten there twice now, once as a couple and once with friends and both evenings were wonderful and I can really recommend giving it a try.
It's not a cheap night out but if you are looking for something special, I think it's worth every penny. Let's get the financial stuff out of the way first - it costs $125 per person which includes tax but drinks and tips are extra. They offer a wine pairing service - where you get a glass of wine to accompany each course - this is $60 per person. However, valet parking at the hotel is free if you are dining at the V&A so take advantage of this little perk.
The restaurant is open from 5pm to 9.45pm. Oh and this is one of the few Disney restaurants with a strict dress code. Gentlemen must wear a jacket, dress pants and shoes (a tie isn't compulsory though) and ladies are asked to wear evening wear - a cocktail dress or elegant trouser suit would be appropriate but long dresses will fit right in too. Definitely no flip flops, jeans, shorts, sandals, capri pants, tennis shoes or sneakers. So this is somewhere you need to go home and change after a day out and about in the sun. Dress to impress as they say!!
It's a very grown up environment and the meal itself takes between 2 and 2 1/2 hours so not really suitable for children. Well-behaved children over the age of 10 are admitted but strictly no under 10s. On our first visit there was a young boy (probably about 13/14) on the next table to us with a wedding party and he was a delightful young man - perfectly behaved and beautiful manners. If your child is like that I'm sure he'll be very welcome - if they're like my two boys - think food is for eating as quickly as possible so as not to interrupt their games and activities then it's definitely best to leave them at home. There is a kids club at the Grand Floridian where you can leave children up to 12 for supervised play while you dine.
Rather than eat in the main restaurant you can opt for the Chef's Table. I've not done this but I've read great reviews - you get to dine inside the kitchen and interact with the chef - tasting all the food etc. It doesn't appeal to me at all as I much prefer not sitting in the kitchen to eat my meal and I like the more formal nature of the main dining room but if you love cooking and want to take the opportunity to chat with the chef then you might enjoy this option. It does book up fast though so ring early.
In the main dining room, you'll be served by your own personal Victoria and Albert (yes, really - all the waiting staff are coinidentally called either Victoria or Albert! - how do they find them all I wonder?) - you get a personalised menu as well to take away as a souvenir.
So, now to the important stuff - what's on the menu? One of the highlights of the meal for me and my husband is the smallest course - the amuse bouche. My husband doesn't eat meat so they offered him the choice of choosing non-meat dishes from the main menu or ordering from the vegetarian menu (or he could mix/match - they are very accommodating). He chose to have the veggie menu so his amuse bouche was an even smaller morsel than mine because mine had a solitary prawn on it. But it's not meant to fill you up - it is just something to get your taste buds into anticipatory expectation - and it does. Such a tasty little morsel - and beautifully presented and served.
Starters included cavier (at an extra cost of from $60) - I'm not a huge fan myself so certainly wouldn't want to pay extra for it but it's there if you want it. More to my taste is the Gulf Shrimp or Minnesota Elk Carpaccio.
Then there is a fish course - options included Wild Turbot, Salmon and Halibut - all beautifully presented with tasty garnishes.
This was followed by a Zucchini-Tomato soup, White Asparagus or Duck confit. Each course seems quite small but it is surprising how full you get after just a few - and there are plenty more to come.
The entree course included a delicious Ranch Lamb, Pork Tenderloin or Veal - of the "Kobe" Beef for an extra $35. All served with potatoes and fresh veggies.
Now for the most serious course - you know what I mean - yes, that's it - DESSERT. Now everyone knows that dessert should be the largest course in a meal and this is something they get spot on at the V&A - their desserts are delicious, spectacular and very large! Particularly when you've already eaten quite enough already. But one has to have dessert!
The Kona Chocolate Souffle is heavenly, so is the Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee - and you won't be surprised to hear that so are the Grand Marnier Souffle, Banana Gateau and Chocolate pyramid. The spun sugar and other decorations make these such hugely special desserts.
Oh, I forgot to mention the cheese course. A small selection of delectable cheeses. Are you hungry yet?
Just time to relax with a coffee - even this is a spectacle at the V&A.
If you like the sound of it and want to try it for yourself, you can book a table at the V&A by ringing 407-939-3862
Disney's Victoria and Albert's - the perfect place for that special meal while staying at our fabulous vacation villa in Orlando, Florida - http://www.floridaorlandovilla.com/
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