Let's finish out FOODIE FRIDAY for 2017 with a bang, not a whimper!
Today we find ourselves at VICTORIA & ALBERT'S at the Grand Floridian.
Not sure if we will ever have the opportunity to dine here, but it's something I would love to experience once. Maybe on our trip to celebrate my retirement in 2020!
This is the only AAA 5-Diamond establishment on WDW property. All guests must be over 10 years of age to dine here........I don't think any kids should be allowed in there at all..........but maybe I am being overly picky. I just think if you are spending THAT MUCH money on a high-end dining experience, it should not be wrecked by some spoiled kid who is being overly picky at the worst possible moment.
They have a 7-course tasting menu that changes up on a frequent basis that runs a whopping $185.00 per-person........ plus tax and gratuity! Yup.........I said $185.00 PER PERSON, and the dining plan is not accepted here.
The main dining room also has a 10-course "Chef's Degustation Menu" which is a series of smaller courses put together by Chef Scott Hunnel. The cost of this is $235.00 PER PERSON!
I am shell shocked just typing this out.
From the My Disney Experience site here is what they say about this location:
Contemporary Dining in Timeless Elegance
Experience the ultimate in fine dining at Walt Disney World Resort and one of the Southeast’s finest restaurants. Victoria & Albert’s features modern American cuisine with exquisite ingredients sourced from around the world, including truffles from Italy, Russian Osetra caviar, beef from Japan, poulet rouge from North Carolina and shrimp from local Florida waters.
Recipient of AAA’s highest accolade—the Five Diamond Award, Forbes Travel Guide Four Star rating and glowing reviews from Zagat and others, this restaurant in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa evokes a genteel era when dining was an elegant ritual, served by an experienced maître d’hôtel and chefs in classic white toques. Whether you enjoy your meal in the Dining Room, the
Chef’s Tablein the kitchen or the more private
Queen Victoria Room, prepare for an extraordinary culinary experience.
Because each season offers its own flavors and fresh ingredients, Chef Scott Hunnel and his team source markets on a daily basis for the finest produce, fish and meats available to create distinctive menus for the 3 Victoria & Albert’s dining venues. From Spanish Octopus with Iberico ham and sherry vinaigrette to a whimsical poached egg with Florida corn and crayfish, flavors shine as Chef Hunnel melds tradition with innovation—all for the enjoyment of his Guests.
The Dining Room
In a setting of refined opulence, enjoy impeccable service and world-class culinary creations. With just one seating each evening, the Dining Room offers an unforgettable dinner experience.
Every detail bespeaks gracious elegance—from the fresh-cut flowers to the fine Italian table linens to the handsome Wedgwood china to the Sambonet silverware. Our warmly lit rotunda—with its hand-painted dome—and the delicate strains of a harpist enhance the luxurious, romantic ambience.
Settle in and let our knowledgeable service staff treat you to tableside touches like specialty cocktails, a champagne trolley, butter carving and a cheese gueridon.
And, of course, savor the sublime creations of Chef Scott Hunnel’s 7-course menu or 10-course Chef’s Tasting Menu. With Hunnel’s skill and imaginative approach, you’re in for an exquisite avant-garde culinary journey you won’t soon forget.
Queen Victoria’s Room
Behind closed doors, discover an elegant, intimate private dining space that’s a world apart. Accommodating just 8 Guests for a 10-course dinner, the
Queen Victoria’s Room features French gueridon service and exclusive wine pairings.
Guests will learn how chef and sommelier work together to identify the perfect vintage to accompany each sumptuous dish. With rich décor inspired by Old World dining rooms of London and Paris, the stage is set for a luxurious, leisurely evening. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for sensational cuisine, Queen Victoria’s Room takes dining to new heights.
Chef’s Table
Gather around the coveted
Chef’s Table for an unforgettable, up-close culinary experience.
Chef Scott Hunnel begins the evening with a champagne toast as he and the Victoria & Albert’s team prepare to craft a mouth-watering feast of up to 13 courses. Your gourmet odyssey will offer up delicacies from caviar to Maine scallops to Japanese beef—all paired with the perfect wine and spirits. Chef Hunnel’s friendly, easygoing conversation with Guests between courses makes the evening as entertaining as it is delicious.
World-Class Wine Collection
The award-winning wine list features a diverse collection of over 700 selections with 4,200 bottles in the cellar.
Honored with Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence,” the wine list includes such rare and valuable vintages as 1961 Château Margaux and 1982 Château Mouton-Rothschild, plus a world-class collection of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.
Well-versed in the regions and history of the wines, the knowledgeable staff sommeliers can recommend a superb wine you may never have tasted that pairs exquisitely with the chef’s innovative cuisine.
Accolades
Recognized with an AAA Five Diamond rating since 2000, Victoria & Albert's has garnered copious awards and honors.
Accolade highlights include:
- AAA Five Diamond Award
- Forbes Travel Guide Four Star
- Mobil Travel Guide Four Star
- Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence
- James Beard Foundation – Nominee for Best Chef in the South – Scott Hunnel
- Santé Restaurant Awards – Grand Award Winner Culinary Professional of the Year – Scott Hunnel
- Florida Trend Golden Spoon Hall of Fame – American Regional
- ACF-Certified Executive Chef – Scott Hunnel
Dress Code
Guests must wear proper attire.
Men must wear dinner jackets with dress pants or slacks and shoes. Ties are optional. Women may wear a cocktail dress, nice dress, dressy pant suit or a skirt with a blouse.
Jeans, shorts, capri pants, sandals, flip-flops or tennis shoes are not permitted.
Reservations
Advance reservations are required.
Guests can make reservations by calling (407) WDW-DVNA (939-3862)—or by booking the Dining Room or
Queen Victoria’s Room online—up to 180 days prior to your visit. Guest under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.
Please note that there is a cancellation policy that can result in charges if you cancel with insufficient notice. The specific policies will be detailed at the time of your booking.
Below is the current menu posted on the MDE site:
Menu items and prices are subject to change without notice.
* Consuming raw or undercooked meats, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Join is again next "year" for our first FOODIE FRIDAY on 2018!!
