Victoria & Albert's Chef's Table

[blott]

Anyone done this? If so, what's it like please and a rough idea of cost?

[florida4sun]

Its wonderful, did it a few years back and spent around $600 for 4 people, there was a few bottles of decent champagne in that. I think realistically it was around $75 per head.<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by blott
Anyone done this? If so, what's it like please and a rough idea of cost?[/quote]

[floridageoff]

I think it is about $165.00 per person. If you opt for the wine pairing it is about $70 extra. Certainly not a cheap evening!!

We have eaten at V&A, but not at the Chef's Table.

[florida4sun]

I would not go for the wine pairing, choose what you like rather than risking good money getting something you do not like.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by floridageoff
I think it is about $165.00 per person. If you opt for the wine pairing it is about $70 extra. Certainly not a cheap evening!!

We have eaten at V&A, but not at the Chef's Table.
[/quote]

[caroline]

We've not done the chefs table but have tried the wine pairing in V & A's and definitely preferred choosing our own wine!

[Cruella DeVilla]

Probably their way of getting rid of old stock...said tongue in cheek of course.:D

We went to V&A with Rosie and Alan on their Silver wedding anniversary and it was a really lovley evening and a very generous treat from them. I still look at the pictures now, lots of desserts feature[:I]

We keep meaning to go back. I looked at the Chefs table before but I had visions of sitting in the kitchen with pots a pan banging and flames and I think I would prefer the serenity of the dining room. But please let us know what it's like if you go as it just might be worth a try.

[Tonish]

Like you, CDV, I don't fancy the idea of a Chef's table. It's supposed to be something special, but I would prefer not to see the inside workings of a restaurant, thank you. I suppose they must have a lot of confidence to offer such a thing, but if I'm forking out big money in a fancy restaurant, I want the ambience that goes with it.

It seems to me a bit like going to Paris for the weekend but staying in a rubbish hotel, or going to Orlando and booking a room in an Econolodge on I-Drive. You get to see and taste the goodies, but miss out big style on the total potential experience.

Although, I may be wrong, I suppose. $75 per head sounds like a bargain to me, but I would insist on the champagne, which would clearly spoil the price. Any other Chef's table fans out there prepared to talk me into it?

[florida4sun]

It's not $75 per head that was estimate but that was a few years back. It carries a higher figure than a regular table. $165 per head plus tax has been mentioned so that would be todays prices.
We loved the chefs table and if going back would not do it differently. You get the individual attention of the head chef (not sure who that is now) and introduced to the team. They take time to find out what each person likes and they form a menu with you (you do not chose from the regular menu). The table itself is in an alcove and very intimate, you drink champagne while the chef is discussing you menu. If I remember correctly we had around 12 courses, small portions of excessive food. It is a far superior experience to sitting at the regular tables (which takes some beating, right up there with the best of the best).
The unique menu was printed and signed by all the kitchen staff involved (which we have since lost!)
The actual table is not directly in the kitchen.
It is very very difficult to book this table as it is booked way in advance by a lot of celebrities who can have a great experience without being bothered by others. It is not a cheap option, you do pay a premium for this table over the regular dining room.



<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Tonish
Like you, CDV, I don't fancy the idea of a Chef's table. It's supposed to be something special, but I would prefer not to see the inside workings of a restaurant, thank you. I suppose they must have a lot of confidence to offer such a thing, but if I'm forking out big money in a fancy restaurant, I want the ambience that goes with it.

It seems to me a bit like going to Paris for the weekend but staying in a rubbish hotel, or going to Orlando and booking a room in an Econolodge on I-Drive. You get to see and taste the goodies, but miss out big style on the total potential experience.

Although, I may be wrong, I suppose. $75 per head sounds like a bargain to me, but I would insist on the champagne, which would clearly spoil the price. Any other Chef's table fans out there prepared to talk me into it?
[/quote]

[Tonish]

OK, I'm convinced. It's going on the list.

[Cruella DeVilla]

With the first class ticket?

[Tonish]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Cruella DeVilla Posted - 23 Jan 2008 : 14:58:13
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With the first class ticket? [/quote]

The only way CDV. Extravagance has its own reward.

[Cruella DeVilla]

Excellent, will look forward to hearing about both.