Victoria & Alberts - Join me in my Dining Scheherazade (Night #3 Sep 17, 2009) - The DIS Discussion Forums

ehagerty · 10-02-2009, 09:01 AM

Tonight's story begin with a gracious welcome by Israel Perez, Maitre d'Hotel.......

.....and his charming and elegant staff

I had many mini-missions for this meal (in no particular order)

re-introduce DH to the wonders of V&A (his last visit = 1997)
experiment with my Canon D10, to see if I could migrate from the SLR
simply enjoy, as DH put it, "the best meal of my life" - and that was two days after Palo's (Wonder - DVC member cruise)
listen to the harp music
relax in the hushed tones of V&A
enjoy the many nuances of the fine wine pairing

The reporting pace will probably be as leisurely as the meal - partially due to time constraints, partially to make the reliving last longer....

For those who may not already be aware, there are previous nights to this story..
Night #1 - Victoria & Alberts - Picture Trip Report (January, 2009)
Night #2 - Victoria & Albert - A Once-in-a-Decade Dinner, for the second time in 2009 (May, 2009)
Night #3 - Victoria & Albert - My Dining Scheherazade(September, 2009) - THIS REPORT
Night #4 - Victoria & Albert - Dining Scheherazade Night #4 - "Table for One" - 17 OCT 09
Night #5 - Victoria & Albert - Dining Scheherazade Night #5 - "Table for One - Again" 23 FEB 10 (February, 2010)
Night #6 - Victoria & Albert - Dining Scheherazade Night #6&7 - "I could die happy, and I am only 20" (May, 2010) (February, 2010)

Clickable Table of Contents 17 SEP 09 for this report
A Sense of Place
Amuse Bouche
Fresh Baguette & Vermont Butter
Poached Scallop
Herb Bread & Butter
Poulet Rouge
Monterey Abalone
Grain Bread and Butter
Veal and Beef
Cheese Plate
Dessert
After Dinner Treats
Kitchen Visit
.

kbmaggs · 10-02-2009, 09:15 AM

oooh.... I can't wait!!!!!

BriarRosie · 10-02-2009, 01:03 PM

I like how you incorporated the Arabian Nights references.

Since I know your food porn is epic, I can't wait.

Oh, and see you in a couple weeks... from today!

ehagerty · 10-02-2009, 04:06 PM

The table

The harpist

The roses

A toast to wine pairings

.

ehagerty · 10-02-2009, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbmaggs

oooh.... I can't wait!!!!!

... in response to your enthusiasm

Quote:

Originally Posted by BriarRosie

I like how you incorporated the Arabian Nights references.

Since I know your food porn is epic, I can't wait.
Oh, and see you in a couple weeks... from today!

..... so I am ready for the next!! - look forward to meeting you, two weeks from NOW

TigerKat · 10-02-2009, 04:41 PM

Count me in!

ehagerty · 10-02-2009, 05:06 PM

The big picture

Wine Pairing: Vueve Cliquot Ponsardin NY

Deviled Quail Egg with American Caviar

Tomato Fennel Custard Baked in the Shell

Heirloom Tomato Sorbet with Olive Oil Powder

Italian Buffalo Mozzarella with Pine Nuts

Tomato Carpaccio, Octopus

The combination and permutations of tomato were phenomenal (oh dear, if I use that superlative on the first post, what will I have left for all the others?!?!). Each quadrant had its own story line and character, and the collection coalesced into wonderful, well, amuse bouche! I liked how the tomato-fennel soup from last dinner was transformed into a custard this time. I really liked how I could take a small sample of one, sip of wine, sample of another, etc. until they were all gone. One played off the other, then built on the next. Hard to describe - perhaps a sidebar story....

A few years ago, we took my parents to a local restaurant for dinner before a Christmas concert at the Philharmonic. The place was convenient, very cute - definitely had the flair of one of those small Parisian restaurants that only have 6 tables. The chef was CIA-educated. The food was - dish for dish, quite good. I had a sorbet-sampler for dessert - rosemary-this, sage-that, and tomato-something (could even have been this one). However, I remember thinking as I was leaving that the meal was incoherent. I liked the sorbets - but would have preferred them as an appetizer, or transition dish. Too many vegetables in my dessert doesn't satisfy the way cheese or fruit sorbet might have. Sadly, the restaurant closed shortly after that.

My point - sometimes we are inarticulate when we sense something is wrong, we don't have the concepts and words to explain WHAT is wrong. However, when you see something done well, you know in an instant that THIS is an example of how it is done correctly. This amuse bouche provided that Eureka moment - seeing the tomato sorbet in its right context and juxtaposition to all the other elements reminded me immediately of that one dish from 5-6 years ago - and helped me appreciate, if not fully grasp, the level of creativity, art and coherence that is a V&A dining experience.

As for Scheherazade, I can only hope for 1,001 dishes at V&A;

a thousand and one NIGHTS is beyond imagination - that would have to be some kind of lottery!!
a thousand and one INGREDIENTS seems achievable - given the complexity of the dishes

Ultimately, it is more a "gradual unfolding of an entertaining and satisfying sensual experience."

Next visit, I will ask the harpist to play passage from Rimsky-Korsakov - and make it my special V&A theme.....

.

Symans3honeybees · 10-02-2009, 05:13 PM

Amazing food pictures. Thank you for sharing

kabuki · 10-02-2009, 07:41 PM

We go in a couple weeks and I have to say I really hope the whole tomato amuse is still being served! It just is amazing but your photos are as beautiful as the food! Thank you for posting this!

donaldtutter · 10-02-2009, 07:53 PM

I am so excited to hear and see your review!! We are going for the first time in December and cannot wait!!

ljcrochet · 10-02-2009, 08:38 PM

Great start. I can't wait to read the rest. DH and I are thinking of going to Vand A when we go back in June.

ehagerty · 10-03-2009, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Symans3honeybees

Amazing food pictures. Thank you for sharing

You're Welcome!! Hope you had time to check out the first two reports!

Quote:

Originally Posted by kabuki

We go in a couple weeks and I have to say I really hope the whole tomato amuse is still being served! It just is amazing but your photos are as beautiful as the food! Thank you for posting this!

Enjoy your upcoming visit - I am hoping to be there Oct 17th (early) - what day are you going?

Quote:

Originally Posted by donaldtutter

I am so excited to hear and see your review!! We are going for the first time in December and cannot wait!!

Enjoy!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ljcrochet

Great start. I can't wait to read the rest. DH and I are thinking of going to Vand A when we go back in June.

I just starting reading through your trip report links in your signature - sounds like you will be leaving today - didn't see CaliGrill in hubby's report - did your change you mind?

Miffy2003 · 10-03-2009, 11:40 AM

I am so pleased to see this as I have thoroughly enjoyed all your other reviews. I am looking forward to reading more

BriarRosie · 10-03-2009, 12:08 PM

Kabuki and I (and a couple others who post here) are going the following night...October 18.

engle · 10-03-2009, 12:14 PM

BRING IT!!! Your words perfectly describe my own feelings of V&A. Can't wait to read more. I have been there 3 times...once at the Chef's table. NEXT VISIT in February for my sister's 40th bday!! Can't wait!!

10-02-2009, 05:06 PM	#7
ehagerty DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 1,996	Amuse Bouche The big picture Wine Pairing: Vueve Cliquot Ponsardin NY Deviled Quail Egg with American Caviar Tomato Fennel Custard Baked in the Shell Heirloom Tomato Sorbet with Olive Oil Powder Italian Buffalo Mozzarella with Pine Nuts Tomato Carpaccio, Octopus The combination and permutations of tomato were phenomenal (oh dear, if I use that superlative on the first post, what will I have left for all the others?!?!). Each quadrant had its own story line and character, and the collection coalesced into wonderful, well, amuse bouche! I liked how the tomato-fennel soup from last dinner was transformed into a custard this time. I really liked how I could take a small sample of one, sip of wine, sample of another, etc. until they were all gone. One played off the other, then built on the next. Hard to describe - perhaps a sidebar story.... A few years ago, we took my parents to a local restaurant for dinner before a Christmas concert at the Philharmonic. The place was convenient, very cute - definitely had the flair of one of those small Parisian restaurants that only have 6 tables. The chef was CIA-educated. The food was - dish for dish, quite good. I had a sorbet-sampler for dessert - rosemary-this, sage-that, and tomato-something (could even have been this one). However, I remember thinking as I was leaving that the meal was incoherent. I liked the sorbets - but would have preferred them as an appetizer, or transition dish. Too many vegetables in my dessert doesn't satisfy the way cheese or fruit sorbet might have. Sadly, the restaurant closed shortly after that. My point - sometimes we are inarticulate when we sense something is wrong, we don't have the concepts and words to explain WHAT is wrong. However, when you see something done well, you know in an instant that THIS is an example of how it is done correctly. This amuse bouche provided that Eureka moment - seeing the tomato sorbet in its right context and juxtaposition to all the other elements reminded me immediately of that one dish from 5-6 years ago - and helped me appreciate, if not fully grasp, the level of creativity, art and coherence that is a V&A dining experience. As for Scheherazade, I can only hope for 1,001 dishes at V&A; a thousand and one NIGHTS is beyond imagination - that would have to be some kind of lottery!! a thousand and one INGREDIENTS seems achievable - given the complexity of the dishes Ultimately, it is more a "gradual unfolding of an entertaining and satisfying sensual experience." Next visit, I will ask the harpist to play passage from Rimsky-Korsakov - and make it my special V&A theme..... . __________________ To see all photos, search Disboards using advanced search where "thread starter = ehagerty"; sort by descending post date. If you need help, let me know!! Last edited by ehagerty; 10-03-2009 at 12:36 PM.

10-02-2009, 05:13 PM	#8
Symans3honeybees DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: New York Posts: 648	Amazing food pictures. Thank you for sharing __________________

10-02-2009, 08:38 PM	#11
ljcrochet DIS Veteran Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,035	Great start. I can't wait to read the rest. DH and I are thinking of going to Vand A when we go back in June. __________________ Lisa Joy DH DD (7)DD (7) 3 offsite trips 9 on site 1 DCL Who is coming with us? pre-trip report How many times can we change this trip? pre-trip report DH's dining reviews-deluxe dining plan

10-03-2009, 12:08 PM	#14
BriarRosie Creator of Tag Fairy Haiku: Clap your hands loudly Bounce until your rear is sore Tags shall be granted Official DIS TF Haiku author! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Chicago Posts: 11,110	Kabuki and I (and a couple others who post here) are going the following night...October 18. __________________ Lori.....Blog: http://thefabdisneydiva.blogspot.com/

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

10-02-2009, 09:01 AM	#1
ehagerty DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 1,996	Victoria & Alberts - Join me in my Dining Scheherazade (Night #3 Sep 17, 2009) Tonight's story begin with a gracious welcome by Israel Perez, Maitre d'Hotel....... .....and his charming and elegant staff I had many mini-missions for this meal (in no particular order) re-introduce DH to the wonders of V&A (his last visit = 1997) experiment with my Canon D10, to see if I could migrate from the SLR simply enjoy, as DH put it, "the best meal of my life" - and that was two days after Palo's (Wonder - DVC member cruise) listen to the harp music relax in the hushed tones of V&A enjoy the many nuances of the fine wine pairing The reporting pace will probably be as leisurely as the meal - partially due to time constraints, partially to make the reliving last longer.... For those who may not already be aware, there are previous nights to this story.. Night #1 - Victoria & Alberts - Picture Trip Report (January, 2009) Night #2 - Victoria & Albert - A Once-in-a-Decade Dinner, for the second time in 2009 (May, 2009) Night #3 - Victoria & Albert - My Dining Scheherazade(September, 2009) - THIS REPORT Night #4 - Victoria & Albert - Dining Scheherazade Night #4 - "Table for One" - 17 OCT 09 Night #5 - Victoria & Albert - Dining Scheherazade Night #5 - "Table for One - Again" 23 FEB 10 (February, 2010) Night #6 - Victoria & Albert - Dining Scheherazade Night #6&7 - "I could die happy, and I am only 20" (May, 2010) (February, 2010) Clickable Table of Contents 17 SEP 09 for this report A Sense of Place Amuse Bouche Fresh Baguette & Vermont Butter Poached Scallop Herb Bread & Butter Poulet Rouge Monterey Abalone Grain Bread and Butter Veal and Beef Cheese Plate Dessert After Dinner Treats Kitchen Visit . __________________ To see all photos, search Disboards using advanced search where "thread starter = ehagerty"; sort by descending post date. If you need help, let me know!! Last edited by ehagerty; 08-08-2010 at 01:51 PM.

Sponsored Links
The DIS Register to remove Join Date: 1997 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,000,000

10-02-2009, 09:15 AM	#2
kbmaggs Mouseketeer Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 206	oooh.... I can't wait!!!!!

10-02-2009, 01:03 PM	#3
BriarRosie Creator of Tag Fairy Haiku: Clap your hands loudly Bounce until your rear is sore Tags shall be granted Official DIS TF Haiku author! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Chicago Posts: 11,110	I like how you incorporated the Arabian Nights references. Since I know your food porn is epic, I can't wait. Oh, and see you in a couple weeks... from today! __________________ Lori.....Blog: http://thefabdisneydiva.blogspot.com/

10-02-2009, 04:06 PM	#4
ehagerty DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 1,996	A sense of place... The table The harpist The roses A toast to wine pairings . __________________ To see all photos, search Disboards using advanced search where "thread starter = ehagerty"; sort by descending post date. If you need help, let me know!!

10-02-2009, 04:41 PM	#6
TigerKat HOPE YOUR DAY IS FILLED WITH JOY AND HAPPINESS !! Blow some of that cool air down here Warning! Getting a tag is hazardous to my mouse Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Terrytown(New Orleans)LA Posts: 39,539	Count me in! __________________

10-02-2009, 07:41 PM	#9
kabuki It's free if you pass out in the DITCH! I don't think Brenda has seen this to "pimp" me out yet Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: San Diego Posts: 1,529	We go in a couple weeks and I have to say I really hope the whole tomato amuse is still being served! It just is amazing but your photos are as beautiful as the food! Thank you for posting this!

10-02-2009, 07:53 PM	#10
donaldtutter DIS Veteran Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,026	I am so excited to hear and see your review!! We are going for the first time in December and cannot wait!!

10-03-2009, 11:40 AM	#13
Miffy2003 I've got Saratoga Springs - makes me smile every time I log on! Yumtastic!! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Exeter, UK Posts: 12,151	I am so pleased to see this as I have thoroughly enjoyed all your other reviews. I am looking forward to reading more

10-03-2009, 12:14 PM	#15
engle DIS Veteran Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,073	BRING IT!!! Your words perfectly describe my own feelings of V&A. Can't wait to read more. I have been there 3 times...once at the Chef's table. NEXT VISIT in February for my sister's 40th bday!! Can't wait!!

Similar Threads
thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Here's what a little PIXIE DUST can do ....... a dining review+pics COMPLETED!!!!!	dizneeat	Disney Dining Reviews	666	01-10-2012 12:46 AM
Low Calorie Dining Options?	kellysa	Disneyland (California)	27	12-13-2010 01:11 PM
Running The Half, Dis Meets, Deluxe Dining,& SSR! BACK. Had a great time!	Lynn5700	Pre-Trip Reports and Plans	1184	06-20-2010 11:23 PM
NYE dining ADRs tomorrow	Pixieflip	Disney Dining Reservations	26	02-27-2010 02:54 PM
anyone KEEP free dining over the 4/3 deal?	cab0ad	Disney Discount Codes and Rates	19	10-04-2009 08:48 AM