The servers still wear costumes of circa 1900 servants, but their
Disney name tags no longer misidentify them as a Victoria or an Albert,
one of the bits of silliness that did disservice to an otherwise
high-class dining experience; staff members may now use their own names.
The Orlando Sentinel has a new review of Disney World’s best rated, and deservedly so, restaurant — Victoria & Albert’s. V&A, located in Disney’s The Grand Floridian, is known for its elegant service, dress code, and its’ 5 star food (there’s even a chef’s table, although that books way in advance). Of course, all this good stuff comes with a price. But if you’re on a Honeymoon (which is when I went) or other special occaision, it is most definately worth the price.
For Father’s day last night we went to California Grill. This is one restaurant where the name is deceiving. Patterned after what has become known as California Cuisine, light fare with an emphasis on fusion of different tastes, this restaurant out shines all but a few of the best California has to offer. Plus you can’t beat the view. Located at the top of the Comtemporary Hotel you can see up and down Central Florida. Plus all diners are invited to return to the observation deck to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks (a must do if you’ve already experienced them from the ground).
I started my father’s day feast with a warm spinach salad with bacon, blue cheese, and walnuts that was so good I nearly licked my plate. Between courses, I ordered a three cheese plate and wallowed in the pleasure of fine cheese made from California’s finest farmers. For me the house Savignon Blanc was a good enough match for the cheese, but if you prefer the finest in wines, then you’ll be very happy with the over 200 choices the restaurant supplies. My main course was black rice encrusted tuna seared just to the cooked side of sushi then placed in a hot mushroom broth with pork and chicken dumplings. The broth had the effect of cooking the tuna and the mushrooms and dumplings made great pairing with the fish.
California Grill and Victoria & Albert’s are destinations in themselves worthy of any foodie’s visit to central Florida. I am already plotting my return.
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