Can I just vent about something? V&As new kid ban...

[Princess Susi]

One of the guys I sail with flew 747s for United. He admitted one time that he was amazed something so big could get off the ground much less fly at such altitudes.

Thanks, Hobie, really. You got me even more scared, now that I know a pilot is even amazed at how those things stay up in the air. I thought all those guys KNEW how they stay up there and it was just something they did, flying the airplane, just like driving a car! I'm gonna need more meds to knock me out... :p:
sues

[StephM]

Thanks, Hobie, really. You got me even more scared, now that I know a pilot is even amazed at how those things stay up in the air. I thought all those guys KNEW how they stay up there and it was just something they did, flying the airplane, just like driving a car! I'm gonna need more meds to knock me out... :p:
sues

I thought the same thing. Ativan IS my friend. :D:

[hobie16]

Thanks, Hobie, really. You got me even more scared, now that I know a pilot is even amazed at how those things stay up in the air. I thought all those guys KNEW how they stay up there and it was just something they did, flying the airplane, just like driving a car! I'm gonna need more meds to knock me out... :p:
sues

Even though he was amazed that something so big could get off the ground he was a hell of a pilot. He made senior captains look bad. He still makes a lot of sailors look bad.

I've gotten to sit in the cockpit a few times. These guys know what their doing. Plus, with all the enhancements in navigation aids, the planes pretty much fly themselves. United has a training center in Denver where all their pilots go every six months to recertify. You should try to get a tour. It might eliminate your fears. Or not. :D:

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Even though he was amazed that something so big could get off the ground he was a hell of a pilot. He made senior captains look bad. He still makes a lot of sailors look bad.

I've gotten to sit in the cockpit a few times. These guys know what their doing. Plus, with all the enhancements in navigation aids, the planes pretty much fly themselves. United has a training center in Denver where all their pilots go every six months to recertify. You should try to get a tour. It might eliminate your fears. Or not. :D:

His name wasn't Captain Oveur...Was it??

[StephM]

As the parent of a young and well-behaved foodie I hate rules like that based on age. Someone else can take their poorly brought up teenager to the restaurant but my kid isn't allowed? I'm sorry some people's children don't know how to behave, but exculde them (and the older ones as well) based on behavior and let properly brought up people of all ages enjoy the restaurants.

I am just curious if you have been to Victoria and Albert's, or viewed the menu. It is truly an experience, more than a meal. It is approximately 3 hours in length. (They have 2 sittings: 5:45 and 9:30).

DD15 was a foodie at a young age and was quite well-behaved. I would NEVER have put her through a meal at V&A's. She was extremely well-behaved, but I just don't think I would ever have made her sit there for that long at age 7 or 9 or even 11.

It is hard to describe it, maybe some of the others on here who have been can help me, but the whole atmosphere there is just adult. Kind of hushed, harpist playing, low light, etc. And the menu is fixed. Your dinner is $125 whether you eat all the courses or just 1.

Here is a sample menu from 08/25/2007 (including wine pairings):
Amuse Bouche
Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut Rosé NV
--------------------
Seared Colorado Buffalo Tenderloin, Braised Fennel, Radishes and Bllood Orange Vinaigrette
Cantina Del Taburno Falanghina, Campania 2005
Prosciutto Wrapped Gulf Shrimp with Melon Coulis and Pickled Watermelon
King Éstate Pinot Gris, Oregon 2005
Iranian Osetra Caviar with Traditional Garnish $125.00 ½ oz $250.00 1 oz
Ultimat Vodka
--------------------
Pondichery Peppered Quail with a Four Grain Pancake, Georgia Peaches and Corn
Dr. Zenzen Valwiger Herrenberg Riesling Auslese, Mosel 2001
Ballotine of Poulet Rouge with Duck Consommé and Scottish Chanterelles
Peré & Fils Christian Moreau Chablis 2004
Pan Roasted Foie Gras with Fuji Apples and Mostarda di Cremona $15.00
Royal Tokaji Azsú 5 Puttonyos, Mád Tokaj-Hegyalja 2000
--------------------
Alaskan King Salmon with Celery Root Purée and Carnival Cauliflowerr
Newton Red Label Chardonnay, Napa 2005
Crab Stuffed Tempura Squash Bloom with Grape Must Mustard
Caymus Conundrum, California 2001
Seared Wild Turbot with Toasted Capers and Meyer Lemon $25.00
Graff Family Vineyards Pinot Blanc, Monterey 2004
--------------------
Kurobuta Pork Tenderloin with Bamboo Rice Blend, Cilantro Sauce>
Carol Shelton Rocky Reserve Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley 2004
Marcho Farms Veal with Ratatouille Jam and Potato Gnocchi
Cesari “Mara” Vino Di Ripasso Valpolicella 2004
Kansas City Angus Beef with Fingerling Potato Lyonnaise
Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa 2003
Australian “Kobe” Beef Tenderloin with Smoked Garlic Purée $30.00
Japanese Wagyu Strip Loin with Oxtail Jus $80.00
Château Cantemerle, Haut-Medoc 2003
Opus One, Napa Valley 2000 $70.00
--------------------
Comté Saint Antoine, Monte Enebro and Brillat Savarin
Cockburn’s 10 Year Old Tawny Porto
Tropical Fruit Gelato with Micro Mint
Michele Chiarlo “Nivole” Moscato D’Asti, Piedmont 2005
------------------

Tanzanian Chocolate Pyramid, Hawaiian Kona Chocolate Soufflé
and Peruvian CChocolate Ice Cream and Puff Pastry
Berry Gâteau with Mango Yogurt Pannacotta
Caramelized Banana Gâteau
Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée
Grand Marnier Soufflé
Hawaiian Kona Chocolate Soufflé
--------------------
“Celebes” Coffee, Tea and Friandise

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

I am just curious if you have been to Victoria and Albert's, or viewed the menu. It is truly an experience, more than a meal. It is approximately 3 hours in length. (They have 2 sittings: 5:45 and 9:30).
It is hard to describe it, maybe some of the others on here who have been can help me, but the whole atmosphere there is just adult. Kind of hushed, harpist playing, low light, etc. And the menu is fixed. Your dinner is $125 whether you eat all the courses or just 1.

Here is a sample menu from 08/25/2007 (including wine pairings):

--------------------
“Celebes” Coffee, Tea and Friandise

DW and I dined there for our anniversary one year. I will say that I don't beleive that it is remotely for kids. We take grandkids with us to various dining locations when we go, both at WDW and DLR. They are extreamly well behaved, but we would never, after experiencing it, think of taking them there.

If you think about it, the average time of a meal there is half again as long as a movie. Could a small child stay still and be entertained by nothing other than conversation, and some harp music, while enjoying a course every thirty minutes or so, and not bother other diners that are trying to enjoy their dining experience? I think that even the age of ten is too young.

Sometimes, there are things that should be just for adults, P.I. at night is another good example. Yes WDW is for kids of all ages, but how about letting the older kids have a few exclusive spots too? (DW and I promise NOT to go to a P&P party!!)

[Kwahati]

In response to Steph and DevilDuckie:

I would further mention that the price goes up every year to match the prix fixe menus at the Michelin 3 star places in NY. (Presently, for example, the price is exactly the same as the prix fixe menu at Cru [the tasting menu, not the three course menu]). Also, there are other aspects that are in line with other high-end establishments, for example cashmere/silk blend shawls for ladies who may become cold in hyper-active Floridian air conditioning (I'd also expect they would have reading glasses and small flashlights available for those who have trouble seeing in the dark). Additionally, I'd note that the light is low enough that many people don't notice the lesser-known works by several of the grand masters of painting adorning the walls.

Service at V&A is impeccable and they even go so far as to have a maitre'd call you about a week before your reservation to ensure everything is perfect. They are careful to note food allergies and, with advance notice, accommodate vegetarians quite well. The vegetarian menu is somewhat more limited at times but still very nice. For lack of being able to locate a recent menu at this moment, I'll just note that some highlights include the interplay between a traditional ratatouille surrounded by a light and lovely gnocchi which was not only exquisite, but inspired, and the Grand Marnier souffle with a tableside presentation of a sauce featuring Madagascar vanilla is truly an experience.

I know you love your child, but somehow I doubt they would understand the importance of what they're eating in this situation. The well thought out courses tell a story and fully appreciating what the chefs are trying to communicate requires developed tastes and knowledge. Even if your child is well behaved and advanced in terms of taste, I sincerely doubt they would understand the significance of a gnocchi served on the same plate as a ratatouille. Further, I doubt they know the difference between an amuse bouche and an aperitif and what either (or both) are used for. Not understanding things like that is key because that early in the meal, I don't want little Timmy and Tammy at the next table making a stink because they liked it and want more. On the other side of the same coin, I'm a 6 foot tall, 220 lb man, and I'm stuffed by the end of a V&A meal. Seven courses over three hours is quite a bit even though most of the portions are small. By the end of that, I'd be shocked if little Timmy and Tammy aren't passed out in their chairs (which I would find distasteful).

Personally, I feel this new rule doesn't go far enough. I think it should be 16 or 18 and up only. But I thank heaven for small favors and the knowledge that I don't have to deal with every mother who thinks their child is "the best behaved 6 year old ever". I think it's very clear that this rule was put in place because there were incidents, and I'm sure that they would have no trouble asking a poorly behaved teenager to leave. Further, I've never actually seen a child in the place and I've only once seen teenagers (a trio of lovely young women [about 15 or 16 if I had to guess] who were dining with their grandparents...reminded me of things my grandparents did with me when I had attained an appropriate age). I'd guess, though, that it was becoming too frequent that they would have to ask someone to leave because of fussy young children, and it's hard to make someone pay their tab when you're giving them the boot.

If you really feel the need to take your child somewhere special, there are 3 star restaurants on both coasts who would be happy to take your money and show you the door if you're wrong about your little angel (I recommend making your reservations now, though, as getting into the French Laundry requires a bit of advance planning or knowing somebody important). If you need to go somewhere at Disney World with excellent food for you little "foodie" (and I do use the term exceptionally loosely) there's always the California Grill, Narcoosee's, Citrico's or Jiko. Even non-signature places like Le Cellier feature excellent dishes for the expanding of palates. In the mean time, I think you're being a little silly wanting to pay so much for a meal for a child who is so young. If it's so important, how come you haven't taken her there yet? I'm sure you can comfortably wait until she's 10 (or at least looks 10 for reasons I've explained in an earlier post) and it will be all the more special to her for the wait. Maybe make a game out of it: teach her about different mushrooms and then get her to identify exotic mushrooms in a dish featuring several different varieties and teach her the difference between heirloom produce and more typical varieties and then help her pick them out in a couple of dishes. Then, as a special treat on her 10th birthday, bring her to V&A. If you do it right, she'll have earned it.

[vixen101485]

Hear Hear Kwahti! Well said, a bit long-winded but well said >>>LOL>>>Any guy who can almost out talk me on the phone has my approval...LOL

As for the menu Steph posted. GEEZ LOUISE! No wonder it takes 3 hours for a meal. By the time you ask how to pronounce every thing and what it is and what you are supposed to do with it, you evening is pretty much over. YEESH! LOL

[Zazu]

:wantsmil: We need cowbpys and cowgirls smilies!

Got 'em: :woody: :jessie:

And maybe a bullriding smilie if there is such a thing! :p:

Had a little trouble finding this one, but here it is: :bullride:

[Zazu]

Looked into it, and if we booked the "southern route" or any portion, the fine print says that cetrain "portions" are by bus, as the track is out and no date of repair is even being discussed. Called amtrack and they confirmed that if we wanted a "train" ride, we had to go the route through Chicago. Guess they never repaired the track after Katrina! (Darn!!)

The track was repaired promptly. Then after it was fixed, Congress gave CSX Transportation money to rebuild. Amtrak just never started running passenger trains again. It's a matter of no small dispute, presently working its way through the courts.