If you’re a fan of Victoria and Albert’s then you might be super excited about this news — or totally bummed, maybe. 😉
Scott Hunnel, chef de cuisine at Victoria and Albert’s, has been promoted to Executive Chef at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
Chef Scott Hunnel
The move means that Chef Hunnel will oversee all of The Grand’s restaurants, which include Citricos, Narcoossee’s, and the Grand Floridian Cafe.
While this is terrific news for the resort, there is one question that doesn’t have an immediate answer: will Chef Hunnel continue to helm Victoria and Albert’s?
During a recent interview with Scott Joseph, Hunnel stated that he would continue in a leadership capacity at V&A’s. However, anonymous sources suggested that a new chef de cuisine would be hired to oversee the day to day operations of Victoria and Albert’s, which is the culinary crown jewel of Walt Disney World.
And while we’re on the topic of Victoria and Albert’s, we understand that one of our favorite spots in all of Walt Disney World, the Chef’s Table area, has recently undergone a renovation. I can’t wait to check it out for myself on my next visit to this special place.
What do you think of Chef Hunnel’s promotion to head culinary honcho at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa? Leave a comment and tell us what you think the move will mean to Victoria and Albert’s!
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I would hope Disney (and now Chef Hunnel) would be interested in keeping up the high quality of the food and experience. So while Chef Hunnel always kept it fresh and interesting, it would be cool to see what a new chef would offer…
I’m so sad that he’ll most likely be leaving Victoria & Albert’s on a permanent basis. We’ve been lucky enough to dine there many, many times now, and we’ve always had Chef Amy. She is absolutely incredible (just as great as Chef Scott I’m sure), and it’s become nice to see, and reconnect with her time after time! While we absolutely ADORE her, we’ve so wanted to meet, and experience Chef Scott for quite some time. I will be so bummed if he decides to leave sooner rather than later. The next time we were looking to book The Chef’s Table is in December. Do you happen to know if there will be a new Chef de Cuisine by then AJ? Also, please tell me that Chef Amy isn’t going anywhere!
I’d eaten there last this past March, and Jack and Sherry told me about The Chef’s Table renovation, and that it’s changed (as did their uniforms) since last I was there. When Chef Amy came out to greet us in The Queen Victoria Room, she gave me a hug, and asked if I wanted to see it! OF COURSE! They are so amazing and gracious there, it never ceases to amaze me. My friend and I were able to head back, and check it out. All I can say is WOW! It is GORGEOUS! Nice rich Mahoganny, or Cherry Wood Merlot finish that’s much warmer and inviting than the former Cedar/Golden Honey Oak Wood finish. Not that The Chef’s Table ever DIDN’T look exquisite to begin with. I can DM you a couple of the photos I snapped on my phone on Twitter if you’d like.
I love the Victoria and Albert’s and I thought the Chef’s table was fantastic. I actually prefer the Chef Table, it is a more relaxed attitude, at least it was for our party. I have not been there to dine since the renovation, perhaps it is time to book another reservation there. I love Chef Amy as well. I wonder what direction the new chef will go in as far as cuisine. I will definitely have to check it out. It will be interesting to see what kind of changes might happen in Citricos and the other restaurants at the Grand Floridian as a result. This is indeed interesting news! I look forward to checking things out again.
My wife and I certainly enjoyed our 25th Anniversary which we celebrated with dinner in the Queen Victoria dining room. The food and service were second to none. I know that overall the GF will benefit from Chef Hunnel’s promotion, but I do hope that the continuity of V&A is continued. V&A is such a unique dining experience that I’m certain that WDW will do everything in its power to continue this grand tradition.
He is an amazing Chef who will work wonders heading up all the restaurants at the Grand Floridian. Congratulations Chef!
We were lucky enough to get Chef’s table for my 50th and had the most amazing time. Chef Amy was fantastic and although I would have liked to experience Chef Scott cooking I wish him well. We hope Chef Amy stays as she is part of the furniture and it would be a huge loss for V&A for her to leave too. We are hoping to eat there again but not until 2020!
I’m not sure how I feel about this. Vicky’s is unique and Scott Hunnel is the reason. I’m hoping he’ll be able to keep his hands in the kitchen’s R&D and menu conceptualization. With Phillip Ponticelli gone from Citricos and Dennis Thompson focused on The Grand’s first floor restaurants, I’m wondering if Chef Scott will be more involved with Citricos’ vision that managing all the restaurants at the property. Dominique Filoni (Citricos) is new to Disney and I’m not sure how well the new direction is being received.
Chef Scott is the most amazing Chef I’ve ever met. I’m in “that” world, and throughout my 25 year career, I’ve yet to encounter someone as talented in a kitchen. What is most special about Scott is his kindness and humility. While everyone watches Food Network shows with loudmouth Chefs who are all pierced and tatted, Scott is a true Chef who cares first and foremost for the guest. Congrats and good luck in your new role!