Food is a vital part of my traveling adventures. To truly appreciate my travels, I make an effort to explore different food options. In some locations, my taste buds have put an end to my curiosity. I simply do not care for what I’ve tried. At the very least, I am open minded. But at the same time, I am disappointed and leave the restaurant hungry.
Taking a cruise provides the best of both food worlds- the ability to eat familiar foods while at the same time expanding my food repertoire. Food options can be overwhelming onboard a cruise ship while offshore restaurants can be pricey. On some ships, such as Celebrity’s Silhouette, one can choose from inclusive dining options or specialty dining with an additional fee. However the most challenging part of making food decisions is having the will power to say, “I’ve eaten enough.”
If you’re a foodie, a cruise ship that is known for its culinary arts should be on your “bucket list.” Not only do you have the opportunity to taste, but there are plenty of opportunities to learn from the chefs.
On a Celebrity ship, a passenger’s inclusive package includes access to the main dining room as well as an assortment of cafeteria style venues. Be aware that eating and/or drinking frequently at specialty dining areas can add up to a significant amount of money. It is a good idea to check your onboard charge account on a regular basis.
On the first day at sea, I attended “A Taste of Silhouette: Culinary Showcase. The Executive Chef and his culinary staff from the speciality restaurants provided food demonstrations and free samples. A bartender from the Molecular Bar also had a station. This at sea program attracted hordes of onlookers and was designed to sell these places. A few aggressive passengers made it challenging to get near a few tables. Nevertheless, it was a wonderful way to taste different foods and beverages and decide whether I wanted to indulge in a specialty restaurant experience.
November, 2012
Each restaurant had a designated area with an abundance of food items.
Crepes and Salads
Most offered a food demonstration that sometimes included the audience. The Bistro on 5 specializes in making crepes that have unusual fillings and toppings. The restaurant also sells salads, panini, and desserts.
The Porch Restaurant offers a casual breakfast and lunch dining experience that includes soups, salads, sandwiches, and pastries.
Qsine is geared more toward the adventuresome diner. The menu has unusual presentations that combine unique foods. The menu is designed to please all senses simultaneously. One of our acquaintances aboard the ship remarked, “I’ve never experienced anything like it before.” When asked if she’d ever return, she candidly said, “I’m not sure.”
The Lawn Club Grill combines dinner with a culinary lesson. The chefs at this open-air restaurant include first-hand lessons in grilling techniques.
Was this alcoholic beverage safe to drink? Yes. However, the bartender highly suggested waiting until the bubbling dissipated.
Yes, there was even a specialty table for teas.
The crowds surrounding the other tables were overwhelming. Thus, it was not possible to take any pictures.
On a previous cruise, I took a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the main kitchens. The round-the-clock food preparation was an incredible site. Each time I have indulged in a Celebrity Cruise, I have been impressed by the overall and consistent quality of the food. It is a hefty undertaking to meet the needs of both passengers and crew. Since I was content with the inclusive food options and preferred spending on shore excursions, I avoided trying any speciality dining areas. During our last cruise, we had a delightful romantic dinner at the Tuscan Grill. In a future post, I will share snippets about our specialty dining experience and will include a recipe or two.
If you’ve indulged in a specialty dining experience, please consider sharing your experience.
Sandra Bornstein is the author of MAY THIS BE THE BEST YEAR OF YOUR LIFE. It is available on Amazon.
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