RESTAURANT REVIEW:
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Chef’s table dinner events have become popular features of the culinary programs of several of the major cruise lines. These events involve a multi-course dinner with wine pairings during which the ship’s executive chef and members of the culinary team impart insights to a small group of guests. However, each of the cruise lines has placed its own stamp on the concept.
Norwegian Cruise Lines, long an innovator in cruise ship dining, has recently rolled out its version of the chef’s table into its fleet. It is elegant yet relaxed, fine dining but not overly elaborate. I had the opportunity to experience it on the Norwegian Star. On the first full day of the cruise, a notice in the ship’s daily program, the Freestyle Daily, informed guests the Star would be holding a Chef’s Table - - “the finest dining experience on board.” It would be held only once during the cruise on Day 5 and would be limited to 12 guests. Those who were interested could sign up at the ship’s Restaurant Reservations Desk. The guests who signed up for the Chef’s Table were instructed by letter to meet at Gatsby’s bar at six on the appointed evening. The evening that I participated in the event, there were several couples, a few solo cruisers and a group of three. There was no dress code for the event. This is Freestyle Cruising afterall and so you dress to suit your own style. Most of the guests chose smart casual but some chose to wear a jacket or a dress. Following the photo shoot, we were escorted to a private dining room adjoining one of the ship’s main dining rooms, the Aqua restaurant. In the center of the room was a large rectangular table decorated with festoons of orchids and Versace serving plates. Around the perimeter of the room were easels displaying works on loan from the ship’s art gallery. The lights were kept low, giving the room a romantic atmosphere. |
Executive Chef Andreas Sommerfeld discussing the meal at the Chef's Table on Norwegian Star.
When we arrived at Gatsby were greeted by the maitre d’ of one of Star’s specialty restaurants who acted as the host for the event. She sat us in a circle of chairs that had been reserved for the Chef’s Table participants. A waiter poured glasses of a California sparkling wine for everyone.
This pre-dinner gathering served to break the ice amongst the participants. Crucial to an event such as a chef’s table is a convivial atmosphere. If everyone just talks with the people that they came with such an atmosphere will not be created. The pre-dinner gathering allowed the participants to meet each other and exchange a few remarks. The rapport grew from there as the evening progressed. Once everyone had assembled and had an opportunity to meet, the maitre d’ asked everyone to gather on a nearby staircase for what she called a “class photo.” One of the ship’s photographers arranged the group on the steps and took a number of shots. A copy of the best one of these was given to each participant at the end of the evening along with a copy of the menu signed by the ship’s executive chef. |
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Cruise ship specialty restaurant review - - Norwegian Star - -Norwegian Cruise Line - Chefs Table - page 1