CHEF'S TABLE

Parrot Mom · #1 (**permalink**) April 1st, 2009, 09:44 AM

Can somebody explain if the menu is the same on all the Princess ships for the Chef's Table? What is the menu and why would it be worthwhile to spent the extra $$$

kandajones · #2 (**permalink**) April 1st, 2009, 02:08 PM

Hi Parrot Mom,

Having spoken to a passenger about it on a previous cruise we decided to splash out on Sea Princess last August & see for ourselves if it was as good as they thought.
The answer "Yes!" it was a really something out of the ordinary. You start off with a quick tour of the Galley where you can see the chefs & waiters in full swing, then the Executive Chef (Antonia Costantino on ours) explains the food that wil be served whilst you sip a couple of glasses of Champagne with appetizers (1 each of Blue Crab Margarita with Avocado & Mango, Salmon tartar, Mini Quiche with Truffle & cherry tomoatoes, Potato Crepes with sour cream & Caviar).

We were then escorted to our table which was laid up beautifully, and the meal commenced with Lobster & Asparagus Risotto, followed by Bloody Mary Sorbet (not our taste), then on the serving area behind us, they lit up 3 hanging 'spikes' of meat chunks consisting of Beef, veal & pork tenderloins. These were initally served, then left to self serve, and along with vegetables had various warm sauces, such as Bernaise and Café de Paris butter, drool, drool.

For those who could face more food, the next course was baked Camembert with pine nuts in a port jus and walnut bread.

The desert was Iced Cointreau Parfait, French Vanilla Compote & Brandy Snap.

To finish with Teas & Coffees were served with Biscotti, whilst you had a chance for a quick chat with the Maitre D' & Exec Chef.

Each course was accompanied with a choice of 2 wines selected for that course.

Finally you were presented with 2 photos, one personal and one group, and the Princess Cruises Culinary Journey cook book - one per couple - which the Exec Chef had signed.

The only thing I wasn't please about was that it was very rushed, we met up at 19:30, and were being ushered out of the restaurant before 22:00. I would have much prefered meeting up at say 18:00 & leaving at your own leisure so that you had time to fully relax & enjoy the food.

I believe that it was a different menu on each of the 2 nights that it was held on our cruise. But we didn't know the menu ahead of the night.

Was it worth it, Yes, would we do it again, Yes - but would love to get a discount as we don't need another book ;-)

Hope this helps,

Alan & Katrina

RonNix · #3 (**permalink**) April 2nd, 2009, 01:01 AM

Great response to Parrot Mom's question. Almost felt myself there but my growling stomach confirms I'm not. Looks like this is a must do on our next cruise.
Are they doing this on all the ships or just select ones?

Parrot Mom · #4 (**permalink**) April 2nd, 2009, 01:14 AM

From what I understand it is all ships but they only take 12 guests. The problem with the menu above is it's a Brazilian Barbecue.. and I don't feel that is worth the $75.00 per person. They have said that the same menu is on all the ships at the same time..I'm not sure if that's true.. The cruisers on the ship right now.. have not gone to the Chefs Table..

CanadianCruiseBooker · #5 (**permalink**) April 2nd, 2009, 01:21 PM

Our menu was similar but not exact... it was the highlight of our cruise as the food on the Caribbean Princess the week we were on last April , was less than stellar.

My husband and I are foodies... I received my cooking training in Switzerland and my husband worked in restaurants all over Toronto prior to moving out west and we both agreed that it was well worth the extra expense. I believe I drank my $75 in champagne alone...lol

Although it is a little less 'customized' than a typical Chef's Table I think the evening experience was great. (but remember a typical Chef's Table at the Sutton Place in Toronto is aprox $1200 for 2 from what I remember)

I just had a family of 8 return from their vacation and took my recommendation to do the Chef's Table and came back RAVING about it... they said that they would never be the type to do anything like this at home and enjoyed the experience.

Parrot Mom · #6 (**permalink**) April 2nd, 2009, 01:43 PM

Just got word from a friend whose daughter is the Chef at the local art museum.. she is in St. Thomas right now on the Crown Princess. She and her husband went to the Chef's Table and said the majority of the of the group were in the food industry and she just loved it. I don't t hink Parrot Pop would appreciate it, but one of my friends who is definetely a foodie would.. So, maybe we will get rid of our partners and enjoy i t.. One week to go...

CanadianCruiseBooker · #7 (**permalink**) April 2nd, 2009, 01:57 PM

Just make sure you sign up as soon as you board the ship... apparently there is now a 'lotto' for spots on high demand sailings.

Parrot Mom · #8 (**permalink**) April 2nd, 2009, 02:25 PM

Many people who are on a back to back..the first part reported that NOBODY had signed up for it. It's the Pacific Princess. 670 passengers.. but will look into it. thanks