Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Oct 20: Day 18: Sea Day

Once again we wake to smooth seas and blue skies. Tim’s mom Janice told us the other day it was 40 degrees at home and suppose to get down to 30 Sunday night. We are really enjoying the beautiful weather onboard. The Atlantic Ocean has been very kind to us since we left the Mediterranean Sea. During his noon broadcast, Captain Tony Yeomans tells us it is 73 degrees.



We have a lazy morning and Tim goes to a couple of golf activities then we hit the casino once again. I had a little luck on the slots today, and Tim had a good run on “Let It Ride.” Time slips away and we miss a wine and munchies this afternoon with the cruisecritic group.

Our highlight of the day is being invited to the Chef’s Table. This is a very special dining event only a few people get the opportunity to participate in each cruise at a cost of $75 per person. Twelve people get to experience this together. Dining together tonight are Tim & Joy, Char & Sam, Carolyn & Richard, Steve & Mary Ann, Mary Kay, Ramah, and Sydney & Kent, friends of Michael and Midge who were unable to participate because of seafood allergies.

We had a very special treat in store for us tonight. It so happens that THE head man with Princess, Alfredo Marzi, Master Chef, had boarded our ship in Barcelona and is sailing with us until Ft Lauderdale and he is our host tonight along with the ship’s Executive Chef Michele Cozzoli. After meeting in the International Café and putting on our Chefs jackets, Alfredo escorts us to the galley for a tour of the kitchen during “rush hour.” After we walk through the galley we have hors d’oeuvres and French champagne waiting in the back. Alfredo gives us a lot of information and really mingles well with us. We find out the ship left Venice with $2 million worth of food onboard! We then return our jackets and enter the dining room to be seated at our special table. Unlike the two other Chef’s tables Tim and I have attended, Chef Alfredo not only presented each course, but was there serving and chatting with us during each presentation. While waiting on dessert, he even sat with us and signed the cookbooks we receive for attending. He then presented the ladies with a rose and kiss, telling us Happy Valentines Day! He is so charming. He tells us after he returns to LA he will only be there briefly before he flies back to Rome to accept the “Chef of the Year” award.  The ships photographer arrives before dessert is served and takes individual photo with Chef Alfredo and a group photo, also included in the cost.







Blue Crab Margarita with Avocados and Mangos


Tartar of Sterling Biloer Beef Filet


Fontina Cheese and White Truffle Quiche


Buckwheat Blinis with Caviar and Crème Fraiche



This is all enjoyed in the galley before going to our special table in the dining room




Pumpkin and Taleggio Cheese Risotto
Pan Roasted Shrimp Butterfly

Santa Margarita Pinot Grigio is our first wine

Strawberry and Cracked Pepper Sorbet with Grey Goose

Trio of Beef, Veal and Pork Tenderloin on Medieval Spiked Flank Roaster
Jus, Salsa Verde, Béarnaise Sauce and Café de Paris Butter

Charred Cherry Tomatoes, Today’s Market Vegetables and Creamy Mauseline Potatoes

Our main course is paired with a red wine which I didn’t catch the name of


Potted Stilton with Port Wine Reduction, Candied Walnuts and Rosemary Biscotti

Chocolate Fallen Cake, Whiskey Soaked Raspberry with Soft Center


Homemade Mignardises

Coffee or Tea with Master Chef Alfredo

A very nice evening was had by all and once again special memories made with friends new and old!

No comments:

Post a Comment