Holland America Line has introduced “Culinary Cruises” for 2022. Each journey will highlight a member from the line’s Culinary Council of celebrity chefs, who will share their expertise and secrets with guests.Guests can attend cooking demonstrations led by the chefs and enjoy an exclusive dinner at Pinnacle Grill, Rudi’s Sel de Mer or Nami Sushi, depending on the chef. Culinary Council chef signature dishes will be highlighted when available on all restaurant menus during the cruises.
Michael Stendebach, VP of food, beverage and guest services, Holland America Line, said: “It’s not every day you learn a recipe directly from the famous chef who created it and hear their secrets to success in the kitchen. We have been eager to re-engage our talented Culinary Council chefs to come back onboard and offer guests this exclusive level of access.”
Holland America Line’s Culinary Council comprises elite chefs who bring global influence to the dining experience across the fleet and their recipes are featured in on-board venues. Guests can also enjoy a special menu offering a collection of dishes from the Culinary Council members for one evening in the Dining Room on every cruise.
Ethan Stowell will be featured aboard Westerdam on the seven-day “Alaskan Explorer” itinerary from September 11-18, 2022, sailing roundtrip from Seattle. Stowell incorporates the flavors of the Pacific Northwest on ships sailing in that region. His fare is featured at New York Pizza and Lido Market across the fleet and he is founder and CEO of ESR.
Jacques Torres will be featured aboard Zaandam on “The Atlantic Coast” itinerary from October 1-10, 2022. The nine-day cruise will sail from Montreal to Fort Lauderdale. A French-trained master chef, artisan chocolatier and James Beard Award recipient, Torres guides chocolate desserts and the “Chocolate Surprise Dessert Parade” onboard. After rising to executive pastry chef at New York’s Le Cirque, he opened a chocolate factory and retail stores throughout New York.
Rudi Sodamin will be featured aboard Koningsdam on the seven-day “Mexican Riviera” itinerary from November 12-19, 2022 sailing roundtrip from San Diego. As the line’s master chef and Culinary Council chairman, Austrian-born Sodamin oversees all aspects of shipboard dining. Rudi’s Sel de Mer is his namesake French seafood brasserie onboard. His latest culinary masterpiece is an art table book called “Food Faces,” featuring over 150 images of creations.
David Burke will be featured onboard Nieuw Amsterdam on the seven-day “Eastern Caribbean” itinerary from December 4-11, 2022 sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. Burke enhances the menu at Pinnacle Grill, adding contemporary flavors and signature recipes. He recently opened five new restaurants, including Orchard Park by David Burke. During the pandemic, Burke’s “Feed the Heroes” program cooked and delivered 100,000 meals to frontline workers and charities.
Andy Matsuda will also be featured onboard Nieuw Statendam on the 10-day “Southern Caribbean Seafarer” itinerary from December 17-27, 2022 sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. The Japanese-born Matsuda leads the sushi offerings at Nami Sushi, Tamarind and Lido Market. He teaches aspiring chefs and professionals about sushi and Japanese cuisine at Matsuda’s Sushi Chef Institute in Los Angeles. Matsuda is at the forefront of sushi trends and techniques.
All events are complimentary excluding the specialty dinner. Each chef will be aboard their designated “Culinary Cruise” for four to ten days.
For more information, visit hollandamerica.com.
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