Foodies wanted: Princess Cruises Chef’s Table

The multi-course menu is a specially created chef’s choice, and is not offered anywhere else on the ship.  Foodies have a unique treat: a rare opportunity to enter into the inner sanctum of the ship’s galley by the executive chef for pre-dinner cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a dinner in the dining room.

On the Sapphire Princess, Cruise Buzz had the opportunity to try out the Chef’s Table.  Our menu was carefully created by Executive Chef, Antonio Constantino.  The multi course gastronomic extravaganza was well balanced and perfectly executed.  The Maitre d’hôtel, Giuseppe Gelmini, was equally amazing with all the front of house details necessary to pull off this event.

Some of the activities involved in the Chef’s Table are:

Private meeting with the Maitre d’hotel in the piazza to muster for the dinner.

• A personal escort through the dining room into the galley with a introduction to the executive chef.
• A lesson in hand washing and presentation of chef’s coats to be worn in galley (no open toed shoes allowed.)
• Private galley visit at its most busy time – during dinner.
• A beautiful ice sculpture to commemorate the event.
• A wine lesson from the Sommelier.
• French champagne paired with appetizer.
• Overview of hand-crafted menu by the chef.
• The group will be welcomed to their special table in the dining room by a team dedicated to the group of ten for the evening.
• Each course is accompanied by a detailed explanation of special features, preparation methods, and tasting suggestions.
• Red and white wine, selected by the Maitre d’ and Sommelier  to complement the meal, is included.
• During the dessert course, the chef  rejoins the group to recap the evening’s meal, answer any questions, and share culinary secrets
• Each couple at the Chef’s Table receives a personalized autographed copy of Princess’ best-selling cookbook, Courses, A Culinary Journey
• Guests will also enjoy a complimentary photo taken at the private table with the chef.

The Chef’s Table experience can be reserved by up to 10 passengers on select nights during the sailing, at a cost of $75 per person.

Thankfully Princess Cruises was kind enough to bestow upon me the opportunity to experience the Chef’s Table first hand.  Because I blog about cruising and I sell cruises, I managed to get a complementary seating at the Chef’s Table.  It was a good thing that I made arrangements ahead of time because the Chef’s Table was completely booked before 1:30 pm on embarkation day.  In fact, due to high demand, the Sapphire Princess actually opened up two seatings of the Chef’s Table for a total of 20 people over the course of two days.  Lucky for me they did otherwise I would have been out.  To find out how others managed to get a spot, click here.