A gourmet traveler’s wish list at sea – Manila Bulletin

2022-07-31 05:00:32 By : Ms. Chan Amy

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Oceania Cruises recognizes the strong connection between distinctive cuisine and unforgettable moments, which is why the guest experience on board is frequently enhanced with a raft of exquisite menus, specialty dining venues, and celebratory experiences across its fleet of small, luxurious ships.

“Oceania Cruises guests appreciate unique opportunities to enjoy the finest food, both at sea and on shore, and our itineraries are designed to take travelers’ tastebuds on an immersive culinary tour on every sailing,” said Steve Odell, senior vice president and managing director Asia Pacific, Oceania Cruises. “Our expert culinary team is constantly innovating to create new epicurean experiences for our guests with a gastronomic palate to discover, including one-of-a-kind culinary journeys they will treasure long after disembarking the ship.”

During the recent pause in sailing, the Oceania Cruises team implemented dramatic enhancements to the brand’s already renowned “Finest Cuisine at Sea” to ensure guests will return to elevated dining experiences showcasing the creativity and passion of the talented culinary team.

Here are five celebratory culinary experiences exclusive to Oceania Cruises.

The Dom Pérignon Experience at La Reserve by Wine Spectator

The six-course Dom Pérignon Experience is a spirited Champagne pairing dinner blending unique Dom Pérignon vintages with gastronomic surprises such as Sakura Tea “Geisha Flower” Ice Cream and Lemon Caviar, Brittany Blue Lobster in Yellow Curry Broth with Coco Foam, Black Truffle Risotto, and Seared sashimi-style Wagyu Beef with Sautéed Arugula, Blood Orange-Soya Jus, and Caviar Perlita.

The charming Italian restaurant Toscana offers guests a unique epicurean experience, a tableside olive oil pairing to complement the rustic Tuscan cuisine served on custom-designed Versace china.

A bucket list experience for sophisticated travelers who appreciate the finer things in life, the palate-piquing tasting menu features six indulgent courses, which are paired with three specially selected vintages of Dom Pérignon champagne, all guided by a skilled sommelier. Exclusively available onboard Oceania Cruises’ two O Class vessels, Riviera and Marina, this experience epitomizes French joie de vivre.

Private Dining at Privée

Guests on board Marina and Riviera can enjoy five sensory culinary experiences with stunning ocean views at Privée, the most exclusive private dining room at sea. Lavishly decorated with a custom-designed table by famed architect Dakota Jackson, oversized white leather thrones, bold red accents, and a striking gold Venini chandelier, Privée is highly sought after among guests planning a celebratory dining experience or memorable milestone to enrich their voyage.

Reservations are available for single parties of up to 10 privileged guests per evening who can select from menus, including a new Degustation Menu, Wine Pairing Menu, Best of Oceania Cruises Menu, Best of Polo Grill and Toscana Menu, and Executive Chef’s Menu.  

Highlights of the Degustation Menu include Sea Bass Fillet Baked in Puff Pastry Crust with Beurre Blanc and Raspberry Mille-Feuille Prepared Tableside, while the Executive Chef’s Menu may include dishes such as Potato Fritters with Sevruga Caviar and Vodka-Lime Cream, Maine Lobster Ravioli with Vegetable Primavera and Basil Foam or Roasted Teriyaki Black Cod with Sesame-Togarashi Crust.

La Reserve by Wine Spectator

Home to destination-inspired wine pairing dinners and sommelier-led tastings, La Reserve by Wine Spectator has been designed for celebrations of the pleasures of the palate. With incredible care and research behind each curated pairing, a meal at La Reserve is an unforgettable experience, which deserves inclusion on the wish list of any gourmet traveler.

New Culinary Concepts Onboard Vista

Oceania Cruises’ newest ship, Vista, will debut new dining experiences among her 12 culinary venues when she sets sail on her maiden voyage in early 2023, an unprecedented offering for a ship of Vista’s size. Ember is a new signature restaurant offering inventive American creations blended with time-honored classics while Aquamar Kitchen, which has been created in the pursuit of wellness, offers guilt-free healthy dining to nourish the body and soul complemented by laidback luxe coastal décor. Meanwhile, the new ocean view Culinary Center Dining room is available for private group dinners or exclusive food and wine pairing experiences.  

Renowned for dishes inspired by the traditional family favorites of its Italian chefs, Oceania Cruises’ charming Italian restaurant Toscana offers guests a unique epicurean experience, a tableside olive oil pairing to complement the rustic Tuscan cuisine served on custom-designed Versace china. An olive oil sommelier will guide guests through the regional flavors of a range of exquisite olive oils to complement the menu and served tableside, inviting diners to personalize their Toscana experience. 

The OceaniaNEXT program offers a sweeping array of dramatic enhancements to elevate the Oceania Cruises guest experience to new heights. These include new sommelier-led wine tasting programs on every sailing, taking guests on a journey to some of the world’s finest wine regions from the comfort of their small, luxury ship. Each interactive tasting experience is a deep dive of discovery into specific regions, such as Top California Cabs, Mediterranean Jewels, Forever French, Stars of the Southern Hemisphere, and The Red Challenge, with complementary canapés included.

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