Experiencing the Chef’s Table with Royal Caribbean is the most exclusive and most elevated dining experience onboard any of the ships. With matching wines and a feast for the senses, this is a must-do for any foodie.
Included below are not only notes on our Chef’s Table experience during our Alaskan cruise, but also information on the other specialty dining experiences available aboard the Ovation of the Seas.
Ovation of the Seas Chef’s Table
This intimate dining experience is limited to 14 guests, and must be reserved months in advance. It is truly a foodie dream come true. Formal attire is required and the experience will last a minimum of 2 hours.
The courses
Each course was fabulous and provided such a stark contrast in flavors. We began we the scallop carpaccio served with yuzu vinaigrette and crispy quinoa.
We then moved to the smoked tomato soup sprinkled with garlic focaccia croutons and parmesan.
Course three had to be one of my favorites. The Maine lobster salad was served with pineapple, cilantro, and vanilla dressing. It was so fresh and full of amazing subtleties.
The roasted branzino with grilled zucchini, peppers, lemon confit and pesto was a delight in course four. The fish was so light and flaky and the level of spice was pure perfection.
Course five was the grilled filet mignon with truffled potato puree, asparagus and bordelaise sauce. The steak was so tender and the flavor was melt in your mouth delicious.
For dessert we were each served the world. Our very own individual chocolate ball filled with peanut butter ganache, Valrhona chocolate mousse and salted caramel gelato. The presentation on this one was the best part as we watched it open up right before our eyes.
The matching wines
Each course was paired with a somm-selected glass of wine. As the wine was being poured, the sommelier would explain to the group why that wine had been chosen, the history of the wine and the flavors we were looking for with our first taste. It added an extra nice touch to the dining experience.
There were specialty ‘mocktails’ provided for our daughter and others that chose not to pair the wines with their meal. I was very impressed with the staff on this aspect as well. Not only did they offer our daughter a specialty drink, but they paired them with her courses as well offering her unique flavors that were non-alcoholic.
The Chef’s Table experience
The Chef’s Table is the most expensive dining option on Royal Caribbean and for a good reason. It is not just a meal but an experience. The chef comes to the table with each meal and explains the dish to the guests. You learn about the flavors and the details that went in to each creation. The staff is reserved just to that table of 14 that is separate from the restaurant. It is an intimate and private setting for 14 guests. The food is the best on the ship. The wine is phenomenal. The experience in itself is a food lovers dream come true and one you will never forget.
Other specialty dining options on the Ovation of the Seas
Taste of Royal
Our second favorite dining experience onboard Royal Caribbean in the Taste of Royal lunch. This lunch is only offered once on the last full day at sea on each sailing. Again, this is a limited experience that will sell out if not booked in advance. While cruising to Alaska on Ovation of the Seas, our lunch was served in the Wonderland restaurant. There is an additional cost for this lunch and it is not included in the dining packages. Wine pairings are not included as they are with the Chef’s Table but can be added for a minimal cost.
What makes this meal special is that guests are able to experience some of the top dishes from across the Royal Caribbean fleet in one unforgettable meal. The prix-fixe menu provides signature courses from the top specialty restaurants. Even if you don’t have a dining package you can sample some of the specialty dining menus in one meal.
Course one is the Citrus Seas Tuna Tartare presented by Wonderland. Second course is a take on Tuscany featuring mascarpone risotto with crabmeat from Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen. The third course is the classic surf and turf of filet mignon and jumbo shrimp from Chops Grille. This is followed up with indulgent fried cheesecake with Nutella, whipped cream and caramelized popcorn from 150 Central Park. All of this is topped off with a classic Aperol Spritz from Hooked Seafood!
Specialty dining packages
There are restaurants onboard Royal Caribbean that are not included in the price of your sailing. These include (but are not limited to) restaurants such as Izumi Sushi, Chops Grille, Wonderland, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and more. You can choose to dine at one of these while on board but you will save money by purchasing a dining package prior to setting sail. You can choose to purchase just one, a 3 restaurant package or an unlimited dining package. The more you purchase the more you save. We usually opt for the 3 night package when sailing for 7 nights.
Wonderland
Our favorite restaurant included in the specialty dining package is Wonderland. This imaginative cuisine is all about pushing the culinary envelope. Dishes are designed to tantalize your taste buds and present a visual feast. This menu is not for the picky eater but designed for the adventurous foodie. Once you ”brush” the menu the choices magically appear before you. You are able to choose menu options based on the five natural elements – Earth, Sea, Fire, Ice and Sun.
If you love spice and smoky flavors, opt for something from the Fire section like the Buffalo chicken eggs or the crispy Shrimp kataifi with scotch bonnet pepper. If you’re in the mood for something chilled and refreshing, try the red and white tuna sashimi or the oceanic citrus with yuzu granite from the Ice section. You will find the heartiest options in the Sea and Earth sections such as liquid lobster served with bone marrow and caviar, branzino prepared with tamarind spice emulsion and Berkshire pork belly paired with apples and cracklin. Wonderland really is a food adventure with combinations and flavors that you more than likely have never tried before.
Experiencing the Chef’s Table with Royal Caribbean
We are true foodies, seeking out new tastes and challenging ourselves to try things we might not immediately like the sound of. John and I love to be able to pair drinks with our meals and appreciate the effort that has gone into these tasting menu dining experiences. We can honestly say that the Chef’s Table with Royal Caribbean was a real treat. Not only because of the beautiful menu and wine, but also because the staff were exceptional. The food on board the Ovation of the Seas really made our sailing special.
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