pmd98052 Posted September 28, 2013 #1 Share Posted September 28, 2013 Always meant to try this on Princess but never quite got round to it. We're leaving on a 41 night HAL cruise on Sunday so were wondering if HAL offer something similar as this time we could probably fit it in! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiserBruce Posted September 28, 2013 #2 Share Posted September 28, 2013 Are you talking dinner with the Captain? No, not recently, in our experience. Used to be able to have dinner with the Captain and HM if in the PS, but not recently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted September 28, 2013 #3 Share Posted September 28, 2013 There are still some Captain and Hotel Manager dinners........ not nearly like there used to be. It is by invitation. We used to see it far more often in years past. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pmd98052 Posted September 28, 2013 Author #4 Share Posted September 28, 2013 No not with the Captain though it is called that. On Princess they do an extended meal ($95 or so pp) with wines included per course.... Anything similar on HAL? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted September 28, 2013 #5 Share Posted September 28, 2013 HAL has a Chef's dinner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MR NW GUY Posted September 28, 2013 #6 Share Posted September 28, 2013 No not with the Captain though it is called that. On Princess they do an extended meal ($95 or so pp) with wines included per course.... Anything similar on HAL? Wine is included too! Another reason to not have to worry about hauling aboard my own wine. This is good to know..:rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pmd98052 Posted September 28, 2013 Author #7 Share Posted September 28, 2013 Any further info on the Chef's dinner? Cost? Wine included? Were to book etc? I didn't stumble across info on that on the HAL Website.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted September 28, 2013 #8 Share Posted September 28, 2013 We have done the Chef Rudi's dinner several times. The menu is the same on all ships that it is offered on. It is limited to around 16 - 19 people -- you have to sign up for it in the Pinnacle Grill. It fills up very quickly. Wine is included. The cost of this dinner is $89 per person. We have also done the Cellar Master's dinner -- again not offered on all ships. Some ships limit the number of people. On our last Westerdam cruise it was not limited. Wine was included. The cost of this dinner is $69. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZNative2000 Posted September 28, 2013 #9 Share Posted September 28, 2013 From Holland America: Rudi Sodamin Named Top Chef in Cruise Industry and Master Chef’s Dinner Best Culinary Secret Afloat by Porthole Cruise Magazine Seattle, Wash., Feb. 14, 2011 – Holland America Line’s Culinary Consultant Rudi Sodamin was named Best Cruise Line Chef by Porthole Cruise Magazine in its February 2011 issue. The award recognizes Sodamin’s dedication, innovative approach and unique contributions to the culinary arts at sea. Additionally, Sodamin’s new Master Chef’s Dinner in the Pinnacle Grill was named Best Culinary Secret Afloat by the publication. Chosen annually by Editor-in-Chief Bill Panoff, the Porthole Awards are a selection of his current favorites from the cruise and travel industries. Sodamin joins an elite list that includes Steiner Leisure for best on-board spa operators and Micato Safaris for best African safari tour operator. "Rudi’s culinary contributions to Holland America Line and the industry as a whole have paved the way for exciting new concepts and a forward-thinking approach to cruising cuisine,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. “Because of Rudi’s professionalism and dedication, we’ve been able to step outside the box and transform our culinary operation into a highly regarded experience. We are proud of Rudi and he certainly has earned this recognition.” The new Master Chef’s Dinner in the Pinnacle Grill recently debuted aboard the line’s newest ship, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, and represents the diversity of Holland America Line’s unique culinary experience. The evening features a seven-course dining experience for up to 18 guests, with each course personally delivered by a special culinary expert who serves as the gracious dinner host. The uniforms and menus were designed to resemble an elegant chef jacket that embodies the theme of the dinner and experience. Each meal is enhanced with wine pairings specially selected by the ship’s sommelier and the elegant table is set with signature Versace china. “Master Chef’s Dinner is a culinary journey that highlights Holland America Line’s fine culinary expertise and the creativity and passion of artisan and Master Chef Rudi,” added Meadows. Sodamin is internationally recognized as a food authority and one of the hospitality industry's most innovative chefs who has directed the evolution of fine dining and unique menu options at Holland America Line through his role as culinary consultant. The award-winning Tamarind, for example, is a pan-Asian restaurant with traditional and eclectic offerings on ms Eurodam and ms Nieuw Amsterdam. His ideas have been instrumental in the development of Holland America Line’s interactive culinary-arts program on board as well. Sodamin also chairs Holland America Line’s Culinary Council, which recently was formed to enrich the premium line’s culinary program and is composed of international chefs Jonnie Boer, David Burke, Jacques Torres, Charlie Trotter and Marcus Samuelsson. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted September 28, 2013 #10 Share Posted September 28, 2013 Chef's Rudi's dinner from our Westerdam cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted September 28, 2013 #11 Share Posted September 28, 2013 The Wines: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
princessD Posted September 28, 2013 #12 Share Posted September 28, 2013 I think the cellar masters dinner is only served on the Neiuw Amsterdam. Is Chef Rudi dinner on ever Holland ship? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted September 28, 2013 #13 Share Posted September 28, 2013 I think the cellar masters dinner is only served on the Neiuw Amsterdam.Is Chef Rudi dinner on ever Holland ship? Maasdam had one or the other. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pmd98052 Posted September 28, 2013 Author #14 Share Posted September 28, 2013 Thanks for the info - I'll head to the Pinnacle Grill on boarding and ask about it for the Oosterdam on Sunday! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruz chic Posted September 28, 2013 #15 Share Posted September 28, 2013 I think the cellar masters dinner is only served on the Neiuw Amsterdam.Is Chef Rudi dinner on ever Holland ship? The Westerdam had it to. I didn't care for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted September 28, 2013 #16 Share Posted September 28, 2013 Prinsendam had one as well - not quite the same as the Nieuw Amsterdam's was. I actually preferred theirs and the Sommelier dinner back when on the Zuiderdam. Nieuw Amsterdam's was probably the most poorly served of any I have done when we were on. the rest have been great. I know, wrong week;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted September 28, 2013 #17 Share Posted September 28, 2013 We have had both Chef Rudi's and the Cellar Master dinners on several ships. Most recently was the Westerdam, before that Amsterdam. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyinDEN Posted September 28, 2013 #18 Share Posted September 28, 2013 We have done it 3 times, all on the NA and loved them each time. They have a special room for the dinner. The only change I would suggest is they do it at the start of the cruise not the end. We met some nice people that are all foodies like us and we would have liked to have dinner with them more often than just the 1 night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MR NW GUY Posted September 28, 2013 #19 Share Posted September 28, 2013 The Wines: This is really a very nice selection of wine. I recall someone saying something that HAL's wine selection was limited and thus the need to haul on their own wine. I am sure someone might be able to enlighten me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HamOp Posted September 28, 2013 #20 Share Posted September 28, 2013 From Holland America: Rudi Sodamin Named Top Chef in Cruise Industry and Master Chef’s Dinner Best Culinary Secret Afloat by Porthole Cruise Magazine Seattle, Wash., Feb. 14, 2011 – Holland America Line’s Culinary Consultant Rudi Sodamin was named Best Cruise Line Chef by Porthole Cruise Magazine in its February 2011 issue. The award recognizes Sodamin’s dedication, innovative approach and unique contributions to the culinary arts at sea. Additionally, Sodamin’s new Master Chef’s Dinner in the Pinnacle Grill was named Best Culinary Secret Afloat by the publication. Chosen annually by Editor-in-Chief Bill Panoff, the Porthole Awards are a selection of his current favorites from the cruise and travel industries. Sodamin joins an elite list that includes Steiner Leisure for best on-board spa operators and Micato Safaris for best African safari tour operator. "Rudi’s culinary contributions to Holland America Line and the industry as a whole have paved the way for exciting new concepts and a forward-thinking approach to cruising cuisine,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. “Because of Rudi’s professionalism and dedication, we’ve been able to step outside the box and transform our culinary operation into a highly regarded experience. We are proud of Rudi and he certainly has earned this recognition.” The new Master Chef’s Dinner in the Pinnacle Grill recently debuted aboard the line’s newest ship, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, and represents the diversity of Holland America Line’s unique culinary experience. The evening features a seven-course dining experience for up to 18 guests, with each course personally delivered by a special culinary expert who serves as the gracious dinner host. The uniforms and menus were designed to resemble an elegant chef jacket that embodies the theme of the dinner and experience. Each meal is enhanced with wine pairings specially selected by the ship’s sommelier and the elegant table is set with signature Versace china. “Master Chef’s Dinner is a culinary journey that highlights Holland America Line’s fine culinary expertise and the creativity and passion of artisan and Master Chef Rudi,” added Meadows. Sodamin is internationally recognized as a food authority and one of the hospitality industry's most innovative chefs who has directed the evolution of fine dining and unique menu options at Holland America Line through his role as culinary consultant. The award-winning Tamarind, for example, is a pan-Asian restaurant with traditional and eclectic offerings on ms Eurodam and ms Nieuw Amsterdam. His ideas have been instrumental in the development of Holland America Line’s interactive culinary-arts program on board as well. Sodamin also chairs Holland America Line’s Culinary Council, which recently was formed to enrich the premium line’s culinary program and is composed of international chefs Jonnie Boer, David Burke, Jacques Torres, Charlie Trotter and Marcus Samuelsson. Not to take anything away from Chef Rudi, I'm sure he's a fine and talented chef, but it would seem from the above that the award from Porthole magazine is the opinion of one man - the editor. What kind of award is that? am I missing something here? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Scrapnana Posted September 28, 2013 #21 Share Posted September 28, 2013 I like the sound of "Dialogue of Chocolate Seduction".:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VUCruiser Posted September 28, 2013 #22 Share Posted September 28, 2013 Are the wine pairings somewhere between a full glass and a taste pour? We did a similar dinner on the NCL Dawn and the wine pairings did not keep up with the dinner. We enjoy a long dinner with many courses but we usually share a bottle with dinner on ship. On the Dawn, the wine pours fell very short and we were left with ice water between courses which was a bit disappointing. Just wondering how HAL's chef's dinner compares.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mariner Posted September 29, 2013 #23 Share Posted September 29, 2013 We've sailed so many times on HAL and have been invited to the Captain's table. Most have selected the menu and the wines. Always been outstanding. One time, the captain said, "The cellar master told me your preferences Mariner." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted September 29, 2013 #24 Share Posted September 29, 2013 I like the sound of "Dialogue of Chocolate Seduction".:D There really was not a lot of chocolate on the plate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted September 29, 2013 #25 Share Posted September 29, 2013 Are the wine pairings somewhere between a full glass and a taste pour? We did a similar dinner on the NCL Dawn and the wine pairings did not keep up with the dinner. We enjoy a long dinner with many courses but we usually share a bottle with dinner on ship. On the Dawn, the wine pours fell very short and we were left with ice water between courses which was a bit disappointing. Just wondering how HAL's chef's dinner compares.... We got about 6 ounces of wine and the wine steward would come around and give you more if you wanted it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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