Is Chef's Table Worth it?

[karena1]

6 hours ago, JCDCA said:

You don’t think they could make elevated, interesting vegetarian food?  

Even if they could, which I doubt - it is not worth paying that much to eat vegetables when I can go to the MDR and get the exact same thing for free.

[screwsmcernst]

thank you everyone.  Next question is if we are in a grand sky loft (or whatever they are calling it) and have unlimited dining, does that include chefs table  or is that extra.  it's okay if it is, just wondering. 

[Sea Dog]

Chef’s Table is not included in any dining packages.

[screwsmcernst]

5 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

Chef’s Table is not included in any dining packages.

thank you

[alexgtp]

I am so excited to try Chef's table on Anthem for our NYE 21 trip. Being a foodie. I enjoy the pomp and circumstance that these type of elevated dinner's offer. I am  Hoping this is no exception. I always welcome a culinary EXPERIENCE. 

 

The plus thing about elevated dining experiences is that they will cater to your every dietary need and prepare something similar in taste and experience so you get the same experience as everyone else. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 6, 2021 by alexgtp

[dianajo67]

I’m wondering if this is something a solo cruiser would enjoy?  I’ve heard it’s pretty social.

[njkruzer]

3 minutes ago, dianajo67 said:

I’m wondering if this is something a solo cruiser would enjoy?  I’ve heard it’s pretty social.

It is.  If the solo cruiser wants to meet others it would be enjoyable. 

[Sea Dog]

Both times we were at a Chef's Table the conversation was very lively (especially the more glasses of wine we had) and fun. I think a solo cruiser would have a great time.

[Rogueperson]

1 hour ago, Sea Dog said:

Chef’s Table is not included in any dining packages.

Didn't they used to offer you 40% off Chef's Table if you had the unlimited dining package?  The only reason I haven't gotten the unlimited dining package is because I will always do Chef's table which actually kind of devalues the unlimited dining package by a meal i will still have to pay for.

[Sea Dog]

Just now, Rogueperson said:

Didn't they used to offer you 40% off Chef's Table if you had the unlimited dining package?  The only reason I haven't gotten the unlimited dining package is because I will always do Chef's table which actually kind of devalues the unlimited dining package by a meal i will still have to pay for.

I have not heard that but that could be true. I always buy the CT onboard and barter for a good price. I usually get 50% off.

[EllaDuChien]

9 minutes ago, dianajo67 said:

I’m wondering if this is something a solo cruiser would enjoy?  I’ve heard it’s pretty social.

 

I've done it solo twice now and had a blast each time.  Of course my kids tell me I will talk to anyone! 🙂

[Rogueperson]

1 minute ago, Sea Dog said:

I have not heard that but that could be true. I always buy the CT onboard and barter for a good price. I usually get 50% off.

Nice!  I heard people getting discounts onboard because not enough suckers like me book early because we're neurotic about it being sold out and having it on a specific date.  I should learn by now.

No, this was around the time the unlimited dining started.  I liked the idea of the discount with the UDP, but at the time, there wasn't enough specialty restaurants on the ships i was going on to make it worth my while.  I can't remember when that was.

[dianajo67]

1 hour ago, EllaDuChien said:

 

I've done it solo twice now and had a blast each time.  Of course my kids tell me I will talk to anyone! 🙂

I’m doing a solo in Jan as hubby has to work.  My hubs says I’m like his grandma…I chat up people in the checkout line at the grocery store, elevators etc.  Hubby cringes, but I usually find a kindred spirit!  Considering it.

I do try to read people though…with covid, some people would rather not have folks talk to them.  Me…OTOH, I have repressed socialization desires due to living like a hermit

Edited October 6, 2021 by dianajo67

[EllaDuChien]

4 hours ago, dianajo67 said:

I’m doing a solo in Jan as hubby has to work.  My hubs says I’m like his grandma…I chat up people in the checkout line at the grocery store, elevators etc.  Hubby cringes, but I usually find a kindred spirit!  Considering it.

I do try to read people though…with covid, some people would rather not have folks talk to them.  Me…OTOH, I have repressed socialization desires due to living like a hermit

 

Oh me too!!!  I will pretty much talk to anyone that makes eye contact at this point!  Just got off a quick weekend cruise with family, but I found people much chattier than usual especially in elevators and in the casino.  I can't tell you how often my daughter rolled her eyes! 

 

I am solo in December and I have already booked the Chef's Table, same again in March.  I love travelling with my family...but I love not, too!

[StingBeanz]

Chef's Table is one of the highlights of any voyage for me. The food has always been as good as the company, don't know if that's luck. One time we were laughing so hard people had tears running down their faces. 

 

I am booked on Symphony at the end of the month and Anthem in January but I don't see currently and haven't seen it in cruise planner at all. Is it only bookable on board or on select sailings?

[Momofshan]

On 9/29/2021 at 9:37 AM, EllaDuChien said:

Here is an example of a Chef's Table with people allergic to shellfish and soy.  My meal was the regular offering, but others were allergic.  There was no noticeable delay to our meal in accommodating the allergies.  The chef's are awesome and they have a plan for people with every type of allergy.  

siblingrevelries.com/2020/01/24/dinners-at-sea-chefs-table/

 

Of course everything is subjective, but I think it is worth it and I reserve it every cruise even though the menu rarely changes.  It is my treat to me!

 

We just did Chef's table 2 days ago on Liberty of the Seas (10/9/2021) and were served the exact same menu.  It was AMAZING - we loved it! 

[samiam0403]

On 10/6/2021 at 1:56 PM, dianajo67 said:

I’m wondering if this is something a solo cruiser would enjoy?  I’ve heard it’s pretty social.

Absolutely! I've done it twice solo (with the last time being 2 nights ago) and have had a wonderful time. I'm a bit of an introvert, but once the wine starts flowing, I'm fine. 🤣

[csnarpy]

On 9/28/2021 at 3:47 PM, karena1 said:

Not to us.  Way too much $$.  I don't eat meat or seafood so a total waste of money for us.

Did you actually do a chef’s dinner? Cause if you don’t drink wine and don’t eat food then why bother. 
 

im pretty sure the OP was asking people who have had a Chef’s dinner experience. 
 

chefs dinner is simply amazing!  but I absolutely suggest buying it on board as you can get offers up to 60% off. 

[csnarpy]

On 9/30/2021 at 6:21 AM, karena1 said:

Even if they could, which I doubt - it is not worth paying that much to eat vegetables when I can go to the MDR and get the exact same thing for free.

Oh my, you need to order from the Vegan menu in the MDR. I am neither a vegetarian or a vegan but that menu is absolutely gold. 

[Colorado Babe]

On 10/6/2021 at 1:06 PM, Sea Dog said:

I have not heard that but that could be true. I always buy the CT onboard and barter for a good price. I usually get 50% off.

WE usually barter as well.  The last few times we paid $55.00 pp but I was able to get 12 people (our friends) to join us and I was successful in negotiating the wines.  The last few times the offerings were mostly white wines and pretty cheap wines so they were nice enough to sit down with me to pick the wine's for each course. We will be on Oasis in November so I am hoping to do so again.    

[moonltnite]

We booked the Chef's Table for Day 3 of our Oasis sailing (March 6th).  We last did this on the Allure in 2017 - and loved it.  Has anyone done this on the Oasis lately?  

[GJustice]

We did our first last week, and it was very enjoyable. NOT foodies, but do watch a lot of "food TV" and the chef went into great detail of the process to make the plates. Had one vegetarian in the group of eight and she was fine with the modified choices.

[di T]

We have enjoyed the chefs table lots of times, last time on our last cruise on Jewel of the seas back in February 2020 we were on a b2 b2 b and booked it each week. Usually book once on the ship and always get a discount! Well worth the $$$ 

[footzz]

Is the Chef's Table worth it?  Do you spend serious $ to eat out at high $$$ restaurants? Do you only settle for dining venues that employ Escoffier trained chefs? Will you only settle for being served food prepared by James Beard Award recipients?  Do you forgo dining at a restaurant that has less than 3 Michelin stars? Is it important that you have your wines recommended and chosen by a trained professional of the Court of Master Sommeliers?

 

If the answers to the above questions is NO, then it just might be worth it for you to try the Chef's table. The only way to find out if it's  worth it to you, is to try it yourself. In our experience, different lines, different ships and different Exeuctive chefs made all the difference between a great dining experience and 'meh'. 

Edited October 19, 2021 by footzz

[dianajo67]

For those who have done it recently — How are they currently handling covid spacing?  Are they keeping everyone at one big table?  I know it’s vaccinated only.  I’m thinking about doing it as a solo, but I wouldn’t want to be stuck sitting at a little table by myself.  Like I’m in time-out or something…..