chrisandlynne Posted August 26, 2009 #1 Share Posted August 26, 2009 We are cruising on Eurodam on Sept 6th and I would like to celebrate my wife's special birthday in one of the speciality restaurants. I've read the reviews (quite a mixed bunch) and it appears the Tamarind Restaurant comes out top - not least for the food. However, I'm also looking for ambience and an overall pleasant dining experience for the occasion. I wonder if I could please seek the views of those who have tried the options. All would be appreciated. Many thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted August 26, 2009 #2 Share Posted August 26, 2009 We ate at both restaurants -- and love both. We found ourselves eating more at the Tamarind -- the food was great -- the girls were wonderful. If I had to choose one of them for a special occasion -- it would be the Tamarind -- JMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxmantoo Posted August 26, 2009 #3 Share Posted August 26, 2009 We had the pleasure of dining at both Tamarind and Pinnacle Grill while on the Eurodam last April, and both were excellent experiences. The food and the service at both were excellent and we would not hesitate to return to either. For a special birthday or anniversary however, I would choose Pinnacle Grill for the decor and general ambience. As nice as the Tamarind is, the Pinnacle Grill is closer to a high-end land restaurant. Make it a really special day... have lunch at Tamarind (free) and dinner at the Pinnacle Grill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baggal Posted August 26, 2009 #4 Share Posted August 26, 2009 I'm always surprised when people have negative comments about Tamarind. I think its one of the most elegant restaurants on land or sea. I would certainly consider it worthy fo a special occasion.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catl331 Posted August 26, 2009 #5 Share Posted August 26, 2009 The PG can be experienced on all HAL ships, while the Tamarind can only be done on the Eurodam. For that reason alone, the Tamarind might be more "special". Even if you choose the Pinnacle for the birthday party, definitely make it a point to eat at least one dinner and one lunch in the Tamarind. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhannah Posted August 26, 2009 #6 Share Posted August 26, 2009 ... Tamarind. I think its one of the most elegant restaurants on land or sea. I would certainly consider it worthy fo a special occasion. Agreed! At this point it's unique to the Euordam, so I'd choose it over the Pinnacle Grill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Float&Bloat Posted August 26, 2009 #7 Share Posted August 26, 2009 My wife does not care for orentia,l food so we have not eaten at Tamirand. We have eaten at the Pennicle and did not think think the food was better than the main dining room on the Eurodam and the service was not as good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jena1 Posted August 26, 2009 #8 Share Posted August 26, 2009 DH and I have eaten at the Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind and Cannalleto aboard the Eurodam. We would prefer PG for dinner because the food is very good and so is the ambience. Tamarind is also very special, but we would do the lunch there. Have a great cruise and Happy Birthday to your wife.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Typhoon1 Posted August 26, 2009 #9 Share Posted August 26, 2009 Tamarind is great. However, if it is ambiance and a special occasion, I would go with the Pinnacle Grill. Better yet, do both, Tamarind is free for lunch, then the PG for dinner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willsot Posted August 27, 2009 #10 Share Posted August 27, 2009 Have sailed on the Eurodam twice in 3 months, April and July and ate at both the Tamarind (lunch and dinner) and the Pinnacle. Based on service alone, I personally would recommend the Tamarind for a special dinner. Lunch is also fun and not to be missed (and no charge), but ambience not the same. Pinnacle is more suitable than the main dining room for a special occasion and the food is excellent. I just prefer the Tamarind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fun_seeker Posted August 27, 2009 #11 Share Posted August 27, 2009 We ate at both and found things that we liked and things that disappointed us in each venue. The latter we ascribed mainly to a lack of communication by the host in each restaurant. You can have your special experience in either restaurant, if you make your dinner reservations for a time between 7:00 and 8:00 PM and do not want to have the rijstaffel in the Tamarind. It will all come down to whether you would rather eat in a steakhouse setting (Pinnacle Grill) or in an extremely lovely Asian setting (Tamarind). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuthC Posted August 27, 2009 #12 Share Posted August 27, 2009 Cocktails at the Silk Den, followed by dinner at the Tamarind---you couldn't ask for a nicer atmosphere. Have a lovely time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brassie00 Posted August 27, 2009 #13 Share Posted August 27, 2009 I was on the Eurodam this past May ( as a first time cruiser) and would have to say without a doubt the Tamarind would be the spot to go. The food was excellent ,the atmosphere amazing and the service was incredible (I and my 5 traveling freinds went back 3 times )There can be a very tiny little bit of difference in mannerisms but once you treat these girls as people and not someone you look down apon look out. You will have the time of you life. I'm not a world class traveler but I can honestly say it was the best food and service I had anywhere. As for the PG food was OK service was so so and as for anyone smiling or enjoying themselves forget it.It was like being stuffed into some old shirt from ( the good old boys syndrome) era. Go tooo theee TAMARIND Enjoy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisandlynne Posted August 28, 2009 Author #14 Share Posted August 28, 2009 Thank you to everyone who has replied to my post. There are some great suggestions and views. I'm going to go for the Tamarind by a short head with a pre-dinner cocktail (maybe Champers) in the Silk Den first. Thank you also for your good wishes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeriatricNurse Posted August 28, 2009 #15 Share Posted August 28, 2009 My wife does not care for orentia,l food so we have not eaten at Tamirand.We have eaten at the Pennicle and did not think think the food was better than the main dining room on the Eurodam and the service was not as good. Actually, the "politically" correct term is Asian not Oriental! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the_dylaness Posted August 28, 2009 #16 Share Posted August 28, 2009 I would vote for the Tamarind, personally. While I did not eat in the PG for dinner, I had breakfast there every day and lunch once. The breakfasting was nice (immediate seating, tasty food, very few people so impeccable service) but the lunch (free from our TA) was mediocre. Had I paid for it I would've been disappointed. I did not see anything on the PG menu that particularly appealed (YMMV.) It IS pretty. On the other hand, the Tamarind has delicious food, a beautiful setting, and the Silk Den beforehand for a cocktail couldn't be bad at all! (Silk Den is, IMO, one of the nicest places I've ever been in on a cruise ship... very underutilized which is likely part of the charm.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Typhoon1 Posted August 28, 2009 #17 Share Posted August 28, 2009 Actually, the "politically" correct term is Asian not Oriental! I have often heard Tamarind referred to as Pan Asian. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flag fan Posted August 29, 2009 #18 Share Posted August 29, 2009 Actually, the "politically" correct term is Asian not Oriental! My understanding is that "Asian" is the (politically) correct term for people from Asia; "Oriental" is fine when referring to objects. Although cuisine is referred to as Asian or Pan-Asian, it has nothing to do with political correctness; the food is not insulted one way or the other. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LOGHL Posted August 29, 2009 #19 Share Posted August 29, 2009 We had the pleasure of dining at both Tamarind and Pinnacle Grill while on the Eurodam last April, and both were excellent experiences. The food and the service at both were excellent and we would not hesitate to return to either. For a special birthday or anniversary however, I would choose Pinnacle Grill for the decor and general ambience. As nice as the Tamarind is, the Pinnacle Grill is closer to a high-end land restaurant. Make it a really special day... have lunch at Tamarind (free) and dinner at the Pinnacle Grill. Is the menu the same for lunch & dinner at the Tamarind???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goody1 Posted August 29, 2009 #20 Share Posted August 29, 2009 My wife and I were on the Eurodam 4 weeks ago with friends and tried both Pinnacle and Tamarind. No doubt about it, Silk Den for cocktails and then Tamarind. The service and food is fab and my only complaint is that we only went once in the 10 nights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted August 29, 2009 #21 Share Posted August 29, 2009 Is the menu the same for lunch & dinner at the Tamarind???? NO Lunch Menu: The Tamarind Lunch is free -- need reservations. It is a set menu -- only get to choose dessert: Hot and Sour Soup Asian Herb Szechuan Sesame Salad Steamed Classic Dumplings: Chicken Asian Pork Steam Vegetable Spinach and Mushroom Shrimp 'Shu Mat' From the Wok: Vegetable Spring Roll Spicy Crab Sushi Nugget Shrimp Won Ton Sticks Shrimp Spring Roll Spicy Crab Rangoon Holland America Line Culinary Fusion Sauces: Bora Bora BBQ - tomato, ginger, aged vinegar, soy sauce Mirin Pesto - sweet wine, soy, fresh basil, garlic, lemon grass Coco Churri - coconut, cilantro, chili, lime Shoyu Sabi - classic flavors of soy and wasabi Choice of One Dessert: Mango Sirbet Coconut Ice Cream Egg Tart Green Tea Tiramisu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted August 29, 2009 #22 Share Posted August 29, 2009 Tamarind When you sit down at the table, a couple of servers will come to the table -- one will pour Jasmine tea while the other one gives you a HOT towel to cleanse your hands. Then you are given your menu. There are already 4 small sauce bowls on the table -- there is a soy sauce; a sweet-sour sauce; a garlic-chili pepper sauce; and a Japanese horseradish sauce (very hot). You are brought a basket of Shrimp Crackers. SOUP: Yin-Yang Scallop Consomme’ - tender sea scallops & julienne cut squash in a ginger infused shellfish broth sprinkled with minced scallions Jewels of the Sea - delicate shrimp filled won ton with sliced baby bok choy in a fragrant lemongrass & sesame broth Chicken Pho with Wild Lime & Rice Stick noodles - shredded chicken & rice noodles in a coconut milk broth flavored with lime leaf, cilantro, galangal, mint, bean sprouts & Serrano chilies Appetizers: Trail of Spices Satay Sampler - Malaysian-spiced lamb, Chinese pork, Thai -spiced beef, Indonesian-spiced chicken & Vietnamese-spiced shrimp served with Asian pickled vegetables & 2 traditional dipping sauces Shrimp Tempura Indochina - sweet, fresh shrimp dipped in a light batter & fried and served with a tart-and-sweet green papaya salad & garlic chili sauce Shanghai Ribs - five-spiced rubbed baby-back pork ribs, served over a Chinese pickled cabbage salad with a Tamarind chutney Streetside Pot Stckers - succulent lobster, pork and chicken dumplimngs, shallow-fried till crispy on the bottom and served with a vinegar-soy ponzu dipping sauce Spring Roll Delights - a trio of spring rolls: crispy duck, vegetable and a rice paper wrapped lobster roll, served with plum and sweet chili sauces Thai Beef Salad - rare-seared beef, tossed with scallions, tomatoes, onions and cucumbers -- presented on salad greens and sprinkled with fresh mint, chilies and a lime-leaf dressing Green Papaya Salad - freshly shredded raw vegetables and spinach, tomato, water chestnuts and papaya tossed with lime juice & palm sugar Sushi & Sashimi Menu YOUR CHOICE OF 6 ITEMS AS AN APPETIZER OR 12 AS AN ENTRÉE Sashimi - tuna, salmon, snapper. Octopus Nigiri Sushi - tuna, salmon, snapper, Octopus Sushi Rolls: Rainbow (reversed California roll topped with an assortment of fish) California - crab and avocado Salmon Tsutsumi - salmon, avocado, cream cheese Tuna Tsutsumi - vegetable roll topped with tuna slices Yozo - snapper, masago, asparagus, Japanese mayonnaise Yoshi - tempura snapper, avocado, scallion, Japanese mayonnaise Wraps - Indonesian vegetable, seafood, lettuce, chicken Entrees: Water: Hoisin-Lime Glazed Sea Bass - Golden pan-seared fish crowned with crisp wok-seared Asian greens Asia-Pacific Hot Pot - A one-pot surprise consisting of shrimp, scallops, Manila clams, rock fish, crab legs, squid, scallions, shallots, garlic, lemon grass and coriander leaves all braised in a flavorful stock Baked Snapper in Rice Paper - Snapper marinated in a sake and citrus liquor, then golden baked and served atop ginger and garlic steamed Asian greens Wood: Wasabi & Soy Crusted Beef Tenderloin Steak - Served on an oak wood cedar plank and complimented with tempura-style onion rings and vegetables Scallops & Prawns with Garlic, Ginger and Chili - steamed to perfection and presented in a bamboo basket and drizzled with a light soy sauce Cantonese Duck & Hainan Rice - roasted, served on a bed chicken borth infused rice and garnished with flakes of fresh chili and cilantro Fire: Shrimp Szechuan with Thai Basil - Shrimp sauteed with chili peppers, Asian spices, straw mushrooms, sweet bell peppers and scallions glazed in a light chili sauce Penang Red Curry Coconut Chicken - A mild spicy dish consisting of chicken cubes braised with Chinese pea pods, eggplant, green zucchini, red pimiento, opal basil, lemon grass and lime juice - presented in a bath of red curry and coconut milk Vietnamese-Style Lamb with Mint - Thinly sliced lamb loin quickly sautéed with bell peppers, shiitake mushrooms, fresh spinach leaves, minced garlic and scallions Earth: Five-spice Seitan & Tempeh - quickly seared with thinly sliced red bell pepper, enoki mushrooms, asparagus, broccoli, scallions, garlic, ginger and soy sauce - served with lime wedges Sesame Udon Noodles - flat Japanese wheat noodles, stir-fried with tofu, scallions, vegetables, sesame oil and chilies, and sprinkled with toasted peanuts and sesame oil Sweet and Sour Vegetable Tempura - asparagus, broccoli, mushrooms, green beans, and carrots dipped in a light batter and fried - garnished with fruits and served with Tamarind glaze On The Side: Steamed seasonal garden vegetables with red miso garlic sauce Steamed Jasmine rice OR Brown rice Stir-fried cucumber, snow peas, mushrooms, scallions and chili with sesame seeds Bok Choy with oyster sauce Sake-braised oyster and ****ake mushrooms Desserts: Tamarind Chocolate - a bittersweet chocolate shell filled with a rich Tamarind & chili flavored chocolate and ginger mousse served with a red raspberry and black raspberry compote Mango Cloud - a light egg white souffle served with a mango sorbet Tempura Ice Cream - coconut & Javanese coffee with infused lemon grass sauce anglaise Chocolate Almond Fortunw Cookie -- an almond baked tuile with a surprise filling of chocolate panache -- served with a scoop of coconut ice cream Ginger Banana Bread Pudding - with tempura bananas and caramel sauce Trio of Sorbets - passion fruit basil, lychee green tea and cube with shaved fruit juices Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine91 Posted August 30, 2009 #23 Share Posted August 30, 2009 OMG - Tamarind is exquisite! The servers in there are absolute gems, the ambiance is charming, the food is a delight to all the senses......... I could go on. We ate dinner there only once last summer, but could have gone back. If I had to choose between Tamarind or Pinnacle for a special occasion dinner, hands down it would be Tamarind. (We can get a better steak dinner than PG at Ruth's Chris ;)). Be sure to request a window table when you make your reso. To the cruisers who don't care for Asian food - please review that menu KK posted. A dinner starter of the scallop consomme is really just a clear broth soup. An app of the shrimp tempura is just lightly battered fried shrimp - no saying you have to dip into a sauce. Or try the pot stickers. Just fab little dumplings that again, don't have to be sauced. And how about the wasabi tenderloin? That could be requested w/o the wasabi. So you can get the Tamarind experience w/a bit of flexibility & creativity. Just our opinions here, but the service at Tamarind is so attentive & before-you-need-it, we tipped in cash. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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