The Chef’s Table on Carnival Cruise Line

When you sail with Carnival Cruise Line it’s always a good time.  But there’s an extra-special treat you can enjoy if you know to ask for it – The Chef’s Table.

As I write this blog, we’re onboard the Carnival Ecstasy, about six hours north of  Cozumel, Mexico.  It’s just after midnight and about two hours ago my friends and I enjoyed an amazing dining experience open to only a select few on each Carnival voyage – The Chef’s Table.

The Chef de Cuisine on the Carnival Ecstasy is Suresh Babu, an India native with a flair for fine French cooking and an infectious personality.  He greeted the lucky 12 of us and took us on a 30-minute tour of the ship’s kitchen, stopping at each station for some information and a canapé (more details on the menu in a bit).  During the tour, a volunteer from our party joined the pastry chef in making a special version of the Carnival Cruise Line dessert classic “Chocolate Melting Cake.”  We would enjoy their efforts at the end of our meal.  After the tour, we were seated at the Chef’s Table – not in the kitchen but rather in the ship’s library.  This was a lovely setting and the fun was just beginning.

First, we took a group picture with the Chef, which I will upload later.  He later signed a copy and personalized it for each one of us.  This is the only picture I’ll be able to share, as cameras are prohibited in the galley so we left ours in the cabin.

As we sat down, we were greeted with personalized name plates at our seats and menus customized with our names and the menu for the evening.  As each course was served, an army of chefs served our food as Chef Babu explained the dish, its inspiration and ingredients.  He also took the time prior to the meal to make sure the dietary needs of all guests were met, including one person who doesn’t eat seafood and one who was not a red meat eater.  His substitute dishes were as inspired and delicious as their original counterparts.

As I mentioned, this special culinary experience only occurs once or twice per sailing and space is extremely limited.  I strongly recommend that you book this add-on as soon as you board your cruise.  At only $75 per person, it is well-worth the time and a bargain for what you get.

Here is the menu we were served (and each menu is unique):

CANAPES

Ahi Tuna Tartar on a Wasabi Crisp
Duck Pot Sticker
Steak Taco
Avocado Cheesecake

MAIN MENU

Beef Carpaccio
Parmigiano, Balsamico Gelee

Fried Calamari
Charred Lime and Lemon Preserve

Fire Roasted Tomato & Poblano Chili Bisque
Grilled Corn, Cilantro Drizzle

Chopped Mediterranean Salad
Shaved Pumpkin, Feta Cheese Crumble

Fillet of Chilean Sea Bass
Wine Stewed Shallots and Chives Vinaigrette, Leeks Emulsion, Peas Risotto

Aged Filet Mignon
Onion Streusel, Homemade Three Pepper Mustard

Your Special-Made Chocolate Melting Cake
With a Surprise From The Chef (A whole separate dessert plate including Chocolate Mousse and Ice Cream)