Chef's Table vs Dinner @ Steakhouse on Pride

[roscoegirl]

Hello... Just wanted to get some opinions regarding the following:

 

I had made reservations for David's Steakhouse (on the Pride) for our Dec. sailing and then, late last week, I learned my request for the Chef's table had been honored. I don't think I need to do both... the Steakhouse has already been paid -- for two; but I think we will enjoy the Chef's table more. I do realize they are two completely different dining experiences-- but still expensive to do both. If you had to cancel one of these 'eating events', which one would you cancel??? :confused:

 

Oh, also, this will be our 1st cruise w/carnival...Have never experienced a Chef's table on RCI but, I don't want to waste my money either with so much 'included' food on board. I would love to hear your thoughts!

 

Thanks.:)

[firefly333]

Host Mach has pictures and the menu for the 7 course meal. If you drink wine the chef's table is a better deal because it includes unlimited wine. You go to the kitchen and drink wine and they show you around before the dinner. Dinner has more wine pairings. Its a 7 course meal.

 

The steak house isnt any of the above. It will have better service and food than MDR, but isnt a tour, or a 7 course meal or as fancy to me.

[ilovetheislands]

Thanks for the reply to that one Fire...I was wondering the same myself. I have confirmed the Chef's Table for my January 2011 sailing on the Dream (thanks John Heald, you rock!!) But was also wondering the difference between the Steakhouse and the Chef's Table experience.

[firefly333]

John posted there is a first night onboard deal for the steakhouse, with a free bottle of wine, not as good as unlimited on the chef's table, but still pretty good.

[Nana & Poppa P]

Thanks for the reply to that one Fire...I was wondering the same myself. I have confirmed the Chef's Table for my January 2011 sailing on the Dream (thanks John Heald, you rock!!) But was also wondering the difference between the Steakhouse and the Chef's Table experience.

 

John Heald does rock, but don't be disappointed if when you board you see someone with a chef's hat and clipboard going around soliciting for the Chef's table. We just got back from the Imagination and they had a hard time filling it. With that said, it is worth the money and a great time! We did the Dream in May it is indeed a Dream! Great ship, great staff. Have fun

[Quadbroad]

New to the cruise world.. What is the chef's table? and I see you can reserve a spot. How do you reserve a spot??:confused:

 

Thanks

Quadbroad

[nybumpkin]

We ended up doing both the Chef's Table and the Steakhouse on Pride when we sailed in July. (We weren't planning to do both, but we promised our youngest son we'd take him to David's on this cruise so we booked it when we boarded. And then the Maitre'd asked us if we might be interested in the Chef's Table - so we splurged.:)) The Steakhouse atmosphere is great on Spirit-class ships - a two-tier dining room with a skylight overhead. In contrast, the Chef's Table took place in the disco (it's convenient to the galley, but not nearly as nice an atmosphere). The Steakhouse experience takes about 2 hours; our Chef's Table experience was closer to 3 1/2 hours. Both have very attentive service; in the Steakhouse, you will be greeted by a host and served by several wait staff and the sommelier. At Chef's Table, your host will be the Chef d'Cuisine and you will have a variety of servers.

 

The Chef's Table is more of a "foodie" experience. You start in the galley with sparkling wine and several appetizers while you watch the galley crew and the MDR wait staff work. You then tour the galley and are escorted to the table set up in the disco. The meal is seven courses; the Chef d'Cuisine explains each course. They aren't large servings, but they're filling. Unlimited wine, but you do have to select between white or red - there isn't a different wine selection for each course. At the end, you receive a photo of the table with the Chef and an autographed cookbook. For us, it was well worth the $75 charge.

 

The Steakhouse is similar to an experience you'd have in a land-based steakhouse. You select an appetizer, salad, entree and dessert (I had beef carpaccio, tomato with gorgonzola, surf and turf, and sherbert). Service and atmosphere are superb.

 

If I had to choose, never having done either - I think I'd choose the Chef's Table. It's a unique experience, and my view well worth the $75 charge. A few pictures:

 

"Table artist" performing magic

 

Sea Bass

 

Filet Mignon

 

Dessert

 

Our table with Chef Ramesh

[roscoegirl]

If I had to choose, never having done either - I think I'd choose the Chef's Table. It's a unique experience, and my view well worth the $75 charge.

 

Thank you so much for this information! The pics say a thousand words and I think I've decided to do BOTH!! Your reply was just what I needed...:):):)

[firefly333]

New to the cruise world.. What is the chef's table? and I see you can reserve a spot. How do you reserve a spot??:confused:

 

Thanks

Quadbroad

 

Host mach's first post shows how to sign up.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1270536&highlight=chef+table+menu

 

I was looking for a copy of the menu he posted. It looks "unique" :D

[fig414]

We did both on our cruise last month. The Chef's Table is a must do if you can. Watching the scene in the Galley during dinner service and getting fed top notch apps was very excellent. Chef Ramesh was great and so patient and informative. Well worth in our opinion.

[roscoegirl]

We did both on our cruise last month. The Chef's Table is a must do if you can. Watching the scene in the Galley during dinner service and getting fed top notch apps was very excellent. Chef Ramesh was great and so patient and informative. Well worth in our opinion.

 

 

Hi Fig...

 

Do you remember if the Galley portion of this event had seats for the participants? I have back issues and I know if I have to stand for any time in the Galley, I'll be very uncomfortable if not in pain.:( Did they have stools or anything for people to sit on while sipping and watching?

 

Thanks so much for your info...I know hubby and I will enjoy this...just want to know what to expect in the Galley.

[mucklucks]

Hi Fig...

 

Do you remember if the Galley portion of this event had seats for the participants? I have back issues and I know if I have to stand for any time in the Galley, I'll be very uncomfortable if not in pain.:( Did they have stools or anything for people to sit on while sipping and watching?

 

Thanks so much for your info...I know hubby and I will enjoy this...just want to know what to expect in the Galley.

 

Just came off the Inspiration I need a wheelchair for long walks and standing due to COPD.. we were able to enjoy the Chefs Table and the exploration of the Galley due to my wheelchair..It is about a half hour on your feet before you retire to your location for dinner.. a wheelchair would helpful under these circumstances, you can rent one for about $50 from guest services.. It is a worthwhile experience take whatever precautions you deem necessary.. don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity ....

Later,

Rhonda aka mucklucks

[ferretface]

I requested a Steakhouse reservation for our January 2011 sailing on the Liberty through Carnival's website and I listed that I wanted Chef's Table reservations also. I received 2 separate emails confirming the reservations. One for the Steakhouse and One for the Chef's Table. I do plan on taking my confirmation with me and confirming again once aboard the ship.

 

Phyllis

[roscoegirl]

Just came off the Inspiration I need a wheelchair for long walks and standing due to COPD.. we were able to enjoy the Chefs Table and the exploration of the Galley due to my wheelchair..It is about a half hour on your feet before you retire to your location for dinner.. a wheelchair would helpful under these circumstances, you can rent one for about $50 from guest services.. It is a worthwhile experience take whatever precautions you deem necessary.. don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity ....

 

Later,

Rhonda aka mucklucks

 

Thanks Rhonda,

 

I have a small folding stool I've used in the past...maybe I could just bring it for the time spent in the Galley...what do you think? (would probably need to get permission first)

 

thanks!

[smallworldtraveller]

doing the chefs table on the Liberty on November 13th sailing. Use the above information on how to put in reservation as they only will seat 12 people for this event. I tried putting reservations through carnival customer service and they could not take them and was told I would have to wait unil I board ship to do, but by doing the reservation thing above I did get my reservation in. I just did not want to miss this. So looking forward to it :)

[*Mach*]

The experiences are entirely different and both well worth the money.

 

The steakhouse is an experience much like any high end steak restaurant on land... prime, dry aged beef, fantastic service and a brilliant menu. Of course, you pay for your wine or cocktails.

 

The Chef's Table is not just dinner but an amazing blend of tour, dinner and luxury. It begins at a predetermined time and location where you're gathered up by the ship's Executive Chef, directed to the galley and plied with champagne and wonderful hors d'oeuvres. You get to experience the galley at full tilt with the stunning dance of the cooks and waiters as they zip past each other at break neck speed.

 

Next, you're taken to your Chef's Table where your menu will await you. You chose red or white wine, or both, and your glass is seemingly never empty. Course after course is accompanied by the Chef's explanation of how the dish is created. The service is magnificent and the company brilliant.

 

At the end of the evening you're presented with a copy of Carnival's cookbook and a picture of the folks at your table with the Chef.

 

Should you do both? In my opinion, yes. You won't regret it in the least. Just make sure you don't lose out in the dinner in the MDR on the Elegant evenings...

 

 

 

:)

[mucklucks]

I requested a Steakhouse reservation for our January 2011 sailing on the Liberty through Carnival's website and I listed that I wanted Chef's Table reservations also. I received 2 separate emails confirming the reservations. One for the Steakhouse and One for the Chef's Table. I do plan on taking my confirmation with me and confirming again once aboard the ship.

 

Phyllis

 

Phyllis do not worry about those confirmations the day before the actual Chefs' Table you will receive a confirmation (with a request that your reply by housephone to confirm) in your cabin and the chef will come to your table that evening during dinner and introduce himself and ask for your likes dislikes and about any food allergies..Just enjoy and remember they request that women wear flat closed shoes to protect their feet...

Later,

Rhonda aka mucklucks

[mucklucks]

Thanks Rhonda,

 

I have a small folding stool I've used in the past...maybe I could just bring it for the time spent in the Galley...what do you think? (would probably need to get permission first)

 

thanks!

 

Roscoegirl,

When the chef comes to your table the evening before you can discuss all of this with him I am quite sure they will accomodate your folding chair as they did my need for a wheelchair..They went out of their way to make me comfortable I wish the other passengers were as accomodating one woman was rude enough to ask me in an extremely loud voice "why a woman my age would possibly need a wheelchair"...Enough said just enjoy..

Later,

Rhonda aka mucklucks

[roscoegirl]

The experiences are entirely different and both well worth the money.

 

The steakhouse is an experience much like any high end steak restaurant on land... prime, dry aged beef, fantastic service and a brilliant menu. Of course, you pay for your wine or cocktails.

 

The Chef's Table is not just dinner but an amazing blend of tour, dinner and luxury. It begins at a predetermined time and location where you're gathered up by the ship's Executive Chef, directed to the galley and plied with champagne and wonderful hors d'oeuvres. You get to experience the galley at full tilt with the stunning dance of the cooks and waiters as they zip past each other at break neck speed.

 

Next, you're taken to your Chef's Table where your menu will await you. You chose red or white wine, or both, and your glass is seemingly never empty. Course after course is accompanied by the Chef's explanation of how the dish is created. The service is magnificent and the company brilliant.

 

At the end of the evening you're presented with a copy of Carnival's cookbook and a picture of the folks at your table with the Chef.

 

Should you do both? In my opinion, yes. You won't regret it in the least. Just make sure you don't lose out in the dinner in the MDR on the Elegant evenings...

 

 

 

 

:)

 

O.K.!!! I think I'm sold on doing both...what salemanship you have!!!:) Thanks very much for this info...

[roscoegirl]

Roscoegirl,

 

When the chef comes to your table the evening before you can discuss all of this with him I am quite sure they will accomodate your folding chair as they did my need for a wheelchair..They went out of their way to make me comfortable I wish the other passengers were as accomodating one woman was rude enough to ask me in an extremely loud voice "why a woman my age would possibly need a wheelchair"...Enough said just enjoy..

 

Later,

Rhonda aka mucklucks

 

Thanks Rhonda! Hope you ignored the woman's comments!:mad: It's great to know this before the event...I can better prepare myself...Thanks so much for all of your help!:)

 

Jackie

[firefly333]

You also will be told you cant wear certain kinds of shoes, no open toed for sure, for the tour of the kitchen, in case something were to fall Im sure is why.

[*Mach*]

You also will be told you cant wear certain kinds of shoes, no open toed for sure, for the tour of the kitchen, in case something were to fall Im sure is why.

The closed toe shoe thing is a recommendation, not a requirement but it's a darn good idea...

 

 

:)

[nybumpkin]

I wore my sneakers. Only closed-toe shoes I brought, but then no one was looking at my feet.;) It can be slippery in the galley - I would recommend wearing shoes that have non-slip soles.

[shelkate1]

I just did this last week on the Dream Eastern Itinerary. I can honestly say it was truly one of my top 10 vacation experiences of all time. It was delicious, informative, elegant, and an amazing experience. You won't regret it!