Splendor - The Chef’s Table Experience

[big_duck]

I’m just back from the Splendor where I experienced the Chef’s Table, yes experienced - it isn’t just about a meal.

 

The experience began the first night at dinner with a personal visit from Chef, we had pre-booked prior to the trip. Other people who booked on board received their visit the evening before. Chef chatted with each of us and determined what our personal likes and dislikes were so he could tailor the menu for individuals with allergies or specific tastes (like no seafood - right Jimmy).

 

On the appointed day at the appointed hour we met Chef at the lobby bar from which he personally escorted us into the Black Pearl dining room then through the revolving magic portal that leads to the Galley. Now there are other Galley tours available as part of behind the fun for example, but no other tour leads you back to the magic kingdom in the middle of early dinner seating. The hustle of the waiters picking up orders the bustle of cooks and chefs preparing them was a sight to sea.

 

After touring part of the Galley, we were brought to a station where a prep table had been laid out with small plates and forks and champagne flutes. Here we sipped champagne and sampled someHors D’oeuvres prepared by Chef for the occasion. All where quite delicious.

 

 

 

 

 

(we were instructed not to take pictures in the galley but I’m sure this isn’t what Chef meant).

 

Next, Chef lead us through the meat prep area, to the dessert prep area where another another prep table was laid out with ingredients which we learned were the makings of chocolate hot melting cake. With the help of Shelly (nice beating technique) Chef prepared the cake batter and placed it into 2 ceramic bowls (more on this later).

 

Now it was time for the main event, led by Chef we exited back through the revolving portal and passed back through the Black Pearl. Just to the right of the lobby entrance to the BP is the Pink Pearl card room which they use for the CT. Each place setting was identified with your name. Once seated, Chef had all the people who would be serving us (one waiter per 2 guests plus a wine steward). I never figured out if they where chefs acting as waiters or regular waiters dressed in chefs livery, but I suspect the former.

 

 

Now for the main event. As each course was presented, Chef went over the ingredients and any special preparation techniques.

First course - Norwegian Salmon Tartar served with Avocado Mousse and Salmon Caviar.

 

Not a big raw fish fan but this was light and creamy with no heavy salmon taste it. Two thumbs up and 10 out of 10.

 

Second Course Fire Roasted Tomato and Poblano Chili Bisque served with Grilled Corn, Cilantro Drizzle. I find most Carnival soups a cut above the norm, but this was a cut or 2 above that. I can honestly say I enjoyed it more then the Steakhouse Lobster Bisque and I didn’t think that was possible.

 

Rock Shrimps and Apple Beignets Tapioca Crunch, Garlic Lemon Aioli. Yes basically shrimp donuts but it works.

 

 

 

 

More to come ...

[silentone]

I am very excited to read that the Splendor has the Chef's Table. As of two weeks ago, my PVP told me that the Splendor did not offer this. What was the "appointed day" and "appointed hour" that you had the experience? I am looking forward to hearing more. This is something I want to do. :)

[big_duck]

Chopped Mediterranean Salad with shaved pumpkin, feta cheese crumble. Very good, I’m not a salad person so I can’t tell a good salad from a bowl of weeds.

 

 

Filet of Chilean Sea Bass with wine stewed shallot and chives vinaigrette, leeks emulsion, peas risotto. Perfectly cooked melt in your mouth, a favorite with everyone (except Jimmy who got lamb and apparently doesn’t like rare meat either. So I got a taste this was exceptional as well).

 

 

Cooked to order aged filet mignon with onion streusel and homemade three pepper mustard. Tender and well seasoned cut it with a fork filet. (I had the filet in the MDR the next night, it just wasn’t the same).

 

 

Although the menu called this Your Special-made Chocolate Melting Cake With a Surprise From Chef, I prefer to think of it the other way round. A beautifully presented raspberry sorbet with other goodies and a CMC on the side.

 

 

After dinner, we were all presented with a photo memento of the evening - I was in shock, Carnival giving away a photo (8X10) too. Now for the only downer of the evening. The ladies at the table were also presented with an autographed by Chef copy of the Carnival cookbook. Hey Chef, guys cook too you know.

 

All in all I would rate this as my second greatest experience ever on a ship. Well worth every penny of the 90 bucks. The price also includes all the wine with the meal and your glass was never left empty. Try this you will enjoy it believe me.

[big_duck]

I am very excited to read that the Splendor has the Chef's Table. As of two weeks ago, my PVP told me that the Splendor did not offer this. What was the "appointed day" and "appointed hour" that you had the experience? I am looking forward to hearing more. This is something I want to do. :)

 

This was just the 4th or 5th Splendor cruise with it. Our evening was the Tuesday, but they hold a second night later in the cruise on Friday (or Saturday not sure). You meet the Chef at the lobby bar at 6:30 PM (right Jimmy).

[TortieGal]

Should I post the picture of you in "lamb nirvana"? ;)

 

Also, to answer the question about the waiters, I know ours is a lido cook. I remembered him from our Victory cruise in April (he made me lots of sandwiches there :)) and then I saw him at the omelette station on our first sea day. When I saw him yesterday, he asked me about the pictures I took of all of them so I got his email address to send them.

[Luckysll]

I should never look at a thread with pictures of all that wonderful food right before my pitiful lunch of a roast beef sandwich! :eek::D

 

Thanks for the pictures and the description of your experience. I am very tempted to try the Chef's Table on one of my next cruises.

[TortieGal]

You meet the Chef at the lobby bar at 6:30 PM (right Jimmy).

 

Don't you mean "Mr. James"? :D

[Antelopian]

Being a foodie, I love your review. We're confirmed for the Chef's Table on the Victory in April, and I really appreciate finding out what we are going to experience. Looking forward to the remainder of your review.

:p

Licking my lips in anticipation!

[big_duck]

Should I post the picture of you in "lamb nirvana"? ;)

 

No point in ruining the affect of all the food porn. :D

[*Mach*]

Glad you enjoyed it, Don.

 

My experience was nearly exactly like yours. I thought it was entirely brilliant and well worth the price.

 

The event is becoming fantastically popular with over 1500 diners prebooked so far.

 

Thanks for the review.

 

 

:)

[jkbec1]

WOW! It sounds wonderful! We are looking forward to a similar experience on our next trip. Thank you for your posting but esp the pics!!

Just out of curiosity, since this was your second greatest cruise experience, I must ask what your greatest experience was??

[ldw81]

Chopped Mediterranean Salad with shaved pumpkin, feta cheese crumble. Very good, I’m not a salad person so I can’t tell a good salad from a bowl of weeds.

 

 

Filet of Chilean Sea Bass with wine stewed shallot and chives vinaigrette, leeks emulsion, peas risotto. Perfectly cooked melt in your mouth, a favorite with everyone (except Jimmy who got lamb and apparently doesn’t like rare meat either. So I got a taste this was exceptional as well).

 

 

Cooked to order aged filet mignon with onion streusel and homemade three pepper mustard. Tender and well seasoned cut it with a fork filet. (I had the filet in the MDR the next night, it just wasn’t the same).

 

 

Although the menu called this Your Special-made Chocolate Melting Cake With a Surprise From Chef, I prefer to think of it the other way round. A beautifully presented raspberry sorbet with other goodies and a CMC on the side.

 

 

After dinner, we were all presented with a photo memento of the evening - I was in shock, Carnival giving away a photo (8X10) too. Now for the only downer of the evening. The ladies at the table were also presented with an autographed by Chef copy of the Carnival cookbook. Hey Chef, guys cook too you know.

 

All in all I would rate this as my second greatest experience ever on a ship. Well worth every penny of the 90 bucks. The price also includes all the wine with the meal and your glass was never left empty. Try this you will enjoy it believe me.

 

 

$90??? I thought it was $75 per person.....

[big_duck]

WOW! It sounds wonderful! We are looking forward to a similar experience on our next trip. Thank you for your posting but esp the pics!!

Just out of curiosity, since this was your second greatest cruise experience, I must ask what your greatest experience was??

 

Let's just say Mrs. Duck was involved. ;)

[Irishlinny]

Let's just say Mrs. Duck was involved. ;)

LMAO! I was gonna be a real wise azz, but you beat me to it!:p

Good review, Duckie!

[HawaiianGoose]

We were at the Splendor's Chef's Table during the 10/3/10 sailing and have to agree that it is worth every penny. You simply can't get the quality of service and interaction anywhere else. The food is very good, but spending three hours with the chef and the personal interaction you receive really makes this a unique experience. Our cost was $75 per person. We left a $50 tip and I felt kind of cheap as this was being split between 6-7 servers.

 

The tour during dinner was totally different than the behind the fun tour we also took. The craziness that exuded from every nook was awesome. My wife and I were really impressed with the personable nature of the chef and his willingness to engage all of the diners. The servers were also an important element to the experience and we learned their different personalities over the course of our meal. I think you will be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't think this experience is fantastic. Definitely a must do.

[big_duck]

We were at the Splendor's Chef's Table during the 10/3/10 sailing and have to agree that it is worth every penny. You simply can't get the quality of service and interaction anywhere else. The food is very good, but spending three hours with the chef and the personal interaction you receive really makes this a unique experience. Our cost was $75 per person. We left a $50 tip and I felt kind of cheap as this was being split between 6-7 servers.

 

The tour during dinner was totally different than the behind the fun tour we also took. The craziness that exuded from every nook was awesome. My wife and I were really impressed with the personable nature of the chef and his willingness to engage all of the diners. The servers were also an important element to the experience and we learned their different personalities over the course of our meal. I think you will be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't think this experience is fantastic. Definitely a must do.

 

I was seated next to a gentleman who was an ex-chef, ex I assume because of loss of eyesight (he was part of a visually impaired group on board). As we were leaving, we were met by his wife in the lobby. She asked him how it was, and he replied "It was the best present you've ever bought me. :)

[Traveler353]

Great shots, I just came back from lunch and they are making me hungry again. I am hoping to do the Chef's Table on the Elation in December. That is if I can get anyone to respond to my request. So far not having very good luck with it.

[Poomah]

What wonderful selections - a marvelous dining experience to be sure.

[jrgreiner]

Thanks for the review. We get to do this in one week. Can't wait.

[halos]

Sounds like I may have to give this a go....great pictures!!!

Now I'm hungry!! :eek:

[BigRed93]

All in all I would rate this as my second greatest experience ever on a ship. Well worth every penny of the 90 bucks. The price also includes all the wine with the meal and your glass was never left empty. Try this you will enjoy it believe me.

 

Wait- $90? I thought $75? Did the price go up? I am doing this next month and these pictures are killing me! Looks fantastic!

[big_duck]

Wait- $90? I thought $75? Did the price go up? I am doing this next month and these pictures are killing me! Looks fantastic!

 

 

Tip.

[gargoyle999]

Thanks for the review and great pics! Doing this next month on the Imagination and again on the Splendor next Feb! :)

[gargoyle999]

Second Course Fire Roasted Tomato and Poblano Chili Bisque served with Grilled Corn, Cilantro Drizzle. I find most Carnival soups a cut above the norm, but this was a cut or 2 above that. I can honestly say I enjoyed it more then the Steakhouse Lobster Bisque and I didn’t think that was possible.

 

When DW had the Steakhouse Lobster Bisque for the first time on the Miracle she said it was one of the best things she ever had. Hopefully they are still serving this on the Splendor next Feb! Wonder how often they change menus.

[DGP1111]

Superb photo review, Don!!

I've done this experience several times earlier, and you had one item that I've not yet been served, and it looked deeeeelish. Perhaps they'll have it this Saturday on Sensation (hoping so). :)

Thanks, again, for the great job!! :D