Chef's market discoveries

[jenniebnyc]

We got back from our New Year's cruise on the Reflection. We did do the new Chef's Discovery excursion in St. Thomas. There was one in each of the ports. Although it looked like they followed similar formats, each is unique due to the port part of the excursion.

 

The excursion turned out to be very good. It was a little rough around

the edges, with some kinks needing to be worked out. With a little

refinement, it will be well worth the expense for anyone interested

in the culinary aspects of the destinations.

 

Our excursion met in the morning on the dock where all the other

excursions met. This part was run by a local tour company, who was

obviously contracted to provide the transportation. There were 4 couples including us escorted to an open air tram, similar to those used for many of the excursions. After one additional lone straggler hopped on the tram, we headed out.

 

Along the way the driver gave us a mini-tour of the island along the

path we were taking. During this time, we started wondering about the

details matching our expectations - wasn't there supposed to be one

of the ship's chefs with us? There was very little communication as to

what we should expect, other than the original tour description.

 

Turned out that lone straggler was Chef Conroy, the Executive Sous Chef from the deck 4 MDR. I didn't become aware of that until we got to the Blue Orchid. At the Blue Orchid, we met their Executive Chef, Sally, who had prepared a tasting menu of several island dishes. She also talked through a recipe for a hot sauce that we could easily try at home. Also provided were samples of the many flavored rums from the island.

 

Again, some of us were wondering what had happened to the stop at the farm to look at the produce (with an eye to dinner). Again, a little

communication up front can go a long way. Turned out that due to heavy rains the previous night, the farm visit was literally washed out. So the farm, which is next door to the Blue Orchid, came to us. The lady who grows the produce brought an ample selection to us, where we sampled some of the offerings. Then, while we roamed the grounds of the Blue Orchid (which are absolutely lush and beautiful), Conroy picked out the produce for our dinner.

 

After returning to the port, that portion of the tour was concluded. We

reconvened that evening. Some more confusion as we were to meet in Cellar Masters, but the staff there was hosting another dinner there, and wasn't aware that we were meeting there.

 

Once we were assembled, we were escorted by the Maitre'd for a tour of the Deck 4 MDR galley. Full tour, during dinner service, watching them turn out the meals. We were met there by the ship's Executive Chef and the Executive Pastry Chef to talk about, well, what we wanted to talk about.

 

We then went up to the Porch, where Conroy was preparing our dinner. 4 course dinner, prepared with the fresh produce that was purchased that morning. Dinner was constantly monitored by the Executive Chef. I don't know if that was done to watch over a new and still being refined experience, or if that would be standard practice (I kind of think it would be the former, especially since the excursions desk also solicited our feedback from the experience.)

Great meal, good company, highly enjoyable experience.

 

So as a recap, and for Celebrity (who clearly said that they follow these discussions):

 

The good:

 

-great concept

-fantastic galley tour being during the dinner service

-excellent staff involvement

-group size of 8 was perfect. I don't think some parts of this would be

managable if you get above maybe 12 people

 

Needs improvement:

 

-communication; let the chef introduce himself at the start when

everyone gathers for the tour, let everyone know what is going on, especially since something like this may dynamically change due to conditions.

 

I'm already planning on grabbing one of these offerings on the Eclipse

for next new year's.

 

 

 

Bennett of

Bennett and Debbie

 

Thanks for your review. Did you only eat produce for dinner? What else was on the menu? Did you watch them choose other ingredients or just the produce?

 

IMO I am not seeing how this is worth $199 but maybe that's just me. I will continue looking for reviews in hopes the kinks will be worked out eventually.

 

Thanks again.

Edited January 6, 2016 by jenniebnyc

[Bennettanddebbie]

Thanks for your review. Did you only eat produce for dinner? What else was on the menu? Did you watch them choose other ingredients or just the produce?

 

IMO I am not seeing how this is worth $199 but maybe that's just me. I will continue looking for reviews in hopes the kinks will be worked out eventually.

 

Thanks again.

 

 

The main course was Snapper. I can't say when and where the menu was derived. It certainly wasn't something we did. Conroy selected the produce while we were roaming the grounds. Yes, we did head back to the ship with bags of the produce, and I did see Conroy pull out a wad of cash to buy it. The menu could have been done on the fly that day, or it could have been mostly set in advance knowing what would be available.

 

As to the question of whether the cost is worth it, that is in the eye of the beholder. Keep in mind that there are several cost components; the tour (transportation), the activity at the Blue Orchid with the tasting menu, the behind the scenes galley tour, and the private dinner from the senior chefs, not the line cooks. And this is a fairly exclusive experience.

 

 

Bennett of

Bennett and Debbie

[jenniebnyc]

The main course was Snapper. I can't say when and where the menu was derived. It certainly wasn't something we did. Conroy selected the produce while we were roaming the grounds. Yes, we did head back to the ship with bags of the produce, and I did see Conroy pull out a wad of cash to buy it. The menu could have been done on the fly that day, or it could have been mostly set in advance knowing what would be available.

 

As to the question of whether the cost is worth it, that is in the eye of the beholder. Keep in mind that there are several cost components; the tour (transportation), the activity at the Blue Orchid with the tasting menu, the behind the scenes galley tour, and the private dinner from the senior chefs, not the line cooks. And this is a fairly exclusive experience.

 

 

Bennett of

Bennett and Debbie

 

Thanks for the info!

[joelmarj]

I thought I would give a review of the culinary tour we just took while on the Eclipse New Years cruise. They had the same one described above for St Marten but that apparently got cancelled. Not sure why but someone said there was a logistics issue. The one we took was "Cook like a Lucian". It was only $99 pp and it was great. There was an air conditioned coach to take the 8 of us (thats all that can be accommodated) to a local location. It wasn't really a restaurant but was a kitchen facility and dining room for us. We each had a work station and all participated in the preparation of our meal. It was a mother and son operation and they were fantastic. The son was so knowledgable about not just their local produce and traditional food, but so much history and background on the food.

 

After spending about 3 hours preparing the meal and some dancing in between :) we all sat down together to enjoy the amazing feast. The food was all traditional to St Lucia and beverages including local wine and juices were provided.

 

We had a great group which added to the fun but the son really did an amazing job as a host/chef/dance instructor. Overall we really enjoyed it and it was well worth the $99 each.

[jenniebnyc]

I thought I would give a review of the culinary tour we just took while on the Eclipse New Years cruise. They had the same one described above for St Marten but that apparently got cancelled. Not sure why but someone said there was a logistics issue. The one we took was "Cook like a Lucian". It was only $99 pp and it was great. There was an air conditioned coach to take the 8 of us (thats all that can be accommodated) to a local location. It wasn't really a restaurant but was a kitchen facility and dining room for us. We each had a work station and all participated in the preparation of our meal. It was a mother and son operation and they were fantastic. The son was so knowledgable about not just their local produce and traditional food, but so much history and background on the food.

 

After spending about 3 hours preparing the meal and some dancing in between :) we all sat down together to enjoy the amazing feast. The food was all traditional to St Lucia and beverages including local wine and juices were provided.

 

We had a great group which added to the fun but the son really did an amazing job as a host/chef/dance instructor. Overall we really enjoyed it and it was well worth the $99 each.

 

That sounds really nice! (and $100 cheaper!)

[Lois R]

I thought I would give a review of the culinary tour we just took while on the Eclipse New Years cruise. They had the same one described above for St Marten but that apparently got cancelled. Not sure why but someone said there was a logistics issue. The one we took was "Cook like a Lucian". It was only $99 pp and it was great. There was an air conditioned coach to take the 8 of us (thats all that can be accommodated) to a local location. It wasn't really a restaurant but was a kitchen facility and dining room for us. We each had a work station and all participated in the preparation of our meal. It was a mother and son operation and they were fantastic. The son was so knowledgable about not just their local produce and traditional food, but so much history and background on the food.

 

After spending about 3 hours preparing the meal and some dancing in between :) we all sat down together to enjoy the amazing feast. The food was all traditional to St Lucia and beverages including local wine and juices were provided.

 

We had a great group which added to the fun but the son really did an amazing job as a host/chef/dance instructor. Overall we really enjoyed it and it was well worth the $99 each.

 

I went on this excursion sailing SUMMIT in November..... I wrote a

review about it on Trip Advisor too. I agree, it was FABULOUS:D

 

PS, Hi stranger:)

Edited January 7, 2016 by Lois R

[luv2camp04]

We have the culinary tour booked for our Feb. 20th cruise on St Lucia. Sounds different from most thing we do so we're looking forward to it. I'll try to post a review when we get back.

[vtcruising]

We are going on a B2Bs next month and have been looking at the Chef's Market Discoveries excursions. We have 2 choices:

 

Chef's Market Discoveries - Flavors of Nassau, Atlantis, and Private Dinner

 

Highlights:

• Enjoy a scenic drive past iconic landmarks as you navigate the cozy streets of Nassau in a luxurious air-conditioned coach.

• Visit a Nassau produce vendor; admire the fresh fruits and vegetables, while learning about the agricultural wealth of the island.

• Journey to the John Watling’s Distillery where you’ll enjoy a tour of the museum-like distillery followed by shopping.

• Browse local fish markets with our Celebrity Chef and source fresh seafood.

• Soak up the sun and savor a delicious lunch featuring local specialties at the stunning beachfront Atlantis Paradise Island Resort.

• Enjoy an exclusive tour of the ship’s galley led by our chef, followed by an intimate chef-hosted dinner of island treasures

 

$199 each

 

 

Chef's Market Discoveries - Mayan Flavors and Private Dinner

 

Highlights:

• Join our onboard chef on a journey to one of Cozumel’s lively local markets, where you’ll hand-pick the freshest ingredients.

• Journey to the Mayan Cacao Company, where you’ll unlock the secrets of chocolate production on a sensory tour and tasting.

• Discover Mayan myths, mysteries, and cooking techniques in a traditional Mayan thatched-roof house.

• Travel to a local restaurant where an expert will guide you through a tasting of a “Yucatán trilogy.”

• Enjoy an exclusive tour of the ship’s galley led by our chef, followed by dinner inspired by Mayan flavors.

 

$179 each

 

We are not big fans of either port, but these seem like unique experiences so would like to do one or the other. I'm leaning toward the one in the Bahamas (Atlantis beach/lunch sound nice and love rum), but the chocolate company in Cozumel is also calling our names. :).

 

Has anyone done either of these two tours? If so, any info would be appreciated.