Starting next month, Royal Caribbean Cruises begins a series of 12 food and wine themed cruises. Guests who book a suite category or higher on select seven-night itineraries will be eligible for the "Epicurean Discovery" packages which include a variety of events with renowned chefs and special gifts.
Royal Caribbean's "Epicurean Discovery" Cruises
The special "Epicurean Discovery" packages will provide guests a unique opportunity to participate in select food and wine related events. Here are the perks of these food and wine themed cruises:
* Participate in Exclusive Culinary Experiences
* Enjoy a Cocktail Reception Meet & Greet Photo Opportunity with Celebrity Chef
* Receive Special In-Suite Gift
* Private Dining Experience with Celebrity Chef in their Specialty Restaurants
* Take a VIP Behind the Scenes Tour of the Private Galley
* Sample Appetizers in a Private Tapas Welcome
* Savor Succulent Vintages in a Special Wine Tasting Event
* Attend a Question & Answer Session with Celebrity Chef and Ship's Executive Chef
* Receive a Special Kit with Photos, Recipes, Menus and Guest Chef Signature
* Learn Cooking Tips from the Pros
* Take Home a Commemorative Epicurean Discovery Apron & Chef's Hat
Celebrity Chef Profiles and Royal Caribbean Itineraries
September 19, 2010 -- Chef Cindy Hutson - 7-night Western Caribbean
Chef Cindy Hutson has received a number of awards for the various restaurants she has owned and operated. She and a partner opened "Norma's on the Beach", a Caribbean restaurant. The restaurant has been touted as "the best Caribbean restaurant in South Florida" by USA Today, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and Ocean Drive, as well as earning the "5 Star Diamond Award."
Hutson's restaurant, "Cuisine of the Sun" at "Ortanique" Coral Gables, Florida, has expanded to include Asian, Caribbean, South American, and American Fusion cuisine. She has won a series of accolades and awards for this venture as well.
October 3, 2010 -- John Vinczencz - 7-night Western Caribbean
Johnny Vinczencz is known as the "Caribbean Cowboy". He got his start at Astor Place on Miami Beach in 1995. He has appeared on The Today Show and Food Network's Iron Chef America, where he went up against Bobby Flay. In 2008, Vinczencz opened another successful restaurant called Smith and Jones Bar and Grill, which is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
October 17, 2010 -- Chef Tim Andriola -- 7-night Western Caribbean
Chef Andriola owns Timo in Sunny Isles, Florida. His menu reflects his love for the flavors, textures, and accents of Italy and the Mediterranean. His restaurant has been featured in numerous magazines and GQ labeled it one of the country's new restaurants "not to miss."
October 31, 2010 -- Chef Carlos Fernandez - 7-night Western Caribbean
Carlos Fernandez might look familiar from his appearance on Bravo's Top chef, but he is also the executive chef of Hi-Life Cafe in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Prior to opening Hi-Life Cafe, he worked at Isabella's Le Bar Bat, Caramba's and Chez Josephine, all in New York.
November 7, 2010 -- Chef Lauren De Rouen - 7-night Eastern Caribbean
Lauren "Lulu" De Rouen has received numerous accolades for her cooking and shares her passion by teaching classes at Pinot Provence. She was awarded 1 1/2 stars from the Los Angeles Times and Pinot Provence was the 2009 winner of My Fox LA under De Rouen's direction.
November 14, 2010 -- Roberto Trevino - 7-night Western Caribbean
Chef Roberto Trevino has cooked at the James Beard House in New York and at their award events. He has also participated in the Food Network's Iron Chef America, against Mario Batali and he also competed in the Next Iron Chef, where he completed five rounds prior to being eliminated.
Trevino has also participated in the Aspen Food & Wine Classic and the Telluride Culinary Festival. He's appeared on Rachel Ray's "$40 a day" and has been featured in Conde Nast Traveller, The New York Times, Bon Appetit and Gourmet.
January 2, 2011 -- Chef Michael Schwartz - 7-night Eastern Caribbean
Chef Michael Schwartz runs Michael's Genuine Food and Drink which was included in 2008's 10 Best New Restaurants in the United States. Schwartz was recently honored with the prestigious 2010 James Beard foundation Award for Best Chef: South.
He has a new venture in the works -- Michael's Genuine Food and Drink Camana Bay will be coming to the Cayman Island, where he plans to work with local fishermen and farmers to help highlight the culinary resources of the Caribbean.
January 9, 2011 -- Chef Nick Weber - 7-night Western Caribbean
Chef Weber got his start at the Thornton Winery quite by accident when he was asked to help plate on the line. He became hooked on cooking instantly and has been working professionally ever since. In 1997, he joined the Patina Restaurant Group and is now the executive chef of Catal Restaurant and Uva Bar in Downtown Disney.
February 6, 2011 -- Chef Spike Mendelsohn - 7-night Western Caribbean
Mendelsohn was featured on Bravo's fourth season of Top Chef Chicago and operates two restaurants in Washington DC -- Good Stuff Eatery and We, The Pizza. Both restaurants have a host of celebrity clientele and political figures who dine there, including the First Family. He graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and worked at top restaurants like Bouchon in Napa Valley, Les Crayeres in France, and Le Cirque and Mai House in New York.
Spike Mendelsohn is currently working on two new television shows - Original Recipe and Spike: Unseasoned, which will highlight the daily ups and downs of working in a family business.
Travelers interested in upcoming Royal Caribbean Epicurean Discovery cruises should contact Royal Caribbean Cruises or your travel agent for more information and reservations.
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