Jill Posted January 31, 2023 Report Share Posted January 31, 2023 Trying to convince my “meat and potatoes” hubby to try Chef’s Table. He’s done Wonderland 3 times so not totally adverse to different foods. Is the food really gourmet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnK6404 Posted January 31, 2023 Report Share Posted January 31, 2023 Hi @Jill! I'm not sure what truly qualifies as "gourmet", but the experience we had on Odyssey last year on Valentine's Day was excellent! It was held in this private room in the back of Chops Grille. Here are a bunch of pics! A few more people joined us after this pic... The menu... The wine pairings for each course... The bread I believe is the 150 Central Park bread... Our Chef... Our waiter/sommelier... Course One: Scallop Carpaccio… just OK was the consensus. I’ll take broiled or seared whole scallops any day over this presentation. Course Two: Smoked Tomato Soup… amazing… liked by all. Course Three: Maine Lobster Salad… also liked by all. Course Four: Roasted Branzino… liked by all. Our first time eating Branzino. Skin separated very easily from the filet. Very tasty as prepared. Course Five: Grilled Filet Mignon… loved by all. Course Six/Dessert: The World… loved by all… our first time since we have not dined in Wonderland yet. Paired with a Salted Caramel Expresso Martini. We definitely plan to do this again in the future... just make sure you have 2-3 hours to spare for this experience! WAAAYTOOO, SpicyCherry, Rackham and 5 others 6 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaMG Posted January 31, 2023 Report Share Posted January 31, 2023 Great pics @JohnK6404. I just wish they did a non-alcoholic version of this. I know we could do it anyway and we wouldn't go thirsty but I would be looking to pay a cheaper rate for it without alcohol included. ScottD, Xaa, JohnK6404 and 3 others 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deButler Posted January 31, 2023 Report Share Posted January 31, 2023 We did Chef’s table last week on Radiance and it was truly one of the best dining experiences we’ve had. The Chop’s steak that we got for lunch on embarkation day with the Key service did not compare to the 9oz Fillet that we had at CT. We also had the exact same menu as pictured above and they did tell us that all ships use the same menu across the fleet. The experience and flavors of the “World” desert is also well worth the $. The wine pairings were also incredible. The taste and body of the wine truly changed after tasting it a second time with the food of each course. The whole event is a very elegant elevation of dining above anything else available on the ship. I would certainly do it again on another trip even with the same menus because each chef will put his own adaptive spin on each dish. Jill and JohnK6404 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnK6404 Posted January 31, 2023 Report Share Posted January 31, 2023 2 hours ago, deButler said: The wine pairings were also incredible. The taste and body of the wine truly changed after tasting it a second time with the food of each course. The whole event is a very elegant elevation of dining above anything else available on the ship. I would certainly do it again on another trip even with the same menus because each chef will put his own adaptive spin on each dish. Oh yeah! I almost forgot! They taught us the "proper" way to hold, drink, and enjoy a glass of wine... I remember that now when I hand someone a glass of wine at home! Very interesting! deButler and Jill 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wordell1 Posted January 31, 2023 Report Share Posted January 31, 2023 There is plenty to eat if there is a course he doesn't like. I highly recommend doing it at least once. Great experience. SpicyCherry, JohnK6404 and Jill 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jill Posted January 31, 2023 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2023 Thank you! Can anyone answer if for example you want the sauces on the side? Hubby loves lobster but I can already tell you he won’t want those sauces on it lol. He has an aversion to condiments/sauces unless it’s gravy deButler 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deButler Posted January 31, 2023 Report Share Posted January 31, 2023 You have a Private Chef for just this meal and they will make ANY/All accommodations for food preferences. On our meal they prepared an entire other desert without the peanut butter for our Mom due to her food allergy to peanuts. JohnK6404, SpicyCherry and Jill 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaryCS62 Posted January 31, 2023 Report Share Posted January 31, 2023 Unfortunately, it's too much seafood for DH - he's a meat & potatoes guy too, and the only seafood he eats is shrimp and fried calamari - he tried salmon a couple of times, but no go - would not be able to get him to this dinner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpicyCherry Posted January 31, 2023 Report Share Posted January 31, 2023 We did Chef's Table on Celebrity Edge and it was an amazing meal & experience. We also met great people who we are still friendly with to this day. We plan on trying CT on Wonder later this year. On Celebrity, wine pairing was optional, for an additional $60 per person(not covered by the beverage package). At first we were going to skip it but decided to go for it and it really enhanced the meal. It was worth the $$. Glad RCCL includes the wine for their CT experience(and it's less expensive than Celebrity to boot). Attached is a copy of our menu, for example: FloatyBoaty and JohnK6404 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ampurp85 Posted January 31, 2023 Report Share Posted January 31, 2023 2 hours ago, MaryCS62 said: Unfortunately, it's too much seafood for DH - he's a meat & potatoes guy too, and the only seafood he eats is shrimp and fried calamari - he tried salmon a couple of times, but no go - would not be able to get him to this dinner I don't eat seafood either, they really tried hard to get me on Oasis. They claimed they could do whatever needed to get around the seafood courses. I doubt it because I started mentioning how I didn't drink wine like that or care for the desserts chosen. He couldn't really give me much after I said that. We had the UDP so it would have just been the upcharge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jill Posted February 1, 2023 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2023 2 hours ago, Ampurp85 said: I don't eat seafood either, they really tried hard to get me on Oasis. They claimed they could do whatever needed to get around the seafood courses. I doubt it because I started mentioning how I didn't drink wine like that or care for the desserts chosen. He couldn't really give me much after I said that. We had the UDP so it would have just been the upcharge. Ohhhhh I forgot it’s only $49.99 up charge with UDP! I’m gonna make him do it! JohnK6404 and deButler 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 1, 2023 Report Share Posted February 1, 2023 I'm a meat and potatoes guy who doesn't like seafood. I can eat shrimp and lobster but it's kind of wasted on me on me. Some people have seafood and it is something eurphoric or orgasmic, for me it's like, okay, whatever, meat please. If something has a strong fish taste or smell, forget it! Ugh. Puke. When I did Chef's Table this was noted and they substituted courses. I told them to bring the lobster and it was like lobster always is to me... whatever, meat please, but for the fishy course they gave me chicken. It was pretty terrible chicken as chicken goes but since everything tastes like chicken so be it. It was one course. It was fine. Drank the wine. Next course. Overall it was still a great experience. As someone who enjoys wine and good company I enjoyed the experience largely because of my table mates like @WAAAYTOOO . If I didn't like wine and I didn't like seafood that would be a different story. Bad table mates would be the trifecta of perfect storm Chef's Table for me WAAAYTOOO, Jill, JohnK6404 and 4 others 5 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jill Posted February 1, 2023 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2023 2 hours ago, twangster said: I'm a meat and potatoes guy who doesn't like seafood. I can eat shrimp and lobster but it's kind of wasted on me on me. Some people have seafood and it is something eurphoric or orgasmic, for me it's like, okay, whatever, meat please. If something has a strong fish taste or smell, forget it! Ugh. Puke. When I did Chef's Table this was noted and they substituted courses. I told them to bring the lobster and it was like lobster always is to me... whatever, meat please, but for the fishy course they gave me chicken. It was pretty terrible chicken as chicken goes but since everything tastes like chicken so be it. It was one course. It was fine. Drank the wine. Next course. Overall it was still a great experience. As someone who enjoys wine and good company I enjoyed the experience largely because of my table mates like @WAAAYTOOO . If I didn't like wine and I didn't like seafood that would be a different story. Bad table mates would be the trifecta of perfect storm Chef's Table for me My husband was waiting for your review! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jill Posted February 1, 2023 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2023 Last question: it wants to bill me full price. Do I book at full price and then have them adjust it once onboard? We have UDP and it should be a $49.99 upcharge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xaa Posted February 1, 2023 Report Share Posted February 1, 2023 That's what I would do @Jill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atlantix2000 Posted February 1, 2023 Report Share Posted February 1, 2023 3 hours ago, Jill said: Last question: it wants to bill me full price. Do I book at full price and then have them adjust it once onboard? We have UDP and it should be a $49.99 upcharge Cruise Planner doesn't care that you have UDP because UDP reservations can only be made on board. Normally, that's fine but since Chef's Table has very limited spots, the recommendation is to book it at full price and ask Guest Services, restaurant staff, Concierge, or Genie (depending on how you booked) to adjust once you board. Izumi Hibachi is another dining option that is risky to wait until boarding to use the UDP. You'll get the difference back as OBC which can be refunded if you don't use it all. JohnK6404 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melmar02 Posted February 1, 2023 Report Share Posted February 1, 2023 Do you know if the refunded OBC can be cashed out or used in the casino? I'm gonna be spending money there anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ampurp85 Posted February 2, 2023 Report Share Posted February 2, 2023 7 hours ago, melmar02 said: Do you know if the refunded OBC can be cashed out or used in the casino? I'm gonna be spending money there anyway. Yes. I had my Giovanni's reservation canceled onboard and I used that money at the casino. melmar02 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soxfan1965 Posted February 4, 2023 Report Share Posted February 4, 2023 there's an upcharge for the wine at Chefs Table??!! I didnt see that anywhere and when I paid for it, it did not ask for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpicyCherry Posted February 4, 2023 Report Share Posted February 4, 2023 3 hours ago, Soxfan1965 said: there's an upcharge for the wine at Chefs Table??!! I didnt see that anywhere and when I paid for it, it did not ask for it. On Celebrity, there was an upcharge for the wine pairing, but I believe the wine is included with Royal's Chef's Table. Yes?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted February 4, 2023 Report Share Posted February 4, 2023 3 hours ago, Soxfan1965 said: there's an upcharge for the wine at Chefs Table??!! I didnt see that anywhere and when I paid for it, it did not ask for it. For Star Class guests there is a charge for the wine pairing that isn't covered for Star Class guests. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barjpoe Posted February 11, 2023 Report Share Posted February 11, 2023 On 2/4/2023 at 2:59 PM, Soxfan1965 said: there's an upcharge for the wine at Chefs Table??!! I didnt see that anywhere and when I paid for it, it did not ask for it. The wine is included. Yes, some of it is fine others I don't care for, take a sip and then ask for a previous wine. The wines may different it depends on the Sommelier. For the "it's too much seafood" I'm allergic to scallops so they substitute a Beef Capprecia? which is tissue thin beef. The Smoke Tomato Soup is really good. I do eat the lobster and fish. (As someone else said you could probably gave the vanilla dressing on the side or not at all. The Filet is fork tender. Enjoy the World, I also don't like coffee so I get just an plan Chocolate martini. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barjpoe Posted February 12, 2023 Report Share Posted February 12, 2023 On 1/31/2023 at 10:00 AM, FionaMG said: Great pics @JohnK6404. I just wish they did a non-alcoholic version of this. I know we could do it anyway and we wouldn't go thirsty but I would be looking to pay a cheaper rate for it without alcohol included. If on an Oasis class ship you might want to check into the 150 Park Central I think they offer a similar version with or without wine. FionaMG 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimnKathy Posted February 12, 2023 Report Share Posted February 12, 2023 The Chef's Table is a wonderful experience I highly recommend if you enjoy a lot of really good food and delicious wines/cocktails. I will add that you will stagger away from the dinner table feeling pretty tipsy, but that's a good thing. Happy Sailing!!! WAAAYTOOO and JohnK6404 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaSomm Posted February 12, 2023 Report Share Posted February 12, 2023 On 1/30/2023 at 11:08 PM, JohnK6404 said: Hi @Jill! I'm not sure what truly qualifies as "gourmet", but the experience we had on Odyssey last year on Valentine's Day was excellent! It was held in this private room in the back of Chops Grille. Here are a bunch of pics! A few more people joined us after this pic... The menu... The wine pairings for each course... The bread I believe is the 150 Central Park bread... Our Chef... Our waiter/sommelier... Course One: Scallop Carpaccio… just OK was the consensus. I’ll take broiled or seared whole scallops any day over this presentation. Course Two: Smoked Tomato Soup… amazing… liked by all. Course Three: Maine Lobster Salad… also liked by all. Course Four: Roasted Branzino… liked by all. Our first time eating Branzino. Skin separated very easily from the filet. Very tasty as prepared. Course Five: Grilled Filet Mignon… loved by all. Course Six/Dessert: The World… loved by all… our first time since we have not dined in Wonderland yet. Paired with a Salted Caramel Expresso Martini. We definitely plan to do this again in the future... just make sure you have 2-3 hours to spare for this experience! Thanks for the review photographic tour. The food looks good but I would hope for somewhat better wine at a dinner of this caliber. Other than the Mondavi, the wines are pretty pedestrian. JohnK6404 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaSomm Posted February 12, 2023 Report Share Posted February 12, 2023 Thanks for the review and photographic tour. The food looks good. I would hope for better wine at a dinner of this caliber. Other than the Mondavi, these are pretty pedestrian wines. I wonder if they would consider swapping out some of the wines for more interesting ones at the same price point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisellama Posted February 12, 2023 Report Share Posted February 12, 2023 Gourmet? Guess it depends upon the definition. It's a nice opportunity to dine on some low volume, individually prepared menu items (instead of large batch cooking) plus a wine pairing. It's a fixed menu across the fleet so you're not getting an onboard chef to create an "original" dinner menu. It's a prepared and repeated dining experience (similar to a specialty venue). Generally very pleasant from dining to service. It's smaller group to share a meal and usually a pretty good time. From past experience, something you do every couple of years (as the menu doesn't change very often). Jill 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowen Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 How was it sharing a table with people you don't know? There are only two of us who are thinking of doing this, so I'm wondering how awkward/normal this feels? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellcee Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 29 minutes ago, Bowen said: How was it sharing a table with people you don't know? There are only two of us who are thinking of doing this, so I'm wondering how awkward/normal this feels? I did it solo and loved it. We had a full table and everyone interacted with one another. Ampurp85 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minniemouse27 Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 I would love to try this for the food, but I don't drink almost any alcohol (and zero wine/martinis) so it is a pricey option just for the food. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FionaMG Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 50 minutes ago, minniemouse27 said: I would love to try this for the food, but I don't drink almost any alcohol (and zero wine/martinis) so it is a pricey option just for the food. Yes, this is exactly why I'd like them to offer a non-alcoholic version of it at a cheaper price. But I guess they'd not make as much profit on it then. minniemouse27 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpicyCherry Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 3 hours ago, Bowen said: How was it sharing a table with people you don't know? There are only two of us who are thinking of doing this, so I'm wondering how awkward/normal this feels? We are basically 'Table-For-Two' kind of sailors and we were concerned about 'awkward' too but we had a great time. We have found most people on a cruise who choose this kind of experience aren't jerks or anti-social so you'll be fine. You might find another couple to hang out with, your 'Fred & Ethel'(for all you I Lucy fans). EvergreenCruzers 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barjpoe Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 1 hour ago, minniemouse27 said: I would love to try this for the food, but I don't drink almost any alcohol (and zero wine/martinis) so it is a pricey option just for the food. We did this a while ago and there was a Vegan and also didn't do alcohol. Not sure how she managed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnK6404 Posted February 16, 2023 Report Share Posted February 16, 2023 10 hours ago, Bowen said: How was it sharing a table with people you don't know? There are only two of us who are thinking of doing this, so I'm wondering how awkward/normal this feels? It was great. When we all first sat down the room of course was a little quiet. When the waiter/sommelier first greeted us, he said we’ll all be good friends after the first couple of courses and glasses of wine! He wasn’t wrong, LOL! SpicyCherry and Bowen 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpicyCherry Posted February 16, 2023 Report Share Posted February 16, 2023 18 minutes ago, JohnK6404 said: It was great. When we all first sat down the room of course was a little quiet. When the waiter/sommelier first greeted us, he said we’ll all be good friends after the first couple of courses and glasses of wine. He wasn’t wrong, LOL! This is so true…we all met in a bar outside of the venue, Fine Cut(on Celebrity Edge) for drinks and appetizers. We all fell into such easy conversation at that point….it was like we all knew one another already. In fact the Host asked us if we were a group. We told him we had all just met. It’s a nice experience. @JillEnjoy it if you decide to go for it!! JohnK6404 and WAAAYTOOO 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowen Posted February 16, 2023 Report Share Posted February 16, 2023 Alright, I'm going to sign up for this for my Mom and I. She can get a little crazy when she drinks, so hopefully she'll reign it in. KristiZ, JohnK6404 and WAAAYTOOO 1 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowen Posted February 16, 2023 Report Share Posted February 16, 2023 Another question: Do you get a discount on this for being Diamond? If so, does that automatically apply if you are signed in to your RC account? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KristiZ Posted February 16, 2023 Report Share Posted February 16, 2023 1 hour ago, Bowen said: Another question: Do you get a discount on this for being Diamond? If so, does that automatically apply if you are signed in to your RC account? No. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melmar02 Posted February 16, 2023 Report Share Posted February 16, 2023 I'm so excited! We just signed up for April! KristiZ and JohnK6404 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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