Holland America Line has introduced a new dinner theater concept
called the Signature Master Chef’s Dinner. The dinner combines fine
dining with entertainment and starts off with a greeting by 75
service staff, including dining room stewards, cruise activities
staff and the ship’s singers and dancers, all dressed as “chefs,”
wearing white hats and jackets.
A chef’s hat festooned with a collector’s menu in the shape of
kitchen utensils describes the evening’s dining and wine
selections. An honorary chef’s hat at each plate reveals a freshly
baked dinner roll also in the shape of a chef’s hat.
Musicians perform during the dinner, using custom-made
“foodical” instruments such as drums shaped like cakes sitting on
bread-stick stands, a banana saxophone and a pear-shaped bass.
Musical selections include: the “Waltz of the Napkins,” in which
napkins are delivered by staff in a choreographed waltz. Dancers
present guests with a domed silver platter containing the “Chef’s
Amuse Surprise,” a small welcoming treat from the executive
chef.
The “Show Salad Spectacular” features stewards juggling colorful
vegetables into an over-sized salad bowl. Singer “Pepper Romaine,”
costumed in a sequined, full-length green “salad” gown, joins in as
servers toss baby greens, peppers, mushrooms, scallions and cherry
tomatoes.
Guests can chose from an array of starters, including Alaskan
salmon tartare with avocado, golden baked brie in phyllo dough,
lobster bisque or oxtail en croute. Entrees include whole roasted
tenderloin of beef and grilled lamb chops with oregano and apple
chutney and duck breast a l’orange. The band provides background
music during the starter and main courses.
The evening’s “Grand Finale!,” features Master Chef Rudi
Sodamin’s “Hats Off” dessert a bittersweet chocolate mouse topped
off with a white chocolate chef’s hat. The ship’s chefs appear at
the balcony to take a bow, as servers dance through the audience
with dinner plates spinning in the air.
The Signature Master Chef’s Dinner will be featured once on
every Holland America Line cruise by fall of 2006. The event has
already debuted on the ms Volendam.
877-724-5425
www.hollandamerica.com
