Chef's Table Dinner For Twelve

The Sapphire Princess features a special dinner hosted by the head Chef, Marcello. There's room for only twelve so reservations must be made as soon as you board the ship. I was already too late when I called so we were put on a stand-by list. Two days later the Maitre d, Jean Paul, called to tell us that one couple had canceled so we were invited to join the group.

After meeting in a lounge, we were taken into one of the largest kitchens (there are 7 on the ship) where we put on white coats and washed our hands. The women had to wear closed toe shoes because we were in a sterile environment.

The evening started with the Master Sommelier opening bottles of Piper-Heidsieck champagne with a lecture on how wine is purchased, stored and served. With the champagne we were served four elegant appetizers and Marcello answered questions about the kitchen operation and staff.

The table for twelve was in the regular dining room but it looked much nicer with linen napkins and beautiful fresh flowers. The dinner consisted of seven courses with wine. The photo of Marcello is when he was flaming the entree.

At the end of the dinner each woman was presented with a long stemmed red rose, a photo and a huge cookbook that features food served on the ship. The Chef also gave us a handwritten menu of the night's dinner.

It truly was a memorable experience.