Do you think everyone who travels is a "foodie" at heart?
I admit it! I travel a lot. I am a “foodie,” and proud of it! I truly think, in varying degrees, that everyone who travels is a “foodie!” As we travel and are introduced to new countries and different cultures throughout the world, food becomes such an integral part of our overall enjoyment of that travel. I also believe there is a big difference between “eating” and “dining.” On the fly, we eat (and love) In-and-Out Burgers, but in general, when we dine it is in a fine (not stuffy) restaurant with tablecloths, candles, lovely cutlery, and wonderful food and wines. The distinction between eating and dining is definitely NOT about being a food snob! It is more about the preparation, the presentation and personable service that supports any good meal whether on shore or aboard a river ship.
That's why we thought a spotlight on the wide variety of fine dining venues aboard today's river ships would be a great idea. Some people still think that there is just one restaurant choice when eating aboard a river ship — like in a cafeteria or buffet-style setting, that does not offer much choice in food or drink. Well, generally speaking, that USED to be true a number of years ago, but not any more by a long shot. Over the past 5 years or so, due to customer demands, river cruise lines worldwide have steadily been developing and delivering a wider variety of dining venues aboard newer ships. Most lines can also accommodate those with food sensitivities and those who are vegetarian or even vegan. They also began to employ well-known haute cuisine executive chefs to develop gourmet menus and expert sommaliers to create unique fine wine and beer selections.
Currently, in 2017, we are seeing some of the very best results from their efforts to deliver fine cuisine, wines, and venues to their discerning, well-traveled guests. And, even with all of the enhanced emphasis on improving the dining experience, one thing that has not changed is the fact that on board your river ship, you can dine casually, without the need for formal attire.
There are quite a few very nice new innovations from a number of our favorite river cruise brands such as Scenic, AmaWaterways, and the newest river cruise line, Crystal, that we would like to tell you about in this article.
Scenic° Culinaire aboard Bordeaux and Rhone itineraries.
In France, Scenic has introduced "Scenic Culinaire." Observing that French cuisine is world-famous, Glen Maroney, the owner of Scenic has created an exclusive culinary experience for their Bordeaux and Rhone River cruises. This unique venue allows all guests to participate in a series of onboard cooking classes taught by local experts. The program uses the finest locally-sourced ingredients and is designed to absolutely immerse you in the delights of French gastronomy. Classes will introduce guests to regional recipes and feature individual cooking stations as well as a cheese and wine cellar. Daily classes are limited to only 10 participants, so make sure we register you for one or more when you book your Scenic river cruise!
Not taking a Bordeaux or Rhone river cruise? Don't worry! Diverse and delicious gourmet meals and fine wines highlight every Scenic river cruise in Europe, not just those in France. While on board, each guest can enjoy everything from a gastronomic extravaganza at Table La Rive, to a casual, low-key handmade pizza at the River Cafe. Scenic caters to every style of dining. You’ll go crazy over Portobello’s, an intimate 32-seat Italian specialty room that will dazzle you from the moment you sit down to that last espresso of the evening. Scenic sources fresh foods from regional suppliers, hand pick and train their chefs, and offer each guest four unique dining venues plus white-gloved Butler 24-hour room service.
