I do enjoy going on a cruise. And I enjoy partaking in the Chef’s Table. Now, I am not a fancy person. Anyone who knows me will agree with that. We were informed the Chef’s Table was to be changed
to the third night. When the day was
changed, it meant we would be at the Chef’s Table on … oh, no … Formal Night. I did not even take clothes for formal night. So I put on the best I had with me and our
son did the same. Off we went for a
culinary experience.
We arrived at the meeting place,
enjoyed a glass of champagne, met those we would share our evening with, and
made our way to the dining room. Other
diners looked as we walked past. I could
hear them thinking, “I wonder where they are going. They must be special.” Or they could have been thinking, “Well, ain’t
they special.”
I did not get a picture of all our dinner companions, but this will give you an idea of the table and shows the young Chinese couple studying here, a family from Florida, and not pictured was a family from Puerto Rico.
For three hours we were very special. We were treated like royalty. Each course and wine paring was explained. Each wine was swirled and tasted. Each course, photographed prior to tasting. The mix of people was perfect and
conversation flowed as if we were old friends catching up on life.
The star of the evening —- no, not the wine —- was the bread. I have never tasted such bread. It literally melted in my mouth.
Five courses and dessert followed. We were served Scallop Carpaccio …
and Smoked Tomato Soup.
Course three was Maine Lobster Salad and course four was Roasted Branzino.
As if we were not full enough, course five was Grilled Filet Mignon with truffle potato puree, asparagus and bordelaise sauce. I am sure the poor chef cringed when I told him I wanted mine well done. It was delicious!!!
And then DESSERT! How do you describe
perfection? Of course the dessert contained one of the best foods ever —-
peanut butter. Peanut Butter Ganache
Vairhona Chocolate Mousse and Salted Caramel Gelato, with a Salted Caramel
Espresso Martini.
What fun to watch as the warm caramel melted the chocolate to reveal the middle.
Every bite was a sweet gift.
Yes, for three hours, every person at the table was treated to the highest standard of culinary expertise and service.
Yes, for three hours, every person at
the table was connected by conversation, food, and wine.
Yes, for three hours, every person at
the table was special. We were having an
experience that would only happen once. There
would be other Chef’s Tables, on this ship and others, but the same mix of
people, wine, and food would never happen again. Absolutely, a once in a lifetime event.
As we finished and left the dining
room, there were no diners to watch us. No
one to realize how special we were. The
staff was clearing tables and preparing them for the next day. They did not realize how special we were. They just wanted us to leave so they could
finish their job.
To be a part of the Chef’s Table is a
choice. A choice we made. A choice to be included in a unique group. A choice to taste the best food and wine. As we left, my thought was, “AND EVERY PERSON
IN THE REST OF THE DINING ROOM HAD MISSED IT!”
————————
“While they were eating, Jesus took
bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples,
saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given
thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it,
all of you. This is my blood of the
covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit
of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my
Father’s kingdom.”
Matthew 26:26-29 NIV
You have been
invited to join Jesus at a very special table: The Communion Table.
It is your choice.
Will you join Jesus at this very special table?
Or will you miss it?
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