Chef Morimoto Is Launching a Port-to-Plate Fish Program With This Cruise Line
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
Things just got tastier onboard Holland America.
Courtesy of Holland America Line
On a cruise in Alaska and craving some super fresh, flavorful, and full-bodied sockeye salmon from right outside? It'll be no problem with Holland America Line's new Global Fresh Fish Program.
The first-of-its-kind initiative comes thanks to a brand-new partnership with renowned celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto, best known as the "Iron Chef," who is now adding the title of "Fresh Fish Ambassador" to Holland America to his resume. This partnership — and the extensive global network of 60 ports to source from — allows for up to 80 different types of fresh fish to hit diners' plates right from the docks in less than 48 hours. So, say, for example, you're sailing through the Caribbean. You'll get to indulge in some yellowtail snapper reeled in from the surrounding waters and brought right to the ship. In Alaska? You can try that aforementioned (sustainably) sourced sockeye salmon. In Mexico, guests will be treated to red snapper, while those traveling through Greece can expect lavraki.
This isn't Holland America Line's first rodeo serving the freshest fish available. The company became the first cruise line to dish out 100% fresh, certified sustainable Alaska seafood to guests exploring The Last Frontier (the company also noted to TravelAge West that items like the Alaskan king crab, which has been flagged for overfishing, will be intentionally left off the menu).
Related: The 10 Best Cruises for Food
“We are thrilled to collaborate with chef Morimoto, the foremost expert in this niche,” Michael Stendebach, vice president of food and beverage at Holland America Line, shared in a statement provided to Food&Wine. “We share a commitment to serving the freshest ingredients, fish and seafood, in particular. We are excited to have his refined skills and celebrate his culinary style on board. Chef Morimoto brings his mastery and excellence to Holland America Line and is a great partner to bring this port-to-plate program to life.”
Courtesy of Holland America Line
The collaboration with the famous chef will debut this week on the main Dining Room menus, available for a supplemental charge, and will be available fleetwide by early October. Guests can expect to be dazzled by a culinary journey that includes dishes like Black Cod Yuzu, Fresh Halibut XO, and Morimoto Epice Lobster Tails.
Want to take this fish-centric journey a step further? Guests can also take part in the cruise line’s “Savor My Catch” excursion, which includes a hands-on fishing experience. The fish guests reel in will then be used by the chefs onboard for a special meal.
“Embarking on this type of culinary journey at sea is a first for me, and I am excited to bring my passion for fresh fish and fresh ingredients onto Holland America Line’s fleet,” Morimoto added. “I chose to partner with Holland America because we share a commitment and passion for fresh, regionally inspired foods, and you will see that come to life in the special dishes and pop-up experience we’ve created together.”
Courtesy of Holland America Line
This is all just the beginning of the partnership. Kicking off in November, the pop-up restaurant, “Morimoto by Sea,” will be an option for cruisers as well, expanding to take over the Pinnacle Grill at least once during each sail and will be fleetwide by early 2024. A $55 cover charge will include a three-course menu with plenty of choices for vegetarian and vegan diners. Dishes like the Morimoto Fresh Tuna Pizza, Tempura Calamari Salad, Angry Lobster Pad Thai, and the Ishiyaki Buri Bop, cooked tableside on a hot stone, are just some of the menu items that will be available. Did we mention the signature sushi plate? That will be available too.
For more Food & Wine news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Food & Wine.
