Master Chef's Dinner

[jmps]

I have done some searching but still don't fully understand what the Master Chef's Dinner is. We were on HAL for the first time last summer on the Zuiderdam and were at the Pinnacle the night they had one so we missed it. We are next on the Westerdam in March and saw from a review that they had one. Here are my questions:

1. What happens at this dinner. It sounds like the waiters do a dance and sing. It sounds like some of the theme nights that we have seen on RCI and Celebrity.
2. What is the menu? Is it a fixed line up?
3. Why do so many people try to avoid it? Is it really that bad? If so, I guess we will plan on the Pinnacle or the Lido that night.
4. From other postings I saw that they are being phased out, yet as I said I see the Westerdam is having them as of a few weeks ago. Are they going away?

Thanks.

[Krazy Kruizers]

This is what happened at one of the Master Chef's dinners that we attended:

Master Chef Dinner:

The group "The Mix" from the Crow's Nest played the music about 80% of the time. The crew staff and dancers from the production shows led the waitstaff in the dance routines. The lead singer from the cast did the opening song. It was the only time she sang. Since she was on the steps, halfway down, many people didn't even know that she was singing.

When we entered the dining room there was already a Parker House with various seeds on top on the butter plate which was under your chef's toque and menu. The menu was a special cut out showing a spatula, cork screw, rolling pin, chopping knife and big spoon.

Then we had the Ballet Service. This was the only time we had a singer. The waitstaff entered both levels of the dining room to the tune of "Swan Lake". The assistant waiter held the try of napkins while the waiter placed them in our laps. The crew and cast had to help out here in some sections as there weren't enough waitstaff to quickly get the napkins to everyone.

Act 1 - Once again the waitstaff, crew and cast entered the dining room carrying the Chef's Amuse Surprise -- mushroom mousse with asparagus en bouche. This was a tiny empty puff pastry with a tiny dab of mouuse on top.

After those dishes were cleared away, the waitstaff. crew and cast again assembled in the hall and entered the dining room to begin Act 2 -- The Swing Service. The crew and staff "mixed" the salad in HUGE salad bowls to music -- waitstaff get throwing in fake tomatoes, peppers, etc -- some of the waitstaff tried to juggle the peppers -- very funny. Show Salad Spectacular: menu said that we were to have assorted baby greens, pepper rings, mushrooms, scallions & cherry tomatoes with a honey mustard dressing. What we actually got was a tomato stuffed with the assorted baby greens, enoki mushrooms with chopped up onion, scallions and peppers sprinkled on top and the honey mustard dressing drizzled over everything.

Then the waiters came around and took our orders for the Starters and Entrees.

Starters:
1.Dialogue of Alaskan Salmon Tartare with avocado: cold smoked, pickled and chipotle-hot-smoked salmon with lime-avocado-tomato sauce. DH had this -- loved it the first segment. 2nd segment -- it was mostly BIG chunks of onion and very little salmon.

2.Golden Baked Brie in Phyllo Dough served with a cinnamon-spiced apple cranberry compote -- have had this many times in the past -- love it -- it was excellent the first segment -- not completely heated through -- brie -- wasn't even melted a little bit.

3.Lobster Bisque sensuously smooth classical shellfish soup enhanced with aged French cognac and whipped cream. We both have had this in the past -- it's okay -- not one of our favorites.

4.Oxtail En Crote - flavorful classical soup slow-simmered and served in a crisp pastry crust -- excellent both segments.

Entrees:

1.Tagliatelli with Roasted Chicken & Portobello Muchrooms tossed in olive oil and lemon cream.

2.Sauteed shrimps "Provencales" scented with Mediterranean herbs, tomato concassee', florets of crisp, tender broccoli and sticky rice -- you got 4 medium size shrimps -- some people ordered 3 of this dish in order to get more shrimp -- which sent the waiter into a tizzy since they were on a time schedule.

3.Apricot Glazed Salmon with Soya Garlic and Ginger Spalsh -- I have had this on other ships and love it. 1st segment -- excellent RED sockeye salmon -- 2nd segment -- pink salmon -- tasteless.

4.Duck Breast a l'Orange - the old time favorite, oven roasted until crisp amd served with a Grand Marnier sauce, braised red cabbage, pea pods, carrots julienne and William potatoes. DH had this the first segment -- excellent.

5.Whole Roasted Tenderloin of Beef on an earthy bed of calvados-spiked mushroom ragout, with vegetable bundle, braised onion & horseradish mashed potato. DH had this the second time -- beef was tough and fatty.

6.Wild Mushroom Strudel - selected forest mushroom spinach & feta cheese rolled in Phyllo dough and baked until crisp and flaky. Served with a Thai red curry sauce and a timbale of basmati rice.

Act 3 - The Final Service --- the waitstaff, crew and cast began to assemble out in the hallway around 7:15 for this. Then they parade in with the Baked Alaska.

[Krazy Kruizers]

It seems to be returning to the ships.

We had it on both of our Zuiderdam cruises.

When they first started it years ago, we went to 4 of them -- three too many.

The majority of the staff do not like all the dancing and carrying on.

On some ships it turns out to be a long dinner.

Even those who opt to have Open Seating must choose whether they want to dine at either 5:30 or 8 PM.

[Himself]

Krazy-Kurisers described it well. Why do some people not like it? Who knows. Everything on there goes against my strict diet but once in a while, Oh well! I think it is a lot better than the Ductch Night they had for years and years.

[Roz]

I don't like my food paraded around the DR; I just want to eat without the song and dance routine.

Roz

[Krazy Kruizers]

And I don't like all the waving of the napkins -- JMO.

[May4]

On my last three cruises - Maasdam, Statendam and Ryndam - the Master Chef Dinner was on the last night of the cruise and was combined with the Baked Alaska march, AND the goodbye song by the dining room staff. A very busy night indeed for the crew.

By the way, on the Maasdam, many of the cabin stewards assembled on the stairs to sing and to say farewell, too. That was a first!

[trvlcrzy]

On our Statendam cruise (December 2008), we had the menu, but not the show. There was no mention of the 2 seating times (since there was no performance to fit into the schedule). We were in Open Seating.

On our Ryndam cruise (July 2009), we had the menu and the show. During dinner the night before the "event," we were asked by a "white coat" which time we wanted. It seems that the times offered were 5:30 and 7:45. The dining room opened 15 minutes before the performance began. We were in Open Seating for this cruise, too. For the second week, we scheduled a dinner in the Pinnacle Grill, but we saw the salad bowls and assorted paraphernalia outside the main entrance of the upper level (visible from the entrance to Pinnacle Grill). Occasionally, the sound (music, singing) was loud enough to be heard in the Pinnacle Grill.

[jeda]

The Master Chef Dinner was NOT on the Noordam in Nov 2009 but was on the Volendam and the Ryndam 2009.

[iceman93]

The majority of the staff do not like all the dancing and carrying on.

I will have to disagree. We've done the Master Chef's Dinner three times now, and on each occasion the staff looked forward to it and enjoyed themselves immensely. I even asked our two dining room stewards, wine steward, assistant maitre'd, and some of the entertainers about this because I've seen statements on this board before about how the staff doesn't like it. Every single one said they honestly enjoy themselves, as it breaks up the monotony of the standard dinner services and allows them to see the guests letting loose a bit too.

I guess I would recommend that everyone give it a try once. If you fall into the "hate it" camp, then you know a night to enjoy room service, the Lido, or the PG on future cruises. But if, like me family, you enjoy it then you've got one more thing to look forward to when anticipating a new HAL cruise. Don't let other peoples' opinions sway you before experiencing it for yourself.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I will have to disagree. We've done the Master Chef's Dinner three times now, and on each occasion the staff looked forward to it and enjoyed themselves immensely. I even asked our two dining room stewards, wine steward, assistant maitre'd, and some of the entertainers about this because I've seen statements on this board before about how the staff doesn't like it. Every single one said they honestly enjoy themselves, as it breaks up the monotony of the standard dinner services and allows them to see the guests letting loose a bit too.

I guess I would recommend that everyone give it a try once. If you fall into the "hate it" camp, then you know a night to enjoy room service, the Lido, or the PG on future cruises. But if, like me family, you enjoy it then you've got one more thing to look forward to when anticipating a new HAL cruise. Don't let other peoples' opinions sway you before experiencing it for yourself.

As I said -- we went 4 times which was 3 times too many.

We also asked our waiters -- they didn't like it.

Some crew members like it -- others don't.

[Krazy Kruizers]

For those who wish to know -- on the Zuiderdam the Master Chef dinner was on the last evening of the cruise.

[qe2]

It sounds very corny. I love classical music at dinner but not a show. It should be about the food, nothing more. I hate the baked Alaska parade. It sounds like this will be worse.

[CowPrincess]

The baked brie that is offered on the MCD night is AWESOME. It is one of my favorite HAL dishes. It is almost worth going to the MCD to get the baked brie :) Having NOT done the MCD on our last 2 cruises, I've missed the baked brie. And this upcoming cruise we believe we have again successfully booked the Pinnacle for the night of MCD. This time, I'm requesting the baked brie as my appy in the Pinnacle :)

[lorekauf]

As I said -- we went 4 times which was 3 times too many.

We also asked our waiters -- they didn't like it.

Some crew members like it -- others don't.
I'm with you on this one....I've seen it about 4 times too many. EVERY waiter I've asked doesn't like this "show". I think the ones that do say they like it are just trying to tow the company line. These guys have enough to do without dancing around and as far as I'm concerned. Management is being very unfair to add one more thing for them to do. I wish HAL would kill this thing already. I'm so happy I don't have to see this type of thing on Princess.

[brucory]

There was NO Master chef's dinner on the Oosterdam last month.

There was a baked alaska parade and that was it!!!

:D:D:D

[jmps]

Thanks for all the info to Krazy Kruiser and everyone. It sounds like it may be worth doing if only once. I love baked brie and very seldom have it. :-) I guess we will see in April if the Westerdam has the full Master Chef's Dinner.

It should be possible to get brie in the Pinnacle that night as well though. The one time we have dined in the Pinnacle my DD was able to order crab legs from the main menu because she loves them so much.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I love the Baked brie as well.

But to go to the Master Chef dinner for just a couple of tiny bites -- not worth it to me.

[elycelynne]

Thanks for all the info to Krazy Kruiser and everyone. It sounds like it may be worth doing if only once. I love baked brie and very seldom have it. :-) I guess we will see in April if the Westerdam has the full Master Chef's Dinner.

They just had it on the Westerdam last week on Saturday night (the last night of the cruise), so hopefully they'll have it in April.

It is kind of hokey, but the kind of thing that's nice to be experienced once. I think I'll make other arrangements next time if they still have it.

[oliverbc]

We have experienced it twice. The first time we were sitting with a grumpy couple and where we were we could not see what was happening. This Sep on the Ryndaam we were with friends had a great table(we chose it) and after dinner we had our waiter , sommelier and the yum yum man Sammy sign our chef hats.I think they were very pleased to be recognized as individuals.

[dobiemom]

The Oosterdam had a Master Chef Dinner in April 2008. It was alot of fun. It was in the middle of the cruise, not the last night.

We did not have the MCD on the Mexican Riviera cruise on the "O" last month. I was looking forward to this as my GF was on her first HAL cruise.

[SusieKay]

We recently cruised on the Eurodam Dec 5-12. We ate in the MDR each evening with anytime dining. Thankfully, we must have avoided all the hoopla surrounding this dinner, though we did have the same delicious menu described. I have always found all the napkin waving, clapping, singing, the weird hats, etc a bit silly and a distraction from the quiet dignity of the meal. As anytime dining is becoming more popular, hopefully this too will pass away along with the fixed dining times.

[RuthC]

As anytime dining is becoming more popular, hopefully this too will pass away along with the fixed dining times.
Why do you need to have fixed dining times eliminated? Can't you enjoy a "dignified" dinner in open seating while still allowing others to have As You Wish Dining as they wish?

[Mary Ellen]

....As anytime dining is becoming more popular, hopefully this too will pass away along with the fixed dining times.OK, It is "As YOU Wish Dining" for everyone???? Never mind that some want the fixed dining times? :rolleyes: I don't care if you want the 'anytime' dining. WHY does matter to you when/how I eat?

[brucory]

OK, It is "As YOU Wish Dining" for everyone???? Never mind that some want the fixed dining times? :rolleyes: I don't care if you want the 'anytime' dining. WHY does matter to you when/how I eat?

Maybe the poster meant fixed dining for everyone. Why would anyone in open seating care about what is happening upstairs?

:D:D:D

[Bill S]

To the OP: we've endured two Master Chef Dinners and still don't understand it.

I laugh at a lot of corny jokes, but to describe the MCD as "corny" is an understatement, IMHO.

On our next HAL cruise we are going to try to find out when the Master Chef Dinner is, and then book the Pinnacle Grill that night.

Different strokes . . . . . . :)

[holacanada]

This is a picture I took on my last voyage.
Have a very good day !

Holacanada on Niew Amsterdam in 276 days, 16 hours, 55 minutes and 17 seconds

[Krazy Kruizers]

We recently cruised on the Eurodam Dec 5-12. We ate in the MDR each evening with anytime dining. Thankfully, we must have avoided all the hoopla surrounding this dinner, though we did have the same delicious menu described. I have always found all the napkin waving, clapping, singing, the weird hats, etc a bit silly and a distraction from the quiet dignity of the meal. As anytime dining is becoming more popular, hopefully this too will pass away along with the fixed dining times.

What is wrong with fixed dining times?

Not all of us like open seating dining.

I like the way HAL has it that some of us can choose to have fixed dining while those who don't want to eat at a certain time every night can choose to eat at the open seating whenever they want to.

On many of our cruises we have found that more people were complaining about NOT having the fixed dining time.

[suse]

OK, It is "As YOU Wish Dining" for everyone???? Never mind that some want the fixed dining times? :rolleyes: I don't care if you want the 'anytime' dining. WHY does matter to you when/how I eat?
Actually, it probably doesn't matter to her. But! I like fixed dining and find it is the best! As YOU Wish Dining or whatever it is seems to be continually confusing, wouldn't you say?:)

[TiogaCruiser]

At mcd on volendam in September 08 the waitstaff carried glowsticks while serving the baked Alaska. They twirled them around. I noticed in Karen Kweens pix the baked Alaska had light sparklers in them. Does each ship do it differently?

[GmaPajama]

I agree, the Master Chef's Dinner can get old ... BUT, we do attend if it feels like our Dining Steward is looking forward to it. Sometimes our Steward talks about it ahead of time, and may even ask if we'll be there - and that's when we absolutely will. After having built a good relationship with our servers, we simply don't want to let them down. If, however, no mention is made of the Master Chef's Dinner, we usually dine elsewhere. Although many here feel it's a waste of time (and even corny) we've have been surprisingly entertained by those Stewards who look forward to it.

[jmps]

Thanks again for all the responses. It does sound "corny" but since we haven't seen it before we will plan to attend if they have it on our cruise. We actually like this "cruising only" kind of experience. It makes the cruise experience unique. My wife and I are in our early 50s and we have two late teen girls who LOVE to cruise. We all like laughing when we are waiving napkins over our heads. :-)

We used the non-fixed dining on our first HAL cruise and we will have fixed on this one. It will be nice to be back to a traditional kind of cruise experience for us. We will have four sea days and I think fixed is great for sea days. We are hoping the service in the MDR is better in fixed; closer to our past Celebrity experience. We like it that the wait staff learns preferences etc... That said non-fixed worked great for us on our first HAL (Alaskan) cruise since it was so port intensive.

Thanks again to all the CCers who responded from their own point of view.

[RuthC]

As YOU Wish Dining or whatever it is seems to be continually confusing, wouldn't you say?:)
As You Wish becomes confusing when people equate it with open seating---which it most definitely is not.

As You Wish dining includes the entire spectrum of dining choices. Those extend beyond fixed and open seating to include Lido and room service, Pinnacle, and Tamarind and Canaletto on those ships which have those choices.

I like As You Wish dining, when I get what I wish for. And my wish is for main/fixed when I cruise.

[Vic The Parrot]

This is what happened at one of the Master Chef's dinners that we attended:

Master Chef Dinner:

The group "The Mix" from the Crow's Nest played the music about 80% of the time. The crew staff and dancers from the production shows led the waitstaff in the dance routines. The lead singer from the cast did the opening song. It was the only time she sang. Since she was on the steps, halfway down, many people didn't even know that she was singing.

When we entered the dining room there was already a Parker House with various seeds on top on the butter plate which was under your chef's toque and menu. The menu was a special cut out showing a spatula, cork screw, rolling pin, chopping knife and big spoon.

Then we had the Ballet Service. This was the only time we had a singer. The waitstaff entered both levels of the dining room to the tune of "Swan Lake". The assistant waiter held the try of napkins while the waiter placed them in our laps. The crew and cast had to help out here in some sections as there weren't enough waitstaff to quickly get the napkins to everyone.

Act 1 - Once again the waitstaff, crew and cast entered the dining room carrying the Chef's Amuse Surprise -- mushroom mousse with asparagus en bouche. This was a tiny empty puff pastry with a tiny dab of mouuse on top.

After those dishes were cleared away, the waitstaff. crew and cast again assembled in the hall and entered the dining room to begin Act 2 -- The Swing Service. The crew and staff "mixed" the salad in HUGE salad bowls to music -- waitstaff get throwing in fake tomatoes, peppers, etc -- some of the waitstaff tried to juggle the peppers -- very funny. Show Salad Spectacular: menu said that we were to have assorted baby greens, pepper rings, mushrooms, scallions & cherry tomatoes with a honey mustard dressing. What we actually got was a tomato stuffed with the assorted baby greens, enoki mushrooms with chopped up onion, scallions and peppers sprinkled on top and the honey mustard dressing drizzled over everything.

Then the waiters came around and took our orders for the Starters and Entrees.

Starters:
1.Dialogue of Alaskan Salmon Tartare with avocado: cold smoked, pickled and chipotle-hot-smoked salmon with lime-avocado-tomato sauce. DH had this -- loved it the first segment. 2nd segment -- it was mostly BIG chunks of onion and very little salmon.

2.Golden Baked Brie in Phyllo Dough served with a cinnamon-spiced apple cranberry compote -- have had this many times in the past -- love it -- it was excellent the first segment -- not completely heated through -- brie -- wasn't even melted a little bit.

3.Lobster Bisque sensuously smooth classical shellfish soup enhanced with aged French cognac and whipped cream. We both have had this in the past -- it's okay -- not one of our favorites.

4.Oxtail En Crote - flavorful classical soup slow-simmered and served in a crisp pastry crust -- excellent both segments.

Entrees:

1.Tagliatelli with Roasted Chicken & Portobello Muchrooms tossed in olive oil and lemon cream.

2.Sauteed shrimps "Provencales" scented with Mediterranean herbs, tomato concassee', florets of crisp, tender broccoli and sticky rice -- you got 4 medium size shrimps -- some people ordered 3 of this dish in order to get more shrimp -- which sent the waiter into a tizzy since they were on a time schedule.

3.Apricot Glazed Salmon with Soya Garlic and Ginger Spalsh -- I have had this on other ships and love it. 1st segment -- excellent RED sockeye salmon -- 2nd segment -- pink salmon -- tasteless.

4.Duck Breast a l'Orange - the old time favorite, oven roasted until crisp amd served with a Grand Marnier sauce, braised red cabbage, pea pods, carrots julienne and William potatoes. DH had this the first segment -- excellent.

5.Whole Roasted Tenderloin of Beef on an earthy bed of calvados-spiked mushroom ragout, with vegetable bundle, braised onion & horseradish mashed potato. DH had this the second time -- beef was tough and fatty.

6.Wild Mushroom Strudel - selected forest mushroom spinach & feta cheese rolled in Phyllo dough and baked until crisp and flaky. Served with a Thai red curry sauce and a timbale of basmati rice.

Act 3 - The Final Service --- the waitstaff, crew and cast began to assemble out in the hallway around 7:15 for this. Then they parade in with the Baked Alaska.



Couldn't help but notice, but wasn't there anything on the menu that didn't have mushrooms in it ??

Personally, that alone would be a good reason for me to avoid that night.
Blech!! LOL

[Cruising-along]

Couldn't help but notice, but wasn't there anything on the menu that didn't have mushrooms in it ??

Personally, that alone would be a good reason for me to avoid that night.
Blech!! LOL

I don't like mushrooms either, which is the only reason we'll avoid the Master Chef's dinner in the future. It's the only time I've had a meal on a dam ship and was still hungry. :mad:

Other than the menu, we enjoyed it the one time we had it, and it was because our servers made it enjoyable. :)

[the_dylaness]

I am also in the "hate it" camp.

Although some may disagree, I personally feel that it is a little demeaning to the waiters to be made to parade around, waving napkins, singing, dancing, making fake salads, et cetera. Many posters have reported that the staff enjoy this, so certainly my opinion is not shared by all of the servers, but I know that's how I'd feel if I were in their shoes.

The whole production just makes me cringe.

The food selection is more limited, I think the service suffers as a result of the parading and fanfare, and it is overall just not very pleasant for me at all.

We managed to escape before the baked alaska parade while on the Ryndam two weeks ago. I do see that some people like this event but I think I'll be skipping it in the future.

[trvlcrzy]

I can't recall... is the "available anytime menu" offered on MCD night? (I seem to recall reading somewhere that it was not... and if that is the case, this is a definite concern for our next cruise. One really picky eater in the group... who only likes mushrooms on pizzas.)

[RuthC]

Couldn't help but notice, but wasn't there anything on the menu that didn't have mushrooms in it ??
IIRC, there's no mushrooms on the Baked Alaska, but you can ask for them on the side. ;)

[RuthC]

I can't recall... is the "available anytime menu" offered on MCD night?
It wasn't on my Rotterdam cruise in October. :(

[trvlcrzy]

It wasn't on my Rotterdam cruise in October. :(

Thanks for the heads up. We will have to find out which night as we get closer ... and book the Pinnacle, I guess. If we can't get Pinnacle that night, room service's Triple Decker Club was really good! I'm sure we won't starve.

[lorekauf]

Thanks for the heads up. We will have to find out which night as we get closer ... and book the Pinnacle, I guess. If we can't get Pinnacle that night, room service's Triple Decker Club was really good! I'm sure we won't starve.
The last few cruises I have been on it's been on the last night. I was on HAL in Oct.09 so this info is recent.

[Vic The Parrot]

IIRC, there's no mushrooms on the Baked Alaska, but you can ask for them on the side. ;)


Eeewww !! :eek:





LOL

Thanks for the chuckle ... I needed that. ;)

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thanks for the heads up. We will have to find out which night as we get closer ... and book the Pinnacle, I guess. If we can't get Pinnacle that night, room service's Triple Decker Club was really good! I'm sure we won't starve.

There is also the Lido for dinner.

[trvlcrzy]

There is also the Lido for dinner.

How is the menu different in the Lido from the Main Dining Room? In our experience (only our Amsterdam 2008 sailing), the Lido dinner entree options were a limited selection from the MDR menu.

[Mary Ellen]

How is the menu different in the Lido from the Main Dining Room? In our experience (only our Amsterdam 2008 sailing), the Lido dinner entree options were a limited selection from the MDR menu.You are correct. That is why we don't dine in the MDR or the Lido the night of the Master Chef's Dinner.

[Krazy Kruizers]

On the evening of the Master Chef's dinner -- the dinner menu in the Lido is the same as the dinner menu in the dining room. This is one time that it is not limited.

They just don't have the Baked Alaska.

[Mary Ellen]

So, KK, the point of suggesting the Lido to avoid the MCD in the MDR is...?

[trvlcrzy]

The Lido would offer the opportunity to enjoy the menu without the show.

I hope we can book the PG, though. My memories of the Steak Diane are calling me... I hope someone will report after Ryndam's refurbishment to tell us the dining schedule. I have often read that MCD is on the last night (as it was on our Ryndam -- with two events: one for the 7-dayers and the second for the second leg), but in this thread someone mentioned that they had it on an earlier night.

[Mary Ellen]

Ah, trvlcrzy - you enjoy the menu. I don't like fungus. ;)

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

We are not Master Chef dinner fans and have avoided them the past three years by going to the Pinnacle. However, on our recent Maasdam cruise, it was the last night and combined with the Baked Alaska parade which we do like. So we went as we also wanted to see our excellent dining stewards one last time.

I have to admit HAL has improved this event somewhat. Both upper and lower dining rooms are the same seating (no As you wish). As KK has indicated earlier, a roll is in front of you when you sit - no napkin. That comes with the performance. Wasn't that keen on that. The ones who did the tossing of the salads were the show dancers and the wait staff seemed to just twirl the napkins which eventually did end up in your lap.

The service was much better than expected since the first two courses and the dessert were the same for everyone and they could get them out fast. I didn't think the choices for appetizer and main were that good but could find something we did like.

Having it the last night and combining it with the March of the Baked Alaskas means the stewards only have to try to get everyone done at the same time once a cruise. Also having it on the last night means those who have already completed their evaluations won't make comments to HAL to eliminate this event.

Will we attend on every cruise - definitely not - but it didn't seem to be as bad as it was when first introduced. I still wish they didn't do it but it seems like it is here to stay.

Barbara

[Krazy Kruizers]

So, KK, the point of suggesting the Lido to avoid the MCD in the MDR is...?

As I have said many times -- for us -- we have done it 4 times -- 3 times toooooooo many!!

It is just not our style -- we prefer a dinner without a silly show.

So for those who do not wish to attend the Master Chef dinner in the dining room they can at least go to the Lido for dinner if they do not want to spend the Pinnacle at the Pinnacle or if the Pinnacle is already completely booked for that evening. Any many people don't have large cabins in which to dine without balancing plates on their laps.

[m steve]

and just have a nice quiet dinner with excellent food and service.

[Mary Ellen]

So for those who do not wish to attend the Master Chef dinner in the dining room they can at least go to the Lido for dinner if they do not want to spend the Pinnacle at the Pinnacle or if the Pinnacle is already completely booked for that evening. Any many people don't have large cabins in which to dine without balancing plates on their laps.You missed my point - What is the sense of going to the Lido? It is the same crappy menu. All one would avoid is the silly song/dance.

[CowPrincess]

You missed my point - What is the sense of going to the Lido? It is the same crappy menu. All one would avoid is the silly song/dance.

We've not tried the Lido on the MCD evening, but I'd expect that one could mix and match things, to at least get a plate of food that is acceptable. I suppose one could TRY that in the MDR, but then the poor dining steward would get that "deer in the headlights" look and I personally would feel AWFUL to do that to one of them.

In my opinion, an entire meal of baked brie would be just fine :D and I could probably manage that in the Lido.

[Krazy Kruizers]

You missed my point - What is the sense of going to the Lido? It is the same crappy menu. All one would avoid is the silly song/dance.

And ordering from the dinner menu for your cabin is still the same crappy menu.

The Pinnacle can't handle everyone who wishes to skip the Master Chef Dinner.

[Mary Ellen]

And ordering from the dinner menu for your cabin is still the same crappy menu.Ah, but with room service I can get something other that what is on the limited MDR menu. A club sandwich would be fine. Salmon. Grilled Chicken. The regular room service menu is FAR superior to the Master Chef's menu. I would NEVER suggest one go the Lido to avoid the MCD menu.

[Krazy Kruizers]

JMO -- but we don't go on a cruise to have dinner in our cabin.

[Mary Ellen]

JMO -- We don't go on a cruise to walk away from dinner still hungry.

When I first tried the MCD I thought 'at least there is lobster bisque, something I'd be willing to eat'. WRONG. I'm convinced that possibly someone walked through the kitchen carrying a picture of a lobster what that thin, watery broth was prepared. Maybe, someone just thought of a lobster...

We don't use room service for dinner on MCD night, but I would offer that as an option to those who can't get into an alternate restaurant, well before suggesting the Lido. I still don't see the point of offering the Lido as an option if one wants to avoid the MCD menu.

[lorekauf]

I still don't see the point of offering the Lido as an option if one wants to avoid the MCD menu.
I don't mind the menu it's the stupid singing and dancing routine. The last thing the waiters need is something else to do. I wish HAL would kill this thing already!

[RuthC]

We've not tried the Lido on the MCD evening, but I'd expect that one could mix and match things, to at least get a plate of food that is acceptable. I suppose one could TRY that in the MDR, but then the poor dining steward would get that "deer in the headlights" look and I personally would feel AWFUL to do that to one of them.
That's my SOP in the main dining room on many nights anyway. I select the meat from one choice, the potato from another, and the veggie from a third. The stewards never bat an eyelash, and always get it right.

[CowPrincess]

That's my SOP in the main dining room on many nights anyway. I select the meat from one choice, the potato from another, and the veggie from a third. The stewards never bat an eyelash, and always get it right.

I have no qualms about doing that, too, on any other night. But for the MCDs (the two of them that we've attended), I hate to add to their workload at all. I get the impression that there are more timing issues for the dining stewards for the MCD than a regular dinner.

[gentlemancruiser]

JMO -- We don't go on a cruise to walk away from dinner still hungry.

When I first tried the MCD I thought 'at least there is lobster bisque, something I'd be willing to eat'. WRONG. I'm convinced that possibly someone walked through the kitchen carrying a picture of a lobster what that thin, watery broth was prepared. Maybe, someone just thought of a lobster...

We don't use room service for dinner on MCD night, but I would offer that as an option to those who can't get into an alternate restaurant, well before suggesting the Lido. I still don't see the point of offering the Lido as an option if one wants to avoid the MCD menu.

I couldn't agree with you more. I thought the bisque was going to be a nice touch to the meal but it turned out the be awful. When the DR waiter placed in in front of me I thought it was another squash soup because it was browny orange colour. I 'd also forgotten what I had ordered because it took so long for the meal to start. At the 8pm seating, the food service didn't start until 8:40.
We never received any salad like KK mentioned, we did get a tiny dried up thing which kind of tasted like dried mushrooms. There was the dance salad but nothing after the dance, just our appetizers.
Our DR waiter told me quietly they all didn't like it, I could see they were over worked because all of the supervisors were helping out, there was a gap of 40 minutes between our main course being cleared and the parade of the baked alaska. My partner was able to walk up to the lido and look for a dessert (with no luck) before they started the parade. We were told it was because any guests on As You Wish were booked for 8pm as well and the kitchen couldn't keep up.

[Krazy Kruizers]

The salad keeps changing from ship to ship -- each chef does his own version -- but they do make certain that mushrooms are part of it.

The lobster bisque -- I do not care for HAL's version in either the dining room or the Pinnacle. They make it with either a beef or veal stock. Where we live it is made with a clam or lobster stock -- and thus is whiter and creamier.

[Roz]

I tried the lobster bisque and was very disappointed. All I could taste was salt - no lobster flavor at all. Never tried it again. Too many other delicious choices on the menu.

Roz

[jmps]

We tried the Lobster Bisque in the Pinnacle and we too were disappointed. They need to look at the recipe.

[jcrandle]

J
When I first tried the MCD I thought 'at least there is lobster bisque, something I'd be willing to eat'. WRONG. I'm convinced that possibly someone walked through the kitchen carrying a picture of a lobster what that thin, watery broth was prepared. Maybe, someone just thought of a lobster...



I loved your description of the creation of the lobster bisque. It reminded me of my college roommate, who was in Navy ROTC, and could do a perfect imitation of a Bosun's whistle, followed by the announcement, "Now hear this, will the duty chicken report to the mess hall and run through the soup!"

[m steve]

in restaurants that serve lots of real lobster and they use the shells and body parts to prepare the broth. It's often good in French restaurants and in steak houses that serve lots of lobster, like The Palm. I've never had good bisque on any ship but haven't sail Cunard yet.

[Cruise Fanatic]

I went to the MCD for the first time several years ago. I have to admit it is different. I did think that the chef's toque and menu was a nice surprise. I didn't care for all of the singing and dancing. On our next HAL cruise, we by-passed the MCD and ate in the Pinnacle Grill.
Alot of the passengers seem to enjoy it.

[buckirj1]

This has been a real education (thank you!). I don't care for singing and dancing waitstaff on Carnival, and don't think I'd like it on HAL, either. Moreover, the menu doesn't sound particularly appealing, but tastes vary. One thing confused me, and got lost in the brief discussion of open vs. fixed seating. Do I understand correctly that the MCD is limited only to diners in fixed seating? That'd work wonderfully for me as I prefer open seating.

[Australian family]

We just went to it on the Volendam and our waiters seemed only too happy to do it.

There was plenty of food, besides which, there is more food on board then you can poke a stick at. If you don't get enough at dinner then go to the Lido and get a top up, not that we did.

We had a very enjoyable night and had 2 other Australian couples at our table and we just roared with laughter.

We were very impressed with it.

[jghllnd1]

I hope they continue to have the MCD. I along with everyone around really enjoyed it. Yes, it took a little longer, and I did find the staff in the fixed dinning more into it than in the as you wish dinning, but I saw everone having fun.

[trvlcrzy]

This has been a real education (thank you!). I don't care for singing and dancing waitstaff on Carnival, and don't think I'd like it on HAL, either. Moreover, the menu doesn't sound particularly appealing, but tastes vary. One thing confused me, and got lost in the brief discussion of open vs. fixed seating. Do I understand correctly that the MCD is limited only to diners in fixed seating? That'd work wonderfully for me as I prefer open seating.

IME, that would be a 'no.' Our open dining table was visited by a "white jacketed" gentleman the night before the scheduled MCD in order to explain that the next evening's seatings were only at two scheduled times. IIRC, these times were 15 minutes before the regularly scheduled seating times for fixed (on our particular ship and sailing). He was recording the preferred times for diners at each table. We were on a 14-day sailing that was also offered as two 7-day cruises, so there were two MCD events. Our open dining table was visited twice for this discussion.

On our Christmas 2008 cruise, we had the menu, but not the show, so there were no specially scheduled dining times.

For those who are celebrating the demise of the MCD, my concern is... is the show gone? is the menu gone? are both gone? (Perhaps those statements were in another thread titled something like "dining choices"?)

[Krazy Kruizers]

This has been a real education (thank you!). I don't care for singing and dancing waitstaff on Carnival, and don't think I'd like it on HAL, either. Moreover, the menu doesn't sound particularly appealing, but tastes vary. One thing confused me, and got lost in the brief discussion of open vs. fixed seating. Do I understand correctly that the MCD is limited only to diners in fixed seating? That'd work wonderfully for me as I prefer open seating.

All of the dining room gets the MCD -- both fixed dining and open seating.

If you have open seating the night before the MCD you will be asked wether you want to dine at 5:30 or 8 PM. This way the "show" is put on for everyone.

[buckirj1]

All of the dining room gets the MCD -- both fixed dining and open seating.

If you have open seating the night before the MCD you will be asked wether you want to dine at 5:30 or 8 PM. This way the "show" is put on for everyone.

Thanks to you and trvlcrzy for answering the question. And here's another one: open seating is typically at the lower level of the dining room, isn't it? Or does it vary by ship?

[Mary Ellen]

The only ship that doesn't have open seating on the lower level is the Prinsendam - because it doesn't have a lower level. This link (http://www.wa70.com/hal/dining/) will take you the maps showing the tables (including which are open seating) for the various ships.