Pinnacle Grill

[dam1050]

For those who have sailed since the Pinnacle Grill's inception:

[Krazy Kruizers]

:D

We have eaten in the Pinnacle Grill many, many times.

We feel it is well worth the $20 per person.

At home we can get a filet for $20 that includes appetizer, soup, salad, and dessert.

:D

[CaptData]

I voted no, but I intend to try because I have not been on Hal yet. I intend to try it on my upcoming cruise in Feb 05. I have eaten at other ones, Sabertine's was one. I like trying different restaunts on board the ships as it adds a difference to the trip. This will be my first HAL trip. :D :D :D

[sail7seas]

We have very much enjoyed many wonderful evenings in Pinnacles on Zuiderdam, Maasdam and Rotterdam. We are looking forward to more great dinner on Maasdam in Pinnacle during our upcoming cruise.

[CINCY40]

We had dinner there three nights out of seven on our last Zuiderdam trip and plan on doing that in future.

Nancy

[localady]

This friday evening, god willing, we will be seated at a window seat for 2 in the Pinnacle aboard the Ryndam watching the sites of the Vancouver area vanish!:D That is heaven!!!
I can almost taste that wonderful smooth red wine in the beautiful crystal glass, and the refreshing taste of a sip of Pellagrino after, not to mention the menu.....Okay darn it, now I am hungry!!!!:eek:

[ryansmemom]

We really enjoy the Pinnacle and look forward to dining there at least once on every cruise. The food, the service, the ambience are well woth the $20pp charge + tip to us.

Linda :)

[F5Loar]

Because the food served is that different and that much better than the main dining room it is worth the extra $20 but it is not worth missing the main dining room food for. To me it is hard to pick which night to go alternate.
What if you miss lobster night? or prime rib night? or heaven forbid the escargo night? You can't get escargo or prime rib at the Pinnacle. So I always book for first night for $10 , go to early seating to sample the meal there and then to the Pinnacle for late night gormet meal. Sort of the best of both worlds approach. You get the same great meal at the Pinnacle for half price and you don't miss your favorite item in the main dining room. Sure it might add to my crusie weight for the week but it's a cruise, am I suppose to be a diet that week?

[sail7seas]

Localady......


Just to whet your appetite and make you even more eager, I just posted the Pinnacle's Menu.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I voted on the recommend because we plan to retry on the Ryndam in November but were not that thrilled April of 2003 on the Zuirderdam, we are hoping it was just a bad night. The first was good but I would not rate superior. I thought it was just 1 or 2 steps above the main dining room but not worth $40.00 plus tip more. Maybe living in Las Vegas I have been exposed to too many find dining restaurants.

Localady, I can't wait to hear how it is for you on the Ryndam this Friday.

For some reason this board just does not have them many that cruise on the Ryndam. I guess because so few from the West Coast are active on this board.

[Krazy Kruizers]

:) LAFFNVEGAS

Zuiderdam was having a lot of problems in the spring of 2003.

Maybe you just hit one of those bad times till they got everything straightened out.

Or maybe it was what you ordered.

Hope you will try it again on your next cruise.

:)

[olderpilot]

Hate to be one of the dissenters on this subject, but we have tried the Pinnacle on both the Amsterdam and Oosterdam and were very disappointed. We felt the food was not that much better, especially considering the cost. We also found the service to be excruciatingly slow on both occasions. To each his own, but for us we will most likely not repeat.

Jerry

[jhannah]

We really enjoyed the Odyssey on the Zuiderdam. Great food and wonderful service. We really enjoy a leisurely meal, so slow service in that venue doesn't bother us at all. We tend to eat too quickly most of the time, anyway. It's a nice break for us to take an hour and a half or so to dine.

[trustee55]

Hi!
We have eaten at the Pinnacle Grill three times now, and probably will again when we sail on the Rotterdam in October.
However, to be truthful, although I have found the meat to be wonderful, I have found the vegetables very disappointing.
I wish they would change the menu once in a while; especially for the desserts.
Just my humble opinion.
Best regards,

Carol Ann

[RevNeal]

I have found the meat to be wonderful, I have found the vegetables very disappointing.
I wish they would change the menu once in a while....

I agree on all counts. The meats were excellent, but I'm not fond of most of the various vegetables available (I'm not fond of Asparagus). If they would change their menu around some, I'd like it more.

However, as it is, for one night on (especially) a longer cruise, the Pinnacle Grill is a nice variation, and well-worth the price.

[Lisa63]

We plan to enjoy one evening in the Pinnacle Grill on Maasdam next month. This will be our first HAL cruise, and also the first time on all of our cruises that we will dine in a restaurant that has a surcharge -- it sounds as if it is worth every penny, and more.

[peaches from georgia]

We have enjoyed dinners at the Pinnacle on the Rotterdam, Oosterdam, and most recently on the Maasdam in June. The service on the Maasdam was absolutely the best we've had and the food we had was terrific on all 3 ships , though occasional changes in the menu would be nice, too.

[EdwH]

Had Bad experience Oct. 2003, Band noise from the other side of the wall, over powered the conversation and the piped in music. Food was not that great either. Party of 8 (eight) could not sit together, My table was finished with our food before the other table got their food. It was a anniversary
Party. I have been to pinnacle grills on other ships and had a great time.
Happy Sailing . Edwh

[Anorak33]

Dined at Pinnacle on Statendam 16th May 2004.

Food was OK but waiter unhelpful.

Winewaiter had not opened red wine to allow it to breathe although we had ordered it a few days in advance. It was ready to drink by the time we got dessert. That's too late.

Next day I noticed the wine had been charged for wrong (too much) .
I queried this at the Front Office and heard no more - on the last day when I received my final statement the charge for wine had been removed. I did not query it further.

I don't think I'll go back. It seems like a racial supremacist thing they have going where you pay more and get a European waiter intead of an Asian one.
I don't like that much.

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

When the Maasdam first came out of dry dock the end of Oct 2003, the Pinnacle Grill had just been added. The waitstaff was new and had not really been trained. Having eaten on other ships in the Pinnacle Grill we were disappointed - both food and waitstaff.

But that did not stop us from eating in the Pinnacle Grill on other ships. We have since eaten many dinners there on the Oosterdam (Feb/Mar). And, yes, we tried the Pinnacle Grill on the Maasdam in May - what a change - ate there several times.

:)

[sail7seas]

I am so happy to hear that Maasdam's Pinnacle is as good as it should be.


When we were last aboard Maasdam (just after KK), Pinnacle was "getting better" but our first experience there was disappointing. Nevertheless, we went back for a second (and maybe third dinner) and the next was much better.

Can't wait to enjoy at least one dinner there in just a few weeks.

[akeka]

We ate at the Pinnacle Grill on the Ryndam last November and enjoyed it tremendously. We have booked it for the first night of our October cruise on the Volendam.

They did warn us that our party of nine might not be seated at one table.

P.S. On the Ryndam last year, there were not European waiters.

[peaches from georgia]

We just returned home last night from our 6/12 Maasdam cruise after continuing on with other vacation plans for 3 weeks, so I have not been able to post a review or comment yet. I haven't found a review on here yet from any other June pax to compare experiences and thoughts, so if there is please will somebody tell me where.

Not only did we find the Pinnacle food and service to be outstanding, but we simply LOVED the ship, the officers and crew, all our stewards, the dining room, our suite and everything we experienced (except possibly a port or 2 that we felt could have been eliminated). No complaints about anything (and regulars here know I would say it if we had) and can't wait to sail the Maasdam again.

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

On the Ryndam in 2003, we did not have the Europeans but HAL is changing that on all ships.

If it hasn't been done on a ship by now, you bet that it soon will be.

:)

[AirGorilla]

We've dined in two Pinnacles (both "Z" ships) twice each. Most recently on the ZUI in May. Have had very good experiences -- prefer their filet mignon over their seafood.

Very fine service from our waiter "Attila" (I'm not kidding!!); he says everyone calls him "Honey" for his nickname!! He was our waiter both nights on the ZUI, and I recommend requesting him.

We do not book the Pinnacle on the evenings that are Formal in the main dining room -- those are typically the nights that have the best food in the main dining room.

[sail7seas]

Ahhhh..."MY" MAASDAM.....


I just love hearing wonderful things about the ship I have loved for years. Especially when I am holding docs for our rapidly upcoming cruise on her :)

[peaches from georgia]

This thread continues to rise to the top of the list with a time given that a new post was added, but there is no new post. What gives? It's the only thread I can see that is doing that. I did it at 5 something and again at 7 something and maybe other times too, both times saying it was a post by s7s, but the thread showed nothing. I'm really posting to see if it will do it with mine also.

[F5Loar]

It's because people are looking at it to place a vote and then not make a comment so it rises to the top each time a vote is cast.

[terrascape]

On previous HA cruises we felt "why pay extra for a dinner" when we can eat top notch food, in the main dining room. Our last cruise, Transatlantic on the Prinsendam in May happened to coincide with our 23rd anniversary. We decided to splurge on that special evening, and eat in the Pinnacle. The food was great, the service was very attentive, and we were very impressed by the "old world decor" and the overall ambience. Yes, we will repeat the Pinnacle in future cruises, especially for a "special occasion".

[RaffinOrganGrinders]

We cruised on the Statendam in March 2004 and ate at the pinnacle for dinner twice and a wine tasting lunch. The first dinner was the $10 special the first night out and was outstanding. The second dinner was nice but fell short of the first experience (my meat was a little chewy and it was a filet!) My husband loves trying different wines so he talked me into going to the lunch. It turned out to be again an outstanding meal with great wine and the food was superb. I think some of the problems with the second meal was the inexperience of the wait staff that some one has mentioned before. Myhusband is looking forward to trying the Pinnacle again on our cruise on the Westerdam in November (me too!)

[Himself]

Hey Gang:

I was on the VOLENDAM a few weeks ago and tried the Pinacle Grill one night. I was on THE VOLENDAM a few years ago when the alternative restaurant featured Italian Cuisine. I did not eat there then but I did a few weeks ago when I was in Alaska. I LIKED it a lot. I passed on the potato, but liked everything else. I would recommend the Pinacle. Look at it this way: You are on vacation.

HIMSELF

[Host Dan]

We plan on eating at the Pinnacle Grill, on the Zuiderdam, the first night, as it is complimentary. What is the customary tip? Can you sign for it, or is cash the way to go..
Thanks!
CruiserDan
www.saintpeterealtors.com

[MrPony]

Dan - we did the same thing on our first night - I gave the girl $10 cash (three of us, Mrs Pony, our 18 year old grandson and myself),

[peaches from georgia]

We plan on eating at the Pinnacle Grill, on the Zuiderdam, the first night, as it is complimentary. What is the customary tip? Can you sign for it, or is cash the way to go..
Thanks!
CruiserDan
www.saintpeterealtors.com

The Pinnacle is not complimentary on the first night, but it is half price- $10 pp. The charge for the meal will be directly to your ship's account and then tip in cash, amount being up to you, of course. We tip based on what we believe the meal would have cost us in a fine restaurant.

[jhannah]

When you reserve the Pinnacle prior to your cruise, the charge is placed on your credit card right then. We're already set for the first night of our September cruise.

[Host Dan]

I booked and paid for the cruise with Amex Platinum card. One of the perks is 1st night complimentary dinner at Pinnacle Grill. Fyi
CruiserDan
www.saintpeterealtors.com

[peaches from georgia]

We plan on eating at the Pinnacle Grill, on the Zuiderdam, the first night, as it is complimentary.
CruiserDan
www.saintpeterealtors.com

Thank you for the explanation, Dan. Your initial post made it appear that the Pinnacle was complimentary to all and not just under certain specific circumstances. I'm sure I'm not the only person who read your post that way.

[sail7seas]

Yes, Dan, that is correct as to AmEx Platinum holders who used their card to pay for the cruise.

When we arrived in our Suite on Rotterdam, there was a card in our cabin advising us we could dine free that night in Pinnacle and gave the extension number we should call to confirm a reservation.....(or have the Concierge in Neptune Lounge to it for us).

We did not go that night but did enjoy Pinnacle on three other nights.

[Host Dan]

We will definately use the concierge service. Might as well!!
Glad we don't have to book ahead of time.
CruiserDan
www.saintpeterealtors.com

[sheldrvrT6A]

Just came off of the O two weeks ago and had the Pinnacle for both my wife and I and we throughly enjoyed the food and service. Both were outstanding!
Our wine steward came over from the Vista lounge and served us our bottle of wine that we has pre bought prior to the cruise. The only "not so good" item was that there was a party of Asian people that were very loud and getting along with the drinks and such if you know what I mean. Our waiter apologized many times. He said it was akin to a chinese buffet! Anyway the food and service meant more to us than the commotion which we just tried to ignore. I vote that someone who goes on the cruise needs to try it just get a reservation early as our ship was sold out after the first night.
Have fun.
Jerry

[doone]

I was hesitant to try the Pinnacle because of the extra charge. This past March on the Rotterdam, it was dad's birthday, so we went for his birthday. I have to say, the $20 per person charge was truly minimal for what we had, it was spectacular and are looking forward to going back to the Pinnacle on both the Zuiderdam and Volendam.

I highly recommend this restaurant.

[lknick]

I have had three great experiences in the Pinnacle during the last year [ Zuiderdam 2X, Oosterdam] and one miserable one [Prinsendam]. The latter was due to change-over in crew New York in which everyone was new and seemed to fall over themselves.

Without getting into likes and dislikes of food [I love asparagus, Rev doesn't...more for me], I believe the quality of meat to be better [Sterling]. I like the atmosphere better in some than others. [Don't really like the steel environment in the Vistas].

Underlying this poll is the extra cost. To me, this means nothing, and even in my worst experience I believed the food was of value. [And I love Perkins!] Helluva lot better than Todd English at $30 on the QM2.

[rolnickr]

Sailed the Zaandam last week, and tried the Pinnacle one night. We were incredibly dissapinted in the quality -- the food was actually *far* worse than the main dining room. The "vine ripened tomato and basil salad" was actually a few slices of beefsteak tomato that was picked off the vine well before it had ripened. It was barely edible. The filet mignon was good, but no better than in your average steak restaurant back home, and the sauces they provided with it ranged from "okay" to "blech". I tried the asparagus w/ bernaise sauce as one of my side dishes. The asparagus was undercooked and the sauce was almost tasteless. The baked potato was so cold it didn't even melt the butter.

For dessert, we ordered the chocolate volcano cake, as I'd heard so many people rave about it in the past (as well as the fact that we knew we'd be getting baked alaska the following night, so we didn't want it twice). It was tasty, but awfully dry even with the orange-zested wipped cream spooned on top. The presentation was sorely misguided as well; it arrived in a very large covered bowl, which opened to reveal a 3/4 inch layer of cake all the way at the bottom. I assume the cake requires a dish that size when it cooks and then collapses after it's removed from the oven. We had the main dining room's version a couple of nights later, which was much better -- incredibly moist and gooey chocolatey paradise, served on a small plate that . :D

Finally, and this had no bearing on the food but further contributed to our dislike for the Pinnacle, the Maitre D' was incredibly snooty. I think this was an act, as he seemed nice enough the one time we ran into him outside the restaurant, but it was way over the top.

OK, enough complaining. :) In fairness, I ought to point out the the waitstaff was extremely friendly and helpful, filled our water glasses frequently (a pet peeve of ours in many restaurants), and just generally made for a pleasant dining atmosphere.

-- Rob

[Joanandjoe]

We definitely are not steak house fans: that's why we've been to steakhouses perhaps three times in 36 years of marriage. We'd much rather have international food, such as Dutch night, the Indonesian food, and the type of food featured in the Venetian room (and will greatly miss having that as the alternative restaurant). We simply don't like having large cuts of red meat, and prefer chicken, fish, veggies, etc. In addition, Joe is allergic to chocolate, so no volcano cake for him! Given our food preferences, is it worth it to try the Pinnacle restaurant?

[doone]

My mother isn't a beef fan but got the salmon, said it was incredibly delicious. Her cousin got another fish dish, I forget what she got, but she said it was wonderful. We all enjoyed our meals there that I cannot wait to eat there again. So given that, I would say, yes, give it a try, make reservations for the first night ahead of time since it will only cost you $10 per person, providing they are still doing this. I think you will enjoy it.

I am sorry for the folks who didn't enjoy their first experience. I had the asparagas, thought it was fantastic and the chocolate volcano cake was spectaclar, ooyyy and goooyyy, just like it should be. Perhaps you could try it again, I thought it was spectacular.

[F5Loar]

Sounds like Rob hit an "off" night. It happens in the best of resturants.
I wonder if he complained? Sent the cold potato back and they brought him a hot one? These people aim to please and if you complain they will do their best to correct it. If you don't complain to them you complain here and we can't do a thing for you. We would like to hear how they corrected your problems.

[lknick]

Yes, it did sound like Rob hit an off night...and also had a different standard.

Like it or not [and I really don't], vegetables are served al dante in haute cuisine these days. Rob said the asparagus were undercooked...well that's al dante.

[peaches from georgia]

This is not the first time someone has said on here that their baked potato was cold in the Pinnacle. I know that the food served in the Pinnacle is carried by the waiters from the same kitchen that serves the regular dining room (though the Pinnacle food is prepared in a separate area by the Pinnacle chef), but it doesn't seem like a properly baked potato would get cold that fast. The same diners are not complaining that any of their other food is cold. :confused:

[gizmo]

Like it or not [and I really don't], vegetables are served al dante in haute cuisine these days. Rob said the asparagus were undercooked...well that's al dante.
Agree about the haute cusine. I don't care for it either. If I want a veggie raw I would order it raw!

[Esme]

The "vine ripened tomato and basil salad" was actually a few slices of beefsteak tomato that was picked off the vine well before it had ripened.

I have to agree with Rob on this one. I had this on the Volendam last August and they were still partly green. Nothing like the beefsteak tomatoes we get here in Southern Ontario in August. Hmmmmmm - so good.


I had the petit fillet and it was delicious, although I couldn't eat all of it. The pepper steak with pepper steak sauce that we had on our last cruise when we dined with the Captain in the dining room, was fabulous and so much better than anything served in the Pinnacle, in fact the whole meal that night was incredible, right from starters down to the dessert - wish I could remember the name of it but it wasn't on the printed menu.

I like my veggies el dante, but DH likes them overcooked - almost mushy! Ugh! One evening at dinner I got a lukewarm/hard potato and I sent it back for a properly cooked one. These things happen - just return it.

[SHayesShip]

I have enjoyed it on the Ryndam and the Zuiderdam. Both times the food was excellent along with the service. However, I preferred the layout and appearance of the Ryndam room over the Zuiderdam room.

Steve Hayes

For those who have sailed since the Pinnacle Grill's inception:

[rolnickr]

Sounds like Rob hit an "off" night. It happens in the best of resturants.
I wonder if he complained? Sent the cold potato back and they brought him a hot one? These people aim to please and if you complain they will do their best to correct it. If you don't complain to them you complain here and we can't do a thing for you. We would like to hear how they corrected your problems.
In fairness, no, we did not complain. We probably ought to have, but didn't really feel like waiting for a replacement. We may well have had an off night, and can only suggest that YMMV (your mileage may vary). :D I expect the quality of the Pinnacle varies from ship to ship (and chef to chef) as well. Also, as another poster noted, perhaps my expectations of the asparagus were not entirely in line with the current "culinary trends". I tend to like my veggies done a little more than al dente, though still somewhat firm. If the bernaise sauce had been less bland (and again, maybe I'm just used to more seasoning than the chefs prefer to use in their sauce. Salt and pepper helped a lot.), I probably wouldn't have noticed the "doneness" of the asparagus at all.

And we really did like the filet itself, and the horseradish/mustard sauce was pretty good. The other two sauces (the bernaise again, and a sort of ketchup-based "steak sauce" that tasted like over-sweetened A1) did not impress us.

We did have many absolutely wonderful meals in the main dining room during our cruise, and really regretted having missed Dutch night (My wife's family is of Dutch ancestry. We didn't know which night that was going to be until after we'd made our reservations). I do wish there were more veggies served with the meals there (yeah, I know, there I go complaining again), but never had a single bite of food there that we weren't entirely delighted with.

I wouldn't even go so far as to say we hated the Pinnacle, much as it may have sounded so from my post. We just didn't think it matched the impressively high standards of the main dining room. We might even try it again on a future cruise (we'd really like to return to Alaska, though it'd probably be a few years before we can do another cruise), to see if our experience was the exception or the rule. But we'll be sure to find out ahead of time which night is Dutch night, so we don't miss it again. :)

-- Rob

[k2cruiser]

My husband and I were on the Zaandam in February, and just loved the Pinnacle Grill. We actually ate there 5 out of the 7 nights. The food was just fantastic and the service impeccable. We are taking an Alaskan cruise next year, and are looking forward to dining at the Pinnacle.

[Aussie Gal]

We were going to try the Pinnacle when we are on the Prinsendam in October but after reading the different reviews I think we will give it a miss for a couple of reasons.

The first is the $20US becomes nearly $30AUD for each person for us and it would have to be an exceptional meal to cost $60AUD on top of the meal that we will be served in the dining room and then of course there is the extra tip.

The second reason is that we love our steak but we do not like huge amounts served at the one time. I feel we would be given too much and then there is the dessert on top of that! We enjoy our food but we like to eat small amounts and not a huge amount of each course.

I would rather put the money we save by not eating at the Pinnacle towards our wonderful dinner that we are going to have at Taillevent - a Michelin 3 star Restaurent - in Paris a week later.

Jennie

[F5Loar]

No argument there, the Paris beef sounds like a winner! When you do compare we can get the same meal at our local "Outback" (Didn't you bolks start them?) for under $20 it makes sense to not do it on the ship. I like the bigger juicier steaks and the little extra they serve but for smaller apetites I can understand your reluctance to go there. My wife refuses to waste that much food at an extra cost so I have to dine solo when I go. But before you right it off completely they do have smaller cuts like the rack of lamb, the chicken, or petite filet. They advise you to split the extras like the potato, etc. And you can ask for most anything to be split just like you would in a fine resturant. Ask for two cups of calm chowder (worth the price in itself) instead of two bowls. Split the handtossed pear salad instead ordering two of them. You may have a problem fighting over the volcano split. I think the meal and experience is that much different to try it at least once in your lifetime aboard a HAL ship. Thanks for the comments from downunder and I hope you build your next home out of "Boral Bricks" and get your gas from "Origin Entergy".

[Aussie Gal]

FS,

Believe it or not our electricity account is with Origin Energy. We must be sending all the profits to you in U.S. We also have used Boral bricks over the years!!

We may miss the Pinnacle this time and if we do we will definitely give it a go next year on the Maasdam - Boston to Rotterdam Transatlantic trip just on your recommendation!:)

Jennie

[F5Loar]

Thanks, Origin Entergy which was part of Boral Bricks,LTD before the split is the reason I am able to cruise so much since my retirement from the Brick Industry in the USA. They seem to be a really good company over there and I hope to go down there one day to see them.

[CRUISING ROMANTICS!]

To sail7seas: How can I find the Pinicle Grill menu you posted???

Does anyone have the menu for the Pinicle Grill on the Zuiderdam?

[ASM]

Use the search feature under the Cruise Critic header at the top of this page. Sail7seas is onboard now. good luck!

[peaches from georgia]

Just click on 'search' and type in Pinnacle Grill Menu and the post will come up. One change we had recently and I know others have reported the same is that there is now a Surf and Turf- Petite Filet Mignon w/ a small lobster tail.

[F5Loar]

Peaches, that's right the addition of the Surf and Turf is not on the menu which to my knowledge is the same on all ships for the Pinnacle Grill or at least it was the same on the Zuiderdam and Maasdam I was on.
You should understand that the Surf and Turf is not the portion of other meats being offered. In fact saying the lobster tail is small might be stretching the little tail a little bit. Mini-tail might be a better term. It's a two biter tail, two bites and it's gone! The Filet is 5 or 6 oz. I think they will let you get 2 tails too without the filet but 4 bites is not much better.
When I was on the Carnival Legend at the Golden Fleece upscale the lobster tail they served was the size of my arm and well worth the $25 they charge.
I guess just because you are owned by the same Corporation does not mean you get your tails from the same supplier.

[CRUISING ROMANTICS!]

Thanks everyone for the help in finding the Pinnacle Grill Menu! It sounds wonderful.

If we go on the first night which is cheaper, what is the dress code? Does anyone know??

Thanks again!

[F5Loar]

First night is caual. I saw guys in shorts the first night. I guess they used the excuse their luggage had not arrive yet. I don't recall the code ever being formal any night, just jacket required on other nights. The ladies seem to be able to wear most anything.

[Stevesan]

SThe "vine ripened tomato and basil salad" was actually a few slices of beefsteak tomato that was picked off the vine well before it had ripened. It was barely edible. -- Rob
I am a tomato nut, and ordered the same dish as you. The very first bite was a major setback. I was astonished because there was absolutely no flavor, and the texture was like soft plastic. Then, a bit late, it dawned on me. By necessity the tomatoes on a cruise ship have to be refrigerated. They may have been picked too early as well, but that wouldn't totally account for the problem. Refrigeration does, however, rob the tomato of its flavor and texture.
Ah well. I'll remember the next time.

I didn't care for the chocolate volcano, either. On another occasion I had the Baked Alaska. This is not the same as the main dining room's baked alaska. The cake's presence is very evident, the cream topping is minimal and the ice cream is Ben And Jerry's. It was fantastic, but too large. I was already stuffed from the rib eye entree, and couldn't finish the baked alaska.

[Cruising since '81]

AussieGal,

If you would like to try the Pinnacle onboard, why don't you call and reserve for the first night. They only charge 1/2 price that night ($10), so it would only be $15 for you times 3 = $45 (instead of $60). That way, you could try the restaurant, and still eat a good meal in Paris! This is just a suggestion. I found out about the 1/2 price first night special on cruisecritic, and immediately signed up for the first night, as well as the fifth night. Call 1-800-541-1576 or sign up under the gift order forms on www. Holland America.com and fax it to them. They imediately charge your credit card, but at least it is reserved.:) ;) :) ;)

[ekerr19]

I am a tomato nut, and ordered the same dish as you. The very first bite was a major setback. I was astonished because there was absolutely no flavor, and the texture was like soft plastic. Then, a bit late, it dawned on me. By necessity the tomatoes on a cruise ship have to be refrigerated. They may have been picked too early as well, but that wouldn't totally account for the problem. Refrigeration does, however, rob the tomato of its flavor and texture.
Ah well. I'll remember the next time.

I didn't care for the chocolate volcano, either. On another occasion I had the Baked Alaska. This is not the same as the main dining room's baked alaska. The cake's presence is very evident, the cream topping is minimal and the ice cream is Ben And Jerry's. It was fantastic, but too large. I was already stuffed from the rib eye entree, and couldn't finish the baked alaska.

I thought I was the only one who did not care for the chocolate volcano cake! It's just too rich for me - almost hurts my teeth!

[ekerr19]

Just click on 'search' and type in Pinnacle Grill Menu and the post will come up. One change we had recently and I know others have reported the same is that there is now a Surf and Turf- Petite Filet Mignon w/ a small lobster tail.

I had the filet and lobster tail last April on the Maasdam. I thought is was easily one of the best lobster tails I've ever had. I did not find it to be abnormally small nor huge, just very tasty. The petite filet was a perfect size. Not too much food, just enough for me - we still passed on dessert, I think the meal is very filling in itself. I've already had the volcano cake and could live without it.