HAL'S BEST FOODS? What would you say they are?

[Lois R]

:DHi there....me again! What would you say are some oh Hal's best foods...what are they "known for"?....anything special that comes to mind?....it can be anything.....from appetizier to dessert...to coffee.....to entree....to to to LOL...
What makes your mouth water?

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

Generally speaking everyone is going to love somethng different.

But one thing HAL is known for is their bread pudding.

:)

[doone]

I have to agree also with Krazy Kruizers, although I am not a bread pudding fan, but everyone I sail with goes crazy for it. I LOVE the escargot served on one of the formal nights in the dining room, YUMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lois R]

Hmmmm....I am not a bread pudding person...but being on a cruise...I always try stuff at least once...but I LOVE LOVE LOVE escargot!:)

I have only found one bread pudding I love...at an Italian place here at home called "Bucca's"...anyone else heard of it? Its family style...and the food is FABULOUS:D ....when I tried that bread pudding...I thought I had died and gone to dessert heaven.....never tasted anything like it before!

[doone]

Lois, if you love escargot, DO NOT MISS THEM, THEY ARE WONDERFUL. They are served one formal night in the dining room, DELICIOUS.

[Charlie2na]

Home made RUM RAISIN ICE CREAMMMMMMMMM!! OOPS!

[Lois R]

OHHHH....homemade ice cream? and does it have that rich homemade taste?:D

[jhannah]

Lois, might that be Buca Di Beppo? We have them here. Outstanding!

Just don't forget the volcano cake. It seems to be their signature desert.

[Trixsea]

There is one dessert that I have had that is to die for. I believe it is a flourless chocolate cake that has a liquid chocolate center. Big Yum!!!

[jhannah]

Trixsea, that would be the volcano cake!

[Trixsea]

Yeah, that's the one!!!:p :p

[LAFFNVEGAS]

DH loves the "Signature Chocolate Cake" that is usually served the first night in the main dining room. Some of my favorites are , Deep Fried Hazelnut Crusted Brie that is an Appetizer.I also like the Creme Brulee. The Baked Alaska is not what I would consider HAL's Best Food but I think it is a tradition that should NOT go away. I like the Volcano Cake but DH thinks it is too rich and prefers the Chocolate Cake.

[ekerr19]

Lisa-

I'm with you on the Brie - I love that stuff! I also like the Lido pizza, for some strange reason it always tastes so much better on board a ship...

Also, I liked the Deli sandwich station on the Maasdam - great selections. My DH loves the Wok station...

[BLStokes23]

I love the chocolate Volcano cake in the Pinnacle, the warm flourless chocolate cake (there is a difference, I think) served in the dining room and the chocolate brownies at the Half Moon Cay barbeque. Can you tell that I really LOVE chocolate?
There are also lots of interesting soups to try every evening. You will Not go hungry!
Hope you have a great cruise.

[elmorejj]

I love all of the soups in the DR especially the Dos Frijoles, the Jamaican bean soup, the cream of mushroom, the split pea on Dutch night. And to go with the soups...the wonderful selection of breads.
Oh and don`t forget all of the great desserts in the lido....jean

[lka1012]

I love the Lamb Shank for entrees. And omlettes for b-fast

Kathy

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I forgot to mention the Swiss Museli that is served for breakfest both in the Lido and Main Dining Room. I once asked if this was available for breakfest for a S Suite Passenger for Room Service, I did not get a reply. Does any one recall if it is? I am pretty sure it is not on the regular Room Service Menu for breakfest. I know it is a weird thing to really like but while cruising I have to have it every morning on HAL:p

[MISSYLOU]

Can't go wrong with the bread budding. Lois I think their room service is better than X or at least it use to be.

[Lois R]

Oh so many choices:D ...fried hazelnut brie? OH MY GOD....that sounds like it was made for ME!!! LOL...I LOVE hazelnut....and I LOVE brie...I HAVE to try that one.......
jhannah...yes that is the same Bucca....food is awesome:)

And I have heard about this flourless cake...but I have never tried it.........this cruise I will be having some of that one!

Thanks folks...the food sounds WONDERFUL:)

[clopaw]

How about the cold soups? That's what I usually choose. How are HAL's?

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

LAFFNVEGAS - the Neptune Lounge has the swiss muesli - husband has had it quite a few times - he loves it.

He loves escargot - but he dind't get to enjoy it on our last cruise because the night it was being served in the dining room, we ate at the Pinnacle.

And of course when we ate at the Pinnacle we had chocolate volcano cake for dessert every time we were there.

Husband also loves the pea soup.

:)

[Giorgi-one]

Did someone say something about homemade rum raisin ice cream? The ice cream on July 3rd Zuiderdam sailing was the worst I have ever had. One day it was more like ice milk and the next day it was like putting pure sugar in your mouth. And I will never understand the fascination with bread pudding.

Best food by far was in the Pinnacle Grill. Fantastic steaks and excellent service. Dining Room food was just OK. Filet and Lobster tail on same night. Other than that no rack of lamb and skinny prime rib one night.

[ekerr19]

How about the cold soups? That's what I usually choose. How are HAL's?

clopaw-

My DH loves the chilled soups - usually only orders the fruity ones like chilled strawberry and chilled pineapple... he thinks there is another fruit based - but we can't remember it right now! You should give them a try... my favorites are the lobster bisque and the dos frijoles... also the clam chowder is great!

[Ellya]

All the soups are to die for. We all noticed how wonderful they were and really looked forward to that course each meal! So hard to choose though!

[ellieanne]

I think the best think is the schnitzel in the Lido.

Behind that, the split pea soup, and the chicken dish from Dutch Night dinner (can't remember it's name :o ).

The food in the dining room always looks wonderful, but sometimes I wish it was less fancy and more "peasant" cooking. Sometimes, what I really want, even on a cruise, is just a plate of simple, ordinary, chicken pot pie, nothing too, as my father calls it "geared up."

[CINCY40]

The potato casserole in the Pinnacle is out of this world, along with the crab cakes and the filet. The lobster tail served there was small but yummy and perfectly cooked.

Room service also makes delicious egg salad and turkey club sandwiches.

Can't wait till September to get here so I can have those potatoes...

Nancy

[elmorejj]

ellianne, you`ll be pleased to know that chicken pot pie has been added to some of the DR menus.....jean

[Candy]

Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Chocolate Volcano Cake (in the Pinnacle)
Hazelnut-encrusted Baked Brie
Dover Sole (if they ever bring it back)
Smoked Salmon appetizers in various forms
Chilled Fruit Soups
Filet of Beef Wellington with Mushrooms and Bearnaise Sauce
Creme Brulee (I order 2 for dinner and one to go)


:DHi there....me again! What would you say are some oh Hal's best foods...what are they "known for"?....anything special that comes to mind?....it can be anything.....from appetizier to dessert...to coffee.....to entree....to to to LOL...
What makes your mouth water?

[peaches from georgia]

I don't think Beef Wellington has been on the menu for a good while. I know it wasn't on the Oo in Dec. or the Maasdam in June. There was a discussion a few months ago and others mentioned No More Beef Wellington. :(

[sail7seas]

I had grouper on Maasdam this week and very much enjoyed they way they prepared it.


I used to enjoy vicchysoise but have used "will power" and avoided it our last few cruises. All that cream......yum!

[sail7seas]

Meant to add.....I also love their homemade cookies and the marble and/or lemon pound cake in the Neptune Lounge.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

:)

LAFFNVEGAS - the Neptune Lounge has the swiss muesli - husband has had it quite a few times - he loves it.


:)




KK, Thanks so much, you made my day. I am one of these strange individuals that has a ritual of the same thing for breakfest every morning while cruising. On Royal Caribbean I must have their Huevos Rancheros in the Dining Room every morning. On HAL it is their Swiss Muesli. The Sunday Brunch a the Belliagio Resort here in Vegas has a good Muesli but not as good as HAL's. Oh, if anyone wants advise for Premium Buffets in Las Vegas just ask I am kinda of an expert. I have still managed to loose (40 pounds off as of this week) and still enjoy eating out at very nice Brunchs on the weekends.

[Lisa63]

I had grouper on Maasdam this week and very much enjoyed they way they prepared it.

Thanks! I enjoy grouper, and will remember your comments for when we are on Maasdam next month.

I'll have to try the Swiss Muesli, as well. Years ago, NCL served one that was out of this world. It's one of my favorite breakfast dishes. (I'll even have it for dinner sometimes...)

I've also heard that the Nasi Goreng served on Dutch night is fabulous. Would those of you who have tried it agree?

[Lois R]

Ok...I was trying to hold off before asking....I thought I was well versed in the "international food" category....but I still don't know this one...what is "Swiss Muesli"?

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Lois, here is a recipe for it. It is kinda of a cold very creamy oatmeal with fruit in it.
Swiss Muesli

1 ½ cups rolled oats
1 ½ cups water
2 cups shredded unpeeled apples
1 ½ cups pitted prunes (whole or halved)
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons lemon juice
½ teaspoon cinnamon fresh fruits (sliced banana, apple, pineapple, and/or orange segments)

chopped almonds or pecans

Combine oats, water, shredded apples, prunes, honey, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, spoon some of the muesli onto a cereal bowl.

Top with your choice of fresh fruits and nuts. Serve with a dollop of plain yogurt or milk, if desired. Muesli can be stored in covered container in refrigerator for several days.

[Lois R]

Oh..ok...I kept thinking ....Muslei...like Muselix....in the box...

But its a cold oatmeal? I love oatmeal..but I prefer mine hot....with milk and sugar...now...I will have to try this new version! Thanks for the recipie Lisa!

Oh in my family we always called Oatmeal...Porridge:)

[Candy]

We had it on Zuiderdam's Captain's Formal Night, East Caribbean on May 24, 2004. It's Jimmy's favorite!

I don't think Beef Wellington has been on the menu for a good while. I know it wasn't on the Oo in Dec. or the Maasdam in June. There was a discussion a few months ago and others mentioned No More Beef Wellington. :(

[elmorejj]

Beef Wellington was also served on our repo cruise on the Zaandam, as were a lot of favorites that have been removed from the 7 day cruise menus.

Lois, are your family of British descent? Porridge is the only name I ever knew oatmeal by before I came over to the States. I love it!!.....jean

[Lois R]

Jean..nope, my Gramma....(Dad's mom) came to the states before WW1...on her own on a big ship...she was about 17 at the time...from Russia...didn't speak any English...I think it was porrige from her?..maybe...
My other Gramma...they were actually from New York.......so maybe it was from my Mom's side:eek: ....
So, part of me is Russian...My Dad is first generation American...we are of Jewish background.
Is porrige actually a British term? The things we learn on CRUISE CRITIC!:)

[Lois R]

David...this is for you....if you are still on-line;) some nice sounding choices!

I love trying new foods:D

[Giorgi-one]

I believe that elmorezz has hit the nail on the head. The menus have been seriously downgraded, which was my main problem with the food in the dining room. Pinnacle Grill was great but some people are not into big steaks which is probably their best choice.

[jhpirate]

The no flour chocolate truffle is divine! The split pea with ham hocks soup and the chilled soups are all very good. The bread pudding with vanilla sauce is not to be missed. Then again, I didn't have one thing all week that wasn't delicious and beautifully presented and served.

[dam1050]

Lois:

I actually prefer the food on Celebrity to HAL - but that said, I like HAL's seafood dishes the best. ALL the food in the Pinnacle Grill is fantastic that I've tried so far. Another nice feature are the Cappucinos and Lattes from the Java Café.

Dave

[gizmo]

Some favorites are:

Roasted pork entree served the first night
All the cream soups, and the cold berry soups
Escargot
Fried Brie
Chocolate Tuplip dessert
Pizza ( I really like the pizza)
Tangerine sherbert and Coconut ice cream
Captain's Coffee for an after dinner drink

Nothing will ever beat John Mulveny's Grand Mariner Souffle. He made this special just for Mr. Gizmo and me.

[peaches from georgia]

Nothing will ever beat John Mulveny's Grand Mariner Souffle. He made this special just for Mr. Gizmo and me.

Well, Ms. Gizmo- I AM impressed! I think we will call you Ms. Holland America on the board from now on. Don't think Chef Mulveny ever cooked especially for one of our posters before. ;)

[gizmo]

Peaches,

It was soooooooo good!:)

[Krazy Kruizers]

:) Grand Marnier Chocolate Souffle

Ah yes, we remember John Mulvany's Grand Marnier Chocolate Souffle. We had it many times on the Ryndam at the suite dinners. That is when we first met John. And he was so proud of that dessert.

:)

[gizmo]

KK,
JM made something else at the suite dinner but I can't recall what it was. I know it was good :)

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

gizmo - that was back in 2001 - maybe the dessert I was thinking about was an early version of the chocolate volcano cake?

I can remember that it was chocolate, warm , and gooey inside.

Now this going to drive me crazy trying to remember what we had!!!

Where's the chocolate when you need it for memory?

:D

[sail7seas]

Chef Mulvaney is no longer on the ships. He is working in Seattle office.

We enjoyed his wonderful chocolate souffles .......what a treat when he sent them out of the kitchen as a surprise for us.

[sail7seas]

Lisa.....Thanks for posting the recipe. I have sampled it from time to time in the Neptune and always thought it great. I'm happy to now have a recipe to make it at home.

[sail7seas]

Lisa63.....


I always loved the bami goreng. They no longer serve it on Dutch Night but are subsituting nasi goreng. IMO, the bami goreng was much better. Just my personal preference.

Please let us know what you think of it after your cruise.

[divinggirl]

I CANNOT miss the hazelnut encrusted fried brie--where is that available and when (like hopefully every day) :eek: :rolleyes: :o

[sail7seas]

It is an appetizer offered in the dining room at dinner.

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

I also love the deep fried hazelnut crusted brie with apple cranberry chutney. It is one of my favorite appetizers.

The last I heard John Mulvany is supposed to be on the Westerdam for the Olympics. His sons are supposed to join him.

:)

[clopaw]

What is the difference between bami goreng and nasi goreng?

[sail7seas]

Bami Goreng is made with noodles; Nasi Goreng is made from rice.

[sail7seas]

KK...they are still in Los Angeles.


It is possible he may have a "special assignment" for the Olympics, I don't know. But I do know for sure he is not on the ships regularly. He is working in Seattle office.

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)


Nasi Goreng is spicy Indonesian fried rice dish with pork sate', spicey chicken drumstick, beef Sumatra, scallions and juliene of omelet with condiments of pickled cucumber, prawn crackers, and fried bananas.

I can't remember which one of the above ingredients was replaced from the Bami Goreng to the new dish Nasi Goreng.

:)

[sail7seas]

Ketsup.......need the ketsup as that is the major flavoring.

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

I knew that he lived in LA. And that when he left the Oosterdam in March, we would be working out of Seattle. He said that he would also be going from ship to ship to over see the kitchen menus and operations. Another person on these threads told me about his going to be on the Westerdam with his boys for the Olympics. When we talked o John, he said that we wasn't to certin how this new job was going to work out especially with vacations and wanting to spend time with his family.

:)

[gizmo]

Anyone ever have that JM dessert with peaches and berries? I think it was served on a cake.

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

Thanks sail7seas - I knew that it wasn't one of the major ingredients but for the life of me I couldn't remember what was different.

:)

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

gismo - I think we had it at one of the suite dinners on the Zaandam - not certain. It sounds familar.

I looked up one of suite dinner menus to try and figure out what that chocolate dessert was - it wasn't any help. All it said was "John Mulvany's chocolate dessert suprise". :eek:

:)

[localady]

The Oyster Rockefeller appetizer was fantastic, as were all the fish dishes I tasted, mostly Salmon and halibut. They were moist and delicious, quite a feat when serving 1200+.

Also we had the pleasure of going to the Pinnacle for the Vintners dinner and the Pinnacle Chef made a squash soup with apple that was bar none, the best soup I had had in a long, long time!!!

Also, the melon was really fresh and sweet, a real treat as many times they can be tasteless!

[sail7seas]

It has been a long time since we sailed with Chef John as he was doing Ryndam on the West Coast for a long time...we sail only from the East Coast these days.
DH would love to see him (sail with him) again. They had a great time bantering with each other.

[localady]

I found the Chefs on the Ryndam to be more involved with the passengers than any other ship I have been on!! A Sous chef asked me why I wasn't having his chocolate syrup on my ice cream cone teasingly, and while in the Pinnacle the chef visited our table and gave us a chance to compliment him on his fabulous soup! It was lovely to have that kind of contact and rapport, and it was most unexpected.:D

[Joanandjoe]

I love both the Dutch night and the indonesian food that occasionally appears at the Lido. To the best of my memory, nasi goreng (fried rice) is a rice dish that is normally served at breakfast in Indonesia; while bami goreng is a noodle dish that is a lunch or dinner dish (but is somewhat similar to nasi goreng). I like "ethnic" food much more than steak (so I may or may not try the Pinnacle), but I'm very happy with the fish dishes on HAL. Also, Lois, on HAL you're much more likely than on Celebrity to have food from wherever you're cruising. That's a big plus. On Celebrity we cruised the Caribbean without a mango, papaya or pawpaw in sight (and no "jerk" or ropa vieja either).

Unlike the Maasdam cruiser, I like the exotic ice cream flavors on HAL. Ice cream was a big disappointment on Celebrity (maybe because I'm allergic to chocolate, and Celebrity seemed to have a small choice of non-chocolate flavors, especially in mid-afternoon).