LIVE - Food/Wine from the Voyager 4/23

[kvisf]

Kerry, none of the North American brews on this list resemble a bitter. The Sierra Nevada is a little like a hoppy IPA, though. There is a North American brew that nails the character of bitter -- it is called Redhook ESB and is widely available on the West Coast of the U.S. - maybe elsewhere too. Brewed in Seattle IIRC. Perhaps they could stock that for you -- though why not just ask them to lay in a supply of Fuller's ESB or whatever you fancy?

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Originally Posted by kvisf

Kerry, none of the North American brews on this list resemble a bitter. The Sierra Nevada is a little like a hoppy IPA, though. There is a North American brew that nails the character of bitter -- it is called Redhook ESB and is widely available on the West Coast of the U.S. - maybe elsewhere too. Brewed in Seattle IIRC. Perhaps they could stock that for you -- though why not just ask them to lay in a supply of Fuller's ESB or whatever you fancy?

Will look for this one while we're in SF this week. After a winter of drinking wonderful craft beers from different states, I have to say they are obsessed with hops--but few attempts to do an English bitter. I believe they can't get the right ingredients or no one has reproduced the process. Really, an IPA is your best bet. Sierra Nevada is a fair one, but of course no draft onboard!

[charltonkerry]

Thank you kvisf and wendythewanderer, I have emailed Regent UK and requested two bitters that I like, both can be supplied in bottles or cans, if I get a reply I will let you know. ESB's locally know as falling over bitter, no doubt because if you had more than 3 you where guaranteed too. I will also enjoy all the fine wines etc on board so it would not be even a minor inconvenience if there was none on board.

Bitter must be fairly unique to the UK, I know that Germany and Belgium also produce a "hoppy" type beer. People probably think I am obsessed by this, but to try to explain, my greatest memories of my previous cruises is sitting with friends at the rear of the ship, pint of bitter in hand, sun setting, and watching the wake slowly disappear, can their be any better moment? The taste of bitter also bring the memories flooding back of those long loss cricketing mates, those warm English evening spent in a typical pub, having a laugh and joke, and putting the world to right, happy days. Lager just does not bring back these memories.

Regards
Marion and Kerry

[pierrem]

Originally Posted by charltonkerry

Bitter must be fairly unique to the UK, I know that Germany and Belgium also produce a "hoppy" type beer.

Regards
Marion and Kerry

Kerry,
You have forgotten the Aussie bitter beers - many are made but probably the most famous is VB (Victoria Bitter). I don't know how it compares to the English bitters but it is ALWAYS drunk cold - probably to do with our climate compared to yours. It is widely available around the world - I have seen it often in England and the US but don't know whether Regent ever has it on board. I believe that our original beer tastes come from the early convict days, so I suspect that Aussie beers may be closer to English beers than those from any other country.

Peter

[charltonkerry]

Peter, never had the pleasure of a visit to Australia, although am trying to get the wife to do a cruise out that way soon, my brother lives within a couples of hours of Brisbane, will have to ask him to taste some on my behalf. Never seen an Aussie bitter in the Uk, although there's plenty of lager knocking around, can't get my mind around cold bitter, just aint right, but there again we are not fortunate enough to have your climate.

Nice to see the reference to the convicts, no doubt it will be heard a little more later on in the year, can't beat a bit of friendly banter, between the mother country and one of her offspring?

Regards
Kerry

[rarin2go]

Originally Posted by charltonkerry

The taste of bitter also bring the memories flooding back of those long loss cricketing mates, those warm English evening spent in a typical pub, having a laugh and joke, and putting the world to right, happy days. Lager just does not bring back these memories.

Regards
Marion and Kerry

Well said indeed!

[pierrem]

Originally Posted by charltonkerry

Peter, never had the pleasure of a visit to Australia, although am trying to get the wife to do a cruise out that way soon, my brother lives within a couples of hours of Brisbane, will have to ask him to taste some on my behalf. Never seen an Aussie bitter in the Uk, although there's plenty of lager knocking around, can't get my mind around cold bitter, just aint right, but there again we are not fortunate enough to have your climate.

Nice to see the reference to the convicts, no doubt it will be heard a little more later on in the year, can't beat a bit of friendly banter, between the mother country and one of her offspring?

Regards
Kerry

Kerry,

You should come on down under and visit your brother. There is a good cruise next January (departing 24 Jan) on the Voyager from Sydney to Singapore (and we will be on it). It visits Brisbane as well as many other Aussie ports. I would be very pleased to see you on board and to share a good Aussie bitter or two.

Peter

[charltonkerry]

Originally Posted by pierrem

Kerry,

You should come on down under and visit your brother. There is a good cruise next January (departing 24 Jan) on the Voyager from Sydney to Singapore (and we will be on it). It visits Brisbane as well as many other Aussie ports. I would be very pleased to see you on board and to share a good Aussie bitter or two.

Peter

Peter, this is the one I was thinking about, thanks for the kind offer and it would be a pleasure, but unfortunately I believe it's a tear to early, as later on next year we got our daughters wedding which will involve a cruise, just don't think I can afford the time away from my company, I have looked at it, and I'm am more than interested, looks a great cruise, will wait a little before finally deciding. Thanks for the offer of buying the beers

Regards
Kerry

[pierrem]

Kerry,

You're welcome. Just let me know if the opportunity arises and we'll arrange something.

TC2,

Sorry if we are hijacking your fantastic thread - will try to desist.

Peter

[charltonkerry]

This is also the last time I will post about beer on this thread, great news however, I can now confirm that Regent UK has confirmed British bitter has been requested for the sailing from Barcelona to Southampton on the 20-5-2012, I imagine everybody on this thread will be overjoyed for me (alright pleased that I will shut up about it) thanks for your patients.

TC2 please carry on with your Stirling work.

Regards
Kerry,

[claranda]

Sorry, Kerry, need one more post from you....what bitters did you ask for? I'd like to get some on the Voyager Baltic cruise we're taking in August and don't want to freak them out by asking for too many brands! Thanks muchly

[charltonkerry]

Originally Posted by claranda

Sorry, Kerry, need one more post from you....what bitters did you ask for? I'd like to get some on the Voyager Baltic cruise we're taking in August and don't want to freak them out by asking for too many brands! Thanks muchly

Claranda, I asked for tins or bottles of either Fullers London Pride or Shepherd Neames Spitfire in bottles or cans, hope you approve, being a londoner i would have thought at least 1 would hit the spot for you. Thought Shepherds Neames, Bishop Finger might be a bit embarrassing, think I got enough problems with my Dartfordian accent, let alone trying to ask for that.

Look like I might have started something? Have a good cruise, sure we will leave some on board for you, although I have seemed to have created some interest on our cruise, mind you I think it's the name "bitter" people can't get there's mind round. I will be really impressed if this happens, that would be great customers service, wonder if I will have to teach how to pour a pint?

Regards
Kerry

[Travelcat2]

I'm enjoying the discussion of "bitters". As many times as I have visited England, I have yet to try it because of the name. Learning something new every day. No one "owns" a thread. . . . besides, Kerry is a newbie and is simply trying to get some good beer on board:-)

Anyway, I don't know where I left off. Last evenings dinner seems to be missing. For once, I remembered to write down the desserts:

CHEESES
Gruyere
Brie
Bresse Blue
Le Delice
Goat Cheese Plain

Banana and Macadamia Nut Pudding
"Regent's Famous Chocolate Mousse Slice" with Berry Coulis (this might be without sugar added - not sure.
Delicious "Loire valley" Tartlet
Almond Biscuit with vanilla ice cream and fresh fruits
Seasonal fresh fruit late

Canyon Ranch
Warm Apple Dish (180 calories) - Caramelized apple slice and creme anglaise.

LUNCH

APPETIZERS
Greek Spanakopita with Tzatziki - spinach and feta cheese in crispy Phyllo pastry
Roasted Duck Leg Confit with young garden greens and raspberry vinaigrette
Panache of Crunchy Mixed greens
Seasonal Fruit Cup

SOUP
Chicken Coconut and Galangal Soup
Chilled Blueberry Soup

SANDWICHES OF THE DAY
Cajun Spiced Mahi-Mahi Fillet - sourdough toasted bread, tomatoes, shredded lettuce and mojo sauce
french Riviera Club Sandwich - triple decker tuna salad with white toast, fruit skewer and paprika potato chips
Bacon Wrapped Hamburger - stuffed with cheese, country fried potatoes and coleslaw

SALAD ENTREES
Caesar Salad wit your choce of topping, grilled or blackened chicken breast or shrimp
Norwegan Fresh Salmon salad on crisp vegetables and Dilll-Yogurt Sauce
Israeli Chop Salad, Diced Vegetables with Mint, lemon and Olive Oil Dressing

ENTREES
Lo Mein Noodles with Japanese Flavored Pork Bolognese and Chopped Hard Boiled egg
Broiled Fresh Sea Bream Fillet with potato Gnocchi au Jus
Cordon Bleu Golden Fried Veal Escalope filled with Ham and Cheese, parsley potatoes
Roasted Half Chicken with Thai Spices, jasmine rice, yogurt sauce.

VEGETARIAN
Greek Spanakopita with Tzatziki
Chilled Blueberry Yogurt Soup
Israeli Chop Salad

CANYON RANCH
Chicken Coconut Soup (75 calories)
Open-Faced Cajun Spiced Mahi Mahi Fillet (320 calories)
Fresh fruit cup (70 calories)

Always available menu as printed previously

DESSERTS
Cherry Griottes Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream
Apple Pudding Souffle with Creme Anglaise
No Sugar Added fruit minestrong with apricot syrup ad lime sorbet
Ice Cup Chocolate Liegeois - vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce and shipped cream
Ice cream of the day: Cookie Dough - Black Cherry Vanilla
No Sugar Added Coffee Fudge
Strawberry Frozen Yogurt
Lime and Vidka Sorbet

[Travelcat2]

FEATURED WINES
Tenuta Guado al Tasso, Vermentino, D.O.C. Tuscany, Italy 2010
La Sirena Vineyards, Syrah, St. Ynez Valley, CA 2004

RECOMMENDED RESERVE WINES
Sbragia Family Vineyards, Gamble Ranch, Napa Valley 2007 $50
Chiarello "Eileen Single Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2007 - $89

Dinner - Compass Rose April 30th

APPETIZERS
Norwegian Gravlax, Orange Cured Salmon with Celery - Apple Mousseline
Fried Spring Roll of Curried Chicken and Crab meat with Mango Salsa
Fresh Plums with Vanilla Rum
Wild Mushroom Lasagne with Ricotta Spinach, Tomato and Cheese Sauce
Creamy Fava Beans and Morel Mushroom Risotto with Parmesan Crisp

SOUPS
Cream of Sweet potatoes with Chorizo Quenelle
Chicken Consomme Chanceliere, Green Pea Royal, Chicken Truffle Julienne

SALADS
Shaved Fennel and Frisse Lettuce, Almonds, Fresh Pear, Grain Mustard and Apple Cidar Vinegar
Assorted Greens with Avacado and Grapefruit Segments, Ginger-Grenadine Dressing
Caesar Salad with Traditional Garnish

INTERMEZZO
Lime and Vodka Sorbet

MAIN COURSES
Spaghetti alla Puttanesca tossed in a tomato sauce with anchovy, capers, garlic, olives and basil
Marinated and Grilled Tofu -- on Stir-fried Vegetables tossed with light soy sauce
Grilled Tiger Prawns with garlic and ginger - stir-fried vegetables and egg noodles
Springbok Medallions with Black Current Sauce, pommes Anna, carmelized endive
Traditional Indian Lamb Curry served with Naan bread, onion salad and mango chutney.
Roasted Black Angus Beef Strip Loin with Yorkshire Pudding and Natural Gravy.


A TASTE FROM PRIME 7 AND SIGNATURES RESTAURANT
Dover Sole - string beans, sauteed potatoes Lyonnais, caper and lemon butter
Grilled Fillet Mignon, Fondant potatoes, Truffled Leek and Asparagus and Morel Cream sauce.

MENU DEGUSTATION (tasting menu)
Norwegian Gravlax, Oranged Cured Salmon
Cream of Sweet potatoes
Fried Spring Roll
Lime and Vodka Sorbet
Springbok Medallions
Warm "Guanaja" Chocolate Fondant

VEGETARIAN SELECTIONS
Wild Mushroom Lasagne
Fresh Plums
Assorted Green Leaves
Spaghetti alla Puttanesca
Marinated and Grilled Tofu

CANYON RANCH BALANCED SELECTION
Roasted Pineapple with prosciutto and Rosemary Olive Oil (95 calories)
Chicken Consomme (50 salories)
Grilled Dover Sole (370 calories)

DESSERT (Think I've been getting this menu every day but thinking it was something else)

INTERNATIONAL CHEESES
Nahon
Bucheron
Stilton
Saint Paulin
Le Brin

Warm "Guanaja" Chocolate Fondant - mango and cointreau sauce
"Grandmother's" Lemon Meringue Pie w/raspberry Sauce
Mont Blanc - chocolae cup with chestnut cream and chantilly

CANYON RANCH SELECTION
Warm Cherry Strudel (180 calories)

OLD TIME FAVORITE
Vanilla Creme Brulee

SORBET
Lime and Vodka

PREMIUM ICE CREAM

Cookie Dough - Black Cherry vanilla
No Sugar Added Coffee Fudge
Strawberry Frozen Yogurt

[Travelcat2]

Later this evening I'll post some of the entertainment that I've missed for a coupole of days. Tonight is everyone's favorite -- details later.

The ports of Dubrovnik, Croatia and Kotor, Montenegro have been magnificent! The seas remain as calm as glass -- clear skies -- temperatures in the low to mid-70's.

Service on the Voyager has always been excellent but seems to be getting even more so (do not know this is possible). If there is something you need or have a question, just ask. The Dining Room Manager, Carlos, is always around La Veranda and Compass Rose and will do what he can to assist you. Food and Beverage Manager, Goran, has made some of the menu's I have posted possible by providing them to me. Both are lovely gentlemen.

[claranda]

First of all, thank you, Kerry, those beers will be just fine. We actually live in Turkey now, so are starved of all 'proper' beer most of the year! We'll definitely put in a special request

And continued thanks to the Cat. I am soooo delighted to see Indian and Thai dishes on most menus. On Seabourn everything was really bland; even the so called 'Indian night' was devoid of spice (and included beef!). They did haul up an Indian chap from the depths of the kitchen to cook us an Indian meal using his own spices (and it was wonderful) but otherwise not a chilli in sight. I began to think perhaps Americans don't like spicy.....

[charltonkerry]

TC2, thank you, might I suggest next time you are in the UK, you give bitter a chance, there are 1000's to choose from, if you go into a traditional pub, rather than a big chain, chat to the bar person and they will normally point you to a suitable beginners beer, around our way, if you ask for a "boys" bitter you should get something not to over-powerful, fairly weak and drinkable.

Regards
Kerry

[Aloha 1]

Jackie;
Can you post what you did in Dubrovnik? We'll be there later this year on Princess.

[Chloe's mom]

Thank you for letting me know about the vegetarian burgers at the Pool Grill, as well as pointing out other vegetarian options. Much appreciated!

[Travelcat2]

Originally Posted by Aloha 1

Jackie;
Can you post what you did in Dubrovnik? We'll be there later this year on Princess.

First I must say that Dubrovnik is an absolutely beautiful port to sail into. As you may know, Regent has "free" or included excursions and excursions that have a cost. The tour we took cost $129.00/person. The excursion left the ship approximately 8:30 a.m. and returned approximately 2:30 p.m. The excursion has a name (that i cannot recall now but will look up if you think that Princess would have the same excursion). We left the ship and took a wonderful drive through Dubrovnik and the hills outside of the city. Note: In order to enter Croatia, you need to have a photo I.D. Your I.D. is checked on board the bus.

Our first top was 9:00 a.m. It was formerly a producer of olive oil (now just a tourist stop). It was an amazing tour. They showed how a horse (not too pleased to be doing this:-) walked around and crushed the graped. Then how the grapes are pressed manually. Following this there was a "snack" of cheese, olives, homemade bread, proscuitto and homemade wines. It was probably the best thing we have tried on any of our tours. Most of us laughed at drinking wine and eating (again) at 9:00 a.m.

The next stop was at a winery. Not impressed. The wine was not of the quality that anyone on our excursion (approx. 25 people) would purchased.

Following that was a walk through town and then lunch. Lunch was a bit disappointin. But, the incredible drive through the area and the morning stop at the olive oil place made this a thoroughly enjoyable tour. Hope this information helps.

Now back to posting. I am so far behind in entertainment. I'll just do the best I can (tonight appears to be lost)

April 28th (trying to do a shortened version of what is written)

George Sakellarious has a new show that includes "pure Guitar Greatness" with a mix of contemporary to Spanish masterpieces. This was at 9:30 p.m. in the Constellation Theater.

10:30 - 11:15 p.m. in the Horizon Lounge was "come Fly with Me" with vocalist Holly Holcomb. She is part of the Regent Singers and Dancers.

Last night -- April 29th was "Viva La Vida" with the Jean Ann Ryan Singers and Dancers. Latin pulsing rythms and a percussive drive heats up the night (Constellation Theater)

Tonight (april 30th) is Cirque Voyager. Although I cannot find the paperwork, we have seen this amazing show before. If you do not see any other show....... see this one.

Tomorrow - May 1st

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. NOT TO BE MISSED Farewell Reception and Crew Show. Cocktails at 6:00 p.m. with Crew Kapers commencing at :15 p.m. The Captain takes to the stage and the famous crew salute rounds off performances which will touch your heart. Don't forget your cameras (Constellation Theater.

9:30 p.m. Constellation theater -- Jimmy Nairn 'Mr. Showbiz" is the finest way to describe Scottish muulti-talented entertainer Jimmy Naire, Clarinet, Saxophone, Bagpipes, Piano -- you name it, Jimmy can play it. AJimy's special brand of humor is a tonic for all ages.

Now, where is my "bitter"???????