Convince me to book the Chef's Table........

[Texarribean Chick]

We typically at least have dinner at the ship's Steakhouse once per cruise. DH really enjoys this; but I tend to get bored in between each course. I really loved it when they had entertainment in the steakhouse - DH and I so loved having a dance in between courses. I have read many, many reviews about the Chef's Table and what a TREAT it is. I just cannot decide if I actually want to spend $150. to be bored hours on end...............

 

How much time in between each course?

 

Do they continually serve Champagne? We really are not wine drinkers; but do enjoy the champagne. Or better yet, could you possibly order a mixed drink instead of the wine?

 

Is the Chef insulted if you do not finish his serving? I learned a long time ago (even in the MDR), with that many courses, if you eat the entire serving, you would have to be rolled back to your cabin, lol!

 

My main concern is timing and boredom. I swear, I have AADD.

 

Thanks in advance for your responses/opinions.

[Arizona cruisers]

Just my opinion...but we weren't bored at all. The chef was always explaining things to us, we went on a tour, there were people preparing food, conversation at the table with new people that we met, and we had a magician that was very entertaining. I am the opposite...I love wine but not champagne, so I was quite happy. The champagne was only during the kitchen tour. I would make the request because they seem like they will do whatever to make you happy. I don't think they would mind pouring you champagne instead of the wine. Enjoy...it is fantastic!

[Froufie]

Your experience might depend on what ship you're on! My recent Chef's Table evening on the Destiny was less than stellar (and confirmed by my travel mate who tried the CT on 3 other ships prior to this one and said there was no comparison).

 

You can check out the details in my Destiny b2b review (I believe the CT was on the 'second cruise'...so scroll thru the 1st part if you are not interested). Link below near signature!

[misstopgun]

We typically at least have dinner at the ship's Steakhouse once per cruise. DH really enjoys this; but I tend to get bored in between each course. I really loved it when they had entertainment in the steakhouse - DH and I so loved having a dance in between courses. I have read many, many reviews about the Chef's Table and what a TREAT it is. I just cannot decide if I actually want to spend $150. to be bored hours on end...............

 

How much time in between each course?

 

Do they continually serve Champagne? We really are not wine drinkers; but do enjoy the champagne. Or better yet, could you possibly order a mixed drink instead of the wine?

 

Is the Chef insulted if you do not finish his serving? I learned a long time ago (even in the MDR), with that many courses, if you eat the entire serving, you would have to be rolled back to your cabin, lol!

 

My main concern is timing and boredom. I swear, I have AADD.

 

Thanks in advance for your responses/opinions.

You will not be bored! They first serve a few appitizers with champagne and explain how each was made. The chef will tell you about himself and his history.

 

You will then go on a galley tour and watch as people are cooking on the lines and the servers are scampering about collecting meals.

 

You will watch as they prepare chocolate melting cake.

 

You are then excorted to a long table where you have a menu scroll and place markers done up very artisticly. The courses come one right after another and your wine glasses are filled before they every become empty.

 

You have great conversation with other guests and the chef is available and talking to anyone with questions about the foods preperation. You actually watch as his assistants finish creating the following courses.

 

The final course is a decadant dessert and they also serve the warmest melting cake you ever had. You then ask for a wheel barrow and someone to push because you are too full to move.

 

No seriously, in addition you are given two pictures of everyone seated at the table as well as a Carnival cookbook for the ladies. Those in themselves are worth the $75 pp.

 

We did this the first time on the Dream in April and hope to do it again on our Legend cruise in September. (still waiting for John Heald to confirm)

Just look at it as another excursion. Enjoy!

[bobsfamily]

We did this the first time on the Dream in April and hope to do it again on our Legend cruise in September. (still waiting for John Heald to confirm)

If you email the maitred (I spelled it that way on purpose) using the first 2 letters of the ship - with me it was semaitred at carnival dot com (for Sensation) - you will either get a confirmation or explanation that it's full. I got my reservations that way for out cruise next week. Thanks to another CC'er for the info and I am passing it on now.

[MagnoliaFly]

We loved our Chef's Table experience. Not boring at all. Between one of the courses when the Chef wasn't there explaining something they had the ships' magician come down to entertain everyone (see my review for photos linked in my signature).

 

I don't think he is offended if you can't finish each course. As the night went on I found myself leaving more and more of my food on my plate.

 

There was one diner at our table that cleaned each and every plate at each course and I don't know how he did it.

[lovermonkey]

I thought the Chef's table was awesome! It seemed like the food never ended. I was so stuffed. By the 4th plate, I was having troubles. There are 7 courses by the way. And certainly you can't find any of the food served on any other menu aboard the ship.

 

My girlfriend who really doesn't like raw meat ate the carpaccio. I had to smile at that.

[helen haywood]

We did it on Inspiration. There was not a magician....and our table mates seemed incapable of conversation....I cannot tell you how the evening drug on... While we enjoyed the galley tour, once we adjourned to the library for the meal it went downhill. Don't get me wrong, the food was absolutely wonderful! But there are so many courses that I actually felt that I never, ever, wanted to see food ever again at the end of it. I think it would be more fun if you went with another couple so that, heaven forbid, you have boring table mates you would still enjoy it. It is a long evening.

[Cruise-Crazy]

If you email the maitred (I spelled it that way on purpose) using the first 2 letters of the ship - with me it was semaitred at carnival dot com (for Sensation) - you will either get a confirmation or explanation that it's full. I got my reservations that way for out cruise next week. Thanks to another CC'er for the info and I am passing it on now.

 

I'll try that email address, thanks. I sent two messages to John Heald and have not heard anything.

[Cruise-Crazy]

I did the Chef's Table on the Dream and had a great time. It did not seem to go slow at all. There was no long wait between coerces like in the steakhouse.

[Texarribean Chick]

Thank you all so very much. I think we will just "go for it" - DH really enjoys the food at the Steakhouse and this would certainly be a treat for him.

 

Does anyone remember what time it starts?

 

BTW - we will be on the Dream when we do this, 7/2 sailing.

[Texarribean Chick]

We did it on Inspiration. There was not a magician....and our table mates seemed incapable of conversation....I cannot tell you how the evening drug on... While we enjoyed the galley tour, once we adjourned to the library for the meal it went downhill. Don't get me wrong, the food was absolutely wonderful! But there are so many courses that I actually felt that I never, ever, wanted to see food ever again at the end of it. I think it would be more fun if you went with another couple so that, heaven forbid, you have boring table mates you would still enjoy it. It is a long evening.

 

Thanks for the honesty, Helen. It's funny that you thought of this, because I thought just the opposite. I had already thought we should save this when we are traveling with another couple (this time, it's just the two of us); but then on second thought, thinking that I wouldn't enjoy a strangers company because I would be too busy talking to the folks I know.

Go figure.

 

Thanks again.

[darth frosty]

I guess its one of those things. I loved the chefs table on the destiny last month. You can check my review below, but we had a great group laughing and having a ball.

 

Now there are these things to consider.

 

1st the CT is a marathon culinary experience. Ours lasted from 6pm till almost 9:30. about midway thru they had a table artist (magician) come in and entertain us. That was a nice buffer during the lull.

 

2nd I am a foodie so I was interested in the behind the scenes aspect of dinner.

 

3rd like I said we had a great group. No stuffed shirts or nothing like that everyone was talkative and cool. The only slight hic-up was one little boy couldn't hang prompting his older brother to tell mom take him back to the room. That was funny!

[rustymerle]

Thanks for the honesty, Helen. It's funny that you thought of this, because I thought just the opposite. I had already thought we should save this when we are traveling with another couple (this time, it's just the two of us); but then on second thought, thinking that I wouldn't enjoy a strangers company because I would be too busy talking to the folks I know.

Go figure.

 

Thanks again.

 

Hi, Texarribean Chick ... I posted a response to your question under the Dream review and attached below as well. Helen makes a good point. But I am hard pressed to think of anyone I met on our cruise that I would not have enjoyed the Chef's Table with. Most people are pretty excited about it and happy to talk. But, you never know. Hmmm. That's a tough one.

 

I hope you at least try the Chef's Table and then you can come back and tell us if you enjoyed it or not. There may be others that do not drink wine and are wondering and asking the same questions you are. You could consider it a public service :)

 

Please see below for additional info and have a wonderful trip!

 

- We were never bored. In fact, the evening went by so quickly for us. We had such a great group to talk with throughout the evening. Courses came out very quickly and as someone had mentioned, the Chef comes around and explains what the particular course is.

 

- As per your question on the other thread and as described above, we met at 6:30pm in one of the lounges. From past reviews, I read some groups met in Sam's, but we met across the corridor in "The Song."

 

- After coffee and dessert, we left the Chef's Table and headed to the show. The show started at 10:15/10:30pm. So, we probably wrapped up around 10-ish or a little later.

 

- We planned for the Chef's Table by having very little to eat up until that time. I think that helped. When the anniversary and birthday cake came around, many of us gracefully declined. By the way, my husband said he liked the birthday cake better than the chocolate melting cake. Oh, my!

 

- I have been to the Steakhouse on the Miracle and as much as we enjoyed it, this was so much better.

 

- Side note on the price: We enjoyed it so much we provided an additional tip. Not sure who else did, but at the end of the evening, they bring the "bill" for signature and you can just stick with the $75/pp or add a tip.

 

- This is just a guess, but if you want other drinks, you may be asked to pay for them. Not sure. You could e-mail the Steakhouse and ask them since that is how the reservations for the Chef's Table are handled.

 

- Of all the things regarding the cruise, the Chef's Table was the one activitiy that I had absolutely no concern about. There were so many reviews and they were all terrific. If you are concerned you may not get your money's worth because you do not drink wine, that is a very valid concern. So, you may want to stick with the Steakhouse. You are right ... The Chef's Table is not cheap, but as someone mentioned, you can think of it as an excursion.

 

I truly think you will enjoy it. It is definitely a unique experience.

[CaraKeet]

I emailed the matre d and got confirmation within 24 hours. I am looking forward to it!

[bobsfamily]

Doing the CT on the Sensation 5/28 and it is my wife's birthday - I guess they do something for birthday's?

Will let you know! Hope for a great time.

[JaneyLynn]

I never thought about doing the Chef's table but it sounds interesting. I wanted to do something special for myself and I can't find anything in the spa I want....... maybe I could do this.

 

I gather they give you wine, is it included in the $75? And could someone point me to the menu? Are they the same menu's on each ship?

 

Where is it held? MDR or some place else? Can I prepaid for it <didn't see it on the CCL website but I wasn't really looking for this type of thing>

 

Have you ever seen someone by themselves, basically will I feel like a third wheel?

 

and last question....... is it formal?

[Froufie]

To answer some of your questions:

 

1) wine and pre-dinner champagne (and the gratuity) are included in the $75 (you are free to tip above if you so wish). Also includes group pic and signed cookbook.

 

2) The menus do vary slightly - but if you can find the menu for your particular ship it will most likely be the same....

 

Here's some chef's table food porn: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1238157

 

More menu/pics here: http://danthewebman.shutterfly.com/pictures/438

 

3) It is not held in the MDR - starts off with champagne/appetizers in/near the galley - then a 'tour' thru galley during dinner time where some warm chocolate cake will be prepared for your dessert - then off to your special 'dining room' - different venues depending on the ship

 

4) You cannot prepay - will be presented with S&S card bill at the end of the meal.

 

5) When we attended it was mostly couples but there was one solo woman at the table as well.

[nogard13]

Ok, I emailed the Maitre'd on our ship (Freedom, 8/7/11) and am awaiting a response. Will let you know if we book it.

[JenzyKY]

Honestly, I did not like it. It was incredibly too much food. Some of the food combinations were just weird. I definitely do not need like 7 full entrees. I felt really sick afterwards from eating enough for 5 people. I wished we went to the MDR with our awesome tablemates. I think it'd be better if there was just a galley tour. That part was awesome! If we cruise again, I'll stick to the steakhouse. The steak we were served was great!

[golfadj]

Just my opinion...but we weren't bored at all. The chef was always explaining things to us, we went on a tour, there were people preparing food, conversation at the table with new people that we met, and we had a magician that was very entertaining. I am the opposite...I love wine but not champagne, so I was quite happy. The champagne was only during the kitchen tour. I would make the request because they seem like they will do whatever to make you happy. I don't think they would mind pouring you champagne instead of the wine. Enjoy...it is fantastic!

 

We only have two booked and you have three. Have to do something to keep up with the Jones'

[boohicks]

We recently just came off the Liberty and 4 of us truly enjoyed the Chef's Table! Although other ships gave a cookbook, we all did not get one. :confused: We did get an 8x10 group picture, along with a recipe of the Chocolate Melting Cake. My kids ages 19 and 23, are still talking about it. I am not one to try a bunch of different food things, but I loved everything they served! When we walked through the kitchen, we saw all the busy workers and the waiters waiting to get their orders. I waved, smiled and said "hello" to all of them. The smiles are their faces were priceless!! I also thanked them as well. Just plan to go hungry!!:)

[NJsharon]

We did the Chef's Table on board the Miracle & absolutely loved it! Totally worth the price & both me & my husband commented it was probably the best meal we have experienced. The filet mignon just melted, was so tender you could almost skip the knife & just pull it apart with the fork. Delicious.

 

For the person asking about the wine. The wine is definitely included & plentiful. They come around with white or red. But I am sure you could ask for champagne instead of wine & they would accomodate you.

 

We were never bored & had a nice bunch of people to talk to at our table (14 people altogether). We also had the magician come out, while the filet mignon was cooking, to entertain us. He was very good too!

 

We ate our meal in the Frankenstein's Lab as it is private & close to the galley for them to bring the food out.

 

Would thoroughly recommend it!

[DEBnGAB]

We did the Chefs Table on the Paradise in April and loved it!!!

 

My BF was able to get Blue Moon instead of wine, and his glass never went empty. When they came around with the wine, he just asked if there was something else he could have as he wasnt a wine drinker and they asked what he would like. It was no problem at all!

 

Also, someone else ordered a Cosmo.

[ChefSusan]

My suggestion? GO!!!

 

Both my husband and I are total foodies, and both times we have done the Chef's Table (Freedom '10 and Magic '11), we had a blast!

 

I would like to suggest one thing - don't have anything to eat past noon... this way, you'll be able to fully enjoy each and every morsel that the Chef and his team prepares for you!

 

When we did the CT on Freedom, we started off in the Galley and had our three appetizers and champagne, followed by a quick tour of the various areas. The Chef then made the Warm Chocolate Melting Cake for us, and then it was off to the Private Dining Room where we had the remaining seven or so courses.

 

When we did the CT on Magic, we started off in the Piano Bar for the champagne and appetizers, went on a quick tour of the galley, then actually ate our meal IN the galley! That was quite the treat for us, as it really felt like we were indeed eating at the Chef's Table!

 

We were able to finish all of the food that was presented to us - my husband had a couple of glasses of wine, and I stuck to sparkling water.

 

Will we book this a third time? Not really sure. It is quite the experience!