thinking about doing the chefs table on the Emerald

[back2tampa]

Since this is our first Princess cruise I am wanting to do the chefs table. I have done it on Carnival and we loved it. I am needing all your information and thoughts on this and even the cost and what day it is usually on a 7 day and how was the food and basically everything you want to tell me about it and thank you in advance.

[kendon]

In a few words...you''ll love it! Do it.

[PescadoAmarillo]

Here are a few photos to accompany the few words:

http://pescadoamarillo.blogspot.com/search/label/Chefs%20Table

 

Yes, do it. It's wonderful.

[Colo Cruiser]

We have partaken a few times. Its a must do at least once for sure.

12 people per dinner.

There are no set days. On a seven day its usually done twice. If there is not enough interest it may not be done at all or maybe only once.

 

$95pp

Edited July 9, 2015 by Colo Cruiser

[Shogun]

Hi

 

Go for it, its a great way to spend an evening

 

yours Shogun

[Treven]

I TOTALLY agree!! You'll start out with appetizers and champaign in the galley along with the head chef. Then you'll be escorted to your table where you'll be inundated with a multi-course dinner with unlimited appropriate wine for each course. Dinner will take 2.5-3 hours and at the end you'll get a group pix taken by one of the ship's photogs and you'll get a copy of Princess' cook book, Courses, signed by the head chef & maitre'd. The ladies will get a long-stemmed rose.

 

It will really be quite an evening. I would recommend you eat lightly earlier in the day, breakfast as well as lunch.

Edited July 9, 2015 by Treven

[oxypete]

We did this on the Emerald and recommend it without reservation. DO IT!!

[Mrs Monkey]

Definitely worth it. As previous posters have said, eat light during the day as you will need room 😄

[timetravler]

We have done the chefs table 4 times. Each time the food was tops. I even can compare it to some of the finest restaurants in the world such as the French Laundry in Napa Valley which we have also been to 4 times. It is a beautiful presentation and you will not forget the experience, ever. It is completely worth doing. Book it right away when you get on the ship. Use the dine line to book. DO NOT wait to book it or you will loose out.

[geoherb]

My favorite part is the hors d'oeuvre in the galley. It's great to be able to see the work that goes on behind the scenes. There's usually not much activity when they hold the galley tours. The food in the galley has also been the most inventive that I've had the three times I've done the chef's table. The most memorable was a fabulous margarita crab cocktail on the Sapphire Princess in Alaska. That chef also served the worst hors d'oeuvre as well--a steak tartare served on a tomato aspic in a clear plastic cone shape.

[DragonflyCruiser]

We have done it on the Emerald! When you get on board pick up the phone, push the dining button and go for it! We have done the evening several times on other ships. I will have to say that the one on the Emerald was our best one! And, if you want more of anything (even champagne) just ask for it! You will be required to fill out a health survey since you will be in the active kitchen. They give you a day and time to show for that. 5 min! They explain that you cannot wear open toed shoes and must be healthy. You begin in one of the bars for a glass of bubbles. When the whole group is there they take you to the dining room to put on your chef's coat for entry into the galley. There you have elegant appetizers and a chance to ask questions of the chef or Maitre'd. So think of a good one! More bubbles!!! After that you are seated and the food just keeps coming along with wine for each course. At the end you will be presented a wonderful cookbook and will have your picture taken. Each course is amazing and beautiful! Hope you can book it and tell us how you like the evening!

[shepp]

To strike a slightly discordant note here…

 

The first time we did the CT, we turned to each other and said, "Let's splurge on this every cruise!"

 

But the second time (despite the presence of Chef Alfredo Marzi himself) things just seemed slightly less amazing. Not just because it was the second time around, but because the menu was less to my taste, particularly the entrée, and some of the food was certainly good, but not great. (Plus the astonishing dessert we'd paid extra for the first time was now a Chocolate Journeys selection in the MDR. Not to mention a diminishing need for Princess cookbooks.) We'll be setting sail again this week, and it looks like we'll be taking a pass this time around.

 

But the OP should certainly do it at least once.

[skynight]

Book first thing when you board.