LIVE!!!!! From the REFLECTION TRANSATLANTIC - CHICAGOPAUL -

[chicagomike87]

Did you guys do assigned dining or Celebrity Select dining? Was it easy to get a private table for two in the MDR?

 

 

 

Yesterday was our last nice sea day (as far as crossing goes) according to the captain. Though on a crossing I prefer a little “Ocean drama” for the lack of a better word so I think I will enjoy today.

 

But let’s talk about yesterday. Yesterday we had lunch JJ ocean view as you saw. We took a brief nap then headed to sunset bar for a drink and ran into some friends and made a new one. I just had one beer and Edward a ginger ale. We chatted for a couple hours and then went back to the room to relax before dinner. We hit up the martini bar of course and then decided on the main dining room for dinner.

 

So this was our first time in the MDR in over 3 years. Maybe in over 4 years?

 

We were seated at table 405. We arrived at 7:55 and were seated right away. We were done with dessert by 8:55. Very quick and good service. I was impressed. The food overall was pretty good.

 

We started with the crab cake which was the highlight of the meal. I could’ve eaten a dozen. We then had the carpaccio which for the MDR I was surprised at the quality. Not overly fatty. Very tender. We then had the cream of broccoli soup. It was definitely on the watery side, not too creamy. Flavor was good but needed some salt and pepper. We then both had the short ribs. They were tender with the right amount of fat which was edible still. It could’ve used a bit more seasoning but overall it was pretty good. We then both had dessert. I had the apple tart and Edward had the jubilee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[chicagomike87]

Are the outdoor pools heated? I know the pools on the Solstice are heated when I was on the Alaska cruise. You would see the steam coming from the pools. It was quite nice to use the heated pools and hottub in cooler weather.

 

 

It’s a bit lonely by the pool this morning.

 

 

 

Before dinner last night we hit the martini bar, but early (around 5:45) as we had an early dinner at 7. We met up with our new friend Nina who I’m sure many of you may actually know. The bartenders continue to hit it out of the park.

 

 

Last night, friends who we sailed with before who just happened to be on this cruise, invited us to their suite along with two other couples for dinner. They ordered appetizers and sushi from all the specialty restaurants and we had dinner and watched a movie. It was a perfect dinner and a movie night. They were in a Royal Suite so we had just the right amount of space. Of course seeing the RS again started bringing back memories! Ugh, how I wish we had that space again. After dinner the butler came and brought cookies and blueberry cobbler from Lawn Club Grill. I wish I would’ve taken photos as it was all a very nice spread.

 

After dinner we headed to the martini bar since they had their big party with dancers behind the screens. Can you remember the name? It’s Society X presents “Mirage.” The martini bar was actually very crowded for a change! Everyone of all ages seemed to be having a great time.

 

 

After martini bar we hit the casino. Single deck blackjack. I was even after an hour of play and all of us at the table decided to go to sky lounge. Despite the fact the bar looked closed with bottles put away, etc they were still serving drinks. After a short stint there we realized none of us like to dance and instead we prefer giving our money to casinos. So like good habitual degenerate gamblers we went back to the casino. No dealer was at the single deck table but they brought one out for us. Let’s just say I’m no longer even.

 

After that wonderful experience we went back to the room. Checked social media and fell asleep.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[weregoingcruising]

Another great live report. Can you use the app without Internet access?

[conquesodor]

Would love to hear confirmation about Qsine. Is it still offering the regular menu most days/nights? There is some wild speculation elsewhere about how often The Petite Chef experience is being done instead. Any chance you can confirm for us?

 

I wouldn't mind trying Petite Chef, but we're really looking forward to dinner at Qsine with the regular menu after we board Reflection on April 27. :-)

 

Thanks!

Ken

[Lastdance]

Would love to hear confirmation about Qsine. Is it still offering the regular menu most days/nights? There is some wild speculation elsewhere about how often The Petite Chef experience is being done instead. Any chance you can confirm for us?

 

I wouldn't mind trying Petite Chef, but we're really looking forward to dinner at Qsine with the regular menu after we board Reflection on April 27. :-)

 

Thanks!

Ken

 

Hi Ken!

 

Yes, it is Le Petit Chef and Paul said it was $25 pp or he thought part of the dinner pkg. I am also anxious to hear how they enjoyed it too, but thought I would jump in and share what Paul already shared with me; hope that's okay! We are both on 4/27, so we can enjoy it! Unfortunately, it seems like Qsine is no more...sorry, if this is true!

Suzy

[CruisersTimesThree]

First Bistro on 5 and now Qsine? I certainly hope this isn't the case when we cruise on the Silhouette next March! Qsine has always been our first night dining tradition!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[conquesodor]

Hi Suzy,

 

Did Paul categorically say that Qsine was gone for good? Was it in this thread or elsewhere?

 

I am still hoping that the Little Chef is only on select nights for our sailing. I'm open to trying somethnig new, but the menu seems very limited to commit to a complete replacement. :confused:

 

Other than this, I'm excited for April 27! :D

 

Ken

 

Hi Ken!

 

Yes, it is Le Petit Chef and Paul said it was $25 pp or he thought part of the dinner pkg. I am also anxious to hear how they enjoyed it too, but thought I would jump in and share what Paul already shared with me; hope that's okay! We are both on 4/27, so we can enjoy it! Unfortunately, it seems like Qsine is no more...sorry, if this is true!

Suzy

[chicagopaul]

Would love to hear confirmation about Qsine. Is it still offering the regular menu most days/nights? There is some wild speculation elsewhere about how often The Petite Chef experience is being done instead. Any chance you can confirm for us?

 

 

 

I wouldn't mind trying Petite Chef, but we're really looking forward to dinner at Qsine with the regular menu after we board Reflection on April 27. :-)

 

 

 

Thanks!

 

Ken

 

 

 

Hey Ken. So we are at Qsine tonight and it is La Petite Chef. Qsine menu on Reflection is no longer. I’ll have a full report for you tonight. The cost was only $25 for this cruise. We’re being told after this cruise it will be $55pp but I wouldn’t be surprised if they continue to run this promotion for a little while longer. There are two seatings each night. One early, one late just like MDR seating.

 

I’ll have photos posted later. Long story short it was fantastic and highly entertaining.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Esprit]

I noticed Peter that we are on the same cruise in July, will your DD still be working on board? Looking forward to it.

 

Not this time! She "debarks" on 18 May, but has be recalled to do compassionate leave cover in February aboard "Millie" so who knows?!?

[Lastdance]

Thanks Paul for the pre-update. We might change our LCG to Le Petite Chef, but am waiting to hear your longer report with photos. I do not eat lobster, as I am allergic to it, but steak is okay. I am thinking about the experience of trying something new and quirky. I do feel sorry for Ken, as he did have special plans for the two of them and now this is not going to happen. I hope this new venue is better...

 

 

Thanks so much and looking forward to hearing your report!

[dms492]

Interesting Paul, I look forward to your photos. I contacted Celebrity Speciality Dining directly a couple of days ago and was assured that Le Petit Chef isn't replacing Qsine on Reflection permanently....seems they were wrong!

 

Hey Ken. So we are at Qsine tonight and it is La Petite Chef. Qsine menu on Reflection is no longer. I’ll have a full report for you tonight. The cost was only $25 for this cruise. We’re being told after this cruise it will be $55pp but I wouldn’t be surprised if they continue to run this promotion for a little while longer. There are two seatings each night. One early, one late just like MDR seating.

 

I’ll have photos posted later. Long story short it was fantastic and highly entertaining.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[chicagopaul]

Interesting Paul, I look forward to your photos. I contacted Celebrity Speciality Dining directly a couple of days ago and was assured that Le Petit Chef isn't replacing Qsine on Reflection permanently....seems they were wrong!

 

 

 

I think it might still be fluid but everyone we talked to this is the new norm. Apparently a couple cruises ago they just did a couple test nights. Then last cruise they did every night and now it seems like full steam ahead. They’re definitely packing the restaurant more than before and when you add in the fact they’re able to get some feedback and hype out of it, it appears to be a win win. However when they switch pricing to $55pp things could change I suppose.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[chicagopaul]

Good Evening Everyone. So we just ordered room service and it’s 1:15am. I’m actually not over served on alcohol for a change and while we await room service I thought I’d use this opportunity to post my thoughts on Le Petite Chef. I took video of everything but due to the internet limitations I won’t even attempt to upload it. I will when I’m in Italy or back home. But I do have some good photos for you.

 

First let’s start with the timing. There are two times. Early and late. Today the early time was 5:30. We were instructed to show up 15 minutes early. People definitely listened.

 

 

We ate dinner with our friend John and our new friend and Zenith Greg. We had a nice table for four and we found the tables to be adequately spaced. Here is the menu which is fixed. There is also a “side menu” which is mainly meant for those who may have shellfish or other allergies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ok so photos are loading slow tonight. If I can’t get everything up tonight I will first thing in the morning from the pool bar.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[conquesodor]

I was told the same thing, but it's so hard to tell what is actually going on. Frustrating.

 

 

 

Interesting Paul, I look forward to your photos. I contacted Celebrity Speciality Dining directly a couple of days ago and was assured that Le Petit Chef isn't replacing Qsine on Reflection permanently....seems they were wrong!

[conquesodor]

Thanks for sharing the photos and what you've heard so far. Will look forward to your full review when you can post it.

 

I've seen some videos of what Le Petite Chef is like on youtube. It does look cute and all, but with such a limited menu I don't see how it's not a "one and done" type of experience. If you don't get the full experience from the "Other" menu, that's even more concerning to me. I get that people are excited about something new, but it still seems a bit short sighted to abandon Qsine entirely. Perhaps they are simply experimenting at this point, but if it wasn't for Cruise Critic, we'd have no clue that we might not have the regular Qsine experience when we board. For those of us who like Qsine and have been looking forward to dining there, it feels like the rug was pulled out from under us.

 

Is there any chance "classic Qsine" will be available for lunch on sea days? I realize that's most days for your TA, just thinking ahead to my med cruise a week from now.

 

 

Good Evening Everyone. So we just ordered room service and it’s 1:15am. I’m actually not over served on alcohol for a change and while we await room service I thought I’d use this opportunity to post my thoughts on Le Petite Chef. I took video of everything but due to the internet limitations I won’t even attempt to upload it. I will when I’m in Italy or back home. But I do have some good photos for you.

 

First let’s start with the timing. There are two times. Early and late. Today the early time was 5:30. We were instructed to show up 15 minutes early. People definitely listened.

 

 

We ate dinner with our friend John and our new friend and Zenith Greg. We had a nice table for four and we found the tables to be adequately spaced. Here is the menu which is fixed. There is also a “side menu” which is mainly meant for those who may have shellfish or other allergies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ok so photos are loading slow tonight. If I can’t get everything up tonight I will first thing in the morning from the pool bar.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[lobster129]

Thanks for all the great updates and photos. Nothing beats Transatlantics!

 

I noticed a number of differences between the Tuscan menu posted on the app and the one you were presented with. On the app it lists two Prime NY Strip steaks (9 oz and 18 oz) neither with any up charge, on your menu only a 16 oz for $15 up charge. Roasted Beef Ribeye on the App is 10 oz, but 14 on your menu! Grilled Skirt Steak 16 oz on your menu, 12 oz on the App. In the seafood department, Awordfish Acqua Pazza on the App but not on your menu. In the pastas, Frutti Di Mare Rigatoni on the App but not on your menu. On the other hand, the three meat lasagna on your menu, but not on the App.

 

So I wonder if there are in fact two different menus used (rotated between different ships?) or the App menu is simply outdated. We'll be on Solstice later this month and I'd like to try the Frutti Di Mare listed on the App, but I won't get my hopes up since it didn't appear on your menu.

 

I decided the apps dining choices are likely incorrect...since it listed Bistro on 5...But that was converted to a Sushi Restaurant a few YEARS ago!

 

Becky

[lobster129]

I really appreciate all the info, photos, critiques of food and bar services and staff in general. Looking forward to meeting you April 27th @ Sail Away...Sunset Bar~:p

 

I did not see any wines by the glass on the menus for "La Petite Chef". Are there any available...or only by the bottle?

 

Good news that the room service fee is only for late night and very early morning:D Thank you for clarifying that as the App does not mention the time criteria!!! Yikes!

 

While I did not ever notice you posting on the Roll Call, I did add your names to our RC Spreadsheet on our cruise's WIX Website.

 

Becky

[chicagopaul]

Good Morning Everyone! Today is very windy!! It’s not rocking the ship much though. Per the usual here is the Daily for today and then I’ll recap Le Petite Chef

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[chicagopaul]

Ok so now let’s get on to Qsine or Petite Chef. We were seated promptly as I mentioned last night. The table settings (plates) are not to be moved as they’re meant for the projection show. The projectors are small boxes above each table strategically placed.

 

 

The menu is a regular paler menu. You can see the white place setting which is basically used as a back drop for the show.

 

 

Those are the built in projectors above the table.

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[wendyam76]

For those that ordered off the side menu (we did for the soup) you still get the projections - just obviously for the original menu. I would do this again!

[watchdiva]

Hi Paul, As usual I am really enjoying your review! If you have time, would you please check on whether the Alcoves were changed to the rotating ones during the recent drydock?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[wendyam76]

Alcoves are not rotating unfortunately - had one last cruise.

[chicagopaul]

The dinner started with the Mila, the Maitr’d announcing how the meal would work. Each course would begin with a couple minute show of the Le Petite Chef cooking on your table. The course is then served.

 

I thought the video quality was fantastic. Not only does your table show the video but the entire table is part of the video.

 

Our first course was my absolute favorite. My favorite part was how detailed the video was. It showed the chef bringing in each ingredient so you knew exactly what was in the dish that was about to come.

 

 

 

 

The Bouillabaisse which you see above was incredible. I heard someone complain it was not too hot but Bouillabaisse should never be served hot as it would over cook the fish! I found the temperature perfect. The flavors were perfect. The selection of fish was great. Well cooked. Not chewy. I could’ve eaten that bowl for each course. For me this was the highlight of the meal and my favorite food item of the cruise thus far.

 

I wish I could post the whole video of this course now but I will as soon as I can.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[chicagopaul]

The next course was lobster. The lobster was served in the shell. It was very easy to pull out of the shell but our waitress offered to deshell it for us. The sauce was fantastic and the lobster was very well cooked. The “seaweed” placed on top had a very nice light earthy bite to it and it paired well. Edward said he preferred the grilled split lobster in Murano ($29 surcharge) but thought this was still very good. The lobster was not chewy, not “stringy” and not dry. All things you might worry about when a bunch of meals are being served at the same time.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Chrissi3010]

Continuously enjoying your posts.... :-)

 

Do you know or did they tell you whether Qsine still exists on other ships like the Constellation which we'll embark about 2 weeks? I always wanted to try Qsine because I love asian food.