We know how this works. I tell you about a restaurant I adore in New York, and if it piques your interest, you give the place a whirl. Or if it is a venue you have already experienced, you agree (yesss) or disagree (awkward) with my description. Or you are reminded of a dish you loved once upon a time and head out to judge this spot's variation. Or...ok, you get it. So what happens when I write about an incredible dinner I ate at a place you can no longer visit?
"Cruel temptress!" you shriek. First off, that's rude. Secondly, you can still partake in the meal I experienced...only now, it is floating on the seven seas.
"Your riddles confound!" you wail. Woah. I am both surprised and delighted by your dramatics. Take a cleansing breath, and allow me to explain.
I was invited to a pop up restaurant, which featured the cuisine served aboard Celebrity Cruises. Though the event was meant to last but a brief stint in Manhattan, comparable meals are reportedly whipped up by award winning chefs on the regular on the water.
Appetizers at the pop up included hamachi crudo, handmade ricotta cavatelli, and a Jerusalem artichoke veloute. I ordered the soup, excited by its promise of Iberico ham, black trumpet mushrooms, sourdough croutons, and mascarpone. I insisted my dining partner order the pasta, as its wild mushroom fricassee, mache, Parmigiano Reggiano, and shaved black truffles sounded deliciously decadent. Both dishes were so rich and satisfying, my pal nearly wept when they were finished too soon.
Main dishes included a five spice crusted venison loin, seared halibut, and pork tenderloin. I selected the fish, thrilled to find it moist with a light sear alongside salsify, beef oxtail marmalade (unexpected! I know!), brussel sprouts, and a parmesan emulsion. My guest opted for the venison, which he loved loved loved, despite learning I was allergic to a component and would be unable to sample a taste. Tricky dude - finding a way not to share.
We both went for the Valrhona cocoa cake slash chocolate mousse slash peanut butter creme brulee ridiculousness with accompanying salted caramel ice cream for dessert, though the warm pineapple tart tatin with lime confit, passion fruit, and coconut rum ice cream must have thrilled other diners...mostly the ones not allergic to approximately 87% of it.
To finish, guests were offered "Strawberry Fields and Custards," which was a whimsical presentation of chocolate covered strawberries and egg-shaped pots de creme tucked into blades of grass. Yeah. Legit mini overgrown lawn. I'm not mad at it.
"Ok, I'm in!" you exclaim. Then grab your passport and fork, and head to the nearest Celebrity Cruises ship. Or, you know, make a reservation and pack luggage like a sane adult. Also, they should have forks there, sooo...no need to bring your own. Bon voyage, et bon appetit!
