Hello,
I recently returned from a FABULOUS cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy! This is our 3rd Disney cruise (we go every September to celebrate our birthdays which all happen to fall within a month of each other) ... And it just gets better and better.
On the first day, the Concierge Host invited me to participate in the newly minted Palo Chef Experience. This would be the first time they would have this experience available on any ship and the first time actual guests would be able to participate. There were a few trial runs with the cruise staff prior to our sailing. Our Concierge Host participated in one of those runs and highly suggested that I try it was well. Given the logistics of the size of the galley with only a limited number of cooking stations and the Head Chef of Palo's having to oversee/instruct the participants, there was only a few spots available. 5, to be exact. So, of course, I jumped at the opportunity.
The experience itself was rather long. About 4 hours. But, it was absolutely wonderful. I highly recommend it if the experience is available on your next cruise.
The Experience started out with the delivery of an authentic Palo Chef Jacket, Apron, Name Tag with my name, and Hat. Very nice and official looking! Once I arrived at Palo, I was greeted by the Head Server, Luca and taken to a nice table where the other guests and I were to enjoy cappuccino and freshly baked pastries with the Head Chef, David. As we chatted and enjoyed our breakfast, we were told to straighten up our uniforms as "The Boss" was coming to inspect us. Of course, the one and only Mickey Mouse showed up, in a Chef's uniform and all to inspect us. We all passed inspection and were rewarded with some pictures with The Boss himself. Then it was time to get to work.
We were escorted to the back of the restaurant where the galley was located. It was interesting to see what went on behind the scenes of the restaurant. I had dined there the night before and had the Brunch on our first day at sea. If you haven't been, it's a MUST! So, so good. It only cost $30 per person which, in my estimation, is more than reasonable considering the quality of the food and service. Both were absolutely superb.
After a few minutes of instruction, we were ready to start cooking. We made a fresh Marghirita Pizza, Butternut Squash Angelloti (Ravioli) with Sage Brown Butter sauce and amaretto cookie crumble, and a Limoncello tart. We made the dough for all three dishes and made the angelloti pasta by hand. I don't consider myself a "chef" by any means but it wasn't very difficult to do because the instruction was so good and we had sous chefs behind us giving us gentle instruction as we went along.
Once we were done, we were invited sit down and enjoy our meal with the Head Chef. Our table had a beautiful view of the rain pouring down on Jamica. We started off with some dress antipasti and mozzerella caprece, which was delicious. Then the sommelier joined us to discuss wine pairings with our meal. We sampled 3 glasses of some splendid wines and enjoyed the food we had created. It was one of the best meals I've ever had! And I made it!
I am so glad I got to be a part of the inaugural Palo Experience. It was one the best I've ever had on a cruise and, if it's available on your next cruise, I highly suggest you take part.
I recently returned from a FABULOUS cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy! This is our 3rd Disney cruise (we go every September to celebrate our birthdays which all happen to fall within a month of each other) ... And it just gets better and better.
On the first day, the Concierge Host invited me to participate in the newly minted Palo Chef Experience. This would be the first time they would have this experience available on any ship and the first time actual guests would be able to participate. There were a few trial runs with the cruise staff prior to our sailing. Our Concierge Host participated in one of those runs and highly suggested that I try it was well. Given the logistics of the size of the galley with only a limited number of cooking stations and the Head Chef of Palo's having to oversee/instruct the participants, there was only a few spots available. 5, to be exact. So, of course, I jumped at the opportunity.
The experience itself was rather long. About 4 hours. But, it was absolutely wonderful. I highly recommend it if the experience is available on your next cruise.
The Experience started out with the delivery of an authentic Palo Chef Jacket, Apron, Name Tag with my name, and Hat. Very nice and official looking! Once I arrived at Palo, I was greeted by the Head Server, Luca and taken to a nice table where the other guests and I were to enjoy cappuccino and freshly baked pastries with the Head Chef, David. As we chatted and enjoyed our breakfast, we were told to straighten up our uniforms as "The Boss" was coming to inspect us. Of course, the one and only Mickey Mouse showed up, in a Chef's uniform and all to inspect us. We all passed inspection and were rewarded with some pictures with The Boss himself. Then it was time to get to work.
We were escorted to the back of the restaurant where the galley was located. It was interesting to see what went on behind the scenes of the restaurant. I had dined there the night before and had the Brunch on our first day at sea. If you haven't been, it's a MUST! So, so good. It only cost $30 per person which, in my estimation, is more than reasonable considering the quality of the food and service. Both were absolutely superb.
After a few minutes of instruction, we were ready to start cooking. We made a fresh Marghirita Pizza, Butternut Squash Angelloti (Ravioli) with Sage Brown Butter sauce and amaretto cookie crumble, and a Limoncello tart. We made the dough for all three dishes and made the angelloti pasta by hand. I don't consider myself a "chef" by any means but it wasn't very difficult to do because the instruction was so good and we had sous chefs behind us giving us gentle instruction as we went along.
Once we were done, we were invited sit down and enjoy our meal with the Head Chef. Our table had a beautiful view of the rain pouring down on Jamica. We started off with some dress antipasti and mozzerella caprece, which was delicious. Then the sommelier joined us to discuss wine pairings with our meal. We sampled 3 glasses of some splendid wines and enjoyed the food we had created. It was one of the best meals I've ever had! And I made it!
I am so glad I got to be a part of the inaugural Palo Experience. It was one the best I've ever had on a cruise and, if it's available on your next cruise, I highly suggest you take part.
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