In good news for foodies, Chef Rudi Sodamin, head of culinary arts, Princess Cruises, has unveiled a new eatery at sea, The Catch by Rudi. Replacing Bistro Sur La Mer, it debuted on Enchanted Princess, which emerged from drydock on April 15.
The Catch by Rudi is located across from the guest services desk on Deck 5. In turn, Sabatini’s on Enchanted Princess has moved to Deck 7 in the piazza where Bistro Sur la Mer was previously located.
This new seafood venue by Sodamin also will soon debut on three other Princess ships. On May 5, 2023, it will open on Majestic Princess in time for the ship’s summer Alaska season.
On May 7, 2023, it will open on board on Sky Princess, which sails from Southampton, U.K., this summer. In addition, look for The Catch by Rudi to debut in fall 2023 aboard Discovery Princess.
A new Irish Pub has also opened on Enchanted Princess. Keep reading below to learn more about this and a few other food/beverage enhancements.
A Fresh Take on Seafood
What’s special about The Catch by Rudi? Princess says that the eatery is its first venue primarily devoted to seafood.
Guests can expect to dine on Chef Sodamin’s contemporary interpretations of classic dishes. Plus, he’s known for his international fusion influences and creative presentations.
From the perspective of John Padgett, Princess’ president: “Chef Rudi is the foremost cruise culinary artist in the world with more than four decades of experience spanning the world’s best cruise lines – Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line,” plus others.
Foodie Passion, Menu Creativity
“Chef Rudi’s creativity, passion and leadership in delivering exceptional experiences down to the finest details that consider guests’ preferences and tastes will surely make The Catch another ‘must do,'” believes Padgett.
As they pick up their menus, for instance, guests will immediately sense that they’re experiencing something unexpected and novel. How so? We love the menu headings such as “Beauty on the Plate,” “Tower of Taste,” and so on.
Place settings are designed to be distinctive. In addition, guests (who so desire) will be greeted at their table with a special cocktail created by mixologist Rob Floyd.
This specialty dining venue is priced at $39 per person. It’s also a specialty dining option within the Princess Premier premium add-on package (on Enchanted Princess and soon on the other three ships).
The Daily Catch
Digging down into the menu, look for The Daily Catch — fresh, sustainably sourced seafood from local ports of call. Highlights include:
- Playful takes on such “go-to” seafood dishes as Asian-fried calamari.
- Modern twists on seafood classics such as lobster with garlic butter crust.
- Stunningly presented signature seafood inventions from the chef’s personal repertoire including a Towering Trio and Whole Dover Sole.
- A Seafood Trolley offering fresh lobster tail, shrimp, oysters and mussels, and piled high along with other sea delicacies.
“The Catch by Rudi is my way of combining my love of food, seafood and people with my incredible culinary journey at sea and my lifelong history of cooking seafood across the globe to delight Princess guests,” says Sodamin. “I want to deliver a new way to enjoy seafood and a fresh perspective on something they thought they knew.”
Vegetarian and Beef Dishes
“Everything we are doing with The Catch is about ‘catching’ that precious moment we call ‘now’—and doing it in such a memorable and unexpected way that makes you say ‘wow!'” emphasizes Sodamin.
While the menu is focused primarily on seafood dishes, The Catch by Rudi also is designed to appeal to every taste and appetite. So, diners will find vegetarian dishes and signature beef classics, all presented with the creativity that is distinctively Chef Rudi.
In addition, “the meal will offer a number of surprises—from before the meal starts, through the unparalleled desserts that are as fanciful as they are delicious and come with a special gift” at meal’s end, adds Sami Kohen, vice president of food and beverage, Princess Cruises.
“All wines served in the new eatery will be hand-picked to pair with seafood and the other dishes,” explains Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel. Guests will receive suggestions from sommeliers and wait staff about white, red, rose and sparkling wines from global wine-growing regions located near coastal areas.
“It’s all about comfort, fun and engagement,” she adds. “In other words, staff will make guests feel comfortable. So, selecting and experiencing the wine pairings won’t be intimidating, even to novices.”
New Irish Pub
For those seeking the “luck of the Irish,” it’s good to know that Enchanted Princess is also home to the new O’Malley’s, a contemporary Irish pub. The Meandering Traveler can’t wait to do a traditional Irish jig!
That’s because this pub is expected to exude “fun.” It will offer traditional Irish music, interactive entertainment and savory food including a new ribeye burger. Located on Deck 5, O’Malley’s operates in the space where the Salty Dog Gastropub Experience was previously located.
Other items on the O’Malley’s menu include Scotch eggs, fried pickles, pan-fried Guinness chicken and more. Of course, guests can also order favorite Irish beers, ales and whiskeys.
In addition, the new pub has tasting experiences that include an introduction to the history of Irish Whiskey along with a tasting flight. Guests can also sign up for Guinness cocktail classes.
Settimo Cielo
But wait, there’s more!
Enchanted Princess’ Piazza now is extending beyond its Italian architecture to also deliver traditional Italian “town square” aromas and experiences.
Deck Seven has become Settimo Cielo, or seventh heaven. Here guests will find an array of Italian eats including the popular specialty restaurant, Sabatini’s Trattoria, along with Bellini’s Venice-inspired cocktail bar and Gigi’s Pizzeria by Alfredo.
The Piazza also has Italian flair in the Gelateria on deck five. Here fresh gelato is hand-crafted each day in the ship’s pastry kitchen — using Italian-certified ingredients.
Salty Dog Cafe
On Enchanted Princess’ Lido Deck, Princess is also adding Salty Dog Cafe, an outlet of the the original Hilton Head eatery that welcomes tens of thousands of visitors annually.
Princess guests can enjoy original Salty Dog Cafe menu items like the Prime Burger and the Chicken Strip Basket.
They’ll also learn about the legend of Jake, the café’s iconic dog that wears a yellow hat. The cafe’s epic, branded merchandise featuring that canine mascot will also be available for sale.
“There is nothing more core to the Princess experience than great food and drinks at an amazing value conveyed with exceptional service and a friendly spirit,” adds Padgett. He’s confident guests will love the changes aboard Enchanted Princess.
“To learn about Enchanted Princess voyages, accommodations, fares, value-added perks and more, be sure to contact your personal travel planner,” says Pavlus Travel’s Steudle.
Also, readers can visit the Princess website for more details.
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