New Chef’s Table Experience: Firsthand on Silver Nova

A few weeks ago, The Meandering Traveler dined at the new “Chef’s Table” experience that unfolds in the S.A.L.T. Lab on board Silversea‘s 728-passenger Silver Nova.

Our firsthand look at this experience is below, but first, let’s talk a bit about S.A.L.T.

Curated by Adam Sachs, former editor-in-chief of Saveur magazine, S.A.L.T., short for “Sea and Land Taste,” focuses on reflecting the destinations the ship visits through taste.

So, menu options include recipes from the region of sailing. It’s truly a “deep dive,” though, as some dishes are even from the exact port of call the ship visited that same day.

(See photo above of a S.A.L.T. chef preparing one course of a multi-course dinner for Silver Nova’s Chef’s Table at the S.A.L.T. Lab. Photo by Susan J. Young.)

Dedicated S.A.L.T. Venues

Talk to your travel advisor about which specific Silversea ships have dedicated S.A.L.T. venues. S.A.L.T. Kitchen, S.A.L.T. Bar and S.A.L.T. Lab (for optional-fee cooking classes) are found on many — but not all — Silversea ships.

This year, the new Chef’s Table at S.A.L.T. Lab is another savory option for some Silversea guests. But it’s available only on Silver Nova or Silver Ray. 

The New Chef’s Table

Designed for an intimate group of up to 18 guests maximum, the Chef’s Table multi-course tasting menu is paired with fine wines and cocktails. This optional dining experience carries a $180 per person optional charge.

During our recent Asia sailing on Silver Nova, we dined one night with only seven other guests at Chef’s Table. It was an intimate experience.

Multiple chefs prepared an 11-course tasting menu in front of us. The courses were paired with fine wines and cocktails.

We enjoyed excellent service and enriching guest interaction by multiple chefs, servers and a sommelier. It was an inspiring culinary look at favorite dishes and tastes in our sailing region.

Let the Ingredients Speak

Or, as Silversea describes its intent with the S.A.L.T. culinary approach: “Be curious and let the ingredients speak. Each has a story to tell, and we are always listening.”

The chefs in Chef’s Table were highly personable — chatting with guests, showcasing fresh, authentic ingredients and describing the local dishes.

New Chef’s Table Experience: The Ingredients

Throughout our meal, we learned so much about the dishes. We were nicely handed two-sided cards (to take home), which succinctly explained their origin, cultivation, make-up, creation or other tidbits.

• Gochujang: This spicy, fermented red-pepper paste is popular with residents of the Korean peninsula; it’s made from rice, fermented soybeans, Korean chili flakes and salt.
• Wagyu: With extensive marbling, this exclusive cut of Japanese beef is famed for its melt-in-mouth tenderness.
• Calamansi: Thought by locals in the Philippines and Southeast Asia as having healing benefits, this citrus hybrid has a vibrant green skin, bright orange flesh and zingy taste.
• Matsutake: These Japanese “pine mushrooms” are difficult to cultivate and must be gathered by hand in the forest. With an almost mystical status, they exude a signature, autumnal, almost spicy aroma.
• Kinako: A Japanese favorite, this light-brown roasted soybean flour is beloved for use in desserts.

Our Asian Tasting Menu

So, what was the exact menu for our dinner? Well, you can check it out below. You’ll see exactly what we were served.

This menu provides a good sense of what this type of dining experience entails. Of course, the menu will vary based on the ship’s region of sailing or even when the ship is at a specific port.

Chef’s Table Beverages

A note about the drinks? Well folks, let’s just say we were so engaged and living “in the moment” — socializing with fellow guests and discussing the cuisine — that we didn’t jot down drink details. 

That said, we sipped one savory cocktail, sampled one spirit with a unique taste, and chose either red or white wines (that varied by course). The white wines we selected from Australia or New Zealand were excellent.  

New Chef’s Table Experience: Intimate and Exclusive

During our new Chef’s Table experience, we dined along a semi-circular, bar-like surface while seated on high-topped chairs. There were just eight guests during our meal, but up to 18 are accepted on any one night.

But that small number means space is quite limited. So, consider reservations “a must” if you desire to experience this intimate, exclusive experience. Again, the cost is $180 per person, double occupancy.

Limited Space, Reserve Immediately

Good to know? You can’t reserve this unique culinary experience in advance of boarding the ship. Instead, upon arrival in your stateroom, immediately pull up the Restaurant part of the in-suite entertainment system.

Check availability and make a reservation right away, if that’s available. If not, contact guest services/restaurant reservations on board.

Better yet, talk to your suite butler and request a Chef’s Table reservation right away. Some guests told us they successfully secured a confirmed reservation via their suite butler.

One thought about Chef’s Table? At the outset, we actually wondered if the $180 per person cover charge was a tad too pricey. But after it was over, we felt it was a fabulous, one-of-a-kind culinary experience.

For us, it was definitely worth the bucks, thanks to the combination of these factors:

• An incredible array of 11 creatively crafted tasting courses including one with Wagyu beef.
• A hefty enrichment/learning element that flowed throughout the entire presentation.
• A maximum of 18 guests (only eight during our meal).
• Up-close action that we watched being created right in front of us — just a few feet from our dining spot.
• A truly “deep dive” into local cuisine and local ingredients.
• Pairings with fine wines, a spirit or cocktails.

To Learn More 

For more information on Silversea, here’s a link to the line’s official website page about Silver Nova. On this page, you’ll find a complete rundown of all the Silver Nova itineraries. You’ll also find itineraries for sister ship Silver Ray, which also offers Chef’s Table.

Of course, to ask questions and chat about all the dining options on the Nova-class ships as well as those on many other Silversea ships, contact your personal travel planner.

In addition, “given that Black Friday offers are still valid on many lines for a limited time, call today and talk with your advisor about the best deals available,” says Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel.

She continues: “And after those deals are gone, the good news is that Wave Season is almost upon us. So, your advisor will assess for you whether other promotions apply and get you the best deal.

“Then, we’ll help you reserve your suite for an upcoming voyage on Silver Nova or Silver Ray,” says Steudle. So, get ready to savor the culinary delights and say, “Bon Appetit,” while sailing the high seas!

Important Information from Pavlus Travel