Mark Bittman To Take Part In Crystal Cruises Voyage

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed)
Feb 23rd 2011 at 2:01AM

Food writer/personality Mark Bittman is among the culinary draws announced for Crystal Cruises' 15th annual Wine & Food Experiences of Discovery series in 2011. The NY Times writer and frequent food reality show judge will be part of an October 1 cruise in the Mediterranean.

Six luxury cruises will host celebrated chefs, wine experts and mixologists that reflects each itinerary's geographical region. Other culinary cruisers include recent 2011 Bocuse d'Or winner Rasmus Kofoed who will take part in the June 13 North Cape Cruise along with 2003 Bocuse d'Or winner Charles Tjessem, Master of Wine Philip Goodband and U.S. Bartenders Guild President Dave Nepove.

For the August 2 Western Europe/Mediterranean cruise, Michelin Star chef Alessandro Stratta, Gaia Gaja of the Gaja Italian wine estate and TV chef Jon Ashton will highlight the wonders of the region.

In addition to hands-on instruction, the sailings will offer chefs' demos, wine tastings, pairing sessions, cocktail-making classes, "Iron Bar Chef" competitions, and/or sushi-making classes by Nobu-trained chefs from Crystal's on-board Nobu Matsuhisa restaurants, Silk Road and The Sushi Bar. Guest chefs will also craft a five-course, signature dinner, with Chef Stratta and Ms. Gaja creating an indulgent $1,000/person seven-course "Ultimate Vintage Room Experience."

The cruises also offer epicurean exploration via shore-side Crystal Adventures featuring private wine tastings, cooking lessons, and regional food sampling with local experts.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625 or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Yachts & Sailing