fbpx

US: (877) 2GO-LUXURY (877-246-5898)  UK: 020 8133 3450  AUS: (07) 3102 4685  Everywhere Else: +1 530-562-9232

Goldring Travel Blog – Making Waves

Cruise & Travel News, Reviews, Opinions, Deals & More

Seabourn is Changing Up Alternative Dining

Finally!  Seabourn is changing things up on the culinary front, and in a good way!  The Grill by Thomas Keller is being phased out and a new-to-Seabourn concept, Solis, is being introduced.  

Solis Restaurant - Seabourn Cruise Line
Solis Restaurant – Seabourn Cruise Line

A few weeks ago, Seabourn announced it was changing up its menu in The Restaurant with 140 new dishes. That didn’t mean much to me because simply modifying an ingredient or two makes a “new” recipe. Nothing I saw made me excited and it seemed like more of an attempt to create buzz than actually being substantively exciting.  However…

Master Chef Anton (Tony) Egger
Master Chef Anton (Tony) Egger

Solis is a whole ‘nother thing!  Master Chef Anton (Tony) Egger – one of the most creative and energetic people, no less chefs, I have ever known – has been a friend of mine for many years and is The Man/The Chef behind Solis. He was the driving force behind Earth & Ocean…from the handmade dishware, creative serving platters, and exciting culinary offerings. And, without question, I can see his hand in Solis.

Chef Franck Salein
Chef Franck Salein

Chef Tony is not alone in creating and running Solis. Chef Franck Salein will round out the impressive culinary team. Chef Franck is a truly kind and creative chef in a different way from Chef Tony.  He and I have worked together on Goldring Travel Culinary & Cultural Journeys. He brings a definite balance in both culinary techniques and visions.

As some background, The Grill by Thomas Keller marked the beginning of Seabourn’s eight-year relationship with the three Michelin Star chef. But along with that new concept was as much controversy as there was excitement. Along with the stresses of trying to get a reservation during your cruise, were either the joy of what was clearly the best Caesar Salad and Roast Chicken (my favorite) at sea, or complaints that the portions were too large, the menu pretty much never changed (other than a nightly special…that was installed a few years ago to quiet that complaint), and the venue was far to American-centric for many international guests. 

Moroccan Lamb Pastilla
Moroccan Lamb Pastilla

One of my voiced concerns (you know I have had a few!) was that it was enough with Thomas Keller this and Thomas Keller that (first it was TK Grill, then TK in the Colonnade for fried chicken or barbeque ribs, then pillow chocolates).  I repeatedly said – as I also said with the pitching of Adam Tihany (who I personally like as well…and who my daughter worked for on the Seabourn projects): This is Seabourn Cruise Line, not the Thomas Keller/Adam Tihany Cruise Line

Well, whether it was because a change was needed, or the contract with Thomas Keller was over, or the contract was bought out, Seabourn’s relationship with him ends in the Spring of 2024.

While I do not know if there will be any significant changes to the venue (there is no indication of any), Solis will be located where the Thomas Keller Grill is currently.  The first ship to have Solis will be the Seabourn Quest this coming January. (Ironically, the Seabourn Quest was the first ship to have the TK Grill.)

Provençale Herb Crusted Red Tuna Loin
Provençale Herb Crusted Red Tuna Loin

Solis will be focused on Mediterranean cuisine and cocktails which by the sounds of the sample menu items, will be something like an upscale and more complex Earth & Ocean; a Seabourn favorite…and mine too!  

For example:

  • Piquillos De La Mama – Basque piquillo peppers with fresh Murcia goat milk cheese served on country bread crostini;
  • Branzino – Whole Sea Bass baked in a sea salt and fresh thyme crust served with artichokes and tomatoes;
  • Bistecca Alla Fiorentina – Tuscan-style grilled beef porterhouse steak; and
  • Spiced Lamb Shank – Chargrilled smoked eggplant with tahini, pomegranate, roasted pine nuts, and labneh.

“A beautiful assortment of vegetarian and vegan options will also be incorporated throughout the menu.”

Solis will be installed on the remaining classic ships, Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation, and Seabourn Sojourn by Spring 2024. There is no indication it will be installed on either expedition ship, Seabourn Venture or Seabourn Pursuit.

Interested in a Luxury Journey by Cruise, Expedition, or Land?

Contact Goldring Travel For Truly Expert Advice!

Email: eric@goldringtravel.com 

US: (877) 2GO-LUXURY or (530) 562-9232

UK: 020 8133 3450

AUS: (07) 3102 4685

WhatsApp: +1 732-693-8797

Facebook: Goldring Travel

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Play Video
Waves We’ve Made

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 3,505 other followers

×

Hello!

Click one of our contacts below to chat on WhatsApp

×