Kale salad at Sakura, a restaurant on board Explora I.

Kale salad at Sakura, a restaurant on board Explora I.
© Photo provided

Explora Journeys provides advanced onboard culinary details

Luxury cruise ship Explora I, which sets sail in July, will boast six restaurants.

Explora I will begin its maiden voyage on July 17, 2023 in Southampton, the first of six ships of the new luxury brand of MSC´s cruise division. Explora Journeys unveiled details about the all-inclusive menus which will be available at five of the six restaurants on board Explora I, with Franck Garanger, Head of Culinary, and his team aiming to maintain a “delicate balance of creativity and restraint.”

The company also unveiled details about the wines and drinks available: Explora Journeys’ sommeliers sourced boutique labels offering unusual, sometimes scarce, wines of unexpected provenance for the first voyages of Explora I. A specially curated mixology programme includes an Ocean State of Mind cocktail, as well as beverages uniquely designed to accompany specific regional menus. Alongside this offering is a particular focus on engaging, alcohol-free drinks.

Sakura, one of the restaurants, is inspired by the ancient tea rooms of Kyoto (the name means ‘cherry blossom’). Its chefs follow traditional Japanese techniques to create a pan-Asian experience. Menus also embrace Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and Malaysian cuisines, with a specialist sommelier on hand to advise on sake, shōchūs and other Asian-influenced drinks. Signature dishes include Wakame salad, smoked Madagascan pepper, Wagyu beef tataki, Kale salad and Kaffir lime pavlova, mango, passion fruit brunoise, and mango sorbet.

Travellers can also choose Marble & Co. Grill as a place to dine. This restaurant follows the European steakhouse concept to provide cuts of sumptuous, sustainable meats. There’s an in-house Dry Ager and a cellar stocked with fine wines, with signature dishes including Grilled prime rib, aged for 30 days, cherry tomatoes, and Hollandaise Sauce, and Crushed fingerling potatoes, Le Beurre Bordier butter from Normandy, Calvisius Oscietra caviar, crème fraiche and chives.

Other restaurants to choose from include the Med Yacht Club, inspired by Mediterranean beachside restaurants and offering regional ocean-inspired dishes, Emporium Marketplace (sushi, seafood and meats alongside pasta cooked to order and freshly-baked pizza) and Fil Rouge which offers French-inspired international cuisine.

Emporium Marketplace.
© Photo provided
Emporium Marketplace.
Robert Prazak
Robert Prazak
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