Cooking is my hobby and my passion, and, I must confess that I am a bit addicted to cooking shows. I am so obsessed that while I am cooking dinner I imagine myself in front of a television camera demonstrating every step in my dinner preparation. Ok, I tend to be a bit over dramatic. I even love “Iron Chef” but question the fact that the challenger never wins! So maybe I missed a few shows, but it appears that the defending Chef always has the advantage. Don’t shoot me...it is just my opinion.

With that said, I am always searching and researching any opportunity to put a group together for a unique culinary adventure. My favorite type of culinary adventure is on a cruise. Several years ago, I had a culinary group cruise on Royal Caribbean to the Greek Islands. It took months of preparation, but it was well worth every moment. Of course, having a Chef with the group who just happens to be my son in-law and owns a restaurant, was the perfect draw.

By arranging with the onboard chef, Chef Andrew was able to conduct a private cooking classes for our group on sea days. Royal Caribbean could not have been for accommodating, and provided all the equipment, ingredients needed and a waiter to assist. It came off perfectly. In addition to the onboard cooking classes, I also arranged for a complete “culinary day” in Corfu. It was a day we will always remember, from the early morning tour of a local market, running over with locals buying their daily provisions, to a small wine shop with large barrels of Greek wine to fill your own personal wine jug. 

But, it did not end there ...the best part of the day was boarding a small boat and cruising to a cove so everyone could enjoy a swim. Then docking at a small island with a lovely beach and one restaurant. This was strictly an out of the way island that few tourists have ever seen or been seen. And to the delight of our group. the chef at this beach side restaurant, walked us through the preparation of our Greek lunch. And, just when we thought we could not eat one more thing...the chef disappeared in the kitchen and returned carrying a 40 pound swordfish above his head. While we were digesting our food and the fact there was more to come...he filleted the swordfish and barbecued it in minutes. 

It proved to be such an event filled day that we were a little late returning to the ship. Fortunately, they held the ship for us while all the other passengers were toasting us from their balconies. 

Food and Wine excursions are very popular both on land and at sea. Holland America, Azamara Cruise, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Oceania Cruises are just a few of the cruise lines devoted to culinary excursions. I would love to hear about your culinary experience on land or a sea.