2023 Azamara Quest Asian Chef’s Table

One of the experiences offered on Azamara Cruises is their Chef’s Table. Fairly simple the ship’s Executive Chef and his team cook dégustation dinners that focuses on a specific cuisine, tonight’s was the Asian Chef’s Table. The menu is paired with wines so you get a full gastronomic experience.

Azamara, Azamara Quest, Chef's Table, 2023 Asian Odyssey, Asian Chef's Table

The Chef’s Tables are not included in your fare so there is a top up needed, though this is pretty reasonable considering the quality of the food.

The Meal

First Course – Spicy Tuna & Salmon Tartare with Sesame Miso Basket

Masago Roe, Wasabi Mayonnaise, Pickled Ginger

This was excellent, a great combination of flavours and textures, a great start to the Table.

The Wine

Azamara, Azamara Quest, Chef's Table, 2023 Asian Odyssey, Asian Chef's Table

Tattinger Non-Vintage Brut, a Reims, France

Appearance:Light pale straw with a tight bead
Nose:A pleasant mix of lime and biscuit aromas
Palate: Refreshing and bright
Finish:Short length
Oz’s Wine Rating:3.5 out 5

Second Course – Thai Curried Butternut Squash Soup

Shrimp, Lime, Toasted Coconut

Tasty, but not as good as the first course.

The Wine

2021 Honig Vineyard and Winery, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa County, California, USA

Appearance:Pale yellow
Nose:Reserved combo of passionfruit, lime and lemon aromas
Palate:Light and fresh
Finish:Short length
Oz’s Wine Rating:3.5 out 5
Better than I expected
Azamara, Azamara Quest, Chef's Table, 2023 Asian Odyssey, Asian Chef's Table

Third Course – Sticky Chinese BBQ Pork Belly (Char Siu)

Steamed Yum Bun, Pickled Cucumber, Spring Onion

The rib was dry, tasty though. The reasoning of the chef that it was poor quality meat, this did not ring true with me, nor others at the table, it was over cooked, many ways to hide this, but the Chef decided to go with the quality of the meat.

The Wine

Azamara, Azamara Quest, Chef's Table, 2023 Asian Odyssey, Asian Chef's Table

2020 Kim Crawford Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand

Appearance:Light Ruby
Nose:A mix of cherry, spice and a hint of pepper aromas
Palate:Slightly sour with soft tannins
Finish:Medium length
Oz’s Wine Rating2.5 out 5
Give this a miss

Fourth Course – Palate Cleanser Kaffir Lime, Ginger and Star Anise Sorbet

This definitely did its job and also was a nice refresher

Fifth Course – Korean Miso and Honey Glazed Sea Bass

Jasmin Rice, Broccoli, Shi-take with Scallions

This was main course of the Asian Chef’s Table, another good combination of flavours and textures, though the first course is still leading as the best dish of the night so far.

2019 Maison Louis Latour Grand Ardèche Chardonnay, Coteaux de l’Ardèche, Rhone Valley, France

Appearance:Bright golden straw
Nose:Big nose of acacia, honey and a hint of clove aromas
Palate:Balanced, more enjoyable than the nose
Finish:Medium
Oz’s Wine Rating:3 out 5
Azamara, Azamara Quest, Chef's Table, 2023 Asian Odyssey, Asian Chef's Table

There are usually two main course choices, so two different wines to chose from, so why not try them both. Helps when you are already on drinking terms with the Sommelier.

The second main choice was Grilled Farlic Beef Tenderloin Skewer, Lobster & Cabbage Wrap, Japanese Fried Rice, Honey Black Pepper Sauce

Azamara, Azamara Quest, Chef's Table, 2023 Asian Odyssey, Asian Chef's Table

2019 Honig Vineyard and Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Nappy Valley, California, USA

Appearance:Deep Crimson
Nose:Subtle combination of black pepper, cloves, dark chocolate and earthy aromas
Palate:Balanced medium bodied with soft tannins
Finish:Medium length
Oz’s Wine Ratings:3 out 5
Not bad

Sixth Course – Singaporean Cheese Roll

Blue Grapes, Red Wine Jelly, Dates Chutney

I have lived in Singapore for 12 years and never had nor heard of a Singaporean Cheese Roll. Cheese rolls that I have seen in Singapore are buns stuffed with cheese or a sponge cake roll that is a combination of sweet and savoury flavours.

Azamara, Azamara Quest, Chef's Table, 2023 Asian Odyssey, Asian Chef's Table

Guessing the Chef took a bit of poetic license with the dish. This was flaky pastry stuffed with cheese and was our cheese course for the night. It was enjoyable.

Martini Asti Spumante, Moscato Blanco, Piedmont, Italy

Appearance:Light straw, medium bead
Nose:Combo of peach and lychee aromas
Palate:Definitely lolly water, refreshing though
Finish:Short length
Oz’s Wine Rating:3 out 5
Azamara, Azamara Quest, Chef's Table, 2023 Asian Odyssey, Asian Chef's Table

Seventh Course – Mango Sago with Pomelo

Coconut Crisp, Dark Chocolate

Our final dish was the dessert, which was light and refreshing. A nice end to an interesting and fairly enjoyable dinner.

Azamara, Azamara Quest, Chef's Table, 2023 Asian Odyssey, Asian Chef's Table
Azamara, Azamara Quest, Chef's Table, 2023 Asian Odyssey, Asian Chef's Table

2016 Quinta do Noval Late Bottled Vintage Port, Douro Valley, Portugal

Appearance:Deep ruby
Nose:Enjoyable combination of plum, cedar and earthy aromas
Palate:Full bodied with an abundance of flavour and moreish tannins
Finish:Looooong with a very enjoyable residual sweetness
Oz’s Wine Rating:4 out 5
Wine of the night

Asian Chef’s Table

Another interesting Chef’s Table, the dish of the night was the Tuna and Salmon of the first course, a real shame about the pork belly, if it wasn’t over cooked I expect it would have been the best dish of the night. The sea bass was very good as well.

The wine of the night was the Late Bottled Port… Next Chef’s table is French.


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