2023 Azamara Quest Italian Chef’s Table

One of the nights I have been looking forward to is the Chef’s Table, the first one on this cruise was the Italian Chef’s Table. Who doesn’t enjoy and Italian dégustation dinner. Tonight’s menu was paired with Italian wines so more fun.

Azamara, Azamara Quest, Chef's Table, Wine Paring, Italian Chef's Table

The Italian Feast

First Course – Vitello Tonnato

Tuna Quenelle, Crispy Capers, Arugla, Focaccia, Parmigiano-Reggiano

Very tasty, liked the addition of mustard, added zing to it

The Wine

Azamara, Azamara Quest, Chef's Table, Wine Paring, Italian Chef's Table

NV Romio, Prosecco, Extra Dry, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy

Appearance:Light pale straw, small to medium bead
Nose:Combination of lime, peach and melon aromas
Palate:Refreshing and light
Finish:Short length
Oz’s Wine Rating:3 out 5

Second Course – Boneless Caciucco Alla Livornese

Squid, Sea Perch, Clams

Another good dish, the seafood was very fresh, great flavour and texture mix.

The Wine

2021 Bottega Vinaia, Pinot Grigio, Trentino, Italy

Appearance:Light straw
Nose:A mix of citrus and passionfruit aromas
Palate:Light and a bit acidic
Finish:Short and sharp
Oz’s Wine Rating:2.5 out 5
Will be giving this a miss if offered again
Azamara, Azamara Quest, Chef's Table, Wine Paring, Italian Chef's Table

Third Course – Home-Made Ravioli with Osso Buco and Duck Live

Porcini Mushroom Sauce, Toasted Almonds, Artichoke Chips

This looks great and tasted even better. So far the best dish of the night, going to be a challenge to continue with this level of quality through out the meal. We will soon find out.

The Wine

Azamara, Azamara Quest, Chef's Table, Wine Paring, Italian Chef's Table

2019 Chianti Rufino, Fredcobaldi Nipozzano, Toscana, Italy

Appearance:Youthful deep ruby
Nose:A pleasant combo of spice, capsicum and red fruit aromas
Palate:Dry tannins
Finish:Medium length with a slight bit of heat on the tail
Oz’s Wine Rating:3 out 5
3.5 out 5 when paired with the ravioli

Fourth Course – Palate Cleanser Granita Al Meloncello E Menta

Nice and refreshing

Fifth Course – Duo of Roasted Beef Tenderloin and Beef Cheek

Pumpkin Polenta, Grilled Red Pepper Confit, Veal-Balsamic Reduction

I decided to go with the beef as my main course for the Italian Chef’s Table. The beef cheek was excellent, tenderloin not bad either. The other option was Dover Sole, looked pretty good as well, though I am sure I made the right choice!

2017 Banfi, Brunello di Montalcino, Toscana, Italy

Appearance:Garnet
Nose:A mix of white pepper and mocha aromas
Palate:Dusty tannins
Finish:Medium length, with a bit of heat and a slightly sour tail
Oz’s Wine Rating:3 out 5
Azamara, Azamara Quest, Chef's Table, Wine Paring, Italian Chef's Table

Sixth Course – Selection of Cheese

Artisan Bread, Grapes, Dried Fruits, Nuts

A very enjoyable selection of cheeses.

Azamara, Azamara Quest, Chef's Table, Wine Paring, Italian Chef's Table
Azamara, Azamara Quest, Chef's Table, Wine Paring, Italian Chef's Table

2016 Noval Late Bottled Vintage Porto, Quinta Do Noval, Douro Valley, Portugal

Appearance:Deep crimson
Nose:Enjoyable combination of raisin and spice aromas
Palate:Moorish tannins
Finish:Long length with a bit of heat
Oz’s Wine Rating:3.5 out 5
Not sure why this bottle was not as good as other bottles, may have been opened longer

Seventh Course – Amaretto Tiramisu

Amaretti Cookies, Raspberry Gelato

A nice finish to a very good dinner. Tasted it better than it looked.

Azamara, Azamara Quest, Chef's Table, Wine Paring, Italian Chef's Table

Italian Chef’s Table

An enjoyable night, picking a dish of the night was a challenge, either the beef cheek or the ravioli or the soup. Maybe I should just go with a tie

The wine of the night was the Chianti, though the port was a close second.

Wine Reviews

Cheers!


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