Royal Caribbean International has found a new chef for its latest super-sized cruise ship Allure of the Seas, following a Masterchef-style competition.
Maureen “Molly” Brandt of Stillwater, from Minnesota was crowned the winner landing her one-year paid contract.
She will be the Chef de Cuisine of 150 Central Park onboard the 5,000-passenger ship that will make its debut in December 2010 becoming one of the two biggest cruises ships on the world.
Brandt was one of six finalists in the Allure of the Seas Culinary Challenge. The chefs prepared a three-course meal for a panel of judges from Royal Caribbean and The Culinary Institute of America.
Lisa Bauer, senior vice president, hotel operations, for Royal Caribbean International, said: “Each of the finalists truly showcased their passion and knowledge in the kitchen and we are extremely excited to have selected Molly as our new Chef de Cuisine for 150 Central Park.”
The winning menu consisted of chilled Lobster with fennel, carrots, citrus, caviar and tempura battered lobster mitt; Provencal Lamb Loin with Dijon potato puree, ratatouille, pattypan squash and olive tapenade; and Pistachio Cake with whipped rosewater crème fraiche and carbonated raspberries.
Brandt said: “This entire process with The Culinary Institute of America and Royal Caribbean has been such an amazing experience and hearing my name announced as the winner of the Culinary Challenge was surreal.
“I am beyond thrilled to open this amazing restaurant and look forward to crafting the perfect menu for our guests over the next couple of months as we count down to the launch of Allure.”
Located in the ship’s Central Park neighbourhood, 150 Central Park is based on trendy restaurants in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles.
The menu and some design features will be developed by the winning chef of the Allure of the Seas Culinary Challenge.