A new alternative dining venue, The Verandah, opened aboard Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria for her St. Petersburg & Baltic Explorer cruise, which departed Southampton on June 12013.

The 100-seat alternative dining venue replaces the Todd English Restaurant and is based on the same concept as the popular and award-wining Verandah Restaurant on Queen Elizabeth, with a slightly different menu with a sophisticated, contemporary and relaxed theme.

“Queen Victoria’s new Verandah Restaurant is an exciting addition to the Cunard culinary offering, which now includes some of the most highly-rated dining at sea and no fewer than twelve different dining venues,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line.

“The passenger feedback we have received for both lunch and dinner in these first days of the Verandah’s operation has been very positive indeed and booking has proved essential for evening dining in particular.”

The Verandah menu has been created by Chef Patron Jean-Marie Zimmermann, global culinary ambassador for Cunard Line, who is also a Michelin-starred chef.

A particular highlight of the menu is Carpaccio of Smoked Beef with Marinated Aubergine, Quail’s Egg and Truffle Mayonnaise, which combines magical pairings of flavours with theatrical touches: the dish is served under a glass cloche filled with scented smoke.

The new Verandah menu includes a choice of seven entrees, eleven plats principaux and six dessert choices.  Plats principaux include Beef and Lobster Flambéed with Cognac and Truffle with Parmesan Fries – the most popular dish to date – and Baked Rack of Lamb in Pastry with Morel Mushrooms and Madeira Reduction.

The Todd English Restaurant, offering a vibrant taste of the Mediterranean, will remain the alternative dining venue aboard Queen Mary 2, as befits her iconic Transatlantic Crossings and more even mix of British and American passengers.  This first-ever Todd English venue at sea has proved highly successful aboard Cunard’s flagship since her introduction in 2004.

Other evening dining alternatives aboard Cunard’s fleet include the Kings Court (Queen Mary 2) and The Lido (Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria). By night, these areas transform into intimate and casual spaces that offer cuisine from around the world:

•  Queen Elizabeth choices including the South American grill “Asado” and “Jasmine” with its menus drawn from across Asia, while “Aztec” adds its own twist to Mexican culinary classics.

•  Queen Victoria’s Lido transforms into “Bamboo” for Asian flavours, “Coriander” with Indian cuisine, and “Prime” which features steaks and seafood.

•  The Kings Court aboard Queen Mary 2 offers delicious Italian dishes in “La Piazza,” traditional British dishes in “The Carvery,” and flavours from across Asia in “Lotus.” Also featured on board is the Boardwalk Café, offering burgers on deck.