As the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar Cruises is upping its culinary travel game with a comprehensive culinary pairing headlined by an annual series of culinary-themed cruises and enriching culinary programming on itineraries worldwide, according to a press release.
“Our partnership with the James Beard Foundation is unique in travel as we host and collaborate with a host of accomplished chefs and beverage experts who have meaningful connections to the ports we visit,” commented Windstar President John Delaney. “Our collective goal is to deliver authentic experiences to meet, eat and drink with locals whose livelihood we celebrate, such as touring a local chocolate farm in Costa Rica, a Caribbean rum distillery, or small French winery or cheese factory.”
The company said it takes locally-inspired cuisine and cultural immersion seriously, with special programming and culinary-themed voyages designed to provide cruise guests plenty of opportunities for learning and personal interaction with food and beverage experts.
“Culinary traditions from around the world have an incredibly rich story to tell about the land and the people who live in a place. The James Beard Foundation is excited to continue our partnership with Windstar Cruises so the dynamic culinary community in America can help enrich this aspect of world exploration on these special cruises,” said Kris Moon, Chief Operating Officer of the James Beard Foundation.
For example, Guest Chef Judy Ni, whose Taiwanese roots will help her guide cruisers through Asia this spring on the Pop Culture Kings of Asia. Similarly, regional wine experts will lead tastings and tours on a first-ever West Coast Epicurean Extravaganza sailing from Vancouver, BC to San Diego next fall.
Every sWindstar sailing includes cooking demonstrations and nightly dinner menu selections featuring recipes from a James Beard recognized chef who has sailed with Windstar; as well as optional chef market tours and more.
The following activities are included in each James Beard Foundation culinary-themed cruise:
- Hosted dinner with James Beard Foundation chef and beverage expert, including wine pairings
- Culinary Demonstrations by the chef of a selection of their recipes
- Wine & Beverage Tasting & Notes Booklet tailored to the itinerary and JBF guest expert
- Multiple wine, spirits, or beer tastings
- A chance to mix and mingle with the guest chefs and beverage experts throughout the cruise
- Depending on itinerary and chef/beverage expert availability:
- Shopping at the local market with the chef
- Tours with the sommelier/beverage expert (based on availability).
In 2019, the following featured chefs will join Windstar sailings:
February 16, 2019 – Costa Rica & Panama Canal, 7 days aboard Star Breeze
Chef Jamilka Borges
JBF: Chef Boot Camp Alumna & 2015 Rising Star Chef Semifinalist
Restaurant: Independent Brewing Company & Hidden Harbor in Pittsburgh, PA.
March 16, 2019 – Pop Culture Kings of Asia, 11 days aboard Star Legend
Chef Judy Ni
JBF Chef Boot Camp Alumna
Restaurant: Baology in Philadelphia
June 22, 2019 – Yachtsman’s Harbors of the Rivieras, 7 days aboard Wind Surf
Chef & Restaurateur Jamie Leeds
JBF Chef Boot Camp Alumna
JL Restaurant Group; Hank’s Oyster Bar, Pasta Bar, & Cocktail Bar, Washington, DC
September 24, 2019 – West Coast Epicurean Extravaganza, 10 days aboard Star Legend
Chef Duskie Estes
JBF: Chef Boot Camp Alumna; Co-Awardee, 2009 Rising Star Chefs for Sustainability
Restaurants: Zazu Kitchen + Farm, Bovolo, and Black Pig Meat Co., Sonoma County
October 14, 2019 – Classic Italy & Dalmatian Coast, 8 days aboard Star Breeze
Chef Chris Pandel
JBF: Chef Boot Camp Alumnus
Restaurant: Swift & Sons, Cold Storage, and Dutch & Doc’s in Chicago
