Fine dining is one of the best kept secrets of the high seas! Wonderful five-star restaurants can be found on most of the larger ocean liners. Being partial to Royal Caribbean Cruise lines we always plan on making our dinner reservation early for sumptuous meals to be found in either Chops & Grill or in the Italian favorite Portofino’s on our favorite Radiance class ships .
The photo to the right is of one of the many tables for two, for the 
Wine Dinner Series, which perfectly matched an exquisite four-course dinner to complement wines from the Frescobaldi family, one of the leading wine-producers in Italy. Dinner in these restaurants are not included, costing a nominal $20 to $25 per person. The dining experience anywhere state side would cost over $200 for two… On this most recent cruise we participated in the Portofino Wine Dinner Series… $54.50 per person including a wine pairing for each of the courses. The most surprising I must say was not an Italian wine… but the Errazuriz Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc, Casablanca Valley Chile. This was an absolutely stunning lighter version of a French Sauterne… (Available at an astonishingly low $14.95.) OK, forgive me, I skipped right to the delicious end of the meal desert! I was so taken by this lovely evening ending wine. Dolce con Sapori Toscani in Italian… and for us in plain English… Mascarpone and Strawberry Crepes with Citrus-scented Galliano syrup, candied orange peel and almond Florentine. As previously mentioned the paired wine… late harvest Sauvignon Blanc. This was a big bang combination. Click here for recipe Enjoy! In a future post we will review the full menu and pairings….
Winetrivia -Fun with Food and Wine 