Cruise & cuisine
A TASTE OF ITALY
World-renowned chefs Massimiliano and Raffaele Alajmo on working with Crystal Cruises and the three ingredients that encapsulate the spirit of Italian cuisine
Above from left : the Seven Sisters waterfall , Geirangerfjord , Norway ; Crystal Serenity ; chefs Massimiliano and Raffaele Alajmo
What attracted you to collaborate with Crystal ? Max : The challenge of bringing our cuisine to destinations around the world and organizing everything meticulously — from selecting ingredients to the way the dishes will be presented and served — while respecting our ethical code . Raf : We were also attracted by the size of the ships , which is significantly smaller than many cruise ships . This allows Crystal to ensure a unique gastronomic offering .
What do you admire about Crystal ’ s approach to food ? Raf : The pursuit of quality . Our desire is to create the highest and most varied offering possible for guests . Routine doesn ’ t exist ; every day can be different .
What ’ s your culinary philosophy ? Max : Our cuisine is based on listening to , or understanding , the ingredients . Osteria d ’ Ovidio will act as a little piece of Italy in the middle of the sea . The menu features Alajmo classics from Le Calandre restaurant and traditional Italian dishes — solid Italian cuisine with deep traditional roots . Collaborating with Crystal to source the best ingredients will be key to Osteria ’ s success .
How do you want people to feel when dining in your restaurants ? Max : Relaxed and ready to have fun while eating . Raf : Indulging in ‘ la scarpetta ’ ( scooping up leftover sauce with bread ) is not only welcomed , but encouraged — we want diners to forget formality and have fun .
What ’ s your favorite dish to cook ? Max : Bread , oil and tomato because it embodies Italian spirit and is fantastically simple .
Where ’ s your dream cruise destination ? Max : There are so many places , from a cruise on the Nile to the fjords of the Baltic Sea . Raf : I agree with the northern seas , but I ’ d also love to go to the Galápagos Islands .
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