Morimoto at Sea: A Spectacular Dining Experience Onboard Holland America
I recently took my first-ever holiday cruise on the Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam, departing from Ft Lauderdale. Little did I know that this trip would include a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience. Onboard, I had the privilege of attending the opening night at Morimoto at Sea. It was an evening filled with excitement, exceptional food, and the honor of meeting Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto himself. Let me take you through this incredible night.
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Who is Masaharu Morimoto?
Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto is a world-renowned chef celebrated for his innovative fusion of Japanese and Western cuisines.
He may be most recognized for his rise to fame on the Food Channel’s Iron Chef. He now serves as Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish Ambassador, bringing the freshest seafood dishes to your table.
So, when I read about the new opening of a Holland America specialty restaurant, Morimoto at Sea, being debuted on our cruise ship, I was eager to see what it had in store.
An Invitation to Opening Night
Our holiday cruise encountered some initial challenges due to unfavorable weather conditions, which resulted in a two-day delay in departure from the port.
As a result, passengers had to quickly adjust their carefully planned dinner reservations, excursions, and other specialty events to accommodate the altered itinerary. I was among those who had to make adjustments.
I was aware that Morimoto at Sea was scheduled to debut on the Nieuw Amsterdam, but with the changes, no one really knew if it would happen.
Imagine my surprise when I updated my dinner reservation and discovered my scheduled dining time would be the opening night of Morimoto at Sea. My excitement skyrocketed.
I knew I was in for a unique experience, but I had no idea how memorable the special ceremony and dinner to celebrate the grand opening would be.
The Grand Entrance
Like rock stars on a red carpet, opening night passengers were greeted with a grand entrance.
Morimoto at Sea is beautifully decorated with elegant wooden tables, soft lighting, and stunning ocean views. The setting perfectly combines the traditional and modern elements of Japanese design, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.
Meeting Iron Chef Morimoto
To my surprise and delight, Iron Chef Morimoto himself was present to welcome the guests.
Meeting him in person was an unforgettable moment, as I have been a huge fan since his early days on the Food Network on Iron Chef.
Chef Morimoto greeted everyone warmly, signing autographs and taking pictures with each table.
His passion for food and hospitality was evident as he spoke about his vision for Morimoto at Sea and the special menu crafted for the opening night.
Breaking Open the Sake Barrel
The highlight of the evening was the traditional sake barrel-breaking ceremony.
Standing alongside the ship’s captains and other guests, Chef Morimoto used wooden mallets to break open the sake barrel. This ancient Japanese ritual, known as Kagami Biraki, symbolizes harmony and good fortune.
After the barrel was opened, the Chef, the Captain, and the guests toasted with sake, which we drank from special sake boxes commemorating the event and celebrating the opening of Morimoto at Sea.
The Feast Begins
After the ceremony, it was time to enjoy the culinary delights prepared by Chef Morimoto and his talented team.
The menu for the evening showcased some of the best dishes Morimoto at Sea offers.
My husband and I sampled a variety of dishes from each course. Choosing just one favorite is impossible. Each dish outshined the next. The chef’s mastery of combining traditional Japanese techniques with modern culinary innovation reigned supreme!
Pork Gyoza Dumpling with Scallion Ginger Sauce
The first course was the Pork Gyoza Dumpling. These dumplings were perfectly cooked, with a crispy exterior and juicy pork filling.
The scallion ginger sauce added a fresh and zesty flavor, enhancing the taste of the dumplings.
The dumplings were by far the best I have ever tasted.
Crispy Fried Whole Market Fresh Fish with Sweet Spicy Chili Sauce and Pickled Vegetables
Next up was the Crispy Fried Whole Market Fresh Fish.
This dish was a showstopper, both in presentation and taste.
The fish was fried to a perfect crisp and served with a sweet, spicy chili sauce that added just the right amount of heat.
The pickled vegetables provided a tangy contrast, making each bite a burst of flavors and textures.
Shrimp Three-Way “Morimoto Style”
We lucked into tasting the Shrimp Three-Way “Morimoto Style” when the sweet ladies next to us insisted we try it.
The dish featured giant shrimp prepared in three different ways: tempura, panko, and grilled.
Each style was paired with a unique sauce. The variety of textures and flavors made this dish stand out.
Dark Chocolate Sphere
No meal is complete without dessert, and the Dark Chocolate Sphere did not disappoint.
This dessert was a chocolate lover’s dream.
The sphere was filled with rich ganache and fluffy marshmallows.
The magic happened when the hot caramel sauce was poured over it, melting the sphere and revealing the delicious contents inside.
It was a fun and decadent way to end the meal.
The Full Experience
Dining at Morimoto at Sea is more than just a meal; it is an experience.
The combination of exquisite food, beautiful ambiance, and the opportunity to meet Iron Chef Morimoto made it an unforgettable evening.
The staff at Morimoto at Sea was attentive and knowledgeable. They explained each dish, provided recommendations, and ensured that every guest felt welcome and well taken care of.
Why You Should Dine at Morimoto at Sea
If you find yourself on the Nieuw Amsterdam or any other Holland America ship offering a Morimoto at Sea pop-up, do not miss the chance to dine there. Here are a few reasons why:
- Fresh Fish Program: Morimoto at Sea is part of a special fresh fish program that ensures the highest quality of fish.
- Unique Dishes: The menu features a variety of dishes that showcase Chef Morimoto’s innovative approach to Japanese cuisine.
- Special Events: If you’re celebrating something special, Morimoto at Sea is the perfect place. Whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, or a special night out, this restaurant makes it memorable.
- Exceptional Value: At $55 plus an 18% gratuity, the dining experience at Morimoto at Sea is worth every penny. The quality of the food and the overall experience are truly exceptional.
Reservations and Tips
Don’t worry if you are not sailing on the Nieuw Amsterdam. You can still enjoy the Morimoto at Sea experience, whether you are cruising with Holland America to Alaska or the Italian Coast, as it will be offered as a pop-up restaurant on other Holland America ships.
Look in your Navigator App for the one-night-only pop-up in either the Pinnacle or the Tamarind.
Morimoto at Sea is very popular, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation. You can do this by booking in your Navigator app or by visiting the Pinnacle restaurant as soon as you board the ship.
A Night to Remember
As I left Morimoto at Sea that night, I couldn’t help but reflect on how special the evening had been. I felt incredibly fortunate to have been part of such a unique and memorable event.
Morimoto at Sea is a highlight of the Holland America dining experience.
Whether you’re a foodie or just love good food, this is a dining experience you should not miss.
