Celebrity Chef Masaharu Morimoto Debuts Maritime Culinary Experience with Holland America Line
Celebrated chef Masaharu Morimoto, famed for his role on “Iron Chef,” has launched an exciting new venture – his first-ever restaurant at sea. This culinary milestone, named “Morimoto By Sea,” has been unveiled aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam ship of Holland America Line.
Positioned on the Observation Deck adjacent to the Tamarind restaurant, Morimoto By Sea offers an exclusive nightly dining experience on the Nieuw Amsterdam. Additionally, guests on Holland America Line’s other 10 ships will have the unique opportunity to enjoy this experience during special once-per-cruise pop-up events at either Pinnacle Grill or Tamarind.
Michael Stendebach, Holland America Line’s Vice President of Food, Beverage, and Rooms Division, highlights the addition of Morimoto By Sea as a significant enhancement to their culinary offerings. The restaurant and its pop-up versions aim to provide a novel and elevated dining experience for guests at sea.
The menu at Morimoto By Sea is inspired by Asian flavors, featuring an array of seafood dishes, as well as options for beef, chicken, vegetarian, and vegan diners. Signature offerings include lobster pad thai, crispy fried fish, and broiled beef tenderloin steaks. To complement these dishes, a selection of exclusive beverages, like Morimoto Dream Brut Rosé and Morimoto Junmai Daiginjo Sake, have been specially developed.
Holland America Line, renowned for its global fresh fish program that delivers 80 types of fresh fish across its fleet, proudly associates with Chef Morimoto as its official ambassador. The cruise line procures its seafood from 60 international ports, ensuring a diverse and high-quality culinary experience.
The official opening of Morimoto By Sea was marked by a special event on December 21, attended by Chef Morimoto and Holland America Line executives. Celebrations included a traditional sake barrel opening by Morimoto, shared with guests in a toast to the restaurant’s launch.
Expressing his excitement, Chef Morimoto said, “Opening a new restaurant is always thrilling, but this is particularly special as it’s my debut on a cruise ship. From cooking on land and television, I’m now taking my culinary art to the oceans.”
Reservations for Morimoto By Sea can be made onboard or via the Holland America Line’s Navigator App. The dining experience is priced at $55 per person, with an additional 18% gratuity.