The Food of Love - now That’s Amore!!

Today is a sea day, before a series of five hectic port days, so we have had a relaxing time on board. The internet is almost non existent - I have ben trying to get on all day and when I went down to the internet cafe to inquire, the poor guy had a queue of about ten less than happy people around his desk - so I didn’t even bother. I am hoping that we will be able to find a wi-fi cafe tomorrow in Naples and I will be able to upload the posts that I have backlogged - you will probably get a burst of updates - sorry.

The highlight for me was the cookery demonstration - on this leg of the world cruise, the head honcho of Princess cruises chefs - Alfredo Marzi - is onboard and he goes by the very formal title of Culinary Ambassador, Masterchef Commendatore ( is there such a position??)

Chef Alfredo is obviously held in high regard by the maitre’d and food and beverage staff on the ship - they practically bow down as he enters the room. We were seated in the Vista Lounge waiting for the show to begin when the lights dimmed and the fabulous Italian tune “That’s Amore”, boomed over the speakers as he entered the stadium from the back - in his whites with a six foot high chefs cap (slight exaggeration maybe??) tilted on his head - have you ever seen ‘Iron Chef?’

The menu was from his recipe book - on sale at the back of course - French Onion Soup as the entree, Seafood Potpourri for the main, and berries with Zabaglione as the dessert. The whole meal could be cooked in about an hour - and he showed a variety of serving suggestions, simple garnishes and decorations. He kept emphasising that the main ingredient in any dish - no matter how simple - is love - of course!

The show was funny in parts - when the egg yolks for the Zabaglione were being beaten - Alfredo and the assistant chefs all performed the twist accompanied by the music of ‘Peppermint Twist’. He quipped about  ‘the last virgin in Italy’ - as the olive oil was poured into the pot.

Alfredo also gave out a copy of a recipe that he had cooked last week - for Imperial Rice Pudding - with 8 eggs, 1/2 pound of sugar and 1/2 litre of cream - calorie free of course - but not for the faint hearted!!

Tomorrow, we will be in Naples and we are going to use the local train to find our way to Herculaneum - wish us luck!!