International
The Pleasantries of Cruise Cusine
Dive (pun intended) into delectable dishes on my first adventure on Virgin Voyages Cruise.
What better way to kick off this new journey than with a cruise I took for my friend’s birthday? Let me tell you, we had a time. The ship was beautifully decorated, perfectly balanced between “let me relax in peace” and “where the party at,” and most importantly…the food! Absolutely phenomenal. Like, phenomenal phenomenal. There were restaurants everywhere! Honestly too many for my camera roll to keep up with, but I’m breaking down three standout spots on the ship and one unforgettable bite from our stop in Barbados.
Disclaimer: It’s been a minute, so if I butcher the name of a dish…my bad. Just know the vibes were correct.
Gumbee was our first stop, and baby, they did not come to play. Korean BBQ, sizzling plates, bold flavors, and enough soju to make you rethink your life choices in the best way. One of the cutest surprises was this tiny little dessert guy sitting in a bowl of ginger ice cream with gumdrops. Adorable. And as a ginger lover, that ice cream had the perfect little kick...like a gentle “hey girl” from the universe.
My takeaway/quote: True wealth is discovering the world beyond your doorstep!
Walking into Test Kitchen felt like stepping into a culinary laboratory...white coats, stainless steel, and dishes that made me question everything I thought I knew about food. This place is all about experimentation, so you’ve gotta walk in with an open heart, open mind, and open palette.
One of the dishes we tried was a dramatic unveiling of peas, yolk, and caviar. I know. I know. But hear me out, it wasn’t bad. The smokiness tied everything together in a weird-but-it-works kind of way.
Then there was a roast topped with a piece of chocolate. Yes, chocolate. And then the staff poured gray sauce over it like it was the most normal thing in the world. And y’all…I was prepared to hate it, but it was actually pretty good. But the real star? The Mushroom. I ordered four plates. FOUR. That should tell you everything. Least favorite? The scallop with bacon and seaweed. Cute presentation, but my taste buds said “no thank you.”
Wake is the ship’s steak and seafood restaurant, and I loved every single thing I ate there. Unfortunately, I only managed to capture one picture, because I was too busy inhaling everything else. But the lemon cheesecake deserved its moment anyway.
This cheesecake was silky, citrusy, and beautifully presented. I highly recommend it. Honestly, I’d go back on the cruise just for that dessert.
Now let’s talk about the meal that changed my life. Bottom left in my photos: the cutter fish and cheese sandwich from Cuzz’s Shack in Barbados.
OMG. This is the best fish sandwich I have ever had. Juicy, flavorful, light...just perfection between two pieces of bread. If someone told me I had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of my life, I wouldn’t even hesitate. This is the one.
Cuzz Sr., who has since passed away, created something legendary, and his son David Cuzz Jr. is keeping the tradition alive. If you ever visit Barbados, please... please... get this sandwich. Your soul will thank you.
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