International Culinary Phenom Named Chef for Signature Restaurant Onboard Oasis of the Seas
August 11 2009 - 9:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
Up and Coming Talent Molds a Unique Dining Experience for 150
Central Park MIAMI, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Royal
Caribbean International continues to deliver the unexpected for its
much-anticipated Oasis of the Seas, including the choice of chef de
cuisine for 150 Central Park, the ship's signature restaurant in
the Central Park neighborhood. Keriann Von Raesfeld, an
award-winning, internationally acclaimed chef will be heading up
the most talked about restaurant aboard the world's largest and
most revolutionary cruise ship, slated to begin sailing in December
2009. After an extensive world wide search for the most up and
coming talent, Royal Caribbean discovered Von Raesfeld at the
prestigious 2008 World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS)
Congress in Dubai. Von Raesfeld's extraordinary talents have earned
her high profile accolades, which include being the first American
and the first woman to win the honor of "Best Young Cook in the
World" at the 2008 WACS Congress. She also led Team USA to a first
gold medal at the Scothot Competition in Scotland and was part of
Team USA's regional team that won the first ever gold medal at the
Culinary Olympics held in Germany as well as part of the gold
winning Team USA. At the age of 23, Von Raesfeld will realize any
chef's lifetime goal to manage a restaurant of their own, leading a
team of the best chefs in the industry. As chef de cuisine, Von
Raesfeld will be a fixture in 150 Central Park, present in every
aspect of the signature venue, from the day-to-day kitchen
operations and the dining experience, to engaging and conversing
with guests nightly. "Keriann Von Raesfeld's incredible talent and
innovative vision for 150 Central Park is the perfect fit within
the constellation of culinary offerings aboard Oasis of the Seas,"
says Frank Weber, vice president, Food and Beverage Operations,
Royal Caribbean International. "Keriann embodies Royal Caribbean's
culture of innovation. Rather than partner with a traditional
celebrity chef to lend a name to our signature restaurant, we found
one that is a true star in her own right who will focus all of her
attention in making the 150 Central Park experience stellar. Royal
Caribbean found an authentic, hidden gem with Keriann." Von
Raesfeld's modern American epicurean approach, established in
formal training from the Professional Culinary Institute and
continuously refined through various international competitions, is
founded in familiar cuisine and brought to life in original and
unique ways. The distinctive style exercises a play on temperatures
and textures to create dishes such as a spicy "hot" gazpacho and a
Kobe steak entree served with shitake "bacon" and a celery root
puree. Other signature presentations will include Von Raesfeld's
acclaimed banana split, which requires a day-and-a-half of
preparation. "Royal Caribbean has given me a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity," says Chef Keriann Von Raesfeld. "My experience in
international culinary competitions -- where time and food
constraints are inherent -- is a huge advantage in helping to
prepare me for what will be one of the best restaurants at sea. 150
Central Park will be a refined and inviting restaurant, offering
extreme attention to detail, from the china and stemware to our
amazing wait staff and sommeliers." Completing the gastronomic
experience at 150 Central Park will be the most dynamic wine
program of any Royal Caribbean restaurant. The expansive wine list,
created by Master Sommelier John Blazon, will feature wine
recommendations paired with the evening's menu and presented in
three "tasting tiers" based on the bottles' price points. Guests
will be able to view the ship's extensive wine collection in a
uniquely designed wine cellar, visible from within the restaurant.
Located in the lush and tropical grounds of the ship's Central Park
neighborhood, 150 Central Park will feature decor that will embrace
the mellow earth tones, unique textiles and fixtures inspired by
nature's four seasons. Inspired by the simple elegance concept of
trend-setting restaurants in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles,
each detail of 150 Central Park will be dedicated to enhancing the
dining ambiance, from the tabletops to the service team uniforms.
The restaurant will feature two menus per sailing, each offering a
six- and eight-course option, and be open for dinner daily from
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with a cover charge of $35. When it
launches in December 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the largest
and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural
marvel at sea, it will span 16 decks, encompass 220,000 gross
registered tons, carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and
feature 2,700 staterooms. Oasis of the Seas will be the first ship
to tout the cruise line's new neighborhood concept of seven
distinct themed areas, which includes Central Park, Boardwalk, the
Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and
Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will
sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Additional information is available at
http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/. Royal Caribbean International is a
global cruise brand with 20 ships currently in service and two
under construction. The line also offers unique cruise tour land
packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New
Zealand. For additional information or to make reservations, call
your travel agent, visit http://www.royalcaribbean.com/ or call
(800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN. Travel professionals should go to
http://www.cruisingpower.com/ or call (800) 327-2056. DATASOURCE:
Royal Caribbean International CONTACT: Tracy Quan, +1-305-539-6577,
, Erin Burden, +1-212-445-8164, Web Site:
http://www.royalcaribbean.com/
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