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March 7, 2024

Introduced in 2019, the Spanish restaurant Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso has enriched the culinary offerings aboard the Windstar Cruises fleet. This initiative was made possible through collaboration with the renowned chef, one of the youngest recognized by the Michelin Guide and a celebrated guest chef at the James Beard House.

Given the background, the restaurant has proven to be a true success, and we can personally attest that the recent experience on board the Star Legend was truly exceptional.

The restaurant is located on board Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride, recently renovated with significant investments by the owner. Positioned on deck 6, it accommodates up to 38 guests. The Spanish-inspired cuisine at Cuadro 44 is undeniably creative and modern, offering traditional dishes with reinterpretations that maintain their quality and originality.

“Having spent a lifetime studying Spanish food and culture, working in various Catalan kitchens, traveling through the Iberian landscape, and learning from masters, inspired by everyone, from the Roca Brothers of El Celler de Can Roca to the incomparable Pablo Picasso, this new Spanish restaurant on Windstar is the perfect vehicle to showcase the universally captivating flavors of Spain and its coasts.” What Sasso expressed at the inauguration of the new project has materialized in the best way aboard the Windstar Cruises fleet, where you can experience this without any additional cost.

An interesting curiosity about the restaurant is undoubtedly its name. The “Cuadro 44” translates to “Frame 44” in Spanish. When ships are constructed, the vessel is divided into sections called frames. Cuadro 44 is the “address” of the ship, indicating where the new restaurant will be located, inside frame 44. Chef Sasso has crafted a menu representing all the coastal regions of Spain, from the Basque region to the northern Cantabrian Sea to the eastern parts of Catalonia, Valencia, and Alicante, bathed by the Mediterranean. There are also recipes inspired by the sunny Andalusia and Jerez, strongly influenced by North African spices.

The menu is extensive, and the suggestion is to order in multiple courses, as the first temptation would undoubtedly be to taste everything! The proposal of cocktails to accompany the dishes is also very interesting, adding an extra touch of originality. You can freely order various Tapas, representing a wide choice before the main course. Among the various tastings not to be missed are the exquisite jamón ibérico, Catalan lamb chops, Galician-style octopus, and octopus. But also marinated olives with anchovies are extraordinary, as well as seafood croquettes, and Paella Croquetas!

The choice of main courses is equally rich and varied. Excellent is the catch of the day served with gazpacho and seafood salad, as well as the Basque cod with “pil pil” sauce. Among the meat dishes, the choice is between lamb chops served with green sauce and apples or pork belly, following the recipe of Extremadura, accompanied by leeks, onions, and bacon strips. There are also vegetarian alternatives, such as “Plant-Based Moroccan Cauliflower & Broccoli” or “Fideos Mar y Montana,” a dish that looks “Asian” but is actually traditional from Valencia.

The side dishes are equally appetizing: you can’t miss the patatas bravas, grilled mushrooms, and peppers, in their green or red version. If the choice of Tapas has been judicious… there is still room for desserts. It’s difficult to choose between Churros y Chocolate, Crema Catalana, Torta de Santiago, or the incredible Spanish cheeses.

The choice of dishes is very flexible, leaving maximum room for selection and combination of the various proposed dishes. Indicating the region of origin next to each dish enriches the experience, emphasizing the feeling of traveling through the best Spanish culinary traditions. Inspired by the various regions of Spain, the design of the restaurant itself is engaging and welcoming. Warm colors, played on shades of wood and colored floors, some wine stations, an open kitchen, and a long table for a dinner with friends. But also some other more intimate tables in the area overlooking the sea, and even some seats at the counter overlooking the kitchen, for an even more enjoyable experience.

The restaurant adds to an already rich and high-quality culinary offering on board the Windstar Cruises fleet, also attentive to the connection between the menus and the offered itineraries and the places visited. Themed and territory-inspired menus are present every day on all ships of the brand. There are numerous initiatives that include on-board events with various guests such as Chefs, Sommeliers, and other experts celebrated by the James Beard Foundation. Also notable is the “Plant-Based” initiative, which brings to the table an exclusive selection of ingredients made in collaboration with the National Health Organization.

The culinary experience offered by Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso is undoubtedly capable of enriching not only the on-board culinary offering but also the entire cruise experience, thanks to the quality of the dishes, service, and the excellent combination of tradition and conscious innovation offered in this beautiful venue that will transport us into the Spanish atmosphere for a truly different dinner on board Windstar Cruises.

Don’t miss further news, updates, and reviews of Windstar Cruises on Cruising Journal with photos, videos, and discounted cruises.

Gabriele Bassi

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