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November 20, 2021

On board Costa Smeraldaci you were allowed to try and enjoy the new restaurant “Archipelago”. A taste experience created by three celebrity chefs that you won’t forget.

Elegant and courteous, we were greeted by the wait staff and led to our table, which stood like an island in the middle of the restaurant. The setting is very dignified and tastefully decorated. In the foreground are the alluvial forests collected by the Costa Crociere Foundation, which were found on the beaches of Italy to clean up the coastline. Costa Cruises donates €5 per menu to the Costa Cruises Foundation, which is committed to protecting the beaches and seas.

At the table we were explained the idea of the restaurant and the course of the dinner. In the menu, which was previously downloaded with the QR code, you can choose from three menus with 5 courses each. The individual menus are designed by renowned chefs Bruno Barbieri, Hélène Darroze and Ángel León. It’s time to start the journey of taste. Starting with the aperitif, we were served an amuse bouche. Afterwards, we enjoyed one dish after another. Each course was decorated with a drop of wine or prosecco.

I am pleased to present the individual menus with the corresponding courses. Let’s start with Bruno Barbieri’s menu.

SCALLOP FRITTERS WITH ZUCCHINI SCAPECE

GRAMIGNA WITH EGGPLANT AND SAUSAGE

LOBSTER SALAD WITH KANZI APPLE AND PANCOTTO

LAMB CHOPS WITH BLACK TRUFFLE

CARAMEL MILK RISTRETTO

Hélène Darroze‘s menu.

TUNA TARTARE WITH GINGER

VOL-AU-VENT WITH RED PRAWNS

CODFISH CONFIT WITH GARLIC OIL

DUCK BREAST WITH SULTAN SPICES

BABA SOAKED IN ARMAGNAC DARROZE

Finally, Ángel León‘s menu.

PLANKTON ROLL & SEA HAM

ROYAL SEA URCHINS

POTATOES & CALAMARI

PLANKTON RISOTTO

QUENELLES OF MILK ICE CREAM AND COOKIES

We were very excited about the dinner and I can only recommend it. This taste journey is an extremely worthwhile experience, not to be missed. Enjoy!

Don’t miss the Costa Cruises news and reviews on Cruising Journal!

Noel Aschwanden

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