Celebrity chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian will develop and oversee a new concept on Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship.
Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian is slated to open in May 2013 on Norwegian Breakaway.
The restaurant is “envisioned as a luxury seafood dining experience, utilizing all of the ingredients and techniques that Zakarian would employ in a land-based establishment,” Norwegian said in a news release. The dining room “will focus on elegant modern presentations,” while The Raw Bar will feature crustaceans and wines by the glass and Ocean Blue on The Waterfront will feature a more casual dining experience.
“It is an unbelievably exciting prospect to create a concept for such a groundbreaking ship. I am nostalgic at heart, so the thought of making a modern experience that harkens to the age of steamship travel is just terrific,” Zakarian said in a news release. “I am planning, preparing and recruiting for this restaurant the same as if I were opening on land, and truly, I have been humbled and inspired by Norwegian’s vision to elevate hospitality on the seas.”
Zakarian will orchestrate the menus and all aspects of the dining areas, such as glassware and uniforms. On select sailings, Zakarian will host meet-and-greets with cruise ship guests, along with in-person cooking demonstrations and cooking experiences for smaller groups.
“Geoffrey Zakarian is a renowned and critically acclaimed chef who has deep roots in New York City having begun his career at Le Cirque and the legendary 21 Club,” Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer, said in a news release. “Working with Geoffrey is like hitting the culinary lottery. In this case, not only do we win big, but so do our guests on Norwegian Breakaway who will get to experience his world-class cuisine in three dining outlets on the ship.”