Explora Journeys, the luxury brand of the MSC Group, will collaborate with renowned chef Emma Bengtsson and New York's Aquavit restaurant to create a culinary experience for guests aboard EXPLORA I. Chef Bengtsson will be the first female chef based in the United States to showcase her culinary talent in Anthology, one of 11 culinary experiences on board.
Guests can enjoy the menu from early October through late March. In addition, Bengtsson will personally attend the nine-night cruise, embarking on October 3, 2023, on the Quebec to New York itinerary.
Chef Emma Bengtsson is acclaimed for her creative interpretations of classic dishes and her approach to cuisine that blends Scandinavian influences with New York flavors, showcasing a strong focus on sustainability. A pioneer of female-led haute cuisine, Bengtsson is the first Swedish and second American chef to receive two Michelin stars. Her style of simplicity and sustainability aligns perfectly with Explora Journeys' culinary "Ocean State of Mind.".
Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys, expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration: “Chef Bengtsson is an inspiration in the culinary world, and we couldn’t be more delighted to welcome her aboard EXPLORA I. Anthology offers a unique culinary experience for our guests, and we have already received excellent feedback from those who have sailed on the curated dinners offered at this exceptional venue. We look forward to working with Chef Bengtsson to continue providing our guests with a high-level dining experience that showcases her distinctive culinary style through a variety of delicious dishes.”
Chef Emma Bengtsson also expressed her satisfaction: “I am delighted to partner with Explora Journeys to create a menu that reflects the values that both I and the brand share. I have always had a deep appreciation for local cuisine and sustainably sourced ingredients, so I am looking forward to bringing these aspects to Anthology, showcasing progressive techniques combined with traditional food for an exceptional dining experience.”
Bengtsson wanted to create a menu for Anthology guests that represented the culinary essence of his cuisine at the Aquavit restaurant. Using the finest ingredients and applying the unique Scandinavian flavor profiles produced by smoking, pickling, fermentation, and curing, he has created a distinctive gastronomic experience for this special occasion.
The Anthology restaurant at EXPLORA I is defined as a culinary stage for guest chefs to create menus in collaboration with Franck Garanger, head of culinary experience at Explora Journeys.
Franck Garanger, Head of Culinary Experience at Explora Journeys, commented: “It has been an absolute pleasure working with Chef Emma Bengtsson and her team at Aquavit to create this incredible menu for guests aboard EXPLORA I. Showcasing the creative blend of Scandinavian influences and the vibrant flavors of New York City, this truly aligns with our ethos of connecting cultures and continents through culinary discovery.”
Explora Journeys will offer today's discerning luxury traveler the opportunity to experience a transformative and purposeful ocean travel journey, reflecting both the essence of each destination visited and the brand's European luxury.
Dining at Anthology is a unique experience that allows you to discover and enrich yourself, and is not part of the included culinary experiences.
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