Celebrity Cruises @ Taste of London

Taste of London is the city’s biggest annual foodie event with hordes of hungries descending on the rather refined surroundings of Regent’s Park to satiate their appetite for the latest in food and drink trends. So if you want to try a Gin & Tonic ice cream or fourteen types of coconut water then this is the place to come. Many of London’s top restaurants are represented too churning out versions of their greatest hits for the assembled masses.

I was invited by the people at Celebrity Cruises to visit their ‘Lawn Club’ to sample their on board cuisine with a menu curated by their Michelin starred ‘Head of Culinary’ Cornelius Gallagher and wine buff Oz Clarke. Celebrity Cruises have picked up a fist full of awards for their food and wine so I was intrigued to see what was on offer.

First out were some spring rolls with dipping sauces. They had probably been sitting for a while as often happens at these events so they weren’t as crisp as they might have been but they had good flavour and the drinks pairing with Brewdog’s Punk IPA was inspired. The charmingly informative sommelier explained that the American hops being used now by UK craft brewers packs a tropical punch which is perfect with oriental foods.

Blackened Ahi Tuna with forbidden rice and baby Bok Choi was perfect. The fish seared appropriately, the rice unctuous and the Bok Choi crisp. The matched Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc was a classic Kiwi Sauvignon-grassy and fresh. Lamb loin with tangy yoghurt dressing was tender and given a zing by the yoghurt and further lightened by the summery glass of Chateau Esclans ‘Whispering Angel’.

I’ve never been on a cruise but I was really impressed by the food and drink on display from Celebrity Cruises. It was intelligently thought through and they clearly care about their product.Now where are my deck shoes…!