Announcement: ‘Eat & Drink Festival’: a Two-Month Culinary & Cocktail Showcase

The Virgin Voyages Eat & Drink Festival

Virgin Voyages has announced its second annual Eat & Drink Festival, an extraordinary culinary and cocktail showcase taking place across two months. Set aboard Richard Branson’s innovative travel fleet, this festival promises an unparalleled experience of international flavors, unique pairings, and delectable bites, all curated through the brand’s award-winning food and beverage offerings.

Quick Links for Each Ship

For a quick look at what each ship offers during this event see these posts:

• Scarlet Lady Eat & Drink Festival
• Valiant Lady Eat & Drink Festival
• Resilient Lady Eat & Drink Festival

A Gastronomic Extravaganza at Sea

Throughout August and September, seasoned foodies and intrepid travelers will find themselves immersed in a series of gastronomic events, each one masterfully crafted by the esteemed Culinary Collective and brought to life by the talented chefs aboard Virgin Voyages’ three ships – Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, and Resilient Lady. From indulgent multi-course dinners and exquisite wine pairings to chef-led demos, ship-wide bar experiences, healthy walkabouts, and tantalizing amuse bouches, Sailors can expect to be thoroughly surprised and delighted with the diverse event lineup and exclusive chef appearances.

A Stellar Line-Up of Culinary Powerhouses

Virgin Voyages is pulling out all the stops this year, bringing back culinary powerhouses who wowed attendees last year, such as Brad Farmerie, Sohui Kim, Eric Kim Haugen, Matt Lambert, Silvana Salcido Esparza, Waki Ng, and Virgin Voyages’ very own Chef Levi Mezick. In addition to these celebrated names, the festival will welcome new luminaries, adding a fresh and exciting dimension to the already vibrant culinary scene.

One standout guest is George Motz, an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and producer renowned for his expertise in hamburgers, hailed as the foremost authority on the subject by The New York Times. Joining the festivities are also The Taste Curators – Lish Steiling and Abbey Cook, a dynamic wife duo inspiring joy through their exploration of the connections between food, fashion, and color. Lish, a former “Chopped” champion, has an impressive background that includes work with The Today Show, Vanity Fair, The Food Network, and Epicurious, while Abbey is an accomplished color and trend forecaster with collaborations with Malhia Kent, Martha Stewart, Doneger Group, and Cotton Incorporated.

Moreover, The Couple’s Kitchen, James Briscione, and Brooke Parkhurst will make their debut. They earned recognition as the owners of the acclaimed Angelena’s Ristorante Italiano in Pensacola, FL. James previously enjoyed success as a Food Network personality with multiple wins on “Beat Bobby Flay,” while Brooke wears two hats, serving as both Wine Director and Director of Marketing for their restaurant.

An International Flair

Virgin Voyages’ Eat & Drink Festival will be further enriched by international talents, including Effie Panagopoulos, the trailblazing entrepreneur and the first Greek woman to start a liquor brand, KLEOS Mastiha Spirit, a premium liqueur crafted from the ancient Greek superfood mastiha, found exclusively in Chios. Also in attendance is Mark Farrell, the visionary founder of Ten to One Rum, born in Trinidad & Tobago, and shaped by his education at MIT, the University of Cambridge, and Harvard Business School. His creation, Ten to One Rum, celebrates the authentic elements of Caribbean culture and heritage.

Burnt Sage from Barcelona, a dynamic consulting firm born from the fusion of two rival bars – Lilith & Sons and Kyoudai 33, will grace the festival with their presence. Notably, this diverse line-up of international talent ensures that the Eat & Drink Festival is a truly global experience, highlighting the best in cuisine and mixology from around the world.

Collaboration with Renowned Beverage Partners

Virgin Voyages will also collaborate with its trusted beverage partners – Intelligentsia, JoJo Tea, and Filthy Food – to host hands-on events during the festival. These activations will provide Sailors with the opportunity to delve deeper into the art of mixology and experience unique libations that perfectly complement the exceptional culinary offerings aboard the ships.

Unrivaled Dining and Impeccable Service

Fresh off its well-deserved Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” for The Wake, the 1920s-inspired steakhouse, Virgin Voyages continues to impress with its elevated food and beverage offerings and impeccable service. It’s no surprise that the brand recently swept the Cruise Critic 2023 Cruisers’ Choice Awards, securing the top spot for the best dining experience, a category highly revered in Sailor reviews and editorial articles alike.

Pink Agave, Virgin Voyages’ Mexican eatery renowned for its authentic street food served in a sleek Tom Dixon-designed space, also clinched the title of best dining venue in TravelAge West’s prestigious WAVE Awards. These accolades showcase the cruise line’s commitment to delivering a reimagined dining concept that sets a new standard for cruise ship gastronomy.

Fleet-Wide Events: A Feast for the Senses

Anchor events like “Taste of The Galley” and “Seven Sea Sippers” will take Sailors on unforgettable gastronomic journeys. “Taste of The Galley” offers a chic and delectable food hall experience, while “Seven Sea Sippers” presents a cocktail treasure hunt, exploring the ship’s most popular watering holes.

For a taste of luxury, Sailors can indulge in “Flavors Uncorked,” a five-course dinner menu at The Wake, designed by Michelin-starred Chef Brad Farmerie, with champagne, oysters, and a grilled Tomahawk steak paired with exquisite wines. Meanwhile, the “Path of Negroni” allows mixologists and Sailors alike to explore and create their own variations of the classic Italian cocktail.

The “Juice Walk” offers a unique blend of detox and retox, inviting Sailors to enjoy healthy fruit and veggie-forward libations while participating in a multi-stop workout led by The Balancer.

Embark on a Culinary Adventure

Sailors eager to savor the flavors of the Eat & Drink Festival will receive a $300 Bar Tab when booking voyages during August and September. Whether it’s experiencing the diverse culinary talents or relishing the innovative cocktails, this festival promises an unparalleled gastronomic adventure that will linger in the hearts and palates of travelers long after their voyage with Virgin Voyages.

Details

(provided by Virgin Voyages® in their press release)

Fleet-Wide Events

• Anchor Event: Taste of The Galley – Sailors can let their inner foodies run wild in The Galley, the chic food hall dreamt up to defy the traditional cruise buffet. Every sea day between 4 and 7 p.m., The Galley transforms into a gastronomic showcase offering a diverse array of flavors from all around the world. From Chef Matt Lambert comes a Meaty Boy Sandwich at Virgin Voyages’ 24-hour Diner & Dash while Chef Waki Ng delivers a flavor-packed punch with his Hiyashi Chuka, (Japanese cold soba noodles) at Noodle Around. Cost: Included
• Anchor Event: Seven Sea Sippers – An elevated bar crawl disguised as a cocktail treasure hunt comes alive in Seven Seas Sippers. Following a map Captain Jack Sparrow would be impressed with, Sailors embark on an adventure across the ship. Along their route, they’ll explore popular watering holes, taste seven distinct cocktails or mocktails and earn stamps to earn a shot at claiming a secret treasure. Cost: $9-15 per cocktail
• Razzle Dazzle by Night – Teased during last year’s Eat & Drink Month, this elevated dining concept at Razzle Dazzle is back and here to stay. Designed by Food Network’s Chef Eric Kim Haugen, the new menu at this eatery is anything but black & white like its signature WWI-inspired design. Featuring veggie-forward dishes and reimagined American classics like a short rib pastrami and Nashville hot cauliflower, Razzle Dazzle by Night has quickly become a Sailor favorite. Paired with a fresh drink menu from Miami’s Cocktail Cartel Co., the curated libations are not to be missed. Cost: Included
• Amuse Bouche at Signature Eateries – Specially crafted by the talented chefs in Virgin Voyages’ Culinary Collective, these unique and inventive bouches are the perfect beginning to an unforgettable culinary journey. Cost: Included
• Flavors Uncorked – Hosted at The Wake, Virgin Voyages’ glamorous steak & seafood eatery, Flavors Uncorked is a five-course dinner menu by Michelin-starred Chef Brad Farmerie. This decadent dining experience comes complete with Champagne, oysters two ways and a grilled Tomahawk steak, all paired with wines to amplify the flavor profiles. Cost: $125/Sailor or $250/two Sailors
• Path of Negroni – An Italian classic made with a combination of Campari, sweet vermouth and gin, the Negroni a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication that’s enamored bartenders worldwide. Its endless adjustable template has inspired the Negroni Family Tree, giving mixologists – and now Sailors – the freedom to explore & create their own variations. Cost: $50/Sailor
• Juice Walk – Virgin Voyages’ detox and retox concept comes alive with Juice Walk, a traveling juice bar walkabout weaving Sailors through the ship’s can’t-miss juice and smoothie spaces. Designed to get Sailors active & engaged, the multi-stop workout led by The Balancer travels across the ship and features built-in recovery stops. During these delicious breaks, Sailors can sip & savor healthy fruit & veggie-forward libations while mingling with fellow Sailors. And for those who complete the circuit, there may be a “naughty” bevvy waiting. Cost: $25/Sailor

Events by Ship

Scarlet Lady

• Let’s Mushroom Around – This interactive, demo-style cooking class gives Sailors the opportunity to discover the techniques behind two of Virgin Voyages’ most iconic mushroom-inspired dishes: The Test Kitchen’s Mushroom Mousse and Razzle Dazzle’s Mushroom Tartare. Cost: $25/Sailor
• Bubbles & Bites a Champagne and Fried Chicken Affair – Like the iconic duos of peanut butter & jelly or macaroni & cheese, savory fried chicken was meant to be enjoyed with Champagne… or so we’re saying. During this delightful and surprising pairing, Sailors will sample three luxurious Champagne varieties followed by a crispy and savory fried chicken. Cost: $45/Sailor
• Rum Runners – Follow the tales of rum and its unlawful origins in a tasting experience temming with fascinating history, intriguing characters, and expert craftsmanship (plus daring pirate tales and prohibition anecdotes on the side). Cost: $35/Sailor
• Shot for Shot – During this interactive beverage class hosted in The Test Kitchen, Sailors will drink and click their way to a whole new level of self-expression: making four signature cocktails and snapping the perfect Insta-worthy photo. Cost: $50/Sailor
• Miami’s Finest: Bar Takeover – We’re bringing the best of Miami’s bar scene to the sea for an exclusive (and unprecedented) collaboration that pushes the boundaries of mixology curated by Unfiltered Hospitality. Cost: Varies per Cocktail
• Chef Cooking Demo: Eric Kim Haugen – During this chef demo, Eric will demonstrate his vegan version of Nashville hot chicken using cauliflower accompanied by butterhead lettuce, pickled vegetables and plant-based ranch. Eric will be on-board Aug. 9. Cost: $25/Sailor
• Chef Cooking Demo: Waki Ng – With more than 20 years of experience, award-winning Waki specializes in contemporary sushi preparation and original ramen creations. Now at the helm of Shinka Ramen & Sake in New York City, Waki will show Sailors how to prepare Hiyashi Chuka, or Japanese cold soba noodles. Waki will be on-board Aug. 14. Cost: $25/Sailor
• Chef Cooking Demo: George Motz – Recognized by The New York Times and Eater LA as the ultimate hamburger authority, George brings his skills to the high seas, teaching Sailors to create his famous Motz burgers, washed down with a refreshing Heineken lager. George will be on-board Aug. 23. Cost: $25/Sailor
• Chef Cooking Demo: Matt Lambert – Known for his restaurant Rodd & Gunn, Michelin-star chef Matt Lambert created the original menu for The Test Kitchen and is back to wow Sailors yet again with an on-board cooking demo. They’ll create a tuna red pepper tart with bonito custard and chili lime dressing. Matt will be on-board Sept. 20. Cost: $25/Sailor

Valiant Lady

• Let’s Get Choco-Lit – A mix between chocolate worship and pastry workshop, this mouthwatering culinary demo is a treat for anyone who loves baked sweets. Sailors will awaken their inner chocolatier through the world of luscious flavors, rich textures and tantalizing aromas as they discover the art of making exquisite chocolate pralines and irresistible rocher treats. Cost: $25/Sailor
• Master The Art of (White) Wine – Swirl. Smell. Savor. In this sensory journey, Sailors will learn how to appreciate the nuances of white wine like a pro in a 60-minute wine-tasting class at The Wake. Cost: $45/Sailor
• Barcelona’s Finest: Bar Takeover – We’re bringing the best of Barcelona’s bar scene to the sea for an exclusive (and unprecedented) collaboration that pushes the boundaries of mixology curated by Burnt Sage. Cost: Varies per Cocktail
• Chef Cooking Demo: Brad Farmerie – Known for the Big Apple’s Michelin-starred PUBLIC and Saxon+Parole, Farmerie created the limited-time Flavors Uncorked experience at The Wake. He also created a special heirloom tomato and cantaloupe gazpacho to demo for Sailors. Brad will be on-board Aug. 6. Cost: $25/Sailor
• Chef Cooking Demo: Silvana Salcido Esparza – Featured in Esquire Magazine and on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” Silvana created the menu at Pink Agave and is back to offer an interactive guacamole demo for Sailors. Silvana will be on-board Sept 3. Cost: $25/Sailor
• Chef Cooking Demo: Matt Lambert – Known for his restaurant Rodd & Gunn, Michelin-star chef Matt Lambert created the original menu for The Test Kitchen and is back to wow Sailors yet again with an on-board cooking demo. They’ll create a tuna red pepper tart with bonito custard and chili lime dressing. Matt will be on-board Sept. 10. Cost: $25/Sailor
• Chef Cooking Demo: Sohui Kim – Known for NYC’s The Good Fork, Insa and Gage & Tollner, Sohui Kim brings a taste of Korean tradition to the ships with her dynamic dumplings dish. Learn to make this delicious comfort meal at Gunbae, the only Korean BBQ at sea. Sohui will be on-board Sept. 17. Cost: $25/Sailor

Resilient Lady

• Acai What You Did There – During this demo at The Test Kitchen, Sailors will learn how to make a tempting açaí bowl with healthy toppings, the perfect blend of taste and nutrition for those with little time and a big sweet tooth. Cost: $25/Sailor
• Master The Art of (Red) Wine – Swirl. Smell. Savor. In this sensory journey, Sailors will learn how to appreciate the nuances of red wine like a pro in a 60-minute wine-tasting class at The Wake. Cost: $45/Sailor
• Shot For Shot – During this interactive beverage class hosted in The Test Kitchen, Sailors will drink and click their way to a whole new level of self-expression: making four signature cocktails and snapping the perfect Insta-worthy photo. Cost: $50/Sailor
• Chef Cooking Demo: Silvana Salcido Esparza – Featured in Esquire Magazine and on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” Silvana created the menu at Pink Agave and is back to offer an interactive guacamole demo for Sailors. Silvana will be on-board Aug. 27. Cost: $25/Sailor
• Chef Cooking Demo: Matt Lambert – Known for his restaurant Rodd & Gunn, Michelin-star chef Matt Lambert created the original menu for The Test Kitchen and is back to wow Sailors yet again with an on-board cooking demo. They’ll create a tuna red pepper tart with bonito custard and chili lime dressing. Matt will be on-board Sept. 3. Cost: $25/Sailor
• Chef Cooking Demo: Sohui Kim – Known for NYC’s The Good Fork, Insa and Gage & Tollner, Sohui Kim brings a taste of Korean tradition to the ships with her dynamic dumplings dish. Learn to make this delicious comfort meal at Gunbae, the only Korean BBQ at sea. Sohui will be on-board Aug. 13. Cost: $25/Sailor