Celebrity lands Daniel Boulud as culinary ambassador

Signature dishes, chef's table, sailings

Boulud will work with the cruise line's culinary team, led by Cornelius Gallagher, a star in his own right who's associate VP food and beverage operations. Passengers can look forward to Daniel Boulud signature dishes, a chef's table experience and sailings hosted by Boulud chefs.

Mentorship and internships

Plus, young chefs will get mentorship, and newly promoted Celebrity executive chefs will participate in an internship program at a Boulud restaurant.

Gallagher told Seatrade Cruise News Daniel Boulud was the right choice for Celebrity because his brand is 'the epitome of polish, class, grace and finesse.

'At Celebrity we are all about modern luxury, so our brands are perfectly aligned,' Gallagher continued. 'In addition, our culinary program is among our core brand pillars, so when considering a culinary partnership Daniel Boulud was at the top of our list.'

'The chef other chefs look up to'

According to Gallagher, Boulud is 'the chef that all other chefs look up to, respect and aspire to be like. He has won more awards as a chef and restaurateur than anyone I know. We are proud and extremely excited to be partnering with him.'

Gallagher worked as a sous chef for Boulud 20 years ago at his flagship restaurant, the Michelin-starred 'Daniel' on 65th street in Manhattan.

'I’ve been fortunate in my career to work for some of the world’s best chefs, and Daniel is the chef that I admire most. He is not only an incredible chef, he is a shrewd businessman and an overall incredible human being,' he elaborated. 'More than anyone, Daniel has inspired me to be who I am today.'

Earlier Cunard association

In 2002, Boulud was tapped by Cunard to create signature menus for the fleet, including Queen Mary 2, which arrived in late 2003. The chef characterized the Cunard gig as brief, and said the cruising world has changed a lot since then.

'With Celebrity Cruises it was a natural fit as we share a common passion for excellence, personalized service and creative cuisine for our guests,' Boulud told Seatrade Cruise News. Noting that Gallagher had worked for him, he added: 'There [is] good synergy.

'Quality and creativity are the hallmarks of the Celebrity brand and the experience they create for their guests so that all generations can enjoy,' Boulud said.

Partnership details

The new partnership will see Daniel Boulud Signature Dishes as part of a three-course menu in the Luminaerestaurant (for suite passengers) fleetwide.

Twice per voyage, fleetwide, a chef's table event will begin with Daniel Boulud Signature champagne and canapés, followed by a private galley tour. A five-course dinner with wine pairings follows, and participants will receive a cookbook to commemorate the experience.

'Chefs of Daniel Boulud Signature Sailings' will take place twice per year, featuring cooking demonstrations, VIP receptions and the opportunity to prepare lunch or dinner with a Celebrity chef featuring Daniel Boulud cuisine.

The culinary mentorship program will give young, up-and-coming chefs the opportunity to learn in Celebrity kitchens and in a Daniel Boulud restaurant.

And newly promoted executive chefs in the Celebrity fleet will participate in an internship at a Daniel Boulud restaurant.