We bit the bullet and "splurged" the extra $45.00 per person on the Normadie "Exquisite fine dining" experience on the Celebrity summit. The menu is described as French & Continental.
There was some confusion with the original reservations (on my part) but they were flexible to switch it around a few times for us.
Although the wine list was extensive, there was only ONE red wine that fit the budget for my premium beverage package (Up to $13.00 per a glass). Anything else would have to be a la carte.
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| Bread Basket |
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| Amuse Bouche |
Menu Names and Descriptions via Celebritycruises.com
Smoked Salmon & Peekytoe Crab Parfait
Layered with Avocado, Salmon Caviar, Crème Fraîche, Petite Greens
The first starter was presented beautifully. It was colorful with contrasting textures with the salmon, caviar and crispy topping garnish.
Wild Forest Mushroom Cappuccino
Glazed Shiitake-Spiced Flan, Mushroom Biscotti
Pan Seared Pork Belly
Parsnip Purée, Caramelized Apples, Calvados Jus
This was my favorite! I loved pork belly! I actually ordered (2) orders because it was so wonderful!
Creamy Maine Lobster Bisque
Leek and Shallot Flan, Cognac Cream, Crispy Sweet Yellow Corn Beignets
The impeccable and distinctive service was apparent when they served the creamy lobster bisque. The soup was poured table side from a white ceramic tea kettle. I was impressed.
Diver Scallop Wellington Style
Baked in Puff Pastry; Black Truffle Emulsion, Spinach Fondue
Although tiny BUT tasty, the buttery seafood puff pastry was a winner.
For our main entree, the Mo and I split the "Chateaubriand for Two", a thick cut of the beef tenderloin filet. This is where the disappointment kicked in. We ordered it medium. The first time it arrived, it was well done. They cooked us a new batch and it arrived rare. The brought back the rare to sear it again and it wasn't the same. 3rd times a charm? NOT REALLY. By the time they tried to correct the steak, we were tired and stuffed with everything else.
Châteaubriand for Two*
Fricassée of Baby Vegetables, Béarnaise & Cabernet Sauce |
| 1st attempt: well done steak |
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| 2nd attempt: Rare steak |
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| 2nd attempt: Rare steak |
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| 3rd attempt: blah,! I'm over it. You've just re-grilled a cut up steak. |
Murano Lobster
Cognac Flambéed Warm Water Lobster Tail, Fresh Basil, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Dijon-Cream
Cognac Flambéed Warm Water Lobster Tail, Fresh Basil, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Dijon-Cream
Although the ingredients looked simple, the cognac flambeed cream sauce for the lobster was surprisingly delicious. Fifi and Thai also shared the Maine lobster but they opted for duck and lamb in lieu of the tenderloin beef that the Mo and I shared.
Herb Crusted Lamb Rack
Pea Purée, Tomato Confit, Baby Carrots, Spice Meatball, Garlic Jus
Pea Purée, Tomato Confit, Baby Carrots, Spice Meatball, Garlic Jus
I had a taste of the lamb and spice meatballs and both were well seasoned and tender.
Muscovy Duck Breast
Crispy Spiced Duck Leg Confit, Herbed French Toast, Raisin-Apple Compote
To our loss, we were too stuffed to sample the cheese course as well as any desserts post dinner. *Insert sad face here* Images below via Celebritycruises.com
I think the Normadie specialty dining was worth the extra $45.00 pp for just the lobster presentation alone. I've also read that they bring out the cart for dessert and also do live demonstrations for table side banana fosters. If only we didn't get stuffed from all the food....
Just a side note, our dining experience ran close to 2.5 hours and we skipped dessert and the cheese course. Just something you'd want to consider if you are trying to catch a show or another event on the vessel. Also, with all specialty dining, there is a mandatory service fee. If you do not pay the night of your meal, they WILL charge it to your room. Just an FYI....