Queen Victoria Gets a New Verandah

No, it isn’t a new category of balcony accommodations, it’s a new alternative dining venue, The Verandah, which opened aboard Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria for her St. Petersburg & Baltic Explorer cruise that departed Southampton on June 1st. The 100-seat alternative dining venue replaces the Todd English Restaurant and is based on the same concept as the popular, award-wining Verandah Restaurant introduced on Queen Elizabeth, with a slightly different menu highlighting a sophisticated, contemporary, and relaxed theme.

The new Verandah menu includes a choice of seven entrees, eleven plats principaux, and six dessert selections. Plats principaux include Beef and Lobster Flambéed with Cognac and Truffle with Parmesan Fries—the most popular dish to date—and Baked Rack of Lamb in Pastry with Morel Mushrooms and Madeira Reduction, pictured above.

The Verandah menu has been created by Chef Patron Jean-Marie Zimmermann, global culinary ambassador for Cunard Line, who is also a Michelin-starred chef. A particular highlight of the menu is Carpaccio of Smoked Beef with Marinated Aubergine, Quail’s Egg and Truffle Mayonnaise, which combines magical pairings of flavors with theatrical touches: the dish is served under a glass cloche filled with scented smoke as seen here at right.

With its vibrant taste of the Mediterranean, the Todd English Restaurant will remain the alternative dining venue aboard Queen Mary 2, as befits her iconic Transatlantic Crossings and more even mix of British and American passengers. This first-ever Todd English venue at sea has proved highly successful aboard Cunard’s flagship since her introduction in 2004.

Other evening dining alternatives aboard Cunard’s fleet include the Kings Court (Queen Mary 2) and The Lido (Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria). By night, these areas transform into intimate and casual spaces that offer cuisine from around the world:

Queen Elizabeth choices including the South American grill “Asado” and “Jasmine” with its menus drawn from across Asia, while “Aztec” adds its own twist to Mexican culinary classics.

Queen Victoria’s Lido transforms into “Bamboo” for Asian flavors, “Coriander” with Indian cuisine, and “Prime” which features steaks and seafood.

The Kings Court aboard Queen Mary 2 offers authentic Italian dishes in “La Piazza,” traditional British dishes in “The Carvery,” and flavours from across Asia in “Lotus.” Also featured on board is the Boardwalk Café, offering burgers on deck.

For more information, visit Cunard.com.

Images Courtesy of Cunard Line