Introducing Seabourn Encore's Stylish Sushi Restaurant

Sushi, aboard Seabourn Encore

One of the most striking and innovative features of Seabourn Encore is the new alternative dining venue Sushi. Designed and decorated by renowned hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany, the airy, intimate room located just off the Atrium on Deck 8 provides a delightful change of pace for guests in the mood for something different for lunches and dinners during their voyages.

The concept and execution of a sushi restaurant on board is the brainchild of Seabourn Culinary Consultant Chef Anton "Tony" Egger, who is responsible for everything from the recipes, menus and service style to the choice of uniforms, china, and tableware. Working with Japanese chef friends, Egger spent months developing a network of suppliers to ensure that top quality ingredients, including Japanese fish and seafood and crucial elements such as the special Japanese sushi rice, differently flavored vinegars and a variety of fresh Japanese produce can be supplied to the ship as it cruises the world. His menus are ingredient-specific, no substitutions are permitted. If an ingredient is unavailable, the chefs will not serve the dish. The Japanese sushi tradition is exemplified by small, family-run restaurants, and that is the fun, friendly atmosphere that guests will enjoy at Sushi on Seabourn Encore.

"I was an executive chef on Seabourn ships and also corporate executive chef for a while, so I'm familiar with the taste and expectations of Seabourn's guests," says Egger. "I love really good sushi myself, so I was committed to developing the best sushi dining experience, not only with impeccably fresh ingredients and expert preparation, but also with the cultural aspects of the Japanese sushi tradition. The staff in Sushi, from the three specialized Asian sushi chefs to the wait-staff, all interact as one team, focused on the guests. You'll see the sommelier delivering food plates, the waiters fetching drinks, it feels like a family operation. But like in a family, when it comes to the preparation, there are specialists. Properly cooked and vinegared rice is the heart of sushi, so one person is the rice master, for every meal, every day."

Lunches at Sushi are designed around the Japanese bento box tradition, which offers a nutritious, tasty meal in a quick and casual style. Sushi will offer three options daily, with main courses of meat or poultry, seafood and vegetarian. Each box is accompanied by a hot miso soup, a Japanese-style salad and a simple dessert. Dinners offer an a la carte menu, including edamame and miso soup, an array of salads and small plates of various sashimis and tatakis, as well as a variety of sashimi, nigiri and maki sushi, and signature rolls exploiting the best ingredients selected by the chefs. All selections can be ordered either as individual servings or to share, as the guests prefer. Unlike the sequence of courses in a Western meal, sushi is served continuously as it is prepared by the chefs. Desserts are simple but delicious, consisting of Asian-flavored ice creams, sorbets and puddings. In keeping with Japanese tradition, reservations are not required. If a seat is open, guests are welcome.

Seabourn's master mixologist, Brian van Flandern, has created two special cocktails for Sushi, a craft drink called the Sushi Verde, and a unique Yamazaki Whiskey Tea Ceremony for couples or quartets. The venue also offers a variety of hot or cold Japanese sakes, beers, and a selection of wines to complement the menus. And in another bow to tradition, a selection of five distinctive Japanese teas are available, brewed in artisanal cast iron pots. Sushi is open for lunch and dinner daily.

Designed by Adam D. Tihany, Seabourn Encore features modern design elements and innovations in keeping with Seabourn's reputation for understated elegance. The 40,350-GRT ship carries just 600 guests, based on double occupancy. In addition, every suite features a private veranda. Sushi will also debut on the Seabourn Ovation when it launches in Spring 2018. For more details about the award-winning Seabourn fleet, or to explore the worldwide selection of Seabourn cruising options aboard the world's finest ultra-luxury cruise line, visit Seabourn.com.

Image Courtesy of Seabourn