Specialty restaurants on cruise lines typically make very few changes to the menu, even over the years. This is largely because many passengers travel once a year and want to try the favorite dishes they had on their last cruise.
Even an upgraded menu can disappoint passengers who were looking forward to trying a classic. That doesn't mean cruise lines don't make changes, and Carnival's Holland America will revamp the menu at its signature Pinnacle Grill, which the company describes as an “exceptional steakhouse experience.”
The restaurant is launching a revamped menu with a regional flair. The revamped offerings continue to highlight a top-notch collection of premium steaks, while also including a variety of seafood, chicken, lamb and vegetarian options, according to the cruise line.
However, Pinnacle Grill will retain its signature dishes from Chef David Burke, which Holland America says will “remain central to the menu.” The restaurant will add a rotating selection of regional dishes prepared with local ingredients and fresh, locally sourced fish, reflecting the flavors of each destination.
“The new Pinnacle Grill menu seamlessly blends our classic steakhouse tradition with vibrant regional flavors and the freshest seafood,” said Holland America Vice President of Food and Beverage Michael Stendebach. “This enhancement is designed to offer our guests an extraordinary dining experience that reflects the diverse culinary landscapes of our destinations. We’ve kept many of our most popular dishes on the menu and are excited to introduce a variety of new options.”
Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or first) cruise.
Image source: Holland America
David Burke's menu favorites will remain
Holland America was careful to make it clear that many favorites will remain on the revised Pinnacle Grill menu.
“Main menu appetizer options will continue to feature David Burke's beloved Clothesline Candied Bacon, while another guest favorite will be reintroduced: the Table-side Caesar Salad. Other main menu small plates include David Burke's Steakhouse Wedge Salad, Vine Ripened Beefsteak Tomato Salad, Shrimp Cocktail, Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Lobster Bisque and Ossetra Malossol Caviar,” the cruise line said in a press release.
Popular entrees such as braised beef short ribs with David Burke's Chow Fun noodles, filet mignon, pulled beef filet and boneless ribeye will remain. All meat dishes are served with a choice of sauces such as shallot and red wine bordelaise, green peppercorn or béarnaise.
Other main dishes on the menu include grilled lamb chops, honey-lemon glazed Chilean sea bass, panko-fried stuffed mushrooms, and sole.
Side dishes, including creamed spinach, asparagus with hollandaise sauce, roasted beets with blue cheese, mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, French fries, sautéed mushrooms and Beecher's lobster macaroni and cheese, will continue to be served family style.
READ ALSO: Top travel agents share how to get the best price on your cruise
“The regional portion of the menu, which will vary by ship itinerary, ranges from jerked chicken bao in the Caribbean, to coconut seafood chowder in Hawaii and the South Pacific, to Australian black angus steak tartare in Australia and seared beef tataki with crispy lotus chips in Asia,” the cruise line shared.
The refreshed Pinnacle Grill menu will also feature drinks with distinctive flavors and ingredients from each location, crafted by internationally renowned mixologists. The menu will feature local wines to reflect the destinations each ship explores.
Are you taking a cruise or thinking about taking one? Visit our Come Cruise With Me website to get all your questions answered.
