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Kings Ransom A Lunch Review
At this year’s BVI Boatshow in Nanny Cay, I was lucky enough to be invited to lunch on the charter catamaran King’s Ransom. Chef Niki Payne decided to take a gamble and prepare a meal for all of the completely vegan guests, as she was inspired by one of the guest’s plant-based diets.
Why is that such a gamble? Because for some people, the phrase ‘vegan diet’ equals nothing but kale salad and granola. High-quality lunches and excellent service also define charter guest experiences. While brokers are responsible for charter bookings, it’s also the chef’s responsibility to impress guests with a specialized menu.
So there’s a risk to creating a meal that, to some, might be challenging. However, Chef Niki’s bet paid off in spades.
First Impressions
The meal started before we were even seated as the other guests and I were offered one of the most refreshing beverages I’d ever had. Called a “Green Tail”, this drink could be served with or without rum and included sparkling water, lime, mint, and a little infused ice stirrer. Yes, it sounds like a mojito, but this was more like the mojito’s more sophisticated cousin. I opted for the non-alcoholic version and made this little refresher a permanent addition to my life.
After all the guests had arrived, First Mate Daniel Asmus and Stewardess Martina Walla escorted us to our seats in the dining area of the main interior salon. A printed menu on each plate explained that our meal was designed to celebrate “local, organic, mindful food that cleanses, nourishes and soothes your soul.” It sounded good, but how would it taste?
High Expectations, Even Higher Results
Chef Niki was confident as she went over the menu with us, and the first course of Green Olive and Roasted Garlic Flatbread was served to each of us on individual breadboards sprinkled with salt and a small serving of hummus. At my first bite, I knew she had every reason to be. The bread was not too doughy and not too tough and the olives and garlic were tastefully present without being overwhelming.
We were served our salad course at just the right time. A Micro Herb Salad with Roasted Almonds and Lemon Dressing. The flavors of this little salad were as bright as the salad itself. The almonds gave a small crunch to the delicate leaves, and the lemon dressing provided just the right zest.
Following the salad, we were served our main course. Which consisted of Spinach and Fennel Fettuccini with Almond Cheese, Pea Puree, and Pistachio Pesto. The flavors and textures of this course blended perfectly. The almond ‘cheese’ provided a bit of creaminess that you would expect from a fettuccini dish. Yet it was a vegan recipe that did not include any dairy. This is no easy task (I say this from experience), and Chef Niki did a terrific job.
The dessert was brilliant, Raw Zillionaire Pots. Chef Niki presented one of her favorite candy bars, which was superbly layered with a parfait kind of treat in individual mason glass jars with edible gold flakes. That’s right. Gold. Flakes. The dessert contained no added sugar but held just the right amount of sweetness from the natural sugars in the ingredients, which allowed the cocoa flavor to stand out.
Details, Details, Details…
There were various coffees and teas after dessert. I just asked for a cappuccino. Even if it was just a cappuccino, all the details made it even more special. Especially with the soft white foam with a cinnamon heart dusted on top. All the details are exemplary, to sum up this entire experience.
Chef Niki, Captain Peter Clapp (who visited with us despite injuring his arm that morning), First Mate Daniel, and Stewardess Martina provides for their guests as they do King’s Ransom herself. With love, care, and pride. There is no doubt that they will put that same effort into your vacation charter. King’s Ransom will be sailing in Croatia during the summers of 2015 and 2016. So if you’ve been thinking of visiting this area of the world, trust that you will have the experience of a lifetime with this charter yacht and crew.
Kings Ransom Lunch review is one of many delightful lunches we experience at the yacht charter shows.
Contact the Luxury Yacht Charters division of CKIM Group to learn more about King’s Ransom.
