That evening, it was the Captain's welcome gala, dress up, jacket and tie for me.
He gave a welcoming speech on the pool deck and introduced his officers/dept heads (7 of them)
View attachment 287242
At this meal I realised that the food & wine would not be as top-notch as I thought it may be. While all the meals have been very nice, I thought if we didn't get the very best at the Captain's gala, it just wouldn't be appearing. I didn't take many food shots due to the compnay I was keeping, but a crab starter (there is always an amuse bouche before the starter)
View attachment 287243
Barra hot starter - the foam was a fancy touch.
View attachment 287244
The captain's table was adjacent to mine - he was probably dining with the expensive cabin mob. BUT I did notice that their wine was decanted. I thought it would be a good drop too ...
View attachment 287245
But no, same as we were drinking (a French red or a French white). Anyone recognise them? Good, bad, indifferent?
View attachment 287248
Mains came out with a great fanfare on the top table:
View attachment 287246
I'm struggling to see the presentation below in a French restaurant. Don't worry, I'm not going to keep grizzling (except a bit more on the wine tomorrow), but it has been a bit of a let-down. Tonight, everyone was seated and served at the same time, so I understand the limitations on that, but it seems to be the norm for the voyage.
View attachment 287247