Virgin Voyages Test Kitchen Menu, Review & Food Photos
The Test Kitchen © Virgin Voyages
Click Here to view the menu for the Test Kitchen onboard Virgin Voyages.
Embarking on a journey with Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady not only promises stunning vistas and thrilling adventures but also a culinary exploration that is unrivaled. In this review, we recount our splendid dining experience at the Test Kitchen, a venue that, like all others on Virgin Voyages, is included in your cruise fare.
Setting the Scene
Stepping into the Test Kitchen, you are welcomed by a laboratory-inspired ambiance highlighted by bright lights, metal tables, and chrome accents. This contemporary and polished environment sets the stage for a dining experience that is both fresh and surprising, promising a meal that is far from typical.
Cocktail Pairing
Pairing Options for Every Palate
Before we explore the fascinating details of the menu, it is essential to mention the considerate pairing options available at the Test Kitchen. For an additional $35, guests can choose a curated selection of wines or cocktails to accompany each course, enhancing the culinary journey. A more affordable mocktail pairing is also on offer, ensuring a customized dining experience for every guest.
The Six-Course Menu: A Journey of Flavors
The Test Kitchen presents a dynamic six-course menu that is both enigmatic and delightful. Guests are given a menu that outlines just six primary ingredients, one for each course, leaving the exact dishes a delightful mystery. This approach not only sparks your curiosity but also allows you to appreciate each dish without any preconceived expectations. Furthermore, the restaurant thoughtfully provides alternative options for each course, accommodating those with allergies or distinct taste preferences, guaranteeing a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience for all.
Course-by-Course Review
Mushroom: We embarked on our culinary journey with a mushroom pâté that was a true feast for the senses, offering a smooth base paired with ultra-thin crispy toasted bread. For those seeking a different path, the cold tomato gazpacho stood as a refreshing alternative, bursting with lively and vibrant flavors.
Egg: The egg course brought a dramatic flair, revealing a pea and egg yolk concoction under a smoky glass cloche. The perfectly cooked egg yolk, when broken, enveloped the peas in a buttery and smooth layer, creating a rich harmony of flavors that paired splendidly with crispy bread. The alternative asparagus panna cotta was a scoopable deconstructed sandwich, offering a fresh and unexpected culinary delight.
Scallops: The scallops course showcased seared scallops immersed in a savory broth accompanied by prosciutto, offering a balanced blend of salty and delightful textures. The dish stood as a testament to the chef's skill in harmonizing flavors and textures to craft a gastronomic masterpiece.
Venison/Beef: The meat course offered a choice between a filet mignon cut of venison or beef. Each selection was accompanied by a dark chocolate branch and a chocolate red wine sauce, creating a rich and tender gastronomic delight that was a feast for both the eyes and the palate. A standout side was the laminated potatoes, crispy and buttery, topped with dehydrated sour cream and chives, adding a comforting yet sophisticated touch to the course.
Blue Cheese: The blue cheese course was a true revelation, transforming the often divisive ingredient into a creamy mousse-like semifreddo, paired with citrus oil, pears, and pecans. This course was a delightful surprise, offering a hint of sweetness that balanced the rich flavors harmoniously.
Chocolate: Our culinary adventure concluded with a chocolate coconut sponge cake, a divine dessert that marked a perfect end to a meal that took us on a whirlwind of flavors and textures, leaving a memorable impression and a gratified palate.
Consistency is Key
Having dined at the Test Kitchen twice, once in October 2021 and then in July 2023, we can attest to the consistency in the quality of food and the dining experience, showcasing the restaurant's dedication to excellence.
A Dining Experience Not to Be Missed
The Test Kitchen on Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady offers a dining experience that is both inventive and delightful, promising a culinary adventure that is truly extraordinary. Whether you are an adventurous eater or prefer to stick to classic flavors, the Test Kitchen guarantees a memorable dining experience with its well-conceived menu and alternative options for each course. Don't miss out on this culinary jewel during your voyage on the Scarlet Lady.
Reminder: As a gold certified First Mate travel agent with Virgin Voyages, Freestyle Travelers is ready to make your cruise booking effortless and memorable. From helping you secure a reservation at Pink Agave to other onboard experiences, we're here for you. Simply use our booking link to embark on your next Virgin Voyage, and we'll ensure you're well taken care of every step of the way.
