Page 120 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SUMMER 2022 DISCOVERING MADRID

Life Onboard since the prime rib, Yorkshire pudding and plum
pudding were exactly what I would have served
at home. On another dress-up night, Gary was
The Zuiderdam was all decked out for the holi-
days, and the crew was especially exuberant as super happy with his Alaskan king crab legs at
they greeted passengers throughout the sailing. the Pinnacle Grill specialty restaurant. The grill
Many had been on the ship for months, waiting served as the venue for master chef's Rudi's Sel
for this first 2021 sailing after the lengthy Covid De Mer brasserie, where I broke from the
shutdown. Occupancy was limited to promote seafood-centered menu to enjoy a foie gras ap-
healthy distancing, and hand sanitizer popped up petizer and succulent rack of lamb while Gary
everywhere. Masks of all sorts were worn by all. savored the fragrant bouillabaisse. The grill also
Even the most reluctant maskers were quick to hosted a fabulous New Year's Day brunch worth
adjust their coverings when others approached. the splurge the day before we returned home.
On the few occasions when we had to share an I was especially fond of the uppermost Crow's
elevator, my fellow passengers were always cov- Nest, where I was always able to claim a padded
ered. Fortunately, the weather was decent most lounge for a reading and sipping session. We
days and we spent much of our time on open-air mingled with fellow guests for cocktails by the
decks and our balcony. lunge's bar with a stunning view during sunset.
We took most of our meals in the dining room, The Promenade's teak lounges beside the out-
as it was hard to balance buffet and take-out door walking circuit also caught my attention,
trays while using a cane. The food quality was while the pool scene was a bit too crowded. We
such a pleasant surprise we ate far more meals dipped in and out of activities, from classical
than we would at home. Master Chef Rudi So- concerts at the Lincoln Center Stage to slots in
the small casino. We thoroughly enjoyed dancing
damin leads a Culinary Council of seven
celebrity chefs who oversee Holland America's at the B.B. King Blues Club on a previous Holland
menus. Master mixologist Dale DeGroff and America cruise. This time around, the band had
wine critic James Suckling pair cocktails and an more of a jazz sound meant for sitting rather
extensive wine selection with the food. I found than boogying. Apparently the dancing occurred
an ample selection of bottles within my rela- long after we'd headed back to our suite. Early
tively modest price range and was impressed nights and sunrise mornings were part of our
with some of the reds by the glass included in leisurely pace throughout, allowing plenty of
the Have It All package. time to sit and stare at the incomparable Sea of
Cortez.
Christmas dinner was especially satisfying,

120 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2022