150 Central Park

First time cruisin with Allure of the Seas and out of all the non-complimentary restaurants onboard, decided to try 150 Central Park.

with just a $40 charge, I got to experience fine dining that would usually cost $200 and up.  Its my first time trying a 6 course meal so I was super duper excited.

We had to make a reservation beforehand and when I arrived I knew why. It wasn't really full when I arrived but when we sat down, they brought us our customized menus. My name was on my menu! HOW COOL!

Our waiter was really nice and introduced to us each dish and explained Chef Molly's concept behind the idea, where each ingredient was obtained from and even a little history to why certain things were this way.  He also said that the restaurant was called 150 Central Park because it was #150 on the ship, therefore they named it 150 Central Park. But while reading the previous review, it said it also had 150 wine selections.  So Informational!

We were told Royal Caribbean held a chef competition and the winner gets a contract with RCCL and get their own gig onboard the Allure. Since the last review's chef was different from mine, I'm assuming Chef Molly won the competition my year (?).  Our waiter also told us that under contract, Chef Molly has to change the menu every 3 months and is not allowed to repeat dishes.

For the Fall 2012 Menu,

serving bread was served with saltless butter and 6 different kinds of salts.  Each salt was taken from different countries around the world. My favorite was the sulfuric salt from India which surprisingly tasted like EGG! Who would have known! The scary black salt is from Hawaii (if i remember correctly) and is actually volcanic salt. Woah!

Chilled Lobster Salad with Orchard Fruits,
took my breath away. Love at first bite. The cold lobster went so well with the persimmon puree.  Everything was so complimenting. Made me think of Fall and apricots and the color Orange LOL.

Smoke Apple-Cheddar Soup
was a little confused why there was a pile of foam, which we were told was apple cider foam. Again, have to give it to Chef Molly because the weirdest things were actually so complimenting.  Like a really awkward couple that you would assume would never work out but hey look at us now!

Paupiette of Dover Sole
This was alright. It tasted standard and almost a little too much like what it looked like. LOL.

Potato Chip Pasta Cappellacci
Now this had us back on our toes! Again, my tastebuds were overjoyed when i took my first bite. The different textures and flavors exploded in my mouth, each bite was filled with amazement.

Prosciutto Wrapped Berkshire Pork Loin
this dish was interesting. The pork was really juicy and tender. Sauce went really well.

OR

Harris Ranch Beef Tenderloin "Reuben"
I'm fan of steak and this gets a thumbs up as well. The rye bread was interesting with the juicy, tender steak.

Chocolate "Dark and Stormy"
the rich chocolate custard and dark rum ice cream was an interesting mix.  A really good way to finish the flavorful meal with the bitter rum and chocolate.

I think what would most likely resembles my experience at 150 is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I literally felt like I was in Wonka's Factory as everything I tasted was filled with wonders and surprises.

A picture is worth a thousand words.
Please check out my pictures :   )

150 Central Park is located inside Central Park Neighbourhood on broad RCCL Allure of Seas.

Why would one be paying a surcharge of $40 per person for food if there are tons and tons of free food??

150 Central Park offers an unique Six Course taster menu experience and the menu is prepared by Maureen Brandt (<a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fpub%2Fdir%2FMaureen%2FBrandt&s=2d715c340db24ede9de031c9f54fdb4ac6840f56c46004870c330c908f4769ba" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.linkedin.com/…</a>).

The service here was top notch and so was the food both in taste and presentation. I have to say this was the BEST meal I have on board.

6 different kind of Salt to go with your bread!

Winter Menu for Sun/Mon/Tue

Wild Mushroom Cigar
- light and crispy spring roll stuffed with mushrooms
- The dressing was perfect with a touch of Sesame

Parsnip Veloute
- Caviar?!!
- So you supposed to mix the waffle with the soup
- Too creamy for my taste

Gruyere-Thyme Tortellini
- Swiss Fondue sauce was utter light
- Pumpernickel breadcrumbs added a nutty texture

Pan Roasted Monkfish - with patatas bravas, piquillo pepper emulsion, saffron, black olive crumble and baby fennel
- Never a fan of Monkfish
- The concept was good with all the different ingredients but the end result just MEH

Root Beer Molasses Glazed Duck Breast
- A little disappointing as the duck was cooked well but tasted bland
- Root Beer? Where is the Root Beer?

OR

Slow Braised Beef Rib
- It was so so tender.... moist and cooked perfectly
- The flavour is really intense too
- Better choice for the Main

Carrot Trio with Raisins
- Carrot cake, mousse and Ice cream really interesting combination and all have unique texture
- One of the Raisins is grape soaked in liquor and I ate that because it tasted like alcohol!

Diamond Plus' coupon may get you in for a treat for $20 per person! :)

BTW, Why is it call 150 Central Park? Because it has 150 wine selections and it is located in Central Park! :)