Every Dinner is a Party LA VERANDA | LE GRILL | L'ETOILE
Nothing’s more fun than a dinner party— especially when you don’t have to do the cooking! What suited my mood each night? I chose from three restaurants, each with open seating arrangements, and each with its own menu and team of talented chefs.
L’Etoile, the main restaurant, offered fine dining at its best. Each time I dined there the Maître d’ escorted me to my table, whether it was an intimate table for two, or a dinner party of ten. If I felt social and wanted to meet new people, I even had the choice of joining other open parties at their table. Several times I arranged impromptu get-togethers over dinner with friends I'd met during the week—easy to do since L'Etoile doesn't require reservations.
Te décor is stylish, accented with wood tones, ceramics, and chandeliers. Te dress code is coined “country club casual”, and it was easy to enjoy the elegance of perfect mood lighting and decadent furnishings, as devoted staff poured my favorite wine. A full-course, à la carte menu of gourmet delights including appetizers, soups, salads, international specialties, a cheese course, and dessert was at my bidding. On occasion, I lingered, visiting with fellow foodies, over a cup of coffee or tea. Insider fave: Tough the menu changes nightly, there is a set of delicious "classics" available every night. My favorite? Tat would be the perfectly seasoned, impeccably prepared beef medallions. Mmm.
Light-filled and airy for lunch and breakfast, La Veranda was transformed into a romantic French venue, effusing a warm glow in the evening. I learned early in my stay aboard Te Gauguin that I needed to make a reservation with the Maître d’ in order to indulge in the sophisticated menu. Te setting: intimate tables of two to six with white tablecloths, china, and sparkling silverware and stemware. La Veranda featured a Dégustation menu or an à la carte menu of entrées, soups, specialties, and desserts. Insider tip: If you’ve always wanted to expand your palate, this is a delicious way to do it!
Advance dinner reservations with the Maître d’ were also required at Le Grill. Nearly unrecognizable from my forays for lunch and dinner, this outdoor dining venue on the pool deck transformed into a fresh, glow-filled space at dinner. Its teak tables were punctuated with Polynesian table runners and glowing sconces, setting the tone for the restaurant’s Polynesian-themed specialties. I could sit down with a single friend, or a group of up to seven shipmates, and savor a full course menu of Polynesian favorites, skillfully paired with wines. Insider tip: Making reservations when the ship overnights in Bora Bora may reward you with a poolside table under the stars.
Late, Early & In-Between TEA TIME | 24-HOUR ROOM SERVICE
Tere were a few days that I felt like relaxing in my stateroom after a full day in the sun. I was grateful for room service, offered 24/7 (at no extra charge, of course). I chose from a set menu of classics, and even a selection from L’Etoile when I ordered during regular dining hours.
On mornings that I rose to catch the sunrise, I found a light breakfast available in La Palette (the ship's versatile indoor/outdoor lounge). Afternoon tea, a spread of delicious small bites and treats, also appeared in La Palette, or Le Grill, each day.
It would be remiss of me if I didn't mention one of my favorite meals—this one NOT onboard the ship. My day on Motu Mahana was one of the highlights of the trip, and though fairly simple and "picnic" in style, the barbecue feast served by the ship's very own staff, in this private island setting, and accompanied by an icy coconut drink, goes down as one of the more memorable meals I've ever had.
Dining al fresco
Moonfish demonstration
20 2022-23 Paul Gauguin Cruises | Savoring Tahiti
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