Cruise line specialty restaurants often make very few menu changes even over the course of years. That's largely because many passengers sail once a year and they want to experience the favorites they had on their last cruise.
Even an improved menu can disappoint passengers who had been looking forward to trying an old favorite. That does not mean that cruise lines don't make changes and Carnival's Holland America will be overhauling the menu at its signature Pinnacle Grill, which the company describes as an "exceptional steakhouse experience."
The venue is launching a refreshed menu with a regional twist. The revamped offerings continue to highlight a premier collection of Prime steaks, while also including a variety of seafood, chicken, lamb, and vegetarian options, according to the cruise line.
Pinnacle Grill will, however, be retaining its signature dishes from Chef David Burke which Holland America said will "remain core to the menu." The restaurant will add a rotating selection of regional dishes prepared with local ingredients and locally sourced fresh fish, reflecting the flavors of each destination.
“The new Pinnacle Grill menu beautifully marries our classic steakhouse tradition with vibrant regional flavors and the freshest seafood,” said Holland America's Vice President of Food and Beverage Michael Stendebach. "This enhancement is designed to offer our guests an extraordinary dining experience that reflects the diverse culinary landscapes of our destinations. We kept many of our most popular dishes on the menu and are excited to introduce an array of new options.”
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Image source: Holland America
David Burke menu favorites will remain
Holland America was careful to make it clear that many favorites will remain on the revised Pinnacle Grill menu.
"The core menu’s appetizer offerings will continue featuring David Burke’s beloved Clothesline Candied Bacon, while also re-introducing another guest favorite – the Table-side Caesar Salad. Other core menu small plates include David Burke’s Steakhouse Wedge Salad, Vine Ripened Beefsteak Tomato Salad, Shrimp Cocktail, Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Lobster Bisque, and Ossetra Malossol Caviar," the cruise line shared in a press release.
Popular main courses including David Burke’s Braised Beef Short Ribs with Chow Fun Noodles, Filet Mignon, New York Strip, and Boneless Ribeye will all remain. All steak dishes are served with a choice of sauces including Shallot and Red Wine Bordelaise, Green Peppercorn, or Béarnaise.
Other entrees on the menu include Grilled Lamb Chops, Honey-Lemon Glazed Chilean Sea Bass, Panko Fried Stuffed Mushrooms, and Dover Sole.
Side dishes, which include Creamed Spinach, Asparagus with Hollandaise, Roasted Baby Beets with Blue Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, Baked Potato, French Fries, Sauteed Mushrooms, and Beecher’s Lobster Mac and Cheese, will still be served family style.
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"The regional portion of the menu, which will vary based on each ship’s itinerary, ranges from Jerked Chicken Bao in the Caribbean, to Coconut Seafood Chowder in Hawaii and the South Pacific, to Australian Black Angus Steak Tartare in Australia, and Seared Beef Tataki with Crispy Lotus Chips in Asia," the cruise line shared.
Pinnacle Grill’s refreshed menu will also feature beverages infused with the distinct flavors and ingredients of each location, crafted by internationally renowned mixologists. Local wines will be featured on the menu to reflect the destinations each ship is exploring.
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