Porthole Cruise Magazine vote Master Chef’s Table best dining experience

Holland America Line are proud to announce that Rudi Sodamin’s Master Chef’s Table has been named the best dining experience by Porthole Magazine.

In Porthole Magazine’s February 2014 issue, it was announced that internationally renowned Chef Rudi Sodamin earned the Editor-in-Chief Award for Best Dining Experience, in recognition for his Master Chef’s Table onboard Holland America Line ships.

The Master Chef’s Table evening features a seven-course meal (suitable for up to 18 guests). Each course is delivered by a special culinary expert who serves as the dinner host. Each meal is paired with a specially picked wine, hand selected by the ship’s sommelier. The table is designed elegantly, with fine Versace china and the hosts’ uniforms were designed to resemble an elegant chef’s jacket.

Bill Panoff is the Editor-in-Chief of Porthole Magazine and had the final say on the vote.   He believes that the award was well deserved and the Master Chef’s Table experience reflects Rudi’s culinary vision of artistry and craftsmanship. Speaking after the announcement, Panoff said:

“The Master Chef’s Table is the highest quality culinary experience you’ll find on land or at sea, so it was easy for me to give it such distinguished recognition. Rudi continues to transform the dining offerings onboard Holland America Line ships, and his knowledge and talent ensure that every dining experience is going to be memorable”

Richard Meadows, the executive vice president of marketing, sales and guest programmes for Holland America Line was proud of his coworker Chef Rudi, and congratulated him shortly after the award was announced:

“Rudi’s culinary innovations continue to earn acclaim throughout the industry, and this award is confirmation of his creativity and forward-thinking approach to our dining experience. We’re proud that the Master Chef’s Table was again recognized for its exceptional cuisine, fine wines and first-class service, and we look forward to seeing what Rudi will come up with next for our guests.”

Rudi Sodamin is a highly regarded chef and authority figure in the culinary world and many believe he is one of the hospitality industry’s most innovative chefs. Speaking of the award for his creation, Chef Rudi said:

“For Bill Panoff to once again recognize the Master Chef’s Table experience as the finest at sea is deeply rewarding and an incredible honour. Holland America Line gives me an exciting canvas on which to create new culinary opportunities for our guests and to continuously reinvent the way we present our cuisine.”

Rudi Sodamin is chairman of Holland America Line’s Culinary Council, which features other well known culinary experts, including the newly-appointed famous Australian chef Mark Smith.

In addition to this new award from Porthole Magazine, Chef Rudi has many impressive accolades to his name.  He has a rating of 17/20 and Three Toques from the prestigious Gault-Millau Guide (1998).  This is the first for an onboard restaurant and the only such award presented at sea.  Recently, Chef Rudi also received the award Meilleur Cuisinier 2013 and Three Toques from Michael Reinartz, founder of the prestigious Gault & Millau, Germany & Austria.

In addition, you could argue that this high achieving chef must never sleep.  In addition to his work with Holland America Line and his impressive portfolio of awards, Chef Rudi has authored THIRTEEN cookbooks and is an honorary member of the noble Club des Chefs, who cook for presidents, kings and prime ministers world wide.