**Background on the Carnival Diamond Brunch and Lunch**
The Carnival Diamond Lunch, a special event for Diamond members of Carnival’s VIFP Club, offers a unique dining experience aboard the cruise. The menu for this exclusive event is updated quarterly, ensuring a fresh and varied selection for repeat guests. To give you an idea of what’s offered, a previous menu featured a range of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. For starters, guests could enjoy items like Prosciutto Crudo with melon and mozzarella, or Emeril’s New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp. Main courses included choices such as Cioppino (Fisherman’s stew), Filet Mignon with roasted vegetables, and Ricotta Ravioli with sun-dried tomato and truffle oil. Desserts like Chocolate Hazelnut Icebox Pie and Cantaloupe Panna Cotta were available to round off the meal.
Originally, Carnival had considered replacing the Diamond Lunch with a cocktail party, but after feedback from Diamond level VIFP members, the lunch was reinstated for cruises beginning around August 2023. This reinstatement signifies Carnival’s responsiveness to its most loyal cruisers’ preferences.
Each Diamond Lunch offers a unique opportunity for Diamond members to enjoy a special meal hosted by the Captain, enhancing the overall cruise experience with a touch of exclusivity and recognition for their loyalty.
**My Diamond Brunch Experience on the Carnival Legend in December 2023**
On my recent cruise, I was privileged to be invited to a special Diamond brunch on the second day. This was no ordinary brunch; it was a culinary extravaganza led by a singing Maitre d’, featuring specialty restaurant-quality food, unlimited drinks, and a surprise performance by an illusionist, encapsulating the essence of Carnival’s renowned hospitality.
**A Morning of Indulgence: The Exclusive Brunch**
The brunch, set in the main dining room, began with a warm welcome from the senior staff and the most famous Maître d’ on Carnival who sings beautifully and was our Maître d’ on our cruise to Havana.
**A Culinary Odyssey: The Menu**
The menu was nothing short of spectacular (I had 2 appetizers and 2 main courses 😊), starting with appetizers like the Seared Shrimp at Seagrill, a delightful combination of smoked paprika butter and poppy seed langoustine wafer, and Crispy Boudin Sausage Balls from Bistro 1396, perfectly complemented by creole mustard and pickled vegetables. The House Tossed Salad, with its fresh blend of roasted beetroot, petit greens, heirloom tomatoes, and a delicate shallot and peach dressing, offered a refreshing interlude before the main course.
As for the entrees, each dish was a masterpiece. The Gnocchi, drenched in a creamy spinach gorgonzola sauce with crisp mozzarella chunks and Parmesan breadcrumb, was a testament to the chef’s expertise in Italian cuisine. The Crab Cake, served with caramelized red cabbage, lemon risotto, and a tarragon mustard hollandaise sauce, was a harmonious blend of flavors. But the star of the show was the Filet Mignon, a perfect symphony of braised short rib and cheese ravioli, wild mushrooms, garlic broccoli, and a red wine peppercorn sauce.
The meal concluded with a trio of desserts, each a unique creation: the Deconstructed Black Forest, a modern take on the classic, the Blueberry Chia Cheesecake with its crunchy granola crust, and the Seasonal Fresh Fruit accompanied by a refreshing orange sorbet.
**Entertainment and Surprises: Beyond the Palate**
The brunch was not just about the food. Midway through, an illusionist took the stage, captivating us with his sleight of hand and interactive performances, adding an element of surprise and delight to the already extraordinary event.
**Conclusion: A Diamond Experience to Remember**
As the brunch came to a close, we left with not just satisfied palates but also cherished memories.
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