The Test Kitchen is one of the most unique dining experiences at sea, and we got a sneak peek aboard the stunning Brilliant Lady. As the ship sets sail on its Mermaiden voyage from NYC today, we’re still dreaming about the incredible meal we had just yesterday. This course-by-course review will take you inside The Test Kitchen, a place where culinary science meets artistry. The menu is designed to be an inventive journey, pushing boundaries with creative dishes that engage all your senses. On the Brilliant Lady, this dining concept encourages you to explore unique flavors and textures. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t feel pressured to love or even finish every dish; some items are meant to challenge your palate, and that’s all part of the fun.
A fascinating first course of gazpacho two ways
Our culinary journey began with a selection from the vegetarian menu: gazpacho served in two distinct ways. This wasn’t your typical cold soup; it was a deconstructed masterpiece that set a high bar for the rest of the meal at The Test Kitchen. The first presentation was a frozen gazpacho, beautifully topped with fresh basil leaves, basil seeds, and a bright cherry tomato. The second component was a more traditional, liquid gazpacho made from a blend of tomato, bell pepper, and cucumber. The contrast between the frozen and liquid elements was both surprising and refreshing. This inventive start perfectly encapsulated the experimental spirit of dining on the Brilliant Lady.
The Test Kitchen presents a smoky second course
The second course continued to impress with presentation, arriving under a glass cloche filled with smoke from applewood chips. This dramatic presentation was for the olive oil caviar, another gem from the vegetarian menu. Once the smoke cleared, it revealed a dish centered around an egg cooked perfectly sunny-side up. The egg was surrounded by tender English peas and delicate “caviar” crafted from olive oil. We were instructed to mix everything together to combine the flavors and textures. This was served with a side of savory beer bread made from Guinness, which was the perfect vessel for scooping up the rich, smoky, and creamy mixture.
A surprising scallop and ham combination
For the third course, we switched to the main menu for the scallops and ham. This dish showcased the creative pairings that make The Test Kitchen a standout experience. The perfectly seared scallops were served with savory ham and topped with a delicate piece of seaweed. The server then poured a warm chicken soup over the entire dish right at the table. We were advised to let the dish sit for about 10 to 15 seconds, allowing the hot soup to sink into the scallops and meld all the flavors together. This unexpected combination of seafood, ham, and chicken broth was bold and demonstrated the kitchen’s confidence in its creations.
The Test Kitchen reinvents the classic beef main course
The main course was a truly unforgettable beef dish from the main menu. The tender beef was presented in a stunning sauce made from beet juice, giving it a vibrant, earthy sweetness. This was complemented by the sharp tang of blueberry pickles and a surprising finish of 70% dark chocolate shavings, which added a rich bitterness that balanced the dish. On the side was a fantastically creative take on potatoes: thinly sliced potatoes were pan-fried and topped with a dusting of powdered bacon. This “bacon” was ingeniously made from bacon fat and tapioca powder, providing a salty, smoky crunch that was absolutely delightful.
A decadent chocolate dessert finale
Dessert was a chocolate lover’s dream and a spectacular end to our meal at The Test Kitchen. This complex creation featured a coconut chocolate biscuit base layered with a light white cream, a sweet strawberry jelly, and a rich chocolate mousse. The entire dessert was then coated in a shell of 70% dark chocolate. It was served alongside a fluffy almond sponge, a fresh strawberry coulis, and a sprinkle of coconut dust. Every bite offered a different combination of textures and flavors, from creamy and fruity to rich and crunchy. It was a sophisticated and satisfying conclusion to an adventurous meal on the Brilliant Lady.
The Test Kitchen was an unforgettable culinary adventure, with highlights that truly showcased skill and creativity. Don’t miss out—book your next cruise on Brilliant Lady with Cruises.com today!
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Related: Virgin Voyages Food: A Foodie’s Guide to the All-Inclusive Dining Experience on Board