Viking sails to the heart of Portugal's food culture - what does skip the dishes charge restaurants

Porto, Portugal-
Chef Anthony mobusson is welcomed like a rock star at Mercado doboho in downtown Porto.
When the chef goes through the market from the fruit seller to the sausage seller to the fishmonger, the vendor calls him in Portuguese and stops to squeeze the tomatoes gently, smell the lemon and taste the delicious kebabs.
After investigating the supply for the day, Mao Buxin decided who he was going to do business with that morning.
He zeroes at each selected booth and settles one-on-one with the supplier, who almost always puts in some extra items before the transaction is completed.
Curious shoppers watch the entourage of about 12 people pay close attention to Mauboussin in the crowded market, listen attentively to every word of him and take pictures of olives, cheese and fish --
Sometimes it can block the narrow passage inside the historic wrought iron building.
It's easy to imagine what the locals think: what is the commotion of all this?
Who is the handsome young chef?
Maybe the star of gourmet TV?
Why is there a strong interest in this place where generations of farmers have been selling their goods since mid-term1800s.
Alas, who are those who are holding us back from shopping?
Apologize to Porto shoppers, excessive
Enthusiastic tourists
Including myself.
Not food lovers or celebrities.
Chasing paparazzi
Instead, we were traveling writers sailing on the Viking Sea, visiting Porto that day.
Mauboussin, the culinary director of Viking Cruises, leads our group on a shore trip that includes a visit to the market, picking ingredients for cooking classes, and then wine
Dinner was prepared on board that night.
One or two kitchen table experiences occur on each cruise, part of Viking's philosophy of "cultural immersion --
Create an experience that brings a sense of place to their boat.
When asked about his cooking methods for Viking Cruises, Mao Busson replied: "My philosophy is simple --I hand-
Choose only the best ingredients from the best market
Support the local farmers.
I use organic and sustainable products when possible . . . . . .
"Before returning to the Viking Sea, maobson let us relax in the market and go shopping and shopping on our own.
We have enough time to visit the souvenir booth where the goods are reasonably priced and we also suck in some nata is de nata (
Irresistible Portuguese tart
One of several cafes on the main floor.
Back on board, unfortunately we had to skip the cooking section of the kitchen table experience as our team had arranged a boat tour.
But we later got together again in the "kitchen" where the big tables were filled with local cheese, olives and sausages purchased at the market.
Mauboussin and his team have prepared a Portuguese feast: Mariscada de Sesimbra (
Seafood appetizer), Feijoada (
Stewed meat and beans)
None but three delicious desserts
Mandatory pasteis de nata, one bite-
Chocolate cake with wine and some Bola de Berlim (
Handmade doughnuts).
Mauboussin says that while each kitchen table experience is delicious, each experience is unique as well because of the different destinations.
As Porto is the center of the port
Wine production, we ended our night with a cup of brown wine
In Portugal, Viking Cruises are the perfect end of the day.
Experience the kitchen table
Held once or twice per cruise for about $200 per person, this outing was designed for foodies.
Experience includes visiting the market with Viking chefs, group cooking classes and multiple people
Dinner with wine-pairings.
Interested passengers should book as early as possible as the group is limited in size and the trip will be sold out soon.
Ocean lovers from Rivers to uber
Popular Downton manor, anyone can listen to Victoria now-
The latest masterpiece aired on PBS
I am very familiar with Viking River Cruises.
Thanks to its eyes.
Candy advertising space (
Who does not want to sail along the Danube to Budapest? )
Viking has become the most famous river cruise in North America.
Soon, it is also probably the most famous ocean cruise.
According to just now
The Cruise International Association released a report saying that cruise lines are still a bright spot in the tourism industry, and the growth in passenger numbers is very healthy. from 17.
In 2009, it was 9 million, with an estimated 25.
3 million this year, there is no sign of market saturation.
There are more ships, more ports and more diverse coastal excursions every year.
Historically, large cruise companies dominate the ocean and small boutique cruise companies control the river.
But with so many potential new passengers, the traditional lines are becoming blurred.
Some large cruise companies have already launched river boats, and some river cruise companies are now venturing out to sea.
Still, I was a little surprised when the respected Viking launched the first oceangoing vessel —Viking Star —in 2015.
So when asked to board their second shipViking Sea —
I can't say no. (
Since then, the Viking has launched a third Marine ship.
Viking Star set sail in the past week
The fourth ship will set sail on November, with plans for 2018 and 2019 new ships. )
Viking River Cruises Feature intimacy, custom service, passenger friendship, creative itineraries, and the ability to bring passengers into the center of a small village.
I would love to know what kind of rotation they will do on a sea voyage.
Happily, the Viking has shown its best traditions for its ocean trip.
Here are some observations I have collected from my voyage from Lisbon to Le Havre, France :-
The Viking ocean ships are almost the same and each can accommodate approximately 930 guests
Today's small supersize
The ship is standard but equipped with everything you will expect on a larger ship. —
There are a variety of food options, including the World Cafe (buffet)
Restaurant (
Open seating in main restaurant), Manfredi’s (
Italian specialty)
Chef's Table (
Special food)
Kitchen Table (
Test Kitchen and dining area)
BBQ pool (casual meals), Mamsen’s (
Light Bite cafe named after Viking President Torstein Hagen's mother)and more. —
Not excessive. the-
Top-of-the-line glitzy decorations often appear on super cruises, and Viking ships have stylish Scandinavian interiors that are easy-on-the-
Eye color scheme
Many cool blues, gray, tan brown, natural forest and touch that reflect Viking Norwegian descent. —
Attractions on the Aquavit Terrace include a main pool area with retractable roof, a lovely green leafy winter garden, a place to serve afternoon tea daily and a glass-
The fenced infinity pool offers endless ocean views. —
The public space is designed to maximize the use of natural light, so when you curl up with a book near the "living room" fireplace and throw things comfortably, it feels like a living room --
Although it is a very large Viking bar with full service nearby. —
There are five different types of accommodation, but passengers will not pay a penny more for the balcony
There are all the boxes. —
The spa offers a rich menu of soothing treatments, plus the Scandinavian snow cave, where guests can "relax" for free ". —
The degree of "full inclusion" is impressive.
Viking does not believe in "nickel and diming" guests, so Viking's basic fare includes many things that other cruise lines charge extra: wine and soft drinks for beer, lunch and dinner.
Each port has a guided shore excursion. Free WiFi.
"Cultural courses" to explore destinations through courses, music and other performances, arts, cooking, history and movies. NEED TO KNOW—
For more information about Viking Ocean, please contact Viking Cruises. com or 1-855-707-4837. —
The Viking Sea is currently sailing in the Caribbean.
Tour from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The ship returned to European waters in spring. CRUISE STYLES—
The typical Viking cruiser is an experienced traveler over 50 years of age who is interested in history, culture, food and spirit.
Rrobinson @ postmedia