Culture / Travel

From Anthony Bourdain to the High Seas: Star Chef Uno Immanivong Preps for the Ultimate Foodie Cruise — Adventurous Passengers Wanted

BY Promoted Series Correspondent // 02.14.18

When famed Dallas chef Uno Immanivong sets sail on a special Celebrity Cruise to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St. Maarten in April, she will check another first off her long list of life experiences.

“It’s my first time on a cruise,” says the rising star who first burst onto the scene as a memorable contestant on Anthony Bourdain’s ABC show The Taste. “I am looking forward to all of it. I will get to see things through the guests’ eyes.”

Immanivong is headlining a Chef for Farmers cruise that sails April 8 through 15, which still gives savvy foodies time to make sure they’re booked on it.

And salivate over the foodie thrills to come. Almost every cruise touts its food. The difference is this is a cruise where eating well (and local in the ports of call) is the main itinerary. A cruise where a renowned chef will be your cruise buddy/food guru. 

Immanivong, the owner/chef of the Dallas restaurant Chino Chinatown, is no stranger to travel and the joy of experiencing cuisines and cultures from around the globe. Chino Chinatown blends Asian and Latin flavors, cooking styles and techniques for a delicious melding of two distinct cuisines. She will apply that same gastronomic verve during the cruise’s Chefs for Farmers culinary tour, which takes passengers through Old San Juan on foot.

You’ll explore the produce, spices and techniques of the various ports of call — and Immanivong will be there, lending her expertise.

“I cannot wait to visit local markets and bring back inspiration for my own kitchen,” she says. Other stops on the cruise include St. Thomas where passengers will enjoy creole flavors and Marigot, where cruise passengers will be introduce travelers to Dutch cheeses, French wines and local fruits and spices. A gourmet lunch follows in Grand Case.

These are anything but your usual cruise shore excursions. These are custom foodie adventures. Which is probably why these on-shore excursions are limited to a certain number of passengers — and selling fast.

Access to a big-time chef is an extra special perk.

“They can pick my brain,” Immanivong says. “I’m so busy here in Dallas, so it’s a wonderful opportunity for one-on-one.”

A Chef’s Mind

Already a Dallas favorite Immanivong, also helms Red Stix Asian Street Food in the new Legacy food hall, which she’s described as an “Asian Chipotle.” This is an emerging food force who only figures to become more and more well known.  

Although she once toiled as a full-time supervisor in Wells Fargo’s home mortgage division, Immanivong’s love for cooking has always been part of her DNA.  As a child, she helped with her mother’s catering business, and included the duck-fat fried rice from these days on her Chino Chinatown menu. The No. 1 selling dish at the restaurant is an ultimate childhood favorite.

The Chefs for Farmers culinary journey adds more possibilities to her own kitchens in Dallas, fueling her desire to keep her menus fresh and interesting. Trips  to Thailand, Italy and Mexico are also on her 2018 calendar.

“Travel helps me pick up on so many other flavor profiles,” Immanivong says. “I’m a chef who wants to stay on the edge. That’s what I’m looks forward to the most on the Chefs for Farmers cruise.”

And lucky foodies or just fans of good cooking can be right there with her, experiencing the type of food adventure that usually requires being good friends with a prominent chef.

Luxury On the High Seas

Of course, part of the draw of this foodie cruise is life on the ship itself. Want a personal butler? Book a Suite. Seeking a spa-inspired cabin? Go Aqua Class. Celebrity Cruises are known for how customized they can be. You can craft the vacation that fits you (or the special someone you’re giving this adventure to) within the overall cruise.

While foodie shore excursions bring this cruise to another level, the renowned Celebrity amenities are also at your beck and call while you’re on the water.

It’s good to be a foodie VIP with chef connections — by land and by sea.

These onshore excursions are selling fast and are limited. For more information or to book today, contact Tiffany by email at [email protected] or call  800.527.1630, ext. 2.

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