Mitsui Ocean Cruises Teams with Kiyomi Mikuni for a Fusion Feast on the High Seas

Friday, October 25, 2024

Mitsui Ocean Cruises has partnered with renowned chef Kiyomi Mikuni, a master of Japanese-French fusion cuisine, to bring exceptional dining experiences and entertainment to its new luxury ship, Mitsui Ocean Fuji, set to debut on December 1st, 2024. This collaboration marks Mikuni’s first foray into seagoing cuisine, bringing his signature culinary style to the high seas.

Mikuni, a celebrated chef known for his unique blend of French techniques and Japanese ingredients, is recognized globally for his creation of ‘Japonisée’ cuisine. A recipient of France’s prestigious Chevalier of the Legion of Honour, Mikuni’s expertise will be on full display aboard Mitsui Ocean Fuji.

Passengers will enjoy a fine dining experience at the Hokusai Fine Dining restaurant, where a prix fixe five-course dinner will offer delicacies such as Pacific bluefin tuna tartare, wagyu beef filet Rossini, and Brittany blue lobster with caviar. The menu also features vegetarian and gluten-free options, with Mikuni curating a wine list to perfectly complement the dishes.

Mikuni explained, “Just like the inspiration I draw from painting, I treat each dish as a canvas, blending Asian and European flavors to create a perfect harmony on the palate.”

For guests in the Unjo suites, one complimentary dining experience in Hokusai is included, while others may access this exclusive restaurant for an additional charge. In the ship’s main dining venue, Restaurant Fuji, Mikuni’s influence extends to rotating dinner selections featuring dishes like salmon compote with red wine sauce and red sea bream with escargot butter, alongside Mitsui Ocean Cruises’ signature roast beef.

In addition to its gourmet offerings, Mitsui Ocean Fuji will showcase a diverse entertainment lineup, blending traditional Japanese culture with modern performances. The Ocean Stage will host Broadway-style shows, produced by the acclaimed Belinda King, including productions like La Danza, an international dance spectacle, and The Midnight Hour, a nostalgic musical tribute.

The ship will also highlight Funatabi, a program celebrating “beautiful encounters with Japan,” featuring Rakugo, the traditional Japanese art of comedic storytelling, and interactive improv shows. Passengers will have the opportunity to engage with Japanese culture through workshops on storytelling, craft-making, and lectures on art, literature, and history.

Music will flow throughout the ship, with performances by pianists, violinists, and more, while themed parties, sail-away celebrations, and trivia games promise to keep guests entertained from day to night.

Mitsui Ocean Cruises Executive Chef Katsutoshi Nakayama expressed his excitement about the collaboration: “Chef Mikuni’s expertise perfectly complements our vision for Mitsui Ocean Fuji. Together, we’re offering our guests a dining and entertainment experience that is rooted in Japanese tradition but enhanced by international influences.”

With its unique blend of world-class cuisine and enriching entertainment, Mitsui Ocean Fuji promises to deliver an unforgettable experience at sea.

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