Oceania Cruises Appoints Chef Alexis Quaretti and Chef Eric Barale as Executive Culinary Directors
PHOTO CAP: Chef Eric Barale (left)
and Chef Alexis Quaretti During Brunch Service in The Grand Dining Room on
board Oceania Cruises’ newest ship, Vista
Miami, FL, March 20, 2024: Oceania Cruises, the world’s
leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has announced the
appointment of its two Master Chefs of France, Chef Alexis Quaretti and Chef
Eric Barale, as its two executive culinary directors.
They
succeed Jacques Pépin, legendary chef and founding father of Oceania Cruises’
culinary philosophy, The Finest Cuisine at Sea®.
Pépin
will remain a crucial part of Oceania
Cruises in his new role as executive culinary advisor. He and the line will
also continue working together through the important philanthropic work
undertaken by The Jacques Pépin Foundation. Oceania Cruises has been a key
partner and supporter of the foundation since its inception.
“It’s
truly remarkable to have two Master Chefs of France leading our culinary team,” said Frank A. Del
Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. “Chefs Alex and Eric are the next generation
of our culinary innovation and will continue the evolution of our foodie story,
carrying forward Jacques’ incredible legacy.”
Jacques
Pépin commented, “I am so proud to be passing the baton to these two
phenomenally talented chefs who have worked alongside me for the past twenty
years. It’s a true pleasure to see how the line’s culinary innovation
flourishes year after year and I look forward to championing Chefs Alex and
Eric further by being here for any advice or guidance needed. I look forward to
dedicating more of my time to my charitable undertakings through The Jacques
Pépin Foundation.”
Oceania
Cruises is the only cruise line to boast two Master Chefs of France, as both
Chef Alex and Chef Eric have been inducted into the prestigious echelons of the
Maîtres Cuisiniers de France.
Both
chefs are long-standing members of the culinary team, Eric being one of the
first members of Oceania Cruises’ culinary family and Alex joining shortly
after in 2004. Their complementary skill
sets,
experience and shared vision create a perfect partnership to protect and
further develop the line’s culinary story.
“With
Allura launching in 2025, we will have eight ships in the fleet and more
than 40 restaurants constantly circulating the globe, and having these two
talented executive culinary directors at the helm means we can maintain our
laser focus on serving The Finest Cuisine at Sea,” added Del Rio.
Chefs
Alex and Eric will be joining a stellar line-up of world-renowned chefs
attending the upcoming Jacques Pépin Foundation Gala taking place in New York
City on April 4.
For
additional information on Oceania Cruises’ small-ship luxury product,
exquisitely crafted cuisine and expertly curated travel experiences, visit
OceaniaCruises.com, call 855-OCEANIA or speak with your preferred professional
travel advisor.
Additional information:
Chef
Alexis Quaretti was inducted into Maîtres Cuisiniers de France in May 2023. He
joined Oceania Cruises’ Chef Eric Barale, who served as Quaretti’s godfather
into the program. Chef Eric was inducted into the prestigious program in 2010.
The
association of Master Chefs of France was established in 1951. Its goal is to
support and promote French culinary arts around the world. This mission is
embodied by the chef members, as they are ambassadors of French cuisine and
culture and are responsible for relaying this heritage to their apprentices.
About The Jacques Pépin Foundation:
The
Jacques Pépin Foundation supports
community kitchens that offer free life skills and culinary training to adults
with high barriers to employment, including previous incarceration,
homelessness, substance abuse issues, low skill and education attainment and
lack of work history.
About Oceania Cruises:
Oceania
Cruises is the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line.
The line’s eight small, luxurious ships carry a maximum of 1,250 guests and
feature The Finest Cuisine at Sea® and destination-rich itineraries
that span the globe. Expertly curated travel experiences aboard the
designer-inspired, small ships call on more than 600 marquee and boutique ports
in more than 100 countries on seven continents on voyages that range from seven
to more than 200 days. Oceania Cruises is a wholly owned subsidiary of
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH). To learn more, visit www.nclhltd.com.
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