Lights, camera, action! The high-seas penultimate episode of season 21 of Bravo\u2019s Top Chef<\/em> debuted last night on Wednesday, June 12, and we couldn\u2019t be more excited about all the mouthwatering moments. For starters, our Fresh Fish Ambassador, Chef Morimoto, made a surprise visit to the final four cheftestants, showcasing our Global Fresh Fish Program<\/a>. The winner of the challenge received a $10,000 cash prize and a 10-day cruise anywhere Holland America Line<\/a> sails to. It was filmed in Curacao, a breathtaking cruise destination in the ABC Islands. And our fleet Executive Chef Sinu Pillai served as a guest judge.<\/p>\n To say it was a delicious experience is an understatement. We recently caught up with Chef Sinu to learn what it was like behind the scenes. Here\u2019s what he had to say!<\/p>\n<\/div> “This gave us an incredible opportunity to showcase our unique culinary initiatives, including our destination-inspired menus. Holland America Line is a perfect paradise for all the foodies out there! That\u2019s one of the reasons this was so much fun \u2013 hosting Bravo\u2019s award-winning series Top Chef<\/em> onboard gave food lovers a sneak peek of the unique port-to-plate dishes so many of our guests savor on every cruise.”<\/p>\n “The production team was so well prepared and protective of the cheftestants. It was clear how much they care about the show as well as the opportunity for us to be part of it during Season 21. Filming on a cruise instead of in a studio made it a fun adventure. We were super excited to host Bravo’s Top Chef <\/em>while they filmed the show’s finale in the Caribbean aboard a cruise ship for the first time ever. And to film in paradise \u2013 priceless. Curacao is a special place, giving visitors the opportunity to explore its beautiful sights and culture.”<\/p>\n “Danny\u2019s trout recipe was a comeback dish for him after the first course didn\u2019t quite hit the right notes.”<\/p>\n “Growing up as a kid, the glitter and glamour of the hospitality industry always excited me. Since my college days, I enjoyed watching great chefs on cooking shows, learning and being inspired by them. That\u2019s why it was a full-circle moment for me to serve as a judge on this show, and if asked to do it again, my answer is ‘Yes!’ As a guest judge, you are not just judging the dish or a contestant \u2013 you are sharing your knowledge and the experience you have gained over the years. I want to inspire young chefs who want to dream and aim higher.”<\/p>\n “I\u2019m proud of and grateful for our culinary team\u2019s passion, consistency and dedication to creating unforgettable experiences for our guests. There\u2019s no cracking under pressure like you may see on a TV show when contestants are competing. Our team comes together every day with ease and a smile, serving up incredible dishes to delight everyone onboard. It\u2019s a joy to do this for others, and we take a lot of pride in that.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Q&A with One of Holland America Line\u2019s Top Chefs<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What was the best part of filming these episodes onboard?<\/h4>\n
Tell us about the vibe on set.<\/h4>\n
What were some of the most memorable recipes served up by the cheftestants?<\/h4>\n
What did you relish most about being a guest judge on Bravo’s Top Chef<\/em>, and would you do it again?<\/h4>\n
What is it about our own culinary crew that makes you especially proud?<\/h4>\n
Our Global Fresh Fish Program<\/strong><\/h2>\n