Holland America Line Refreshes Rudi's Sel de Mer Specialty Restaurant with Relaxed Mediterranean Bistro Atmosphere

New menu includes classic regional dishes and Sel de Mer favorites 

Seattle, Wash., Jan. 22, 2025 —  Holland America Line is updating Rudi’s Sel de Mer with a relaxed Mediterranean bistro feel aboard Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam. The intimate venue will feature casual but classic Mediterranean dishes that reflect the cuisine of regional countries including Italy, France, Spain and Greece. The new concept is rolling out in January and February 2025.

Holland America Line’s culinary team developed the refreshed concept and menu for Rudi’s Sel de Mer with oversight by Chef Rudi Sodamin, the restaurant’s namesake. Guests will savor vibrant, light cuisine bursting with flavors from the Mediterranean, highlighting traditional ingredients like olive oil, lemon, fresh vegetables and herbs. New table settings enhance the ambiance, creating a restaurant that blends the charm of coastal dining with modern simplicity. 

“The new Mediterranean bistro concept allows us to diversify the menu at Rudi’s Sel de Mer and showcase the beautiful flavors and fresh ingredients that are synonymous with the region,” said Michael Stendebach, Holland America Line’s vice president of food, beverage and rooms divisions. “By refreshing the menu, we’re able to offer our guests a variety of dishes that appeal to a wide range of palettes, as well as some of the most popular dishes that have been mainstays on the menu from the start.”

The Rudi’s Sel de Mer dining experience is available for a $55 supplemental charge per person, or now included as a dining option with the “Have It All” premium cruise package.

Fresh Starters: A Prelude to Culinary Delight
The new Rudi’s Sel de Mer starter menu showcases a range of flavors that set the tone for the meal to follow. Examples include:

·        Burrata and Prosciutto: with cherry tomatoes, thyme and olive oil

·        Nicoise Salad: seared tuna with preserved lemon oil dressing

·        Warm Garlic Shrimp: with olive oil, butter, lemon and basil

·        Foie Gras Torchon: with fruit chutney and toasted baguette

·        Roasted Baby Beets: with pomegranate, Labneh Salad and balsamic reduction

·        Wild Mushroom Soup: with truffle oil, crème fraiche and scallion churro

Mediterranean-Inspired Mains
The refreshed menu allows diners—whether they’re meat lovers or vegetarians—to embark on a culinary journey, with Mediterranean-inspired mains celebrating fresh, vibrant flavors. Examples include:

·        Greek Spiced Lamb Chops: with lemon chickpea puree, fava beans and garlic jus

·        Fresh Spaghetti Fruits de Mer: with tomato, tiger prawns, crab, scallops, mussels and clams

·        Bone-In Striploin: with chanterelles, confit potatoes tarragon and Shiraz reduction

·        Seafood Cioppino: with crab, squid, shrimp, scallops, mussels, grouper and potatoes

·        Duck Breast À L’Orange: with orange zest, caramelized orange segments and thyme

·        Vegetable Bourguignonne: with mushrooms, carrots, shallots, red wine and misoceleriac purée

·        Osso Bucco Ravioli: with cherry tomato, Stracciatella and basil

Decadent Desserts Provide a Memorable Finish
Guests at Rudi’s Sel de Mer can close out their meal with the ultimate in dessert decadence from a carefully curated selection that’s designed to delight and impress. Examples include:

·        Chocolate Hazelnut Volcano: with raspberries and Frangelico cream

·        Salted Caramel St. Honoré: with vanilla puff pastry, Choux paste and chantilly

·        Floating Island: chocolate crème Anglaise with toasted pistachios

·        Warm Strawberry Tarte Tatin: with sugar puff pastry crust, caramel and crème fraiche

·        Home-Made Sorbet/Gelato of the day

·        Artisan Cheese served with walnut bread and fig chutney

Side dishes include bistro fries, celeriac mash, green beans in garlic oil, gratin potato,

ratatouille and pilaf rice.