Inside the Chef’s Kitchen – Issue 18 – Ultimate Experiences Online

POINT OF VIEW

Inside the Chef’s Kitchen

Explora Journeys’ onboard cooking school blends technique, storytelling, and regional flavor.

The Chef’s Kitchen feels less like a classroom and more like an invitation into a private home—albeit one with sweeping ocean views. It’s here where Explora Journeys chefs help guests make fresh pastas, rich French pastries, and regional specialties inspired by the day’s port. Wine is uncorked, laughter fills the room, and the recipes unfold at an unhurried pace. “Our cooking courses are designed to be as enjoyable as they are enriching,” says Franck Garanger, Explora Journeys’ Head of Culinary. “While guests will certainly learn valuable culinary techniques, the spirit of each session is warm, relaxed, and reminiscent of cooking at home.” It’s a philosophy at the core of Explora Journeys—and one best explained by Garanger himself.

What’s the impetus behind the Chef’s Kitchen?

It is essential that our food and beverage team brings the culinary journey full circle with a cooking school that authentically reflects the DNA of Explora Journeys and embodies our brand’s refined, European-inspired ethos.

How are these experiences about more than cooking classes?

They truly reflect our vision of cooking, rooted in authenticity, passion, and precision. That’s why we entrust the experience to our own trained chefs, who bring not only exceptional skill but also a deep understanding of our culinary philosophy. They conduct each course with care, sharing our unique approach and revealing the subtle techniques and thoughtful details that define our recipes. It’s more than a lesson—it’s an invitation to step into our world and discover the secrets behind the elevated cuisine of Explora Journeys.

Can novice and expert chefs alike participate?

We are here to adapt the cooking course to every skill level. Our chefs are fully prepared to spend more time guiding guests who may be less experienced in the kitchen, ensuring they feel supported and enjoy the process. For those who simply come to have fun, a dedicated commis is on hand to assist and create a relaxed, joyful atmosphere. When we welcome guests with home cooking experience, it’s equally important to give them space to express their own culinary style. In our kitchen, there are no mistakes—only personal interpretations. Cooking is, after all, a creative journey.

Can you tell us about some of the dishes guests have prepared?

We offer a diverse selection of recipes, thoughtfully curated based on what our guests are most interested in learning. Whether it’s timeless classics or regional specialties inspired by the destinations we’re sailing through, each session is designed to be both engaging and enriching. Imagine mastering authentic tzatziki while cruising the Greek Isles, or uncovering the secrets of handmade pasta, foundational sauces, or delicate French pastries and fine chocolate. Every class is an invitation to explore the world through flavor, guided by our expert chefs and tailored to your culinary curiosity.

Does the Chef’s Kitchen link back to the cuisine of the ships’ restaurants?

Yes. Many of the dishes featured on our menus can be recreated in our cooking classes, offering a unique opportunity to experience the essence of Explora Journeys’ cuisine. The foundational recipes we teach are the very same ones used by our chefs onboard. This is why each class is led by chefs or sous chefs who are already part of our culinary team.

How and where are the ingredients sourced?

Whenever we feature regionally inspired recipes, we make a point to source the finest local ingredients. From sun-ripened tomatoes and authentic Greek yogurt to freshly caught fish and seasonal fruits and vegetables, we seek out the freshest local produce available. Our approach to sourcing for the cooking school mirrors the same high standards we apply to our à la carte menus, ensuring authenticity, exceptional quality, and a true taste of the destinations we explore.