Atul Kochhar, executive chef of Benares, Vatika and Ananda, has announced a deal to open a new fine-dining restaurant on board P&O’s new superliner, the Azura, upon its completion in 2010.
Sindhu, meaning meeting point, amalgamation or fusion, will be Kochhar’s latest restaurant concept featuring fine British and Indian cuisine, with dishes such as Soft Shell Crab and Squid Salad, and pan-fried lobster tail in coconut milk and tamarind sauce.
Kochhar said: “I had a dream to work with P&O Cruises one day, and now its all coming true. I do see cruises becoming more and more popular. My restaurant on Azura will be called Sindhu, and that’s what my cuisine is, an amalgamation of British and Indian, so it’s just the right name. I’m a great believer that good food is often simple food, so that will be the best thing to give.”
It is unsure as yet how many covers the restaurant will cater for, but the ship’s 3,100 passengers will have 11 dining options to choose from, including a ‘Select Dining’ restaurant and wine bar named The Glass House, courtesy of flamboyant sommelier and Saturday Kitchen regular Olly Smith. It will feature different wines served by the glass and recommended by the ‘nose’ himself for each course.
Smith will also be designing the drinks menus for several other bars and restaurants on board the ship, as well as making a personal appearance throughout the year to host tasting sessions.
P &O Cruises managing director, Nigel Esdale, said: “Modern travellers have diverse needs and require more than a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Azura will cater for every kind of consumer, and will deliver them all with an authentic, large ship experience.”
The Azura will also feature 900 staterooms with private balconies, an open-air cinema, a gym, sauna and spa, and three swimming pools.