LONDON, November 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --
Celebrity Cruises becomes the first cruise brand to participate in world-renowned Italian White truffle auction
Guests sailing with Celebrity Cruises can now indulge in the culinary world's finest delicacy - white truffles. The premium cruise brand competed against the culinary elite to purchase two of the world's rarest mushrooms at the World White Truffle Charity Auction in Grinzane Cavour, Italy. Helping to raise €302,000 for the auction's charity, Celebrity Cruises will showcase these elusive gems known as "the diamond of the kitchen" via a range of decadent dishes served on board Celebrity's ships as part of their new truffle inspired menu, being rolled out from November.
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Passionate about providing guests with the finest dining experiences at sea, Celebrity travelled to Italy's gastronomic region of Piedmont to procure the 'tuber magnatum pico' white truffles. Competing against culinary experts from around the globe, the auction saw international buyers bidding up to €100,000 for these rare and illusive gems.
The white truffle, an extremely rare and luxury commodity, is almost only found in the Piedmont region of Italy. For two months of the year (October - December), truffle connoisseurs from around the world hunt for this delicacy, making the truffle season one of the most highly anticipated events of the culinary calendar. The World White Truffle Charity Auction, held at the 14th-century Castle of Grinzane Cavour, is an internationally recognised event, with previous satellite locations in Hong Kong, China; Moscow, Russia; London, England; and Tokyo, Japan. All proceeds from the charity auction benefit the Institute for Cancer Research (Istituto di Candiolo) in Italy.
Celebrity Cruises' Executive Chef, John Suley, participated in the invitation-only event to represent the premium cruise brand among the culinary elite. A James Beard-featured chef, Suley, and his culinary team, present guests with award-winning dining experiences onboard 11 modern, luxurious ships.
"White truffles are the ultimate luxury, and Celebrity now has two of the rarest in the world," said Chef Suley. "Sought after by Michelin-starred restaurants and connoisseurs, truffles generate excitement among all foodies - their flavour, aroma and rarity are so distinct - and they're only available during a small window each year. They are a natural product of nature, not even technology can replicate them."
Chef Suley and his team will use the highly coveted truffles acquired at the auction to create an exclusive dining experience onboard Celebrity Equinox during a 10-night Caribbean cruise departing on Friday 21 November from Fort Lauderdale. Giving guests a preview of the new truffle inspired menu, Suley, will serve a range of simple yet mouthwatering dishes, from wild mushroom risotto with delicately thin slices of the prized truffles, to indulgent desserts topped with white chocolate and truffle Chantilly cream. Truffle-themed dinners will also be available onboard Celebrity ships for select Caribbean sailings in late November and early December.
Celebrity is dedicated to delivering gastronomic distinction by mastering the perfect marriage of flavours and artful presentation when creating fresh, innovative cuisine in distinctive restaurants across Celebrity's ships. The premium cruise line's onboard restaurants offer an array of award winning vibrant flavours and culinary experiences designed to rival some of the acclaimed eateries across the globe.
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