Aussie chef opens bistro on Asia’s first luxury line

Asia’s first luxury cruise line, Dream Cruises has picked Australian chef Mark Best to open a signature restaurant.

Its first ship, Genting Dream – due to be launched in November – will feature ‘Bistro’ by Best – a restaurant which will serve up the finest Australian produce.

The former owner of the three-hat restaurant, Marquee in Sydney’s chic suburb of Surry Hills has collaborated with Dream Cruises to create ‘Bistro’.

Dream Cruises President Mr. Thatcher Brown said: “We are delighted that Mark has brought his truly unique flair to the dining experience onboard Genting Dream. ‘Bistro’ will offer guests an unprecedented at sea dining concept. Mark will also contribute to our culinary enrichment program onboard to broaden our guests’ knowledge and inspire their creativity.”

Chef Best, who is known for his paddock-to-plate ethos when sourcing produce, will be using Australian beef, lamb, river fish as well as seafood. He’ll also be tying in Asian flavours to his Western menu.

“I am very excited to be introducing my very first restaurant at sea, onboard Genting Dream,” he explained. “Bistro’s menu is brimming with the very best of Australian produce with a cultural mix of Asian flavours, inspired by my frequent culinary travels across South East Asia, China, Japan and Korea and the cultural diversity of Sydney, my home town.

“My philosophy is to cook simply, to really bring out the flavours of the ingredients and then delight the palate with a creative Asian twist. For example, some favourite dishes are small potatoes gently poached in butter with seaweed; the best Australian lamb served with potato and kimchi; and Murray cod cooked in green grape juice

“It is my aim at ‘Bistro’ to revolutionise ocean going dining with a dining experience rivalling any land based experience.”

The announcement comes as over 30 journalists from Asia will be getting a sneak peek of the new Genting Dream set to be launched in November.

Read more about the Genting Dream here