Oceania Cruises names six celebrated chefs as godparents to Oceania Allura

• The six chefs are from Food & Wine’s acclaimed Best New Chefs alumni.
• They will jointly officiate at Oceania Allura’s christening ceremony to be held in Miami on 13 November.
• The six chefs are Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Katie Button, Calvin Eng, Aisha Ibrahim, George Mendes and Lawrence LT Smith.

Oceanis Cruises has named Food & Wine’s acclaimed Best New Chefs alumni as godparents for its newest ship, Oceania Allura at its christening ceremony in Miami on 13 November.

The six celebrated chefs include Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Katie Button, Calvin Eng, Aisha Ibrahim, George Mendes and Lawrence LT Smith.

“At Oceania Cruises, our ships are a celebration of rich culture, exceptional cuisine and global discovery. Oceania Allura is no exception,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Oceania Cruises. “Paying homage to the Food & Wine Best New Chefs program and having its alumni represent as her godparents reflects our belief that food lies at the heart of global exploration. These visionary chefs embody the spirit of culinary excellence and we are honoured to have them join the Oceania Cruises family.”

The 1200-guest Oceania Allura debuted on the Mediterranean in July. She has 12 culinary venues including four complimentary specialty restaurants – Jacques, pan-Asian Red Ginger, Italian Toscana and Polo Grill.

She will also have the new Creperie serving authentic French crepes, delicious Belgium waffles and bubble waffles and decadent Italian ice cream.

The ship maintains an unrivalled ratio of one chef for every eight guests and half of the ship’s crew is dedicated to culinary operations.

The Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs alumni include:

Katie Button is a former engineer-turned chef and cookbook author. She is the founder of Asheville’s acclaimed Curate restaurant group. She is also a five-time James Beard Award nominee and champions equitable, sustainable practices in hospitality.

Calvin Eng is the chef and owner of Bonnie’s – a celebrated Cantonese American restaurant in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. He is a finalist in the James Beard Award’s for Emerging Chef and his restaurant has garnered widespread acclaim.

Aisha Ibrahim, born in the Philippines and raised in the US. She made history as the first female executive chef at Seattle’s iconic Canlis Restaurant.

Tavel Bristol-Joseph is a pastry chef and Director of Hospitality for Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group across Austin and San Antonio. He has earned several James Beard nominees for Best Chef: Texas.

George Mendes is best known for bringing modern Portuguese cuisine to the forefront of New York City’s dining scene. He was executive chef and owner of Michelin-starred Aldea restaurant.

Lawrence LT Smith is the founder of Chilte in Phoenix where he redefined Southwestern cuisine rooted in Mexican, Black and Midwestern traditions. His cooking blends Sonoran chiltepin with African techniques. He has been named as Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs in 2024 and a James Beard Award semifinalist.

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