Don't Read This If You Are Hungry - A Night at Murano

April 12, 2012

All of the specialty restaurants onboard Celebrity Silhouette are a real treat. Each of the restaurants provides a unique and tasty experience. But Murano Restaurant considers themself the pinnacle of this experience, as they focus on fine French cuisine with exceptional service. The other restaurants would no doubt, and appropriately, disagree. But having completed three months of my contract I had eaten at each of the specialty restaurants, except Murano. The one night that my team chose to splurge and eat there I was away at Dani’s Ring Dance.

But finally my time to dine at Murano was nigh. My friend and co-worker, Lavern, had recently won Dancing with the Stripes and with that victory the award of two free specialty dinners. Knowing that I had never dined at Murano she invited me for a night out so that I could taste the last of the specialties. Knowing the big meal was coming I appropriately paced myself with a light lunch to ensure that I would have room for any of the options that were available.

The night started on a humorous note as the Maitre D’ escorted us to our ‘romantic table for two!’ Lavern and I have become good friends but we chuckled at the romantic evening notion. However, the restaurant is known as a romantic spot for couples so we chose to forgive his presumption. The key to this night would be the food and service, in the company of a good friend. In fact the restaurant claims that it is the one restaurant without a view as it wants your focus inward, on the food and service, and not outward on the view.

After getting lost in the richness of the menu, I chose to start with their Lobster Bisque. It didn’t disappoint. It was rich and creamy with the perfect blend of flavors. The epicurean tour was off to a fine start. For a second appetizer I set aside my usual temptation to go with a Caesar salad and ordered the Baked Goat Cheese. I will not say that I’ve been a big goat cheese fan, but this dish was the veritable ‘party in your mouth.’ It was simply amazing and I essentially licked the casserole dish clean. Okay, I didn’t actually lick it . . . but I wanted to.

For dinner I ordered the filet mignon. Their specialty is a lobster dish that is prepared tableside, but I chose to forego that for my carnivore tendencies. The filet was prepared perfectly and the sides did not disappoint. Finally, dessert came and I chose a Grand Marnier soufflé. As you can see, I did not skip any savory dish, and did not skimp on calories. Lavern ordered a completely different set of courses and was equally amazed. For the first time in my fine dining life I did not have a single dish that did not completely hit it out of the park!

Equal to the food preparation was the service. The team service ensured that dishes for each member of the dining party were delivered exactly at the same time.  All the restaurant personnel, who of course are our co-workers and co-residents, were stellar. As we looked around the restaurant we realized that we were not unique in our experience. The happy voices, the positive comments, and the non-verbal signs of affirmation made it clear that Murano was succeeding in their mission.

I now had ‘hit for the cycle’ regarding Silhouette’s specialty restaurants and had not been disappointed. Thank you, Lavern, for treating me to this special night of fine dining. I’ll need to win DWTS again so I can return the favor.

Now it’s time to digest . . . .

And the adventure continues . . .