It seems like cruising and great food go hand in hand. The food on the American Queen Steamboat Company's vessels is billed is Uniquely American Dining; it's not a gourmet experience rather "an inspired effort to immerse passengers into the destinations" according to my guide book River Cruising.
The menu choices are varied and there are several dining options. Breakfast in bed or make that piping hot beignets in bed? Who could resist? If you like to get out and about early in the morning, you can opt for the full buffet experience in the dining saloon or lighter offerings in the cafe. Lunch and dinner follow a similar pattern, dining saloon or cafe, although dinner is served by the wait staff in the dining saloon and is a five-course experience nightly.
Our itinerary would take a two-pronged approach to food - first of all, think Creole, Gulf fish and seafood, jambalaya, etouffee, and po' boys and then as we meander up the Mississippi, fried chicken, BBQ ribs, cornbread, and mint juleps are among the offerings. Is your mouth watering yet?
I like that the photographs of the dining saloon show the guests in casual but smart attire. Men wear collared or Polo shirts and the women are in nice tops and slacks. Country club casual ambiance, as the brochure says. Seems to be perfect for the destination.
So, what's your choice? Confit of Duck with Fig and Lemon Preserves or Red Snapper and Shrimp Creole? Don't forget to save room for Moonshine Raisin Bread Pudding!
I have always thought that one of those Mississippi river cruises would be a fun experience. The food certainly sounds amazing!
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