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Having been a chef on superyachts for almost 20 years, Chris from Montclair Chef knows firsthand how challenging it is to keep creating weekend food menus that please everyone. Here are the top 7 most requested dishes by yacht crew.
Fridays in the off-season, are some of the busiest days for chefs onboard. You’re not only preparing and serving the usual lunch and dinner but also heading out to the local supermarkets for grocery shopping to ensure the fridge is fully stocked for the weekend. On top of that, you have to prep all the meals for the weekend ahead. While not everyone gets the weekend off, those who do could use all the help they can get to finish by 6 p.m. on Friday. I hope this post gives you a clear update on crew preferences and makes it easier to plan menus that are simple to prepare and cater to the crew’s tastes.
Let’s Take A Look At The Feedback
After gathering feedback from more than 400 crew members on one of the most popular yacht crew Facebook groups (yes, it’s Palma Yacht Crew), we’ve compiled a list of the top seven most requested weekend food items. These choices offer insight into what the crew enjoys the most when it comes to meals, especially over the weekend. Here’s what topped the list:
Results of the Poll – The Top 7 Most Requested Weekend Foods:
- More healthy choices in general: 25%
- Curry (all kinds): 21%
- Lasagna: 11%
- Vegetarian & vegan dishes: 9%
- All Mediterranean food: 9%
- Pizza: 7%
- Low-carb dishes: 5%
Let’s Dive Into The Poll Results:
The results paint an interesting picture of what crew members value most in their meals. Healthy options came out on top, which is no surprise considering the abnormal life onboard. Crew members are clearly looking for nutritious, healthy food that helps keep their energy up without feeling heavy while staying fit.
“Thai and Indian curries also rank high!”
But it’s not all about health. Comfort food, like Thai and Indian curries, ranks high too. These dishes are not only awesome to eat but also very versatile (try saying that 10 times in a row…), as they can easily be made into vegetarian and vegan versions, which is a bonus for busy yacht chefs catering to the diet-changing crew. Then there’s the good old lasagna – always a crowd-pleaser. Its popularity is hardly surprising since it’s delicious and easy to reheat, making it perfect for busy weekends.
Another interesting result is the high demand for vegetarian and vegan options, which came in fourth. Perhaps the engineers didn’t participate in the poll this time (lol), but the increasing focus on plant-based meals is evident and shouldn’t be ignored by crew chefs.
Pizza makes an appearance at number six – no doubt a favorite for hangover days and a quick, satisfying option that everyone loves.
Surprisingly, low-carb dishes rounded out the top seven. Despite the physical demands onboard, it’s clear that many crew members are mindful of their carb intake. However, it’s interesting that this category didn’t rank higher.
Easy Weekend Menus for Yacht Chefs
👉 6 Menu ideas so you don’t have to think…
Based on this feedback, we’ve put together six easy-to-reheat and easy-to-grab weekend food menu options that cater to the most popular crew requests. These menus are designed to keep everyone happy while providing a variety of healthy, comforting, and flavorful options. All dishes are easy to prepare for a 2 day weekend and are microwave-friendly.
Weekend Menu 1:
- Thai Chicken Curry with White Rice
- Veggie Lasagna
- Grilled Mediterranean Veggies with Couscous
- Beef Tacos
- Mixed Veggie Salad with Quinoa
Weekend Menu 2:
- Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice
- Margherita Pizza
- Roast Vegetables with Pesto Pasta
- Lamb Kebabs
- Fresh Green Salad with Feta
Weekend Menu 3:
- Shrimp Tacos
- Veggie Stir-Fry with Tofu or Tempeh
- Meatball Subs (bread on the side)
- Grilled Halloumi with Roasted Veg
- Shepherd’s Pie
Weekend Menu 4:
- Chicken Fajitas
- Vegetable Paella with Saffron Rice
- Spaghetti Bolognese
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Spinach Salad (dressing on the side)
- BBQ Ribs
Weekend Menu 5:
- Veggie Curry with Saffron Rice
- Pesto and Pine Nut Pizza
- Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni
- Beef Burgers (reheatable options)
- Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Salad
Weekend Menu 6:
- Pulled Pork Wraps
- Veggie Pizza
- Lentil Soup with Garlic Bread
- Chicken Wings
- Caprese Salad with Mozzarella
Good Luck!
Even though the summer season has ended, the work in the galley continues. Good luck to all of you cooking onboard superyachts and I hope you’ve enjoyed going through these requested dishes by yacht crew. You’re doing great, and your hard work is appreciated – even if it sometimes goes unsaid.
Thank you for your dedication and effort.
✌️Chris
Montclair Chef specialises in Yacht Chef and Private Chef Hire globally.
Connect with Chris Demaillet on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdemaillet/
Montclair Chef website: https://www.montclairchef.com/
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