CELEBRITY chef Gary Rhodes has opened his second restaurant in Southampton - but you will have to be a cruise ship passenger to book a table.
His latest eaterie, on board P&O Cruises' city-based luxury liner Oriana, was officially inaugurated by the TV presenter when he prepared and cooked a special lunch during a visit to the ship yesterday (Thursday).
Gary's first restaurant at sea, Arcadian Rhodes, has been such a success on Arcadia, another ship in the company's fleet, that P&O Cruises asked Gary to oversee the development of a similar fine dining area on Oriana.
As the ship came alongside the Western Docks, Gary was on the quayside eager to get on board and join his chefs cooking in the restaurant's purpose-built galley.
Gary, a renowned restaurateur, star of many TV shows and author of numerous cookery books, has created a series of unique menus served in both his restaurants at sea.
"I jumped at the chance of developing another restaurant for P&O after I saw how popular it was on Arcadia,'' said Gary.
"My emphasis is always on top quality ingredients and food presented in style in the best possible surroundings. I expect the highest standards in my restaurants and this one is no exception.'' Called Oriana Rhodes, the restaurant was created while the vessel underwent a multi-million-pound refit before the ship left for her annual world cruise earlier this year.
Complete with spectacular chandeliers and a dinner service that has been designed for Gary, the restaurant can seat up to 80 guests each night while the ship is cruising.
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