Chef Elizabeth Falkner Joins Holland America Line's Esteemed Culinary Council

SEATTLE, March 25, 2013 /CNW/ - Holland America Line announced Chef Elizabeth Falkner as the newest member of the line's prestigious Culinary Council. Falkner's focus will be to enhance appetizers and main courses for the line's menus, in addition to offering her guidance to the line's culinary program.

Currently, Falkner serves as executive chef and part owner of Brooklyn-based pizzeria and restaurant Krescendo in New York and is the author of two cookbooks, as well as a frequent judge and competitor on popular reality competition shows including "Top Chef" and "The Next Iron Chef."

"Chef Falkner embodies the creativity and expertise that have made Holland America Line a leader in culinary initiatives," said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "We are honored to welcome a chef as innovative and accomplished as Elizabeth to the Culinary Council and our family of experts, and we are excited to see what creations she will add to our menus."

A San Francisco, Calif., native, Falkner began her career working for Julian Serrano at Masa's, a four-star French restaurant and later for Traci Des Jardins at Rubicon. She then started her own business as chef and a managing partner for two Michelin-recommended restaurants: first at Citizen Cake and then at her second restaurant, Orson. Falkner is known as a pioneer and expert in many types of cuisines.

Falkner is the recipient of numerous awards including a nomination for a James Beard Award. She also was named one of America's 10 top pastry chefs by Bon Appetit magazine and, most recently, she placed first at the 2012 World Pizza Championships in Naples, Italy.

In Dec. 2012, Falkner was inducted into the Culinary Hall of Fame. That same month, she released her second book "Cooking Off the Clock." Her first cookbook, "Demolition Desserts," was a finalist for the International Association of Culinary Professional's Julia Child, Best First Cookbook Award and was selected "favorite book" by the students of Le Cordon Bleu in Paris.

"Holland America Line is one of the most dynamic cruise lines today at the vanguard of culinary innovation," said Falkner. "I am excited to be working with Holland America Line to collaborate on guest trends, recipe development, culinary direction and collaborative learning opportunities."

Falkner will join Holland America Line's Master Chef and Council Chairman Rudi Sodamin, and renowned international chefs Jonnie Boer, David Burke, Jacques Torres and Charlie Trotter on the Culinary Council.

"We are constantly evolving our culinary experience to exceed the expectations of our guests," said Sodamin. "I am thrilled to collaborate with Elizabeth and look forward to her contributions and partnership on the Culinary Council."

In addition to providing guidance, menu selections and imparting their knowledge regarding the onboard menus and culinary offerings, the Council makes recommendations regarding the line's Culinary Arts Center on bringing culinary learning experiences to guests.

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About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line's fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 415 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies. One- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. The line currently has a new ship on order from Fincantieri shipyard for delivery in fall 2015.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $500 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.

World's Leading Cruise Lines
Holland America Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos and captions are available at http://www.cleanpix.com/cleanpix/portal/WTA3-qRY-Tpe.

SOURCE: Holland America Line

http://www.hollandamerica.com