Feasts
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LORI ROSS
Dining alfresco or en plein air (“out in the fresh
air”) is one of the special benefits of cruising.
I cherish the joys of savoring a dawn breakfast as I watch
the sun rise and the birds dive, a lively picnic lunch on
the hook in a beautiful cove, or an elegant dinner with
old friends on a moonlight-bathed aft deck.
When the weather is right, it is sublime to enjoy a fine
meal, wonderful company, and a gentle breeze in the
great outdoors. Imagine delighting in your favorite dish
and a platter of gourmet cheeses while sitting beneath the
stars, a glass of wine in hand. Wherever you are, you’re
relaxed, happy, and enjoying the finer things in life.
Alfresco dining is a celebration!
One of my fondest memories of an alfresco meal was
joining friends aboard their lovely 55-foot boat, docked at
our home, for a beautiful sunset dinner. As we walked
down the stairs to the dock, we glimpsed their dining
table and chairs on an Oriental rug on the aft deck. Upon
closer look, we saw the table draped with pink linens and
set with white and gold china, gold-rimmed crystal
glasses, and a centerpiece of fresh pink, yellow, and
purple flowers and peach, shell-shaped votive lights. The
golden-pink glow of the sunset echoed the table decor as
we dined on cold fruit soup, composed vegetable salad,
rosé wine, grilled salmon with roasted vegetables, and an
ice cream dessert served with hot coffee. It was a lovely
