Chefs Michael Mina, Fabio Trabocchi and Sven Elverfeld have teamed with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection — and the result is nothing short of spectacular.
Chefs Michael Mina, Fabio Trabocchi and Sven Elverfeld have teamed with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection — and the result is nothing short of spectacular.
Step aboard Ilma and Evrima to discover a culinary experience unlike any other. Michelin-inspired menus are created under the tutelage of famed chefs and innovative dishes are inspired by local cuisines from around the world, so your taste buds can travel from the Mediterranean to South America without ever leaving the yacht. Contemporary interiors welcome you to dine in an ambiance of understated luxury, while alfresco spaces embrace the fresh sea air and panoramic views. From elegant specialty restaurants to casual poolside eateries, discover how The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is redefining what it means to dine well at sea.
Seta su Ilma: Fabio Trabocchi Reinvents Italian Cuisine
The Venue: To dine at Seta su Ilma, named after the Italian word for “silk,” is to be transported to the Italian coast — inspired by the Michelin-starred chef’s love for the sea and the elegance of La Dolce Vita. Seasonal tasting menus will feature a contemporary interpretation of Italian cuisine from acclaimed chef Fabio Trabocchi, nodding to regional flavors. Dishes will range from handmade pasta and locally sourced seafood rounded out with accents like seasonal truffles, cold-pressed olive oil and limoncello that’s flown in from the Amalfi Coast.
The Visionary: As a child growing up in the remote countryside of Le Marche, Italy — a region bordered on one side by the Adriatic Sea and verdant rolling hills on the other — Fabio Trabocchi developed a deep appreciation for the fruits of the land. Inspired by his father, an avid farmer and gardener who grew most of the family’s food, Trabocchi eventually traded farm life for a formal culinary education at the Istituto Alberghiero Panzini in Senigallia, Italy. He went on to train in Milan under the tutelage of 3-star Michelin chef, Gualtiero Marchesi, considered the founder of modern Italian cuisine, before working in various restaurants around the world, picking up a James Beard award and Michelin star along the way. Today, in addition to designing the menu at Seta su Ilma, he is the owner of the renowned restaurant group Fabio Trabocchi Restaurants, which counts multiple award-winning restaurants as part of its portfolio.
Beach House: Michael Mina’s Pan-Latin Odyssey
The Venue: Sailing with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection means embarking to some of the world’s most exclusive enclaves, where electric beach clubs beckon A-listers, royalty and the like. It’s that vibrant energy that was the inspiration for the onboard outfit, Beach House, a bright and airy, indoor-outdoor gathering space that was created in collaboration with the esteemed Michael Mina Group. The Beach House is a decidedly unstuffy dining destination with a vibe that evolves from day to night, a menu that celebrates the flavors and cuisines of Peru and the Pan-Latin region, and an infinity pool that reflects Ilma’s connection to the sea.
The Visionary: If you’ve dined well and often any time throughout the last 30 years, chances are you’ve enjoyed a meal courtesy of Michael Mina’s culinary gifts. Born in Cairo and raised in rural Washington state, Mina went on to attend the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, where he spent his weekends working in Chef Charlie Palmer’s kitchen at the upscale Aureole in New York City. His success in New York eventually led to the founding of Aqua, an upscale seafood restaurant in San Francisco that put Chef Mina on the culinary map in the early ‘90s and earned him the accolades of Rising Star Chef of the Year and Best Chef: California from the James Beard Foundation. Since that early success, Mina has gone on to cook for three U.S. presidents, earn a Michelin star and found the Mina Group, which now owns and operates more than 30 restaurants around the world
S.E.A.: Sven Everfeld’s Homage to the Ocean
The Venue: Chef Sven Elverfeld's restaurant aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers an unparalleled dining experience, showcasing his innovative culinary expertise in an intimate, luxurious setting. Known for his Michelin-starred restaurant Aqua in Germany, Chef Elverfeld brings his mastery of modern European cuisine to the high seas, combining exceptional technique with the finest ingredients. Guests can indulge in a meticulously crafted tasting menu, where each dish is a work of art, thoughtfully prepared to elevate the dining experience. The restaurant’s elegant ambiance, paired with world-class service, ensures that every meal is not just a meal, but a memorable voyage in gastronomy.
“I’m eager for guests to experience the five-course culinary experience I’ve created at S.E.A.,” he says. “This tasting menu is only available to 28 guests at a time, so it gives me the opportunity to really personalize each dish.”
The Visionary: A renowned culinary maestro, Sven Elverfeld is known for his innovative approach to modern European cuisine, but his culinary skills were born from much more humble beginnings: his mom’s after-school snacks. “My first food memory is linked to my mother,” he says.
“Whenever I came home from school, she used to cook for myself and my brother. The dish I will always remember is scrambled eggs with spinach and potatoes. I ended up using these same three ingredients to create a dish at Aqua [his three-Michelin-starred restaurant Aqua in Wolfsburg, Germany], which is our popular pot-au-feu.”
At Aqua, Elverfeld has earned a reputation for pushing the boundaries of gastronomy, blending artistry and precision in every dish he creates. His commitment to using the finest seasonal ingredients and his relentless pursuit of perfection have earned him numerous accolades, including a 19.5 point rating out of 20 from Gault&Millau, the famed French restaurant guide.
Meet the Chefs Behind the Michelin Stars
This year, embark on a culinary adventure with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, featuring world-renowned chefs Sven Elverfeld, Michael Mina and Fabio Trabocchi on select voyages. Enjoy exclusive experiences, including bespoke menus, cooking demonstrations, and special onshore activities, all while sailing to iconic destinations. Connect with these culinary legends and savor expertly crafted cuisine in intimate settings. Each voyage promises a unique and unforgettable journey for food lovers.