Love at first bite

It’s always a good time for ice cream, savoury dishes too

The culinary test run took place on the Middle Rhine. When the trio on the trail for good taste boarded the paddle steamer GOETHE at 11 a.m. in Boppard, as hungry as they were excited, the team led by Head Chef Achmed Khlifi already had its hands full. A number of passengers on board had ordered something from the varied breakfast menu. Peter and Anna Kerb, who had already boarded in Koblenz with their friends Helmut and Klarissa Tenten, were more enthusiastic about the treats on the ice cream menu and ordered a “Mixed Sundae” (vanilla, strawberry & chocolate ice cream), the classic “Dame Blanche” (vanilla ice cream with warm chocolate sauce & cream) and a “Hot Temptation” (vanilla ice cream with hot sour cherries).

Only Peter Kerb resisted the magnificent ice cream sundaes, content with an iced coffee. When asked why they chose ice-cold treats so early in the morning instead of bread rolls and fried eggs, Klarissa Tenten replied, deadpan: “Why not? It’s always a good time for vanilla ice cream.” Indeed. We’ll keep that in mind for
later. It’s time to start our taste test with something savoury.

Appetisingly and lovingly served up

We choose two different versions of the open-faced sandwiches, a vegan burger with steakhouse chips and fish & chips. We’ll give the popular classics from the KD galley like potato soup, Nürnberger Rostbratwürstchen sausage or pasta Napoli a miss for today. They don’t have to prove themselves again. The dishes we order score visual points even before we take our first bite. Everything is appetisingly and lovingly served up. But how does it taste? The vegan burger featuring a Beyond Meat patty, iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, gherkins, red onions and coleslaw is sublime and definitely just as good as a beef burger. Everything is fresh, crisp and succulent. The BBQ sauce, mayonnaise and ketchup deliver a hint of spice without overpowering. Of course, there is also a beef version of the burger on the menu.

Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside

What the taste-testers like about the fish & chips is how the fried pieces of pollock fillet and the steakhouse chips are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

We’re especially excited to try the new open-faced sandwiches. Are they really as good as we’ve been told? Yes, they are. Each made with a thick slice of Swiss “Ruchbrot” rye bread, the “vitality” and “Mediterranean” versions we order are as scrumptious as they look. The “vitality” open-faced sandwich is topped with tomato pesto, leaf salad, baby spinach, two poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. The velvety smooth poached eggs are cooked to perfection and harmonise wonderfully with the other ingredients. The Mediterranean version with basil pesto, grilled vegetables, rocket, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan and balsamic vinegar transports your tastebuds from the Middle Rhine to the Mediterranean in seconds. Unfortunately, our tummies are too full today to try out the version with breaded pork schnitzel, braised onions, fried egg, gherkins, tomatoes and leaf salad or the sweet sandwich with
cottage cheese, honey, caramelised walnuts, apple and pear.

Food concept is a hit

It is clear that the concept by Hospitality Director Vishal Valentine and his team is a success. “Our aim was to set sail for new culinary shores with tasty, modern and trend-oriented cuisine that reflects as many guest tastes and preferences as possible. We also kept our international diners in mind. For example, we’ve redefined the classic sandwich. We’re sure that the new open-faced sandwiches will be a huge hit,” Vishal Valentine believes.

Sweet and creamy delights

With full and happy bellies, we disembark from the GOETHE in Oberwesel, stop for a coffee in the new tapas and wine bar “Väterchen Rhein” directly at the KD jetty, and then board the MS Godesburg on its way towards Rüdesheim. Encouraged by our former fellow travellers, we try the Dame Blanche, the Hot Temptation and a Pinocchio sundae with vanilla & strawberry ice cream, chocolate beans and a cone. After the savoury treats, the sweet and creamy delights are a pleasant contrast. We especially like how the hot sour cherries (Hot Temptation) and warm chocolate sauce (Dame Blanche) are served in separate bowls so they can be gradually poured over the scoops of ice cream. The cute-looking Pinocchio is also just the right size for children.

Our verdict for the rigorous taste test?
Passed with flying colours! We (unofficially) give it five KD chef hats.