Atlas to Feature Chef Rudi Scholdis on Europe Culinary Expeditions In 2023
Atlas Ocean Voyages, a specialist in yacht expeditions to remote destinations and Europe’s most sought-after ports, has announced that acclaimed and beloved Chef Rudi Scholdis will be a featured “Gastronomic Guest” on select Epicurean Expeditions this spring and in late-summer.
“Our new Epicurean Expeditions provide an immersive culinary experience for explorers who also enjoy food and wine,” said James Rodriguez, the line’s president and CEO. “We are thrilled to welcome Chef Rudi to the Atlas Ocean Voyages family.”
Depending on the expedition selected, Gastronomic Guests will include locals to provide insights into regional delicacies and culinary stars that specialize in Continental cuisine. Guest chefs will also accompany complimentary culinary-focused “Cultural Immersion” tours. Scholdis will be on Atlas’ intimate World Traveller from April 15 – May 31 and from July 15 – August 15. He will also be aboard sister-ship World Navigator in September and October.
Scholdis has cooked alongside world-class culinary stars, including Alain Ducasse and Charlie Trotter, and learned from his lifelong mentors Willy Elsner and Anton Mosimann. He’s prepared food for Queen Elizabeth II, President Bill Clinton, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and high-profile Hollywood and West End heavyweights.
Presently he owns two of Chile’s top gourmet restaurants: Amandine Bistro et Vins in Santiago, which has received the country’s highest culinary award; and Casa de Amalia, which opened last year in the Maule wine-producing region. Prior to that, he was affiliated with ultra-luxury cruise lines for more than 17 years.
The Belgian-born Scholdis has a proud history of cooking at Michelin-starred venues in Europe. As head chef at The Dorchester – a London landmark – he oversaw 140 chefs, 10 banquet venues and five food outlets, including the award-winning Oriental Restaurant.
Chef Scholdis began his career at the Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, a three-Michelin-star hotel and restaurant on the Côte d’Azur. From France, he went to work at Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, the five-star celebrity retreat set 6,000 feet up in the Swiss Alps.
“I am very pleased to be a part of Atlas’ inaugural Epicurean Expeditions in Europe,” added Scholdis. “Ship size is very important in Europe. It’s wonderful to cruise on a yacht and dock in the city center so you can walk down the gangway to a local market or café.”
Atlas’ tantalizing new Epicurean Expeditions have been carefully planned for guests who appreciate food and wine. From April through October 2023, travelers can immerse themselves in the gastronomy of European ports on culinary shore excursions and learn from guest chefs and sommeliers who will be on board to enrich the experience.
For a limited time, guests will receive two free culinary or wine-themed shore excursions on expeditions departing April 15, April 22 and April 29. Depending on the itinerary, they might discover the history of Portugal’s pastel de nata pastry, savor Madeira at a wine tasting in Madeira, or sample local vintages at a famous cellar near the San Antonio Volcano.
For information and reservations, call a travel advisor or 1.844.44.ATLAS or visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com. You can also follow Atlas on Facebook and Instagram: www.facebook.com/AtlasOceanVoyages or www.instagram.com/AtlasOceanVoyages.