American Queen Voyages To Feature Gastronomic Icons On American Countess. Guests to sail alongside culinary pioneers such as Chefs Dickie Brennan and Regina Charboneau
Today, American Queen Voyages™ (AQV) announced that guests will have the opportunity to sail alongside a bevy of gastronomic personalities on its upcoming boubon-themed cruise, providing the opportunity for them to truly immerse themselves in the food and spirits of the ports visited along its “American Countess” itinerary.
During this flavorful Experiential Voyage, travelers can learn from Dickie Brennan, a culinary legend in the South, as well as Regina Charboneau, a restaurateur and cookbook author skilled in the preparation of regional delicacies. In addition to interactive demonstrations, the guest chefs will participate in a fun, informal Q&A session.
Since bourbon is the theme of the cruise, guests will learn about the potent potable from bourbon historian Michael Veach. Classic cocktails made with bourbon include the Old Fashioned – invented in Louisville, KY; the Manhattan, named after the Manhattan Club; and the Mint Julep, famous for being served at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby.
“American Queen Voyages’ reputation for outstanding cuisine is well earned,” said Cindy D’Aoust, the line’s president. “We are thrilled to feature such an esteemed group of culinary and spirits experts on our upcoming American Countess cruise.”
Below is a list of the special gastronomic guests on the Aug. 21 cruise. Additional guests sailing on future voyages will be announced in the coming weeks.
Dickie Brennan
Dickie Brennan is the chef-owner of Bourbon House, a New Orleans landmark since 2002. Today, Dickie Brennan & Company includes four restaurants located in New Orleans’ picturesque French Quarter: Bourbon House, Palace Cafe, Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse, and Tableau. His hospitality group also owns and operates Acorn Cafe (adjacent to the Louisiana Children’s Museum), The Commissary Market + Kitchen in New Orleans’ Garden District, Pascal’s Manale, an iconic New Orleans institution, and most recently the catering operation for Audubon Nature Institute. Brennan will sail on American Countess on the Aug. 21 Bourbon Cruise.
Regina Charboneau
Noted restaurateur and cookbook author Regina Charboneau serves as the line’s Culinary Ambassador. Affectionately known as the “Biscuit Queen of Natchez,” she formerly owned Regina’s at the Regis and Biscuits & Blues in San Francisco and in Natchez. She is also the author of “Mississippi Currents: A Culinary Journey Down America’s Greatest River,” a collection of river recipes. Charboneau will sail on June 5, July 9, July 31, Aug. 21, Sept. 17, Oct. 29, and Dec. 23.
Michael Veach
Michael Veach is widely recognized as the foremost authority on bourbon history. He is the former Filson Historical Society Bourbon Historian and was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2006. Over the years, Veach has provided bourbon history education in many different forms and has written and contributed to five books on the whiskey. Veach will sail on the American Countess on the Aug. 21 Bourbon Cruise.
