It's only fitting that the first ship to house an Emeril Lagasse restaurant is called the Mardi Gras. The new Carnival ship, which is the cruise line's biggest to date, will set sail in 2020 with plenty of nods to New Orleans, including the city's most well-known chef.
Emeril's Bistro 1396 opens in the ship's French Quarter section, fittingly, and has a menu filled with everything you'd want to try when visiting the Big Easy: jambalaya, gumbo, red beans and rice, muffuletta sandwiches, and Creole potato salad. There will be plenty of Emeril classics, too, like his BBQ shrimp and famous tuna bundles. Made with sashimi grade tuna, homemade ponzu, crispy wonton strips, cilantro, sriracha, and chili, the bundles are meant to be eaten like a taco.
There will be a short oyster bar and plenty of fresh fish, shrimp, and clams, too. As for dessert, expect to see Bananas Foster and Monkey Bread King Cake. "We're going to try to sneak banana cream pie in there every now and then," Emeril told Delish. "It's gonna be the real deal."
The restaurant will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The morning menu features New Orleans-inspired dishes like Praline French Toast and Eggs Benedict with Andouille sausage. "Just a little taste of New Orleans so you can get ready for lunch and dinner," the chef said.
There will be a bar, but don't expect to see anything too kitschy coming out of it. Emeril's mixologists are working with Carnival's mixologists to develop a craft cocktail menu that's a step above touristy drinks like Hurricanes and Grenades.
Carnival's Mardi Gras vessel is open for bookings now with trips to Europe, Canada, and the Caribbean. While onboard, guests can ride on an actual roller coaster, race down waterslides, relax at the spa, and eat plenty of delicious food, from Emeril's restaurant to Guy Fieri's Pin & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse and Brewhouse.
