Our Mozzarella di Bufala appetizer served with grilled eggplant, Gernica pesto and Parmesan grissini (Image: James McCarthy/Belfast Live) This weekend I was invited aboard Holland America Line's Zuiderdam while it was docked in Belfast, where I had the pleasure of enjoying an exquisite meal that showcased the ship's culinary excellence. From start to finish, every dish was perfectly cooked, beautifully presented, and an absolute delight to the palate. My meal began with the Mozzarella di Bufala, a dish that set the tone for the rest of the afternoon.
The creamy mozzarella was delicately paired with grilled eggplant, which had a subtle smokiness that complemented the cheese's richness. The Gernica pesto added a vibrant, herby flavour, with the micro basil providing a fresh, aromatic finish. The Parmesan grissini offered a pleasant crunch, rounding out the appetizer with a touch of savory elegance.
This starter was a harmonious balance of textures and flavours, and a promising start to the meal. Read more: We visited popular East Belfast restaurant in its new home and here's what we thought Read more: Mouth-watering street food trucks and stalls to check out across Northern Ireland The main course was nothing short of extraordinary. The grilled lamb chops were cooked to perfection, with a juicy, tender interior and a perfectly seared exterior.
The main course of Grilled Lamb Chops with Truffled Polenta (Image: James McCarthy/Belfast Live) The truffled polenta was creamy and lux.