Chef’s choice by Niki

In the tropical splendour of the British Virgin Islands, Chef Niki Smith offers some serious culinary treats to guests on a brand-new Privilège Serie 640. Catering for an up-market crowd of luxury charterers, Niki has naturally chosen to showcase a high-end recipe for this Chef’s Choice. Her queen scallops with caramelised foie gras is something to wow your friends with.

I’ve worked on a number of yachts.
And though some of them have been
larger than Allure, none of them have
felt more luxurious.

NIKI
Chef Allure

Now, with an eye to your foodie credentials, it is important to select diver-caught scallops, not trawled ones. And try to find so-called ‘ethical’ foie gras, which guarantees better treatment for the geese. “I always offer this recipe to guests on their first night aboard,” says Niki. “It sets the tone for the rest of the charter.”

She knows what she’s talking about, because Niki has been preparing mouth-watering meals for guests for many years, both on board and on shore. She and Captain Scott are new recruits to Allure, however – the Privilège Serie 640 run as a luxury charter operation out of St Thomas US Virgin Islands.

Privilège catamarans are built for passionate owners, not marketed as charter boats. But their comfortable layout and top-quality finish make them attractive. The saloon alone offers elegant dining for 10 people – a challenge that Niki would relish. “The galley is super well equipped, so I’m certain we could make it a memorable meal,” she says. “But on charter we normally cater for two or three couples, or a family.”

Allure actually offers three cabins, including a big owner’s cabin forward which boasts a super king-sized bed and a 6m beam. All-in-all, the Privilège Serie 640 offers 180 square metres of interior space, and lots of outside options, between the cockpit, flybridge lounge and the foredeck area.

“I’ve worked on a number of yachts,” says Niki, who hails from the UK and has a diploma from the famous Galley Club cookery school in Palma de Mallorca. “And though some of them have been larger than Allure, none of them have felt more luxurious. It’s lovely getting that feedback from charter guests at the end of the week, saying they’ve never had so much fun on a yacht before. We get a lot of repeat bookings.”

Of course, guests are free to tailor the itinerary as well as the menu – that’s the joy of a luxury yacht charter. Niki tries to keep meals balanced and healthy, based on good local ingredients wherever possible. She even offers a fitness lunch and Pilates sessions to guests. “The emphasis is on top-quality ingredients.”

Find out more about Allure at: www.sailingallure.com

Photos: ©Allure – The Yacht Company