| Wind Surf
 As we sailed from Civitavecchia, Rome's cruise passenger terminal, the view of the Italian coastline was spectacular. The distinctive triangular sails of Windstar Cruises flagship, the Wind Surf, were fully unfurled and catching a steady wind. We headed south toward the port of Amalfi, our first stop on a leisurely, weeklong voyage around the boot of Italy. After several days of feasting on an orgy of pasta, pizza, and gelato in Rome, I wondered what to expect of the dining experience onboard. Spoiled by the fresh and wonderful Italian cuisine of our pre-cruise, mini-Roman holiday, I thought it best to keep my expectations to a minimum.
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Wind Surf Cabins Layout
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Windstar Cruises pioneered the concept of casual luxury cruises. Sailing under the appropriate catch phrase "180 degrees from the ordinary," several extraordinary elements have become synonymous with Windstar: teak decking, rich wood interiors, attentive service, small passenger complements and exceptional signature cuisine. Officially designated masted schooners, these graceful Windstar ships coupled with their exotic itineraries make for a distinctive cruise experience.
The dining experience is casually elegant, offers open seating, and there is never a need for a jacket and tie, or formal attire... a very strong appeal to the well-traveled, relaxed attitude typical of a Windstar guest. Joachim Splichal, co-founder of Patina Restaurant in Los Angeles, is the creative culinary mind behind Windstar Cruises' signature cuisine. It consists of over 180 innovative recipes (some included for you in the recipe of the month section) that Splichal created exclusively for guests onboard the Wind Surf. In addition, Windstar offers a "Sail Light" menu created by Jeanne Jones, who has created spa menus for Canyon Ranch and the Four Seasons Hotels.
 An enticing prelude to dinner, breakfast and lunch are presented as sumptuous buffets with the option of eating out on deck or in the Veranda Café. No ordinary buffets these! Every possible breakfast item imaginable is provided from fresh fruit to oatmeal to made-to-order omelets, crepes, and pancakes. At lunch the pasta bar shared the deck with a "backyard grill". And on that grill, next to the hot dogs and hamburgers were fresh, marinated tuna steaks, all to be cooked to order.
I knew after our first dinner, which consisted of a fresh green salad with a distinctive hot honey mustard dressing and a simply divine prime rib, that our dining experience onboard the Wind Surf was going to be special.
Dinner in the main restaurant is a relaxed and unhurried affair. All entrees are made to order as in any fine land-based restaurant and are beautifully presented... only after each plate has received the approval of the executive chef. The menus offer so many appealing selections, making a choice is sometimes difficult. Meals consist of several courses and a tasting menu is encouraged. We were able to order an extra appetizer and main course for the table almost every night. As we left the restaurant, there was a silver tray of handmade chocolates that varied each evening... the kind of touch that makes dining an experience to remember. And all this without having to don a tuxedo, let alone a jacket and tie.
 As an alternative, the Wind Surf offers The Bistro located on the top Star Deck. An intimate space, it offers large picture windows with marvelous views. Reservations are required and go quickly considering the heady gastronomical experience it offers. I would have to include The Bistro on my list as one of the top restaurants at sea.
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