Pinnacle Grill Executive Chef - Brad Froelich
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Brad Froelich
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"It's a real joy to go to work every day," says Brad Froelich, Executive Chef and the talent behind the m/s Amsterdam's Pinnacle Grill.
Chef Brad was born in Winnipeg, Canada. Now in his early 30s, Brad found his life's passion early on, discovering the joys of cooking at age fourteen while working at a Senior Village (i.e., retirement community). The community's cook, Chef Lou, introduced Brad to the glamorous side of the culinary arts and gave him his start peeling potatoes and carrots. Lou also instilled the idea that running a successful kitchen/restaurant venture is always a team effort. The value of this lesson is clearly demonstrated by Brad's close relationship with not only his kitchen crew, but with the Pinnacle's maitre'd and entire staff operating the front of the house.
Brad continued to develop his culinary skills while attending Canada's Red River College in Winnipeg. Wanting to travel, (don't we all?) Brad was drawn to the cruise industry and loves what it offers. He is able to fulfill his appetite for food, wine, and good service in beautiful surroundings. Somewhat shy, Chef Brad makes a point of chatting with the Pinnacle's guests and places tremendous importance on their input and feedback. When cooking for himself, Brad enjoys mussels and basic comfort foods.
Chef Brad has graciously shared a few of his Pinnacle Grill's delectable recipes....
Click Here
M/S Amsterdam's Executive Chef -Donato Gaspar
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Donato Gaspar
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Taught first by his mother, Chef Donato began cooking in his family's small Manila restaurant. When not working in his family's restaurant, Donato enjoyed sports and for a time, in his early twenties, played professional basketball in the Philippines.
In the mid-80s, Donato was able to polish his "hands on" culinary education when he became a cook's helper at the Philippine's Westin hotel. The hotel's chef showed him the ropes of running a restaurant, which came quite naturally to Donato.
In 1990, wanting to combine his desire to travel with his lifelong experience in food service Donato applied to Holland America and became an assistant chef. His training as a pro-basketball player paid off in his ability to lead and motivate a galley team! He became the first executive chef on Holland America's new flagship, the m/s Amsterdam and leads the team that prepares for the ship's annual world cruise.
To this day, Donato's favorite foods return him to his roots. He favors the food of the Philippines, like his mother used to make.
Hotel Manager - Stan Kuppens
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Stan Kuppens
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Responsible for all guest services onboard the m/s Amsterdam, Hotel Manager Stan Kuppens oversees all the ship's daily operations short of actually manning the bridge. Stan makes this monumental challenge look easy. After attending hotel school in Holland, Stan served as an apprentice at one of Amsterdam's top restaurants. While in school, Stan was selected by his fellow students to represent them at a reception held for the opening of a new factory. Chosen for to his personable demeanor and exceptional skills - even at that young age - Stan was given the honor of serving Queen Julianne of the Netherlands during the reception.
Born in Nijmegen, Netherlands, this charming Dutchman puts guests first and emphasizes excellent service as the goal for all his staff. His knowledge of the ship is complete. In addition to coordinating all hotel operations, Stan can clearly explain, to those curious, how the ship's water filtration system supplies everyone with plenty of fresh water.
Starting on the Westerdam as a management trainee, Stan later trained stewards at the Indonesia training academy for service aboard the Windstar cruise ships Song, Star and Spirit; on which he was restaurant manager. An assistant food and beverage manager with HAL at one time, Stan has served in a variety of capacities over the years eventually becoming Hotel Manager aboard the flagship m/s Amsterdam. Having followed his dream to travel the world, Stan sums up his experience with a straightforward eloquence, "The world is very beautiful."
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