AQUA Expeditions has announced the appointment of Chef Karime Lopez as Consulting Chef for its newest ultra-luxury expedition ship Aqua Lares. Tasked with delivering a “destination-driven dining experience at sea”, Lopez (pictured) will lead the culinary concept on board, and design menus for the ship, which is set to launch...
AQUA Expeditions has announced the appointment of Chef Karime Lopez as Consulting Chef for its newest ultra-luxury expedition ship Aqua Lares.
Tasked with delivering a “destination-driven dining experience at sea”, Lopez (pictured) will lead the culinary concept on board, and design menus for the ship, which is set to launch in the Seychelles next month (CW 08 Aug).
Born and raised in Mexico, Lopez has worked in leading kitchens across the country, as well as in Spain, Peru, Japan, and Italy.
In 2018, she became the first Mexican woman to earn a Michelin star for her work as Head Chef at Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura in Florence, part of the Kering family of brands.
That same year, Lopez was named Chef of the Year in Italy, followed by further international recognition with the Best Chef Art Award in 2022 and Best Outstanding Chef Abroad by CANIRAC in 2023.
Under her direction, guests dining aboard Lares can expect menus that balance Mediterranean influences with coastal Creole flavours, elevated through Japanese techniques.
Signature dishes will include a grilled Zanzibar-spiced rib eye finished with a reduced demi-glace, and lobster tagliatelle coated in ocean jus, simmered with lobster.
Other highlights include glazed short ribs with smoked carrot puree and Creole shrimp curry with fried plantain. JM
