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GET INSPIRED

CULINARY CRUISE | Q&A WITH ROBERT KELLERHALS, CULINARY DIRECTOR OF AMAWATERWAYS

Danielle Belyeu

Culinary director of AmaWaterways, Robert Kellerhals, received a gold medal from Best of Gastronomie in 2021. As Culinary Director, he combines his knowledge and passion for food into designing new dishes for guests to enjoy. In our Q&A, he shares his background, career highlights and love of travel.


Picture of Chef Robert Kellerhals
Chef Robert Kellerhals

Q: HOW DID YOU BECOME A CHEF?

I grew up in Switzerland with an older brother who was a chef. When I was seven, I stood spellbound in a professional kitchen watching the team prepare the food, fascinated by the scents, heat, white jackets and discipline. My professional career started aged 15 while studying at a culinary school in Switzerland. I then received practical education at Lindenhofkeller restaurant, which was rated 14 points by Gault & Millau in Zurich’s Old Town. I’ve also worked in various Gault & Millau and Michelin-starred restaurants in Switzerland.



Fruit vendor in Cambodia along the Mekong River
Fruit vendor in Cambodia along the Mekong River

Q: DESCRIBE YOUR WORK WITH THE CRUISE LINE.

Being a chef on an AmaWaterways river cruise ship is never dull. Our chefs prepare every meal with passion and love going ashore to buy seasonal ingredients from all the countries we sail through. I enjoy cooking in different places and learning more about taste from our guests from around the world and, as culinary director, I get to put that knowledge into designing new menus.



Several people at tables on AmaWaterways.  A picture of the area where it's called the chef's table
The chef's table

Q: WHAT’S BEEN A HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER ON A CULINARY CRUISE?

In early 2021, I was awarded a Gold Medal by Best of Gastronomie and was appointed as the association’s First Secretary for Romania, now my home. I was also invited to join the prestigious French association Tables et Auberges de France, which recognizes culinary excellence. It’s important for me to evolve and grow in my profession, and I’m proud that this hard work has been recognized by these associations — an honor I’m able to extend to our ships. I’m also proud to have been recognized as a professional member of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.



AmaWaterways ship on the Danube River
AmaWaterways ship on the Danube River

Q: WHERE DO YOU LOVE TO TRAVEL?

I love cruising the Lower Danube through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania on AmaWaterways’ Gems of Southeast Europe and Grand Danube cruises. Great wines are produced in this region and it’s incredible to introduce our guests to them. I also really enjoy sailing through the smaller German villages along the Moselle River — they too have delicious wines.



by Guest Contributor


Are you ready for a culinary cruise? Taste the cuisine of Amawaterways for yourself. Contact me today to start planning!

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8 top tips for visiting wineries & distilleries

Is there a better time to visit a winery? What about that spit bucket I always see, should I use it? How about tasting etiquette for whiskey? How can I tell that this bottle is truly exclusive?  
These are just some of the questions many travelers have.  Let me share the 8 top tips for visiting wineries & distilleries.  You can listen to them on my podcast or download below.

8 Top Tips Wineries & Distilleries_edite
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Danielle Belyeu

TRAVEL ADVISOR

I absolutely love to travel.  My husband always says I'm in planning mode, so even when I'm on a trip, I'm planning for the next one. 

 

This has led to some amazing destinations for our gastro experiences.  Some of our favorites have been Melbourne Australia, Auckland New Zealand, Milan Italy, Columbo Sri Lanka, and Lisbon Portugal.  And of course, I'm already planning for the next one.

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