The Luxury of On-Board Chefs: Incredible Private Dining Experiences on a Yacht
In many ways, the pinnacle of yachting is achieved by reimagining the comforts of home in a spectacularly unique environment. But beyond luxurious textures, sleek technology, aquatic play, and breathtaking vistas, a core component of the utmost seafaring satisfaction lies in unforgettable cuisine. Fortunately, many modern yachts are amply equipped with all the essentials a talented chef could need to prepare and present exquisite fare. So whether you’re on a private charter or have a private chef on board your yacht, you can ensure your food and drink needs will be more than satisfied.
For one family, that talent lies in Chef Abby Cheshire. Known online as “Abby in the Galley” (with an impressive 1.5 million TikTok followers), this personal chef brings her clients’ dreams to life with customized menus, delectable dishes, and creative cocktails throughout their summer excursions. Here, we share an exclusive glimpse into the unique dining experience of yachting with this private chef.
Abby in the Galley: Life Aboard a Yacht with a Private Chef
For yacht owners and their guests or charter clients, boating with a private chef means enjoying a curated selection of gourmet meals multiple times a day. What happens behind the scenes to pull off such a feat involves an extensive amount of planning and preparation — not to mention culinary skill. For Abby, a typical day begins with an inspection of all refrigeration equipment to check for proper temperatures. On her clients’ 90’ Ocean Alexander, there are eight freezers which typically hold about 700 pounds of meat and other proteins for the extent of the journey. Prior to departing for remote areas where food sourcing is limited, Abby ensures all of this provisioning is completed in Miami.
Each morning, Abby also begins planning lunches and dinners for two to three days ahead. “It’s a constant rotation of freezer to fridge to kitchen,” she says. As she drinks her coffee and begins crafting upcoming meals, she considers what needs to get used up, avoiding waste whenever possible. Ever flexible even within this thoughtful planning, Abby is always happy to accommodate the catch of the day. “If they bring back fish, that’s now on the menu.”
Breakfast Your Way
Since breakfast requires less planning than multi-course spreads, Abby can prepare her clients’ first meal based on what they’re craving and when they wake up. Eggs of some sort are often involved — there are usually about 30 dozen on board at a time. After breakfast, she readies everything she can for a smooth transition to lunch and dinner: Think cutting potatoes, snipping asparagus, and similar prep work. She’ll then rest until it’s time to serve the midday meal.
A Light Lunch and Cocktail Hour
For Abby’s clients, lunch is often enjoyed on the upper deck. They’ll dine on a light meal such as a salad or poke bowl, and then Abby’s back to work to prepare for a pre-dinner happy hour. As the day winds down, she’ll pair an appetizer with a cocktail to be served on the bow. Playing bartender is one aspect of the job Abby loves, and it allows her clients to sip handcrafted beverages while taking in scenic afternoon views.
A Sunset Soirée
During the summer, 7:00 PM is the perfect time to catch an exquisite sunset while dining on the upper deck. After noshing on lighter fare for most of the day, Abby’s clients prefer a heartier evening meal, such as braised beef or fresh fish. With a decadent dessert following dinner, the sumptuous meal is savored over the course of a couple hours. Once the last plate has been cleared and the kitchen is clean, Abby is in bed by 10 PM, ready to rise by 6:30 AM the next day.
A New Adventure Each Day
Although she works for one family exclusively, Abby insists that each day brings something different. During the summer, she might find herself cooking for just the couple she works for — or as many as 25 people when their family and friends join in. She receives a calendar in advance and appreciates her clients’ open communication, but curveballs are part of the fun, too. “Sometimes they’ll make friends on the beach and invite them on board,” says Abby. She recalls one time when their dinner plans got cancelled and she found herself preparing a four-course tasting menu on the fly. Using supplies she had on hand, she cultivated a first-rate meal featuring duck breast, octopus, and short rib.
And while her passions clearly lie in the galley, Abby does surface for some self-care and fun, too. A typical itinerary for her clients consists of several weeks in Cape Santa Maria, a secluded white sandy beach in the Bahamas. Though she spends much of her downtime catching up on sleep, Abby notes that she plays with the water toys now and then, too. However she spends her time, after more than four years working for the same family, it’s clear that Abby is an invaluable member of her clients’ crew: They’re currently in the process of having a new 130’ Horizon built, and they consulted the chef for her input during the construction of the galley.
Booking Your Charter Experience with a Private Chef
If enjoying meals prepared by a private chef while cruising to white sand beaches sounds like your idea of a good time, too, HMY can help bring your dream to life. Like Abby’s clients, our charter clients receive the royal treatment during our exclusive charter vacations. Explore your options for the ultimate luxury vacation here. Or, if you’re seeking to purchase your next luxury motor yacht to fit with your own personal chef, browse our collection of yachts and superyachts for sale.
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