When guests step on board, they expect every experience to be luxurious, including the snacks they enjoy between meals. Serving gourmet snacks is not just about indulgence, it’s about creating moments of delight that complement the overall yachting experience (and potentially saving the chef from yet another crudités platter!)
So how can you curate the perfect selection of snacks that cater to the various guests’ preferences, while also considering storage and presentation in the often space-limited pantry?
First stop – the preference sheet!
Check if the guests have indicated any dietary restrictions (e.g., gluten-free, vegan, keto), and any specific brands they prefer. There are lots of great snacks available for all of these dietaries and if time allows you can get together with the chef to see if there’s anything that could be made ahead and kept in the pantry for when the inevitable snack request comes in! If guests are from different parts of the world, offering snacks that remind them of home can be a thoughtful touch.
Healthy yet indulgent options:
- Gourmet nuts and seeds: Almonds, cashews, and pistachios in unique flavours (e.g., truffle-infused, rosemary-spiced) are great options that offer a snack with health benefits. This also includes seasoned sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Artisanal protein bars and energy balls: Stock high-end protein bars made with organic ingredients, or prepare homemade energy balls using ingredients like dates, nuts, and superfoods like chia or spirulina.
- Fresh and dried fruits: Offer a selection of exotic dried fruits like mango, figs, and apricots, alongside fresh seasonal fruit that can be easily grabbed as a refreshing snack. Pre-cut if possible or leave knives and plates next to the fruit bowl to encourage consumption.
- Yogurt and granola jars: Small jars of Greek yogurt with layers of homemade granola, honey, and berries can be pre-prepared and stored in the fridge as a healthy, satisfying snack.
Naughty but nice options:
- Gourmet chocolates: Depending on where you are, try to source local chocolatiers, that is if you’re not lucky enough to have a chef on board who can make their own! If this is the case order boat branded boxes and stencils to give an extra luxury touch.
- Luxury biscuits and cookies: Offer gourmet cookies, shortbread, or macarons in a variety of flavours, such as lavender, salted caramel, or matcha. These can be paired with afternoon tea or offered as a sweet bite between meals.
- Cheese and charcuterie bites: Mini cheese boards or charcuterie bites with cheeses, cured meats, olives, and crackers provide a savoury, elegant snack option for guests. These can be plated and presented during cocktail hours or pre-dinner drinks.
Themed snacks for special occasions
- Afternoon tea setups: For a more formal occasion, offer a luxury afternoon tea selection with scones, finger sandwiches, and petit fours, complemented by premium teas from around the world.
- Movie night snacks: For a more relaxed evening, prepare popcorn seasoned with gourmet flavours like truffle oil, parmesan, or salted caramel, and perhaps a pick and mix sweetie station or consider offering individual snack boxes for each guest.
- Post-workout or active day snacks: After a day of water sports or activities, guests might appreciate something light yet energizing, like protein smoothies, coconut water, or pre-made acai bowls with granola and fresh fruit.
Storage and presentation solutions
If you have an open pantry (or the kind of guests that like to come and visit!) make sure you have a designated snack cupboard that they can access with all of their favourites. Glass jars not only look elegant but keep biscuits and crackers fresh. Labelled stackable containers for anything that is pre-wrapped such as granola bars etc will save you space and look sleek!
Otherwise, a snack station somewhere on board can save you a lot of time – as guests will know exactly where to go if they’re feeling a little peckish. You can then refresh and change the selection throughout the trip. This also helps when guests may want a snack but aren’t sure what they want ( we’ve all had that conversation!).
Don’t forget the snack bags when the guests are going in the tender or on an excursion – have them always ready to go because you and I know there’s nothing more stressful than a last-minute rush throwing whatever you can into a bag and running down the deck with it!
Having a well thought out snack strategy, will not only elevate your service but could potentially save your stews (and chefs’) sanity between meal services!
