1. From local markets to signature dishes
2. Authentic flavours on board
3. Everyday inspiration

A lifelong foodie, Jhony Purice was destined for a career in the kitchen. Now, as Scenic Group’s Corporate Executive Chef for France, he and his expert team bring the authentic flavours of Europe – from bustling markets to Michelin-starred restaurants - on board Scenic’s river cruises. 

Purice has been in the kitchen his whole life, starting as a child at his mother’s feet. “Food has always been my passion,” he says. Having worked all over the world and calling the rivers of Europe home for more than a decade, he brings his creativity, passion for food and eye for detail to every plate on board. 

“I’m celebrating five years with Scenic, and with our culinary team, we have developed 51 distinct menus and more than 1,100 different dishes from across Europe over this time,” explains Purice. “We’re committed to serving food from the regions where we cruise, to provide our guests with an authentic taste of the local cuisine.” 

Chef Purice and the expert culinary team transform fresh ingredients into innovative dishes for Scenic’s Space-Ships. It’s a delicate balancing act that respects the produce and traditional recipes while incorporating new flavours to create that signature Scenic style. “Even with a simple tomato, you can create a ‘wow’ effect, an element of magic and surprise for our guests, such as with our white tomato soup,” says Purice. “And, of course, the plating of the food gives the first impression before discovering the flavour.” 

Cruising in France for the past five years, Purice has developed a true passion for French cuisine. When asked about his own guilty pleasure, he can’t go past croque Madame with crispy fries. But if he could recommend one must-eat dish on a Scenic river cruise?

“I would recommend our coq au vin,” he says. “It’s a classic French dish of chicken braised with local wine from where we are sailing, lardons, mushrooms and garlic. A red Burgundy wine is typically used, though many regions in France make variants using their own wines, like coq au Riesling from Alsace. It’s always on the menu in France and our guests love it.”

Purice says as a chef, he’s continually thinking creatively. “I enjoy the morning market adventures, since that’s typically where my inspiration begins.” France is famed for its local markets, each unique to their destination and offering up exquisite regional produce. 

Scenic chefs regularly go ashore to source many of the cheeses, fruits, vegetables and charcuterie meats guests will enjoy on board. “In Bordeaux our cheeses are from Rouen,” says Purice.

Culinary inspiration reaches a new level in late December. The flavours of the festive season in Europe are iconic, and Purice says they do wonders for the on -board atmosphere of Scenic’s Christmas river cruises.

“When I think of Christmas, I’m inspired by the rich flavours of spiced gingerbread cookies, the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg in mulled wine and the sweet aroma of roast chestnuts,” he says. “On our all-inclusive river cruises, mulled wine and our cookie demonstrations fill the air with festive aromas that evoke a sense of joy and celebration.”

In November to mid-December, guests can also explore Europe's renowned Christmas markets.

“I particularly enjoy visiting Christmas markets in places like Nuremberg and Vienna,” Purice says. “The enchanting atmosphere and variety of traditional festive foods always sparks new ideas and helps me create a memorable Christmas menu.”

Chef Jhony Purice has infused his passion for the flavours of France in each of the up to five all-inclusive dining experiences on board your Scenic Space-Ship. Now is the time to book and and embark on this culinary journey on your next ultra-luxury river cruise.