Up and Coming Talent Molds a Unique Dining Experience for 150 Central Park

MIAMI, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Royal Caribbean International continues to deliver the unexpected for its much-anticipated Oasis of the Seas, including the choice of chef de cuisine for 150 Central Park, the ship's signature restaurant in the Central Park neighborhood. Keriann Von Raesfeld, an award-winning, internationally acclaimed chef will be heading up the most talked about restaurant aboard the world's largest and most revolutionary cruise ship, slated to begin sailing in December 2009. After an extensive world wide search for the most up and coming talent, Royal Caribbean discovered Von Raesfeld at the prestigious 2008 World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS) Congress in Dubai. Von Raesfeld's extraordinary talents have earned her high profile accolades, which include being the first American and the first woman to win the honor of "Best Young Cook in the World" at the 2008 WACS Congress. She also led Team USA to a first gold medal at the Scothot Competition in Scotland and was part of Team USA's regional team that won the first ever gold medal at the Culinary Olympics held in Germany as well as part of the gold winning Team USA.

At the age of 23, Von Raesfeld will realize any chef's lifetime goal to manage a restaurant of their own, leading a team of the best chefs in the industry. As chef de cuisine, Von Raesfeld will be a fixture in 150 Central Park, present in every aspect of the signature venue, from the day-to-day kitchen operations and the dining experience, to engaging and conversing with guests nightly.

"Keriann Von Raesfeld's incredible talent and innovative vision for 150 Central Park is the perfect fit within the constellation of culinary offerings aboard Oasis of the Seas," says Frank Weber, vice president, Food and Beverage Operations, Royal Caribbean International. "Keriann embodies Royal Caribbean's culture of innovation. Rather than partner with a traditional celebrity chef to lend a name to our signature restaurant, we found one that is a true star in her own right who will focus all of her attention in making the 150 Central Park experience stellar. Royal Caribbean found an authentic, hidden gem with Keriann."

Von Raesfeld's modern American epicurean approach, established in formal training from the Professional Culinary Institute and continuously refined through various international competitions, is founded in familiar cuisine and brought to life in original and unique ways.