Dining Aboard the J. & E. Riggin
Welcome to the Galley!
It is here that Chef Jocelyn & her team will prepare meals that will delight and may even surprise you. Feel free to hunker down in a warm space, safe from the breeze to chat, craft, play a board game, and perhaps even help out with bread making, pasta rolling, or the chopping of vegetables for the next meal.
Chef Jocelyn’s Background & Philosophy
Captain & Chef Jocelyn Schmidt has been running the show in the galley on an antique wood stove since 2022, and is excited to share meals with you that highlight the best of what Maine has to offer from land & sea. Locally-sourced ingredients are at the center of every dish she serves, some even as close as her own garden & apiary. Jocelyn uses meals as a medium to tell her stories from her journeys here in the US & abroad. Sometimes we will enjoy classic Maine dishes like New England clam chowder, fresh lobster, and wild Maine blueberry pastries & desserts. Other days, she may ask you to join her on a journey abroad to enjoy a jambalaya from her time in New Orleans, a riff on tangia from her time in Morocco, or pastel de nata from her time in Lisbon. Jocelyn says “Cuisine is an integral part of experiencing any place. Each recipe shared with me in my travels or by people I love over the years has become a part of my story, and now, I have the privilege of sharing them with you, so they can become a part of yours.”
Meals & Schedule
Meal times on board are flexible and vary a little day-to-day depending on things like the sailing conditions, opportunities for shore excursions, and instruction on some specialty cruises. Here is an outline of the timing of meal service aboard.
6:00 am Local coffee, tea, & hot chocolate is available
8:00 am Breakfast is served usually at anchor buffet-style or occasionally plated
12:00 pm Lunch is served usually underway buffet style
4:00 pm Appetizers are served usually at anchor family style
6:00 pm Dinner is served at anchor either buffet style, or plated
7:00 pm Local decaf coffee, tea & hot chocolate is available along with a dessert
Special Diets & Allergies
Chef Jocelyn is extremely knowledgeable in this regard and works magic in the galley, even around special diets. Be aware, however, that while we can accommodate almost any diet restriction or preference, we cannot guarantee a 100% allergen-free environment. You’ll need to bring any foods or medicine special to your specific circumstance. Call us with your specific needs and, if you book online, be sure to put your dietary restrictions in the space provided. If we have any questions, we will reach out for clarification prior to sailing.
Use of the Galley & Dining Space
Everyone is welcome in the galley! This is not your typical commercial kitchen, it is a bit more like a family home, warm & inviting. Throughout the day it is a perfect place to sit and relax and enjoy conversation, crafting, or games. Similar to the deck, the galley environment is dynamic, and we may ask you to hand us something, or shift your body to allow us access to storage beneath certain seats. Warmed by our antique wood-burning cook stove, the galley is home to the ship's library of nautical reference materials, our collection of games, and extra warm blankets for use on deck.
Want to help out?
We are often looking for assistance with prep, dishes, and sometimes baking. Mention to Chef Jocelyn that you want to help and she will grab you as opportunities arise!