Cornelius Gallagher
Cornelius Gallagher

Want to know how to travel in style, just like the pros? We check in with frequent fliers to find out how often they fly, their favorite destinations and what they never leave home without.

Name: Chef Cornelius Gallagher

Hometown: Bronx, NY

Residence: South Florida

College and Major: Culinary Institute of America

Twitter: @ChefCorneliusG

Short Bio: Fortunate enough to have discovered his passion at a young age and after more than two decades in New York City’s culinary arena, Cornelius Gallagher oversees modern luxury cruise brand Celebrity Cruises’s food and beverage operations. As Associate Vice President, Chef Gallagher leads more than 7,000 food and beverage professionals and is responsible for all menu development and implementation as well as all aspects of culinary, service and beverage operations across the line’s 12 ships—and he is leading culinary innovation for the brand’s all-new Celebrity Edge, set to debut in November 2018.

Prior to his time in the cruise industry, Gallagher was Corporate Chef for the Bohlsen Group, where he oversaw six of the most well-known dining establishments on Long Island, NY. He also notably served as Executive Chef for Michelin-starred restaurant Oceana in Midtown Manhattan, where he earned a number of awards and accolades, including being named one of Food & Wine’s “Best New Chefs” and “Best Chef” by New York in 2003. He began his impressive career by working for some of the most renowned chefs, including David Bouley, Gray Kunz, Laurent Gras, Daniel Boulud, and Ferran Adria, among others, where he learned everything from the importance of disciplined cooking techniques and a la minute cookery, to mastering spices and incorporating innovative Indian and Asian cuisines into his repertoire.

How often do you fly? Monthly.

How many countries have you been to? Approximately 40 different countries.

How many continents have you been to? Five.

Earliest travel memory: My first flight to Chicago to work at Charlie Trotter’s restaurant.

Favorite American city: New York, of course!

Favorite international city: Paris, France.

Least favorite country: None, I have loved every country that I’ve visited.

Friendliest people in the world: People from the South here in the US.

Country with the meanest immigration officers: I’ve actually never had a bad experience!

Favorite airline: Qatar.

Favorite aircraft type: Boeing 777.

Aisle or window: Aisle!

Favorite airport lounge: Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong.

Favorite U.S. airport: Tie between Miami or Las Vegas.

Favorite international airport: Dubai.

Favorite hotel: Kimpton.

Favorite travel credit card: American Express Platinum, by far.

Favorite island: Ko Samet, Thailand.

Favorite beach: Clearwater Beach, FL.

Favorite National Park: Yosemite.

Favorite fancy restaurant: Daniel restaurant, NYC.

Favorite hole-in-the-wall: Please Don’t Tell, NYC (speakeasy).

Favorite bar: Employees Only, NY.

Favorite fruit: Passionfruit.

Favorite food: USDA prime dry-aged strip steak.

Least favorite food: Patty pan squash.

Drink of choice (in the air and on the ground): Water.

Favorite travel movie(s): Up in the Air.

Favorite travel show(s): Moveable Feast with Fine Cooking (PBS).

Right now I am reading: “How To Give A Ted Talk.”

Top 3 favorite travel newsletters/magazines/blogs: I have one favorite: Departures. 

5 things you bring on a plane: Bose noise-cancelling headphones, Priority Pass card, vitamin C, passport, iPhone.

What do you always seem to forget? To call my wife.

What do you like least about travel? Germs.

What do you want your loved one to buy you from an airport Duty Free store? Bottle of Grey Goose vodka.

Favorite travel app(s): Priority Pass. 

Most embarrassing travel moment: Nice try ☺

I’m embarrassed I haven’t been to: South Africa.

Worst travel moment: Traveling to China through massive turbulence!

What’s your dream destination? Koh Phi Phi, Thailand.

Favorite travel charity: Children’s Cancer Caring Center, Make-A-Wish foundation.

Best travel tip: Global Entry is a must, especially to bypass immigration lines!

 

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