A New Culinary Partnership on Casco Bay: Chaval & The Ugly Duckling Aboard Private Charters
Casco Bay Custom Charters is thrilled to announce a new culinary partnership for the 2026 season with Portland’s acclaimed chefs Ilma Lopez and Damian Sansonetti, bringing the inspired flavors of Chaval and The Ugly Duckling to the waters of Casco Bay.
For years, Casco Bay Custom Charters has been dedicated to creating deeply authentic Maine experiences aboard our vintage vessels, from classic sightseeing cruises to bespoke food-forward journeys. This season, we are elevating those experiences even further by collaborating with two of Portland’s most celebrated culinary talents to craft exceptional dining experiences at sea.
Ilma Lopez and Damian Sansonetti are a powerhouse culinary team in Maine’s vibrant food scene. Between them, they have earned multiple James Beard Award nominations, including recognition for Outstanding Pastry Chef and Best Chef: Northeast. Their flagship restaurant, Chaval, is beloved for its Spanish- and French-influenced brasserie cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and refined yet welcoming approach to coastal fare. Alongside Chaval, The Ugly Duckling brings artisanal pastries, thoughtful breakfast and lunch fare, and community-focused hospitality to Portland’s dining landscape.
This partnership brings those culinary strengths onboard Casco Bay Custom Charters, pairing the beauty of Casco Bay with elevated, locally inspired dining. Guests choosing catering aboard any charter this season will enjoy specially curated menus reflecting the duo’s signature style, from Chaval-inspired tapas and conservas like tortilla española, boquerones, pulpo, and tuna confit, to Maine classics such as a buttery brioche lobster roll, alongside charcuterie and cheese boards, seasonal salads, and premium caviar service designed for celebrating on the water.
Our fleet of classic Maine vessels, including the 1969 restored lobster boat MONHEGAN and the vintage passenger cruiser MARIE L, provides the perfect setting for these elevated food experiences. Each vessel is lovingly maintained by our own team, preserving the authentic charm of traditional Maine boats while outfitting them for modern comfort and culinary enjoyment.
Among our signature experiences, the All-Inclusive Private Sunset Dinner Cruise aboard MONHEGAN continues to set a high bar: an intimate, chef-crafted multi-course dinner as the sun sets over Casco Bay. Meanwhile, our Bottomless Mimosas & Croissant Brunch aboard MARIE L offers a relaxed and celebratory way to start the day with handcrafted pastries and sparkling drinks on the water.
Catering is available on every charter, and guests can select from curated menu options during the booking process or up to 72 hours prior to departure. Whether you are planning a romantic evening, a family gathering, a corporate outing, or a celebration with friends, our food and drink offerings make it easy to turn a private cruise into something truly memorable.
We cannot wait to welcome this partnership aboard for the 2026 season, operating from Memorial Day Weekend through October 31. Whether you join us for a private sunset dinner, a lively brunch cruise, or a customizable charter with friends and family, this collaboration with Ilma Lopez and Damian Sansonetti brings the best of Portland’s culinary talent to the water.
Reserve your 2026 charter and experience Maine’s coast and cuisine like never before.