MIAMI, April 6 (UPI) -- When billionaire Charles Simonyi blasts into space from Kazakhstan Saturday, he'll be packing what could be considered the ultimate in astronaut food.
Instead of the usual National Aeronautical and Space Administration or Russian space agency fare, Simonyi will be feasting on a six-course gourmet menu selected by culinary goddess and his girlfriend Martha Stewart, The Times of London reports.
Simonyi, who was a key Microsoft developer until leaving to form his own company in 2002, won't be eating NASA's freeze-dried spaghetti or heat-in-the-bag brisket while traveling to the International Space Station.
After paying $20 million to become the fifth commercial "space tourist," Simonyi doesn't have to settle for the Russian space agency's tinned beetroot soup and jellied perch.
No, he'll be packing, among other things, roasted quail in a Madeira wine sauce, duck breast confit with capers and shredded chicken Parmentier.
In an interview in Miami Simonyi said space fare can over time be monotonous. "I am certain a little variation will be surely welcome."
Simonyi's 11-day journey was brokered by Space Adventures, a Virginia company, in conjunction with the Russian space agency.
