Qantas is rather well known for the Neil Perry Rockpool menu onboard, and particularly, the tasting menu. No caviar, which I didn't mind at all. In fact, I wished some carriers would just drop the mediocre caviar they serve, which still costs a substantial amount of money and used that towards improving the overall catering on board. This is a concept that Qantas clearly understands. ^
2014-04-28 16.53.01 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
Lots of choice beyond the tasting menu. ^
2014-04-28 16.53.09 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
The wine list (again I know jack about wines, I'm only learning the ropes now - but I'd reckon any of these would beat the goon fellow backpackers were getting me to drink. That stuff was truly swill!)
2014-04-28 16.57.59 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
I was disappointed that the list of champagnes didn't match what was onboard (only Pol Roger and no Tattinger Comtes de Champagne or La Grande Dame, which I had hoped to try. Boo
)
2014-04-28 16.57.53 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
It was a good hour before service started. No drinks offered or an update on when the meal would start until then.
Again, I had to flag down the attendant to ask if I could make my meal selections (I ordered the full tasting menu, fish as my main course, plus another appetizer.) Though I was thankful for that long wait in the end, to give myself some extra time to finish digesting that extravagant lunch I had in the lounge.
Potato Blini with Salmon Roe and Tartlet of Gorgonzola Cream with Walnuts. Not bad!
2014-04-28 16.53.49 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
It was another good hour until tablecloths and the table were set out. Again, I didn't mind the shockingly slow service, as I was slowly developing an appetite - but would it have hurt them to provide us an update?
The table was very large and plenty spacious for 2 people to dine.
2014-04-28 17.57.13 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
I opted for the wine pairings with was a nice complement to the tasting menu (though after doing some Googling most of these wines were pretty cheap.) This was the first white wine, the Cape Mentelle Sauvignon Blanc Semilla 2012.
2014-04-28 17.59.19 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
Butter and sea salt:
2014-04-28 17.57.39 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
Bread:
2014-04-28 18.21.15 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
Roasted Carrot and Thyme Soup with Dill Creme Fraiche. Very similar to the soup in the lounge. It was hearty and flavourful with nicely crispy croutons on top.
2014-04-28 18.32.45 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
Salad of Seared Yellowfin Tuna, Cucumber, Black Fungi, Sesame and Hot Chilli Bean Dressing. This was excellent. The sauce had some real kick to it, to my surprise!
2014-04-28 18.41.46 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
Second appetizer of Smoked Ocean Trout, Avocado Salad and Fennel Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette. Tasty, but not as good as the ocean trout appetizer in the lounge.
2014-04-28 18.54.17 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
Second wine of the Coldstream Hills Reserve Chardonnay 2011, Yarra Valley. This was noticeably better than the first and I just stuck with this one for the rest of the meal. ^
2014-04-28 18.52.12 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
Main of Herb Crusted "Glacier 51" Patagonian Toothfish with Pan Fried Polenta, Marinated Mushrooms and Tomato Sauce. Amazing, amazing, amazing. I never thought a fish dish could be this good in a plane, and it was among my top fish dishes I've ever eaten. The toothfish was wonderfully rich and flavourful and seasoned just right. I only ate half the polenta (which was too soggy for my liking.) I'd fly QF F again just for this dish.
2014-04-28 19.11.58 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
Side salad (sure looks a bit sad compared to the last two salads!)
2014-04-28 19.12.00 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
Baked Quince and Almond Pudding with Double Cream. It was served piping hot and was excellent, though I only ate half of it as I swore the waist of my pyjamas were going to tear.
2014-04-28 19.24.04 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
A beautiful sunset to signal the end of a great meal:
2014-04-28 19.33.42 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
But I had to be greedy and get the cheese plate too, along with the dessert wine (Lillypilly Noble Blend 2008) I only liked the cheese in the middle. This confirmed to me again, that I cannot stand cheese with any kind of mold on it.
2014-04-28 19.37.23 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
Last but not least, peppermint tea and chocolates. The chocolates were definitely interesting (one was tahini flavoured, for instance)
2014-04-28 20.01.13 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
I have to note that service during the meal did improve substantially. My plates were cleared quickly and the meal service was timed perfectly without being rushed (it took 1.5 hours in total.) Refills were also offered just at the right time. The attendants in the cabin were clearly working quite hard - having only two attendants work the meal service was a pretty tall order for 14 passengers, so I still applaud their effort.
Next part: Bedtime and Snacktime