Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan - Disturbing News about Bar @ LAX Boardroom

So folks, I am here to post about some disturbing news I heard. First off , the main bartender there is not going to be in charge of the bar anymore but rather consulting or reporting to a person that has no idea of how to run the bar. He was "politically correct" in his response as to why he is no longer in charge, but he is a good guy and won't bad mouth anyone behind their backs. Secondly, they are looking at selling premium wine for $20 for a caraffe (which honestly looks like a vase for a plant or flower), and only serving one type of white wine a month.

They also switched from Beringer (which I must say is a very decent brand) to Glen Ellen (YUCK!). Also, they went from Wein's to some cheap champagne I saw at 7-11 for $7.99 a bottle. What is happening to this boardroom and their bar? Does this new person really know what they are doing and do they realize that they are really hurting the bar and us loyal members? If this is the case I'm upset that they are going to be taking away something else.

I fly through in the morning and return at night, and I notice that the food seems to favor the mornings and the evenings seems to be the little red headed step child. The very nice blonde lady served meatballs the other night, and I must say, it was a nice surprise. Nice to actually have something to eat instead of coming into the boardroom at 8:00 p.m. and have there be no soup, old cheese and dry salad. There used to be two soups, but I hear there is only one soup...what about us folks that fly later in the evening???

So, my ranting is done...but please please please put the one bartender who knew his stuff (Asian guy) back in charge of the bar and ordering and let him run it.

Thoughts?

So folks, I am here to post about some disturbing news I heard. First off , the main bartender there is not going to be in charge of the bar anymore but rather consulting or reporting to a person that has no idea of how to run the bar. He was "politically correct" in his response as to why he is no longer in charge, but he is a good guy and won't bad mouth anyone behind their backs. Secondly, they are looking at selling premium wine for $20 for a caraffe (which honestly looks like a vase for a plant or flower), and only serving one type of white wine a month.

They also switched from Beringer (which I must say is a very decent brand) to Glen Ellen (YUCK!). Also, they went from Wein's to some cheap champagne I saw at 7-11 for $7.99 a bottle. What is happening to this boardroom and their bar? Does this new person really know what they are doing and do they realize that they are really hurting the bar and us loyal members? If this is the case I'm upset that they are going to be taking away something else.

I fly through in the morning and return at night, and I notice that the food seems to favor the mornings and the evenings seems to be the little red headed step child. The very nice blonde lady served meatballs the other night, and I must say, it was a nice surprise. Nice to actually have something to eat instead of coming into the boardroom at 8:00 p.m. and have there be no soup, old cheese and dry salad. There used to be two soups, but I hear there is only one soup...what about us folks that fly later in the evening???

So, my ranting is done...but please please please put the one bartender who knew his stuff (Asian guy) back in charge of the bar and ordering and let him run it.

Thoughts?AS is notorious for using generic alcohol and wines at the other Boardrooms. Why would you expect LAX to be different? There is nothing that you could, would or should drink straight or on the rocks unless you are buying premium drinks. As to the carafe, selling mini-bottles has been standard at ANC for a couple of years. No carafe, just a smal bottle of drinkable wine.

They move into the new location and are now adjusting the service to the normal standards.....

AS is notorious for using generic alcohol and wines at the other Boardrooms. Why would you expect LAX to be different? There is nothing that you could, would or should drink straight or on the rocks unless you are buying premium drinks. As to the carafe, selling mini-bottles has been standard at ANC for a couple of years. No carafe, just a smal bottle of drinkable wine.

They move into the new location and are now adjusting the service to the normal standards.....

I realize that that may be the standard of AS, but everyone in the LAX Boardroom keep saying they are different than SEA, ANC, PDX and honestly I believe it because at least they are trying. They trying to push the norm, albeit with some pushback I'm sure from SEA, but they are at least trying, and I can appreciate that. What I don't like is they giveth, and then they taketh away from you.

I realize that that may be the standard of AS, but everyone in the LAX Boardroom keep saying they are different than SEA, ANC, PDX and honestly I believe it because at least they are trying. They trying to push the norm, albeit with some pushback I'm sure from SEA, but they are at least trying, and I can appreciate that. What I don't like is they giveth, and then they taketh away from you.

In all of my years as a BR member, I have had very few experiences with the BR concierges that were not outstandingly pleasant, kind and happy. I've gotten my share fair of hugs since I know many of them through my travels.
However, they have no control over what is served, food or drink wise.

That is all controlled, ordered and accounted for by behind the scenes AS personnel. They must comply with the company program as spelled out by AS.

Remember, it is truly "AS giveth, AS taketh away". It's not the front line people we see in our travels.

Follow the chip, chip chip thread. This is definitely "Chip worthy".

So long as they keep serving Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, properly chilled, all is well in my world.

I realize that that may be the standard of AS, but everyone in the LAX Boardroom keep saying they are different than SEA, ANC, PDX and honestly I believe it because at least they are trying. They trying to push the norm, albeit with some pushback I'm sure from SEA, but they are at least trying, and I can appreciate that. What I don't like is they giveth, and then they taketh away from you.

For a while, LAX was different because they had extra income from Virgin Australia.

First I have only flown on the evening LAX-PDX departures out of LAX for the past 6 years (probably 60 times in that time span).

In that time I have only seen female concierges (who are great and quite pleasant) and never have I seen an actual bartender. It is always the ladies from the front desk coming over to pour drinks.

Only been in the new BR once (2 weeks ago) and there was no bartender. So who is this mythical male bartender and when does he work?

They also switched from Beringer (which I must say is a very decent brand) to Glen Ellen (YUCK!).

Thoughts?

These are the same price point, more or less - especially on the wholesale level. Neither is a "very decent brand."

First I have only flown on the evening LAX-PDX departures out of LAX for the past 6 years (probably 60 times in that time span).

In that time I have only seen female concierges (who are great and quite pleasant) and never have I seen an actual bartender. It is always the ladies from the front desk coming over to pour drinks.

Only been in the new BR once (2 weeks ago) and there was no bartender. So who is this mythical male bartender and when does he work?

He works in the evenings on Thursday Friday and Saturday. He is a bigger Asian guy. He knows how to make the drinks the right way. I hate ordering a Gin and Tonic and getting it in a tall glass...he always makes it right and correct. In addition, he also makes the best bloody mary's I've tasted, and they are all good, but his, just has better flavor and it just tastes better.

He works in the evenings on Thursday Friday and Saturday. He is a bigger Asian guy. He knows how to make the drinks the right way. I hate ordering a Gin and Tonic and getting it in a tall glass...he always makes it right and correct. In addition, he also makes the best bloody mary's I've tasted, and they are all good, but his, just has better flavor and it just tastes better.

I have been in the old BR 20+ times with several being on a Thursday or Friday and don't ever recall seeing the gentleman you are referring to.

How late does he start? My flight is usually out at 5pm or so and usually vacating the BR around 4:30 on those days.

Sounds like my loss since he is heavy handed with the pour. :(

I have been in the old BR 20+ times with several being on a Thursday or Friday and don't ever recall seeing the gentleman you are referring to.

How late does he start? My flight is usually out at 5pm or so and usually vacating the BR around 4:30 on those days.

Sounds like my loss since he is heavy handed with the pour. :(

I think his name is Jeffrey? Nice guy. He indeed makes a very spicy and delicious bloody mary. Only been in the LAX BR 5x, seen him a couple of times midday or early afternoon. I will miss the Weins and the old views. I liked LAX's BR bar most of any location. They had an extensive cocktail menu, though they were usually missing ingredients for half of the items.