Cathay Pacific Asia Miles - Cathay Pacific First Class Cooking Demo LAX-HKG (with photos!)

Many thanks to the FAs who let me observe them on my recent LAX-HKG trip:

Before takeoff the FAs put the rice in the rice cooker and add water (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/Ricecooker.JPG). The rice cooker comes on a retractable stand so that it can safely be stowed in the galley cabinet. After they pass through 10,000 feet the first thing they do is turn on the heating element so the piping hot fresh rice will be ready to serve to passengers. Next, they turn on the ovens. Usually on climbout the FAs write out the little placards given to each passenger. (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/Card.JPG) If you would like the premium tea advertised on the card, (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/Card2.JPG) just ask the FA and they will give it to you! (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/Tea.JPG)

Hopefully orders have already been taken during taxi so they can load the entrees into the oven straight away. It takes a while to heat the ovens and prepare the cold entrees, so in the meantime a FA can distract passengers with an elaborate silverware setup (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/Silverware.JPG) on the table in the center of the cabin. (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/Setup.JPG)

Unlike in J, the entrees are plated after reheating and come pre-packed in aluminum foil tins (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/Entreebefore.JPG). The tin is opened and any cold items are set aside. The tin is then resealed and the hot items are loaded into the oven for reheating. Once reheated the FAs assemble the entree into the desired configuration according to a book of photos and then present it to the passenger (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/Entreeafter.JPG).

Before the entrees are presented the caviar cart is prepared. (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/Caviar.JPG) Do you see those wrapped things in the upper right corner? If you want to look like a pro those are lemons and you are supposed to squeeze them through the mesh filter wrapping to prevent seeds and bits going on your caviar. One of the FAs will come around with the inflight manager (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/CCart.JPG) and serve you some delicious salmon and caviar. (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/Caviarafter.JPG)

During mealtime, the galley can be a busy place, (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/Galley.JPG) and the FAs wear mittens as the ovens are hot! Everything is organized and very efficient. In this picture, can you see the retractable rice cooker and thermos for soup? (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/Galley2.JPG)

After the meal service is complete comes the cheese cart, which is setup in the galley (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/Cheesebefore.JPG) and again served to customers usually along with the inflight manager. Doesn't this look good?? (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/Cheeseafter.JPG)

Once the meal is over it's time for cleanup in the galley (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/Cleanup.JPG) and then the crew can rest with one or two members assigned to check on passengers.

Since it is a 15 hour flight you can order a snack, such as the famous noodles which likewise come prepacked so they don't get soggy (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/NoodlesB4.JPG) and are specially made by CX. Yum this was so delicious! (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/Noodles.JPG) You can also order an appetizer from the extensive snack menu. These crabcakes don't look too good in the wrapper (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/CrabcakesBefore.JPG), but with the artistic touch of the FA can be made to appear mouth watering! (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/Crabcakes.JPG)

Sadly, no ice cream sundaes here! But would you like to look like a first class veteran again? CX uses dry ice packs to cool cold items, so the ice cream tends to be rock hard. Pros know before ordering the Haagen Daz (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/Icecream.JPG) to ask the FA to heat it in the oven so that you don't have to wait half an hour to be able to eat it with a spoon as it is frozen solid when it comes out!

It can be hard to work as a FA. They have to inspect and clean the bathroom after each passenger uses it and fold the toilet paper into a little V.

After landing since I was continuing onto TPE they let me hang out on the plane and watch the cabin cleaning as the aircraft was prepared to head back to LAX. One of the last duties of the departing crew (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/Crewrest.JPG) is to open all the overhead bins and check all around that premium passengers did not forget anything! The carpet in the F cabin is dusted (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/FCcleaning.JPG) and everytime the aircraft undergoes a maintenance check gets steam cleaned! All the linens and pillows are changed, too. (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/FCCleaning2.JPG) Each first class seat is carefully disinfected (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/FCSeatcleaning.JPG) and checked to make sure everything is in order. Next, a truck pulls up (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/Galleyloading.JPG) and loads all the meals (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/Galleyloading2.JPG) for the return flight. The Y cabin is cleaned as well and all those headrest things are replaced (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/YCleaning.JPG).

Does anyone know if crew have to undergo special training to learn how the galley in F works and how to serve up the food in F before they work in F or is this standard training for all crew?

I suppose that goes for all the specifics in F like how the seats work, etc.

Thanks for the fascinating insite.

very nice pics.... tks do u mind telling us which flight/date u'r travelling on this LAX /HKG sector?

very nice pics.... tks do u mind telling us which flight/date u'r travelling on this LAX /HKG sector?

I hope the OP does not divulge the flight/date these photos were taken. With the names provided I am sure it would not take a lot of detective work to see which flight attendants allowed these photos to be taken. I am not so sure Cathay Pacific management would be happy with these photos.

I hope the OP does not divulge the flight/date these photos were taken. With the names provided I am sure it would not take a lot of detective work to see which flight attendants allowed these photos to be taken. I am not so sure Cathay Pacific management would be happy with these photos.


too bad the names of the 3 F/As have been disclosed on one of the pics..... :o if any of the CX managements surfing this topic and not happy about it....oh no....

Being all -ve about this... it does shows the person touches with regards to service...(with the card) but there are rules to be followed..
Guess spilling too many beans do bugs management...

Thank you for another wonderful report on CX!

I am sure there are no major secrets being spilled out here. The rice cooker is a well publicized feature of F cabin and is actually common among all Asian carriers now (not sure about SQ though). TW carriers are proud of its rice cookers as well as porridge/congee makers. The noodles are quite known that they are specially made for CX and is cooked on board with hot water and soup powder. SQ's fish ball kway teow noodle soup is made in a similar way too, but with fish ball and condiments loaded separately. CX tried using soup stored at thermos for noodles, but the soup was often not hot enough to be served in the mid-flight... so they revert to soup powder. About entree preparation, there is nothing special because most airlines even UA do the same thing. Entrees are stored at tin foil and then F/A follows pictures to plate the dish. UA has its famous plating photos too.

The cleaning procedure is among the same for most top airlines. This pieces just shows me how safe I am flying with CX. I really like the disinfectant procedure, as well as changing headrests even in Y seats. During my last EK flights, during the stopovers at MLE, pillow covers are not changed but headrests are changed. But UL does not replace the headrests, but fresh blankets are used. Nowaday, I just won't use any blanket that is not kept in plastic bag.

This is a very good piece and CX should do more promo about the "behind the scene" thing so people know how thorough CX is with its cleaning and help folks to appreciate the "behind the scene" staff better. CX Management does not need to be mad at all. A good promo...

Thanks CuddlesMD!

Carfield

Thank you for another wonderful report on CX!

I am sure there are no major secrets being spilled out here. The rice cooker is a well publicized feature of F cabin and is actually common among all Asian carriers now (not sure about SQ though). TW carriers are proud of its rice cookers as well as porridge/congee makers.

I've never been that impressed with the CX F steamed rice. JL, NH, OZ, and KE make much better F rice at 30,000 feet. Even in J class, KE and and OZ have them beat. They use these pre-packaged self-steaming packages that keep the moisture in place, the rice is quasi-perfect. Maybe it has to do with the fact that they use either Koshihikari or a similar strain, while CX uses longer grain rice, of which I'm not a big fan.

Thank you for another wonderful report on CX!

I am sure there are no major secrets being spilled out here. The rice cooker is a well publicized feature of F cabin and is actually common among all Asian carriers now (not sure about SQ though). TW carriers are proud of its rice cookers as well as porridge/congee makers. The noodles are quite known that they are specially made for CX and is cooked on board with hot water and soup powder. SQ's fish ball kway teow noodle soup is made in a similar way too, but with fish ball and condiments loaded separately. CX tried using soup stored at thermos for noodles, but the soup was often not hot enough to be served in the mid-flight... so they revert to soup powder. About entree preparation, there is nothing special because most airlines even UA do the same thing. Entrees are stored at tin foil and then F/A follows pictures to plate the dish. UA has its famous plating photos too.

The cleaning procedure is among the same for most top airlines. This pieces just shows me how safe I am flying with CX. I really like the disinfectant procedure, as well as changing headrests even in Y seats. During my last EK flights, during the stopovers at MLE, pillow covers are not changed but headrests are changed. But UL does not replace the headrests, but fresh blankets are used. Nowaday, I just won't use any blanket that is not kept in plastic bag.

This is a very good piece and CX should do more promo about the "behind the scene" thing so people know how thorough CX is with its cleaning and help folks to appreciate the "behind the scene" staff better. CX Management does not need to be mad at all. A good promo...

Thanks CuddlesMD!

Carfield

I agree--I think this is an excellent report regarding the First Class service of Cathay Pacific. I love the photos. However, I am not so sure how many First Class passengers like strangers lurking over their food taking photos--albeit in the galley. Sometimes I go a bit far with germs and bacteria. Anyway, I do agree with the awesome photos and narrative!

you know what is interesting that CX and JL becuase of geographical location they have different preference of steamed rice. southern chinese probably prefer rice prepared less moisted than japanese/korean. thay are not using the same rice. goods news is they are all serving in the way which their locals prefer and having daily. now is down to personal preference. i enjoy CX clay pot rice as much as i like JL's beef curry on rice.


I've never been that impressed with the CX F steamed rice. JL, NH, OZ, and KE make much better F rice at 30,000 feet. Even in J class, KE and and OZ have them beat. They use these pre-packaged self-steaming packages that keep the moisture in place, the rice is quasi-perfect. Maybe it has to do with the fact that they use either Koshihikari or a similar strain, while CX uses longer grain rice, of which I'm not a big fan.

you know what is interesting that CX and JL becuase of geographical location they have different preference of steamed rice. southern chinese probably prefer rice prepared less moisted than japanese/korean. thay are not using the same rice. goods news is they are all serving in the way which their locals prefer and having daily. now is down to personal preference. i enjoy CX clay pot rice as much as i like JL's beef curry on rice.

Tell me something I don't know, your condescension is presumptous. Chinese steamed rice at a good restaurant tastes better than CX F steamed rice. Japanese steamed rice in JL F tastes as good as that on the ground.

Posted from OZ 103 NRT-ICN using Connexion By Boeing. AA, are you listening?

Tell me something I don't know, your condescension is presumptous.Whereas yours is because of your innate superiority?

Let's lighten up a little folks...

Hmmm did CuddlesMD get suspended for a reason?

He was a suspended user (CharlesMD) who appeared on FT on more than 50 different usernames, wrecking havoc upon the AA forum and angering a few people. Apparently JonNYC also got suspended today and some posts were deleted from this thread.

great pictures - somebody should email these to arpey to show him how an intl F meal should look - right now there is an AA thread about some fairly lame "improvements" to AA's inflight meals...

great pictures - somebody should email these to arpey to show him how an intl F meal should look - right now there is an AA thread about some fairly lame "improvements" to AA's inflight meals...
I am sure AA knows they have an inferior product. I am willing to bet more CX premium seats are filled with full fare passengers than AA.

One of the last duties of the departing crew (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/Crewrest.JPG) is to open all the overhead bins and check all around that premium passengers did not forget anything! The carpet in the F cabin is dusted (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/FCcleaning.JPG) and everytime the aircraft undergoes a maintenance check gets steam cleaned! All the linens and pillows are changed, too. (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/FCCleaning2.JPG) Each first class seat is carefully disinfected (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/FCSeatcleaning.JPG) and checked to make sure everything is in order. Next, a truck pulls up (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/Galleyloading.JPG) and loads all the meals (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/Galleyloading2.JPG) for the return flight. The Y cabin is cleaned as well and all those headrest things are replaced (http://charlesmd.web.aplus.net/Random/CX/YCleaning.JPG).


Ha ! On my F HKG-SFO, my pillow had a greasy yellow stain on it, there were old slippers sticking out of a storage pocket, and a visible layer of dust on everything as though it hadn't been dusted in weeks. The headphones had not been recovered, and the prior month's entertainment guide was there (October 3rd).

Ha ! On my F HKG-SFO, my pillow had a greasy yellow stain on it, there were old slippers sticking out of a storage pocket, and a visible layer of dust on everything as though it hadn't been dusted in weeks. The headphones had not been recovered, and the prior month's entertainment guide was there (October 3rd).

It would be absolutely impossible on a CX flight especially ex-HKG even if the turnaround time was tight. All linens are changed before every long haul flight especially in F, all seat pockets are checked, and refilled.

I can't say about the dust though.. as I do know that the ground cleaning crew are excellent. Are you sure you weren't just walking around with a white glove doing the finger test?

He was a suspended user (CharlesMD) who appeared on FT on more than 50 different usernames, wrecking havoc upon the AA forum and angering a few people. Apparently JonNYC also got suspended today and some posts were deleted from this thread.

I really wish CharlesMD had not been suspended. He had excellently written reports and pictures and really did contribute to the community. Too bad for us. :o