Moomba
Jun 1, 07, 4:02 pm
Oh no not him again! Yes me again this time with a tale of new F (soft product) on QF.
I thought I would add another report to my library which so far consists of the following TRs.
RTW report in First on OW carriers (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=543678)
F BA to YYZ (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=564379)
Planes, trains and cherry blossoms again in F on BA (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=683241)
My nutty weekend (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=693511)
Back in July last year I noticed that dates were posted for OzFest which just happened to be in my home town this year. I checked EF for availability in F to MEL and what do you know? QF showed some Z availability for the dates I wanted.
A quick call to the AA call centre in Dublin, whilst waiting on the platform at London Bridge for a train to LGW, and I was booked on to my desired flights. It was surprisingly easy to arrange and for the princely sum of 60 odd quid and 160000 AA miles I was confirmed on QF30 to MEL via HKG and QF9 via SIN to LHR.
All I had to do was wait until May 07 until I was able to continue with the story.
After a crazy 163227 butt in seat miles flown in the interim period at last the date arrived.
The flight was to depart at 12:40 so I was able to make a leisurely start to the day and headed out to the tube station around 09:00.
A couple of quick tube journeys and I was boarding the Heathrow Express train at Paddington. Thanks to Raffles I was able to secure upgraded seats on the HEX to start this journey off on the right note.
On board I grabbed an FT and a copy of Wallpaper magazine. What a wonderful concept that is? A magazine that you pay for that is 99.9% glossy advertising! A little like paying for ads on Pay TV services.
Guess what? HEX was running on time and actually delivered me to T4 at the scheduled time. Well wonders will never cease.
I do like exiting those elevator doors at T4 and walking straight on with a slight veer to the right. There were 4 desks manned and all occupied with a single person in front of me waiting to be served. I noticed my stalker KenJohn was being checked in at another agent. Some of you may remember from my RTW TR that KenJohn and his parents shared the F cabin with me on a SIN-HKG flight last year.
The guy in front of me soon moved on and another agent called me over.
I handed my passport over and he proceeded to check me in to seat 3A on this QF flight to HKG.
KenJohn informed me he would meet up with me post security as he was off to visit Travelex.
My agent said there was a note in my record to ring the QF supervisor at LHR which he did. He chatted for a while to the supervisor and then let me know that it was just a courtesy call to ensure I had no special needs and that I was a happy flyer.
With BP in hand I went down to security and the Fast Track lane. The line was not that long but if it had have been going any slower we would have been moving backwards. After what seemed like an eternity I finally made my way through the scanner without being frisked.
KenJohn was only a few places behind me at this stage but still to an age to make it through security. Of course they took a disliking to his bag and made him wait for at least 10 minutes before someone checked it out. Bloody LHR security is a disgrace and about as people friendly as the arctic. at one point the one person manuallly checking people’s bags decided it was their break time and just walked off with around 4 people’s bags waiting to be searched. It wasn’t until on of those waiting started to get stroppy that someone else took over the task.
Finally we were on our way to the Concorde Room where I was going to guest KenJohn in as he was slumming it in J this day on his way to SIN.
In the lounge I proceeded to do the mandatory bacon baguette and glass of champagne. Oh horror of horrors I can’t remember what the champagne was, but it was pink. ;)
I noticed my bird sitting opposite the lounge at the very last gate on the Victor pier. Bewdy!
The flight was called around 11:40 and I said my goodbyes to KenJohn and started the long walk to Gate 25.
There was no queue at the gate as the majority of people had boarded by the time I arrived. There was one poor sod who did not have an Aussie visa and spoke little English and as I headed down the ramp was being told to ‘sit over there’.
HEX First Class Cabin (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1f669ef3300000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
My Bird at Gate 25 (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1f1912e6000000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
Bacon Baguette (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1e9aeaf6300000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
Flight QF30 LHR-HKG
Seat 3A
Departure time: 12:20
Aircraft: 747-400
Only door 1 was being used for boarding as this was LHR.
My jacket was taken, and marinated olives and roasted almonds were offered along with a drink. I asked for champagne and in true QF style the attendant returned with a glass and then showed me the bottle before pouring my glass of Krug.
The new amenity kits were handed out which is a small zippered ‘pencil case’ type arrangement that contained various creams, mints and earplugs. The FA came around with a basket containing, slippers, socks, eye masks, toothpaste and brush and shaving kits. The new QF F PJs were then handed out. There was a lambswool blanket and pillow at the seat.
I was offered, and accepted refills of the Krug whilst waiting on the ground. There were some no shows and bags needed to be offloaded. I wondered if it was the no visa guy from the gate they were offloading.
The doors eventually closed at 12:33 and at 12:40 we pushed back.
It was a beautifully sunny day in London after a week of dreary dull and wet weather. I thought that would be right I leave and the weather picks up.
After the seat belt signs were switched off the crew busied themselves taking the drinks orders for a pre lunch tipple.
No prizes for guessing what I ordered.
My champagne was soon delivered along with a small glass of Gazpacho and a Lamb and Goats cheese tart. The tart was lovely and the Gazpacho was quite spicy but was very difficult to extract from the little glass without the aid of some implement. My tongue may be large but it wasn’t long enough to disgorge the spicy red treat from its glass. Eventually I asked an FA for a spoon and she said that the Gazpacho was thick today and was usually much runnier.
Now I can’t read my scribbled notes for this section but I think it had something to do with the flight path. I remember noting that we were travelling way way further North to get to HKG than I had done a few weeks before on my nutty weekend trip from ZRH (see TR above).
I looked around the cabin whilst supping on Krug and noted that all but two of the seats in F were occupied for this flight.
Anyway back to the food.
The menu for our lunch service was as follows:
LONDON TO HONG KONG
LUNCH
CANAPÉS
ENTRÉES
Chickpea Soup with Lobster
Salad of Chicken and Asian Vegetables with Spicy Soy Dressing
There was also an insert in the menu with a Seasonal Feature
ENTRÉE
Salad of Asparagus and Quail Eggs with Pan Fried Prosciutto
SALAD
A salad of Rocket, Red Chard, Mizuna and Baby Spinach is available to accompany your main course, or can be enjoyed as an entrée, dressed with your choice of Aged Balsamic Vinaigrette, Palm Sugar Vinaigrette, Blue Cheese Dressing or Lemon Vinaigrette.
MAIN COURSES
Roast Sweet Potato with Mixed Dhal and Basmati Rice
Seared Halibut with Shitakes, Shallots and Yellow Bean Sauce
Barbecue Duck with Gremolata
Pan Fried Pork Cutlet with Calvados and Apples
A LIGHTER MEAL CHOICE
Halibut Fillet with Fresh Lemon Juice and Olive Oil
SIDE DISHES
Jasmine Rice
Braised Radicchio Hearts
Steamed Potatoes
Bok Choy
Sugar Snap Peas
Spinach with Nutmeg
A choice of mustards and condiments is available
CHEESE
Hand selected blue, soft and hard cheese served with accompaniments
DESSERT
Warm Treacle Tart with Clotted Cream
Assiette – a tasting plate of desserts
Sliced Fresh Seasonal Fruit
PETITS FOURS
Chocolates
Sultana Financier
REFRESHMENT
Indulge in a delicious refreshment any time during your flight. Your Flight Attendant will be pleased to offer a selection of soups, toasted sandwiches, seasonal fruit, cheese, ice cream cakes and biscuits.
BEVERAGES
APERITIFS
Bloody Mary
Campari
Noilly Prat French Dry Vermouth
Seppelt DP116 Dry Amontillado
SPIRITS
Bacardi White Rum
Bombay Sapphire Dry London Gin
Chivas Regal 18yo Scotch Whisky
Glenlivet 18yo Single Malt Whisky
Inner Circle (Green Dot) Dark Rum 57.2%
Wild Turkey Rare Breed 108° Bourbon
Wyborowa Single Estate Vodka
BEERS
Crown Larger
Hahn Premium
LIQUEURS
Bailey’s Irish Cream
Cointreau
COGNAC
Martell Cordon Bleu
NON ALCOHOLIC
Apple Juice
Orange Juice
Spicy Tomato Juice
Tomato Juice
Mineral Water
Soda Water
Tonic Water
Bundaberg Ginger Beer
Cola
Diet Cola
Ginger Ale
Lemonade
Solo – Lemon Squash
HOT BEVERAGES
Served with Petits Fours
GRINDERS COFFEE
Café Latte
Cappuccino
Decaffeinated
Espresso
Flat White
Long Black
Mocha
Liqueur Coffee
TEA
Quality loose leaf teas served in individual Bodums
BLACK LEAF
Assam
Darjeeling
HERBAL
Lemon Citrus Blend
Peppermint Blend
Other teas available on request
HOT CHOCOLATE
WINE LIST
CHAMPAGNE
Krug Grande Cuvée NV
WHITE WINE
Knappstein Ackland Vineyard Reisling 2006
Tyrrells Vat 1 Hunter Valley Semillon 1999
Port Philip Estate Chardonnay 2004
RED WINE
Tarrawarra Estate Pinot Noir 2003
Torbeck The Struie Shiraz 2004
Setanta ‘Black Sanglain’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
DESSERT WINE
De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Semillon 2004
FORTIFIED WINE
Morris Old Premium Liqueur Muscat & Tokay
I was asked for my meal order and if I wanted butter or olive oil and vinegar to go with my bread.
My table was set for lunch and the now expected plastic cutlery was delivered to my table. To serve such a quality repast with fine Noritake china and glassware with plastic cutlery is just plain ridiculous.
The soup was up first along with a choice of wholemeal or sour dough bread rolls. The soup was very nice with big chunks of lobster meat throughout. I enjoyed the Semillon with this course.
After the soup more rolls were offered and then the salad and main course were placed at my table. The main was quite tasty and the shiraz I was drinking with it was even tastier.
The dessert taster came next which consisted of a small bread and butter pudding with citrus, a chocolate mouse cake and crème Brule.
I washed this repast down with a glass of the absolutely delectable Noble One.
After I had devoured the dessert another glass of Noble One was supped whilst attempting to shove even more food in my face in the form of the cheese plate.
One thing I noticed on this flight was that there were no announcements from the captain at all about weather on route, estimated time of arrival etc.
The CSM came around at one point and introduced herself and was handing out HKG immigrations forms if needed.
Pre-takeoff champagne (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1e9b4af7900000037110AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
On board looking forward (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1e9c52e3800000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
Pre dinner drinks (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1ec0aef5d00000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
The view outside (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1ec596e3e00000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
The Table was set (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1ec3eef6900000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
Chickpea and Lobster Soup (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1ecd0ef8700000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
Pork Cutlet (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1e0516e3000000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
Dessert Taster (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1e0476e2600000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
Finally the cheese (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1e128afe100000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
I spent some time surfing the AVOD system and was able to select several offerings to my taste. Unfortunately all the food and alcohol took its toll and I eventually succumbed to sleep and did not wake until noises and odours from the galley told me breakfast was in the making.
BREAKFAST
Orange Juice
Apple Juice
Tomato Juice
Sunraysia Mango Liquid Fruit
Sunraysia Pear Liquid Fruit
Apricot and Honey Energiser Drink
Fresh Fruit Salad
Bircher Muesli
Toasted Muesli
Cereal Selection
Yoghurt and Honey
Toast
Croissant
Blueberry Muffin
Steamed Chinese Bun
Selection of Conserves
Strawberry Jam, Orange Marmalade, Honey, Vegemite
Scrambled Eggs
Bacon
Sausages
Smoked Salmon
Sauteed Spinach
Roast Vine Ripened Tomatoes
Potato Cakes
Tomato Relish
Braised Beans and Savoury French Toast baked with Herbs, Bacon and Emmental
I started with the smoothie and some Bircher muesli. Both were delicious and went down a treat. Along came the toast and a small jar of vegemite. Ah 'tis nice to be on an airline that serves this black mud that I grew up on.
The toast was lovely and crusty and not at all soggy.
I followed up with some scrambled eggs, bacon and tomatoes.
After breakfast I changed back into my street gear and settled in with a Peppermint Tea.
Museli (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1e002ef5300000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
Toast and Vegemite (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1e43d6e5e00000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
Bacon and Eggs (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1e4316e5200000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
As we were coming in to land Ms 2E had the effrontery to vomit several times into several sick bags. How dare she? One does not vomit in First Class!
We landed and pulled up to gate 15 at HKG airport and I bid my farewell to the all female crew, who by the way did not use my name once throughout the flight, and walked up the long ramp and into the airport.
I wandered up to the CX Wing F lounge to have a shower and relax a while.
Around 45 minutes before my flight was due to leave again I decided to go and check out the BA/QF lounge which was up near my gate anyway. The lounge was heaving with people and some were still waiting for showers when I walked in. There is not much on offer in the First class section which you get to after walking through the business class section. I was glad I had spent most of my time in the calm of the CX F lounge which was very quiet at that time of the morning.
As the boarding time approached I made my way to the gate. I walked down to the next gate to see where the other QF 767 was headed. It was bound for SYD and I was not so I headed back to 15 and straight on board as they had just opened to the doors as I was walking up.
Flight QF30 HKG-MEL
Seat 3A
Departure time: 09:10
Aircraft: 747-400
A flight attendant approached and introduced herself and said she would be looking after me for the flight.
I was offered another sleep suit and slippers etc as on the previous sector.
I was offered a drink and by now you really must know what I ordered. To my surprise the glass came out but the bottle proffered up was the Charles Heidsieck ‘Blanc des Millenaires’ 1995. Whilst not the Krug that I had now become accustomed to it was an acceptable alternative and was a vintage wine rather than NV.
The purser came around and introduced herself and chatted briefly to me.
This time around my name was used all the time during the entire flight.
At 09:20 we pushed back and were in the air by 09:35 taking off toward Hong Kong and then banked around to head on south to the land down under.
The front portion of the aircraft had the same occupants as on the LHR-SIN with the exception of 4A & F that had left us in HKG. This meant there was a compliment of 10 for this sector.
The menu for this flight was a difficult one to devour. It is entitled All Day Dining and was a list of the following items that could be ordered at any time during the flight.
HONG KONG TO MELBOURNE
ALL DAY DINING
Choose from a broad range of dishes and enjoy a long leisurely meal or a light snack. The choice is yours.
Orange Juice
Apple Juice
Tomato Juice
Sunraysia Pear Liquid Fruit
Sunraysia Mango Liquid Fruit
Berry Energiser Drink
Fresh Tropical Fruit with Lime Wedges
Banana Fritters with Maple Syrup and Cinnamon
Crispy Potato Cakes with Sour Cream, Bacon and Chives
Pumpkin, Shallot and Coconut Soup
Zucchini and Basil Soup
Salad of King Prawns and Rocket with Gazpacho Dressing
Chinese Roast Duck and Lychee Salad with Cashew Nuts
Plate of Cured Meats with Reggiano and Pickled Fennel
Our Signature Lamb, Pea and Mint Pie with Tomato Relish
A Green Leaf Salad is available to accompany your main course, or can be enjoyed as an entrée, dressed with your choice of Aged Balsamic Vinaigrette, Palm Sugar Vinaigrette, Blue Cheese Dressing or Lemon Vinaigrette
Semolina Gnocchi with Artichokes, Green Olives and Sage
Sea Bass with Horseradish Crème Fraiche, Potato Puree and Garlic Broccoli
Roast Chicken with Lemongrass and Ginger, Pak Choy and Fragrant Fried Rice
Cantonese Style Braised Beef with Chu Hou Sauce and Hand Cut Noodles
A choice of mustards and condiments is available
CHEESE
Hand selected blue, soft and hard cheese served with accompaniments
DESSERT
Carrot and Almond Cake with Orange Syrup and Mascarpone
White Chocolate Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce
Ice Cream Tubs
Sliced Fresh Fruit
PETITS FOURS
Chocolates
Tart Fraicheur
Pecan and Cranberry Cookie
Butterscotch Brownies
I didn’t know what to order and asked the very friendly FA for a recommendation. She suggested the roast chicken which I agreed to have along with a salad.
I spent much of the first part of the flight looking out the window as the various island nations of the pacific passed by below me.
After I was done with the chicken the FA asked me if I could be tempted with some dessert. Upon inspection of the menu again I couldn’t resist trying the white chocolate cheesecake. I asked for some Noble One to go with it and the FA informed me that they had none left. I was in shock and she could tell and offered up as a substitute the Muscat. The Muscat was so thick it practically glugged out of the bottle like oil. It was devine though and was like drinking liquid raisins.
My Bird at HKG (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1e4016e6200000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
Roast Chook (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1e55eaf9500000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
Great View (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1fb09afcd00000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
More Great Views (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1f87f6e1200000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
White Chocolate Cheesecake (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1f8ef6e8200000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
I spent time watching movies, looking out the window whilst listening to music on the AVOD and drinking copious amounts of water. I wonder why? :)
Eventually I dozed off again and awoke about an hour and 40 minutes out of MEL. Looking out the window to the east as the sun was setting on the other side of the plane I marvelled at the stark beauty of the Australian desert landscape.
The ever attentive FA noticed my return from slumber and asked if I was hungry. I said I could be tempted with the lamb pie. After all it was their signature dish, it would be rude not to try it.
Around 20 minutes later my table was set for the last time on this flight and the pie placed before me. I opted for some of the champagne to wash it down with.
They used metal cutlery on this flight with the exception of the knife which was plastic.
During the remainder of the flight I listened to jazz music and watched the world go by outside. Well the lights of the world go by anyway as it was dark.
I changed back into my civies and packed everything away in preparation for landing. One thing I noticed with the QF flights is that they put the seat belt on only about 10 minutes before landing, which must be one of the latest of
any flights I have been on.
Lamb Pie (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1f8b96ed400000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
We arrived at MEL and pulled up to our gate which was close to the main part of the terminal. Several other flights had landed at the same time and the queues at immigration were quite long. My seat mate in 3E had clued me up that I should head to the left hand side where there was a channel for people with the new chip encrusted passports. It worked a treat and I was through into the baggage hall in minutes.
The bags took some time to emerge and mine with it’s nice yellow First tag was one of the first out.
One thing remained now and that was to go through the baggage screening
process that Australia insists on. Now as Oz is heavily dependant on in natural resources and quite rightly wish to protect our land from any introduced nasties, I understand the need to xray incoming baggage. But they really need to get their act together and make the process more efficient. The queues to the screening looped all over the baggage hall and no one was making them orderly at all. It was a mess. I eventually escaped into the free world an hour after the plane landed which is just not acceptable.
Ok that is it for now. These things take ages to write up and I want some dinner.
The return journey will be posted in the next day or so.
I thought I would add another report to my library which so far consists of the following TRs.
RTW report in First on OW carriers (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=543678)
F BA to YYZ (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=564379)
Planes, trains and cherry blossoms again in F on BA (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=683241)
My nutty weekend (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=693511)
Back in July last year I noticed that dates were posted for OzFest which just happened to be in my home town this year. I checked EF for availability in F to MEL and what do you know? QF showed some Z availability for the dates I wanted.
A quick call to the AA call centre in Dublin, whilst waiting on the platform at London Bridge for a train to LGW, and I was booked on to my desired flights. It was surprisingly easy to arrange and for the princely sum of 60 odd quid and 160000 AA miles I was confirmed on QF30 to MEL via HKG and QF9 via SIN to LHR.
All I had to do was wait until May 07 until I was able to continue with the story.
After a crazy 163227 butt in seat miles flown in the interim period at last the date arrived.
The flight was to depart at 12:40 so I was able to make a leisurely start to the day and headed out to the tube station around 09:00.
A couple of quick tube journeys and I was boarding the Heathrow Express train at Paddington. Thanks to Raffles I was able to secure upgraded seats on the HEX to start this journey off on the right note.
On board I grabbed an FT and a copy of Wallpaper magazine. What a wonderful concept that is? A magazine that you pay for that is 99.9% glossy advertising! A little like paying for ads on Pay TV services.
Guess what? HEX was running on time and actually delivered me to T4 at the scheduled time. Well wonders will never cease.
I do like exiting those elevator doors at T4 and walking straight on with a slight veer to the right. There were 4 desks manned and all occupied with a single person in front of me waiting to be served. I noticed my stalker KenJohn was being checked in at another agent. Some of you may remember from my RTW TR that KenJohn and his parents shared the F cabin with me on a SIN-HKG flight last year.
The guy in front of me soon moved on and another agent called me over.
I handed my passport over and he proceeded to check me in to seat 3A on this QF flight to HKG.
KenJohn informed me he would meet up with me post security as he was off to visit Travelex.
My agent said there was a note in my record to ring the QF supervisor at LHR which he did. He chatted for a while to the supervisor and then let me know that it was just a courtesy call to ensure I had no special needs and that I was a happy flyer.
With BP in hand I went down to security and the Fast Track lane. The line was not that long but if it had have been going any slower we would have been moving backwards. After what seemed like an eternity I finally made my way through the scanner without being frisked.
KenJohn was only a few places behind me at this stage but still to an age to make it through security. Of course they took a disliking to his bag and made him wait for at least 10 minutes before someone checked it out. Bloody LHR security is a disgrace and about as people friendly as the arctic. at one point the one person manuallly checking people’s bags decided it was their break time and just walked off with around 4 people’s bags waiting to be searched. It wasn’t until on of those waiting started to get stroppy that someone else took over the task.
Finally we were on our way to the Concorde Room where I was going to guest KenJohn in as he was slumming it in J this day on his way to SIN.
In the lounge I proceeded to do the mandatory bacon baguette and glass of champagne. Oh horror of horrors I can’t remember what the champagne was, but it was pink. ;)
I noticed my bird sitting opposite the lounge at the very last gate on the Victor pier. Bewdy!
The flight was called around 11:40 and I said my goodbyes to KenJohn and started the long walk to Gate 25.
There was no queue at the gate as the majority of people had boarded by the time I arrived. There was one poor sod who did not have an Aussie visa and spoke little English and as I headed down the ramp was being told to ‘sit over there’.
HEX First Class Cabin (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1f669ef3300000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
My Bird at Gate 25 (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1f1912e6000000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
Bacon Baguette (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1e9aeaf6300000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
Flight QF30 LHR-HKG
Seat 3A
Departure time: 12:20
Aircraft: 747-400
Only door 1 was being used for boarding as this was LHR.
My jacket was taken, and marinated olives and roasted almonds were offered along with a drink. I asked for champagne and in true QF style the attendant returned with a glass and then showed me the bottle before pouring my glass of Krug.
The new amenity kits were handed out which is a small zippered ‘pencil case’ type arrangement that contained various creams, mints and earplugs. The FA came around with a basket containing, slippers, socks, eye masks, toothpaste and brush and shaving kits. The new QF F PJs were then handed out. There was a lambswool blanket and pillow at the seat.
I was offered, and accepted refills of the Krug whilst waiting on the ground. There were some no shows and bags needed to be offloaded. I wondered if it was the no visa guy from the gate they were offloading.
The doors eventually closed at 12:33 and at 12:40 we pushed back.
It was a beautifully sunny day in London after a week of dreary dull and wet weather. I thought that would be right I leave and the weather picks up.
After the seat belt signs were switched off the crew busied themselves taking the drinks orders for a pre lunch tipple.
No prizes for guessing what I ordered.
My champagne was soon delivered along with a small glass of Gazpacho and a Lamb and Goats cheese tart. The tart was lovely and the Gazpacho was quite spicy but was very difficult to extract from the little glass without the aid of some implement. My tongue may be large but it wasn’t long enough to disgorge the spicy red treat from its glass. Eventually I asked an FA for a spoon and she said that the Gazpacho was thick today and was usually much runnier.
Now I can’t read my scribbled notes for this section but I think it had something to do with the flight path. I remember noting that we were travelling way way further North to get to HKG than I had done a few weeks before on my nutty weekend trip from ZRH (see TR above).
I looked around the cabin whilst supping on Krug and noted that all but two of the seats in F were occupied for this flight.
Anyway back to the food.
The menu for our lunch service was as follows:
LONDON TO HONG KONG
LUNCH
CANAPÉS
ENTRÉES
Chickpea Soup with Lobster
Salad of Chicken and Asian Vegetables with Spicy Soy Dressing
There was also an insert in the menu with a Seasonal Feature
ENTRÉE
Salad of Asparagus and Quail Eggs with Pan Fried Prosciutto
SALAD
A salad of Rocket, Red Chard, Mizuna and Baby Spinach is available to accompany your main course, or can be enjoyed as an entrée, dressed with your choice of Aged Balsamic Vinaigrette, Palm Sugar Vinaigrette, Blue Cheese Dressing or Lemon Vinaigrette.
MAIN COURSES
Roast Sweet Potato with Mixed Dhal and Basmati Rice
Seared Halibut with Shitakes, Shallots and Yellow Bean Sauce
Barbecue Duck with Gremolata
Pan Fried Pork Cutlet with Calvados and Apples
A LIGHTER MEAL CHOICE
Halibut Fillet with Fresh Lemon Juice and Olive Oil
SIDE DISHES
Jasmine Rice
Braised Radicchio Hearts
Steamed Potatoes
Bok Choy
Sugar Snap Peas
Spinach with Nutmeg
A choice of mustards and condiments is available
CHEESE
Hand selected blue, soft and hard cheese served with accompaniments
DESSERT
Warm Treacle Tart with Clotted Cream
Assiette – a tasting plate of desserts
Sliced Fresh Seasonal Fruit
PETITS FOURS
Chocolates
Sultana Financier
REFRESHMENT
Indulge in a delicious refreshment any time during your flight. Your Flight Attendant will be pleased to offer a selection of soups, toasted sandwiches, seasonal fruit, cheese, ice cream cakes and biscuits.
BEVERAGES
APERITIFS
Bloody Mary
Campari
Noilly Prat French Dry Vermouth
Seppelt DP116 Dry Amontillado
SPIRITS
Bacardi White Rum
Bombay Sapphire Dry London Gin
Chivas Regal 18yo Scotch Whisky
Glenlivet 18yo Single Malt Whisky
Inner Circle (Green Dot) Dark Rum 57.2%
Wild Turkey Rare Breed 108° Bourbon
Wyborowa Single Estate Vodka
BEERS
Crown Larger
Hahn Premium
LIQUEURS
Bailey’s Irish Cream
Cointreau
COGNAC
Martell Cordon Bleu
NON ALCOHOLIC
Apple Juice
Orange Juice
Spicy Tomato Juice
Tomato Juice
Mineral Water
Soda Water
Tonic Water
Bundaberg Ginger Beer
Cola
Diet Cola
Ginger Ale
Lemonade
Solo – Lemon Squash
HOT BEVERAGES
Served with Petits Fours
GRINDERS COFFEE
Café Latte
Cappuccino
Decaffeinated
Espresso
Flat White
Long Black
Mocha
Liqueur Coffee
TEA
Quality loose leaf teas served in individual Bodums
BLACK LEAF
Assam
Darjeeling
HERBAL
Lemon Citrus Blend
Peppermint Blend
Other teas available on request
HOT CHOCOLATE
WINE LIST
CHAMPAGNE
Krug Grande Cuvée NV
WHITE WINE
Knappstein Ackland Vineyard Reisling 2006
Tyrrells Vat 1 Hunter Valley Semillon 1999
Port Philip Estate Chardonnay 2004
RED WINE
Tarrawarra Estate Pinot Noir 2003
Torbeck The Struie Shiraz 2004
Setanta ‘Black Sanglain’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
DESSERT WINE
De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Semillon 2004
FORTIFIED WINE
Morris Old Premium Liqueur Muscat & Tokay
I was asked for my meal order and if I wanted butter or olive oil and vinegar to go with my bread.
My table was set for lunch and the now expected plastic cutlery was delivered to my table. To serve such a quality repast with fine Noritake china and glassware with plastic cutlery is just plain ridiculous.
The soup was up first along with a choice of wholemeal or sour dough bread rolls. The soup was very nice with big chunks of lobster meat throughout. I enjoyed the Semillon with this course.
After the soup more rolls were offered and then the salad and main course were placed at my table. The main was quite tasty and the shiraz I was drinking with it was even tastier.
The dessert taster came next which consisted of a small bread and butter pudding with citrus, a chocolate mouse cake and crème Brule.
I washed this repast down with a glass of the absolutely delectable Noble One.
After I had devoured the dessert another glass of Noble One was supped whilst attempting to shove even more food in my face in the form of the cheese plate.
One thing I noticed on this flight was that there were no announcements from the captain at all about weather on route, estimated time of arrival etc.
The CSM came around at one point and introduced herself and was handing out HKG immigrations forms if needed.
Pre-takeoff champagne (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1e9b4af7900000037110AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
On board looking forward (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1e9c52e3800000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
Pre dinner drinks (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1ec0aef5d00000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
The view outside (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1ec596e3e00000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
The Table was set (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1ec3eef6900000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
Chickpea and Lobster Soup (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1ecd0ef8700000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
Pork Cutlet (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1e0516e3000000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
Dessert Taster (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1e0476e2600000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
Finally the cheese (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1e128afe100000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
I spent some time surfing the AVOD system and was able to select several offerings to my taste. Unfortunately all the food and alcohol took its toll and I eventually succumbed to sleep and did not wake until noises and odours from the galley told me breakfast was in the making.
BREAKFAST
Orange Juice
Apple Juice
Tomato Juice
Sunraysia Mango Liquid Fruit
Sunraysia Pear Liquid Fruit
Apricot and Honey Energiser Drink
Fresh Fruit Salad
Bircher Muesli
Toasted Muesli
Cereal Selection
Yoghurt and Honey
Toast
Croissant
Blueberry Muffin
Steamed Chinese Bun
Selection of Conserves
Strawberry Jam, Orange Marmalade, Honey, Vegemite
Scrambled Eggs
Bacon
Sausages
Smoked Salmon
Sauteed Spinach
Roast Vine Ripened Tomatoes
Potato Cakes
Tomato Relish
Braised Beans and Savoury French Toast baked with Herbs, Bacon and Emmental
I started with the smoothie and some Bircher muesli. Both were delicious and went down a treat. Along came the toast and a small jar of vegemite. Ah 'tis nice to be on an airline that serves this black mud that I grew up on.
The toast was lovely and crusty and not at all soggy.
I followed up with some scrambled eggs, bacon and tomatoes.
After breakfast I changed back into my street gear and settled in with a Peppermint Tea.
Museli (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1e002ef5300000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
Toast and Vegemite (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1e43d6e5e00000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
Bacon and Eggs (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1e4316e5200000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
As we were coming in to land Ms 2E had the effrontery to vomit several times into several sick bags. How dare she? One does not vomit in First Class!
We landed and pulled up to gate 15 at HKG airport and I bid my farewell to the all female crew, who by the way did not use my name once throughout the flight, and walked up the long ramp and into the airport.
I wandered up to the CX Wing F lounge to have a shower and relax a while.
Around 45 minutes before my flight was due to leave again I decided to go and check out the BA/QF lounge which was up near my gate anyway. The lounge was heaving with people and some were still waiting for showers when I walked in. There is not much on offer in the First class section which you get to after walking through the business class section. I was glad I had spent most of my time in the calm of the CX F lounge which was very quiet at that time of the morning.
As the boarding time approached I made my way to the gate. I walked down to the next gate to see where the other QF 767 was headed. It was bound for SYD and I was not so I headed back to 15 and straight on board as they had just opened to the doors as I was walking up.
Flight QF30 HKG-MEL
Seat 3A
Departure time: 09:10
Aircraft: 747-400
A flight attendant approached and introduced herself and said she would be looking after me for the flight.
I was offered another sleep suit and slippers etc as on the previous sector.
I was offered a drink and by now you really must know what I ordered. To my surprise the glass came out but the bottle proffered up was the Charles Heidsieck ‘Blanc des Millenaires’ 1995. Whilst not the Krug that I had now become accustomed to it was an acceptable alternative and was a vintage wine rather than NV.
The purser came around and introduced herself and chatted briefly to me.
This time around my name was used all the time during the entire flight.
At 09:20 we pushed back and were in the air by 09:35 taking off toward Hong Kong and then banked around to head on south to the land down under.
The front portion of the aircraft had the same occupants as on the LHR-SIN with the exception of 4A & F that had left us in HKG. This meant there was a compliment of 10 for this sector.
The menu for this flight was a difficult one to devour. It is entitled All Day Dining and was a list of the following items that could be ordered at any time during the flight.
HONG KONG TO MELBOURNE
ALL DAY DINING
Choose from a broad range of dishes and enjoy a long leisurely meal or a light snack. The choice is yours.
Orange Juice
Apple Juice
Tomato Juice
Sunraysia Pear Liquid Fruit
Sunraysia Mango Liquid Fruit
Berry Energiser Drink
Fresh Tropical Fruit with Lime Wedges
Banana Fritters with Maple Syrup and Cinnamon
Crispy Potato Cakes with Sour Cream, Bacon and Chives
Pumpkin, Shallot and Coconut Soup
Zucchini and Basil Soup
Salad of King Prawns and Rocket with Gazpacho Dressing
Chinese Roast Duck and Lychee Salad with Cashew Nuts
Plate of Cured Meats with Reggiano and Pickled Fennel
Our Signature Lamb, Pea and Mint Pie with Tomato Relish
A Green Leaf Salad is available to accompany your main course, or can be enjoyed as an entrée, dressed with your choice of Aged Balsamic Vinaigrette, Palm Sugar Vinaigrette, Blue Cheese Dressing or Lemon Vinaigrette
Semolina Gnocchi with Artichokes, Green Olives and Sage
Sea Bass with Horseradish Crème Fraiche, Potato Puree and Garlic Broccoli
Roast Chicken with Lemongrass and Ginger, Pak Choy and Fragrant Fried Rice
Cantonese Style Braised Beef with Chu Hou Sauce and Hand Cut Noodles
A choice of mustards and condiments is available
CHEESE
Hand selected blue, soft and hard cheese served with accompaniments
DESSERT
Carrot and Almond Cake with Orange Syrup and Mascarpone
White Chocolate Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce
Ice Cream Tubs
Sliced Fresh Fruit
PETITS FOURS
Chocolates
Tart Fraicheur
Pecan and Cranberry Cookie
Butterscotch Brownies
I didn’t know what to order and asked the very friendly FA for a recommendation. She suggested the roast chicken which I agreed to have along with a salad.
I spent much of the first part of the flight looking out the window as the various island nations of the pacific passed by below me.
After I was done with the chicken the FA asked me if I could be tempted with some dessert. Upon inspection of the menu again I couldn’t resist trying the white chocolate cheesecake. I asked for some Noble One to go with it and the FA informed me that they had none left. I was in shock and she could tell and offered up as a substitute the Muscat. The Muscat was so thick it practically glugged out of the bottle like oil. It was devine though and was like drinking liquid raisins.
My Bird at HKG (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1e4016e6200000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
Roast Chook (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1e55eaf9500000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
Great View (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1fb09afcd00000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
More Great Views (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1f87f6e1200000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
White Chocolate Cheesecake (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1f8ef6e8200000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
I spent time watching movies, looking out the window whilst listening to music on the AVOD and drinking copious amounts of water. I wonder why? :)
Eventually I dozed off again and awoke about an hour and 40 minutes out of MEL. Looking out the window to the east as the sun was setting on the other side of the plane I marvelled at the stark beauty of the Australian desert landscape.
The ever attentive FA noticed my return from slumber and asked if I was hungry. I said I could be tempted with the lamb pie. After all it was their signature dish, it would be rude not to try it.
Around 20 minutes later my table was set for the last time on this flight and the pie placed before me. I opted for some of the champagne to wash it down with.
They used metal cutlery on this flight with the exception of the knife which was plastic.
During the remainder of the flight I listened to jazz music and watched the world go by outside. Well the lights of the world go by anyway as it was dark.
I changed back into my civies and packed everything away in preparation for landing. One thing I noticed with the QF flights is that they put the seat belt on only about 10 minutes before landing, which must be one of the latest of
any flights I have been on.
Lamb Pie (http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d820b3127cce84e1f8b96ed400000037100AaM2jZk5bsW JA)
We arrived at MEL and pulled up to our gate which was close to the main part of the terminal. Several other flights had landed at the same time and the queues at immigration were quite long. My seat mate in 3E had clued me up that I should head to the left hand side where there was a channel for people with the new chip encrusted passports. It worked a treat and I was through into the baggage hall in minutes.
The bags took some time to emerge and mine with it’s nice yellow First tag was one of the first out.
One thing remained now and that was to go through the baggage screening
process that Australia insists on. Now as Oz is heavily dependant on in natural resources and quite rightly wish to protect our land from any introduced nasties, I understand the need to xray incoming baggage. But they really need to get their act together and make the process more efficient. The queues to the screening looped all over the baggage hall and no one was making them orderly at all. It was a mess. I eventually escaped into the free world an hour after the plane landed which is just not acceptable.
Ok that is it for now. These things take ages to write up and I want some dinner.
The return journey will be posted in the next day or so.