To Qantas Thank You for the trip of a lifetime
Mar 19, 2010, 8:10 pm
#16
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Body in Downtown YYZ, heart and mind elsewhere
Programs: UA 50K, refugee from AC E50K, Marriott Lifetime Plat
Posts: 5,132
Mar 19, 2010, 8:52 pm
#17
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: San Diego,CA
Posts: 10,090
I typically no longer review flights anymore as it is so covered typically by the media and others on FT and elsewhere those with far better writing skills and less long winded then I
In this case I wanted to put my spin on a new generation aircraft that hasn't had decades of coverage.I look forward to the 787 Dreamliner experince by Boeing as well down the road
That said I feel the other experiences I will share further may be somewhat interesting too.My original intention was to have the A380 in the QF forum so folks would have a reference in the future.
Being the thread was moved by the moderator who hopefully knows more then I about the best forum to put this in I will try and expand this thread to some other aspects of the entire trip like hotels,food & beverage as well as the One World recognition which was truly exceptional
Regards and thanks for taking the time to view!
Excellent
Mar 22, 2010, 11:51 pm
#20
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: San Diego,CA
Posts: 10,090
EMIRATES Business Class Review A380 AKL-SYD
Thanks for all the kind words
Now on with journey
I flew economy (yes cattle car) with Qantas from Sydney to Auckland business class was sold out close to departure
At check in as a Emerald One World flyer I expected nothing more then club access and hopefully a decent seat with legroom.They wanted 40 dollars more for an exit row.I declined hoping for a break at the gate
Luckily I found an agent that works for QF in SYD that has known me for the past decade as a typically First Class pax and did it complimentary.
Was originally turned down at check in
I wouldn't ask again simply as QF now wants to get paid even on day of travel.If US airlines did this to me (my carrier thankfully doesn't) I wouldn't give them a wooden nickel.However I would spend the 40 dollars with Qantas should I fly economy again with them.The reason? They granted me generously access to the First Class lounge as a Emerald customer of One World and cooked me a complete meal including dessert ^ They also would have let me have a massage in the spa if they weren't previously booked.International First Class pax come first and rightfully so
When they start treating me like that in the US I will happily pay extra dollars for a premium seat.Wow talk about a great Alliance partner ^
Never in all my years of Star Alliance as a 100k flyer was I ever treated like that in a premium cabin let alone coach
My flight was satisfactory and they served yet another meal on board with a very nice cabin crew..........Sure made coach a experience
On the way back to SYD I flew once again the A380 in business class this time on Emirates on revenue which was an amazing opportunity.Qantas was double the price for a revenue business class ticket.
The business class was by far the best business class I have ever been in rivaling most INT first class cabins by quality design standards.
The crew were polished and professional and seats superb.Emirates is an airline that lives and breathes the premium lifestyle.Every aspect of the cabin is premium and it shows.Touch an overhead bin and the handle operates smoothly and is made of higher quality material and more attractive.Watch a movie or music video and listen to music right up to the gate. No one comes by and interupts and demands the headphones back an hour before arrival.Order Orange Juice and you are drinking freshy squeezed with a fresh piece of orange floating in it.No hotel had OJ that tasted so good anywhere on my trip.I always turn the canned OJ down where ever I fly
Order the Perrier and its cold not some cheap bottled water with a cup of ice as many airlines pass off.
Even the nuts are amazing! Macadamias,cashews,pistachios,almonds.No peanuts here!
The food service and choices were just ok or satisfactory.They were out of some items or substituting some menu items and the flight hadn't begun!
However the experience to their credit always on board excellent.My three hour flight was amazing and went way to quickly.The lounge before boarding was not so premium of an experince with the exception of food and beverage The lounge was crowded cramped and not in the league of the aircraft and experience.
However that said the staff were very good and the food offerings exceptional as air lounges go anywhere globally.I am sure in Dubai they roll out the red carpet and have spacious facilities.Had a delicious almond cake and a plate of lamb chops with pasta.Better then the food on board!
Part of my purpose of flying Emirates back from AKL was to buy my new luxury shower that is only sold in that region I packed everything but the main shower bar in my suitcase.Unfortunately security demanded it be confiscated as it was deemed a security threat to the flight.If I wanted to hit somebody over the head with it I could use my lap top
Whats the difference?
None but as you know all over the world when it comes to security you have to roll with punches as every airport has its own quirks.
Security told me not to get my hopes up and I prepared to lose a very expensive shower bar fixture
It took one hour negotiating with a security supervisor who finally relented and agreed to calling the good folks from Emirates who rescued me by coming up and taking the shower and putting it in the cargo hold some 30 minutes later.The exceptional agent and hero later met me at boarding and presented my luggage tag ^:-::-::-::-:
It was at that moment I presented him with a box of the best chocolates I could find at AKL.Thats not saying much as they don't have a great selection at that airport and what is there is widly overpriced even a small box of lindt was 25 dollars
That would be like 6 bucks at home!
Emirates rocks certainly a different business culture on board thats not typical yet a total class act.
A beautiful bar is available in the back of the business class cabin.This is a carrier that brings glamour and elite lifestyle to the new era of air travel
If Emirates brought that quality to the Domestic US and they can't I would say they would put many a carrier out of business.Thankfully awful airlines like Delta can survive as Int carriers of that standard are not allow to compete on domestic routes in the US
Now on with journey
I flew economy (yes cattle car) with Qantas from Sydney to Auckland business class was sold out close to departure
At check in as a Emerald One World flyer I expected nothing more then club access and hopefully a decent seat with legroom.They wanted 40 dollars more for an exit row.I declined hoping for a break at the gate
Luckily I found an agent that works for QF in SYD that has known me for the past decade as a typically First Class pax and did it complimentary.
Was originally turned down at check in
I wouldn't ask again simply as QF now wants to get paid even on day of travel.If US airlines did this to me (my carrier thankfully doesn't) I wouldn't give them a wooden nickel.However I would spend the 40 dollars with Qantas should I fly economy again with them.The reason? They granted me generously access to the First Class lounge as a Emerald customer of One World and cooked me a complete meal including dessert ^ They also would have let me have a massage in the spa if they weren't previously booked.International First Class pax come first and rightfully so
When they start treating me like that in the US I will happily pay extra dollars for a premium seat.Wow talk about a great Alliance partner ^
Never in all my years of Star Alliance as a 100k flyer was I ever treated like that in a premium cabin let alone coach
My flight was satisfactory and they served yet another meal on board with a very nice cabin crew..........Sure made coach a
experienceOn the way back to SYD I flew once again the A380 in business class this time on Emirates on revenue which was an amazing opportunity.Qantas was double the price for a revenue business class ticket.
The business class was by far the best business class I have ever been in rivaling most INT first class cabins by quality design standards.
The crew were polished and professional and seats superb.Emirates is an airline that lives and breathes the premium lifestyle.Every aspect of the cabin is premium and it shows.Touch an overhead bin and the handle operates smoothly and is made of higher quality material and more attractive.Watch a movie or music video and listen to music right up to the gate. No one comes by and interupts and demands the headphones back an hour before arrival.Order Orange Juice and you are drinking freshy squeezed with a fresh piece of orange floating in it.No hotel had OJ that tasted so good anywhere on my trip.I always turn the canned OJ down where ever I fly
Order the Perrier and its cold not some cheap bottled water with a cup of ice as many airlines pass off.
Even the nuts are amazing! Macadamias,cashews,pistachios,almonds.No peanuts here!
The food service and choices were just ok or satisfactory.They were out of some items or substituting some menu items and the flight hadn't begun!
However the experience to their credit always on board excellent.My three hour flight was amazing and went way to quickly.The lounge before boarding was not so premium of an experince with the exception of food and beverage The lounge was crowded cramped and not in the league of the aircraft and experience.
However that said the staff were very good and the food offerings exceptional as air lounges go anywhere globally.I am sure in Dubai they roll out the red carpet and have spacious facilities.Had a delicious almond cake and a plate of lamb chops with pasta.Better then the food on board!
Part of my purpose of flying Emirates back from AKL was to buy my new luxury shower that is only sold in that region I packed everything but the main shower bar in my suitcase.Unfortunately security demanded it be confiscated as it was deemed a security threat to the flight.If I wanted to hit somebody over the head with it I could use my lap top
Whats the difference?None but as you know all over the world when it comes to security you have to roll with punches as every airport has its own quirks.
Security told me not to get my hopes up and I prepared to lose a very expensive shower bar fixture
It took one hour negotiating with a security supervisor who finally relented and agreed to calling the good folks from Emirates who rescued me by coming up and taking the shower and putting it in the cargo hold some 30 minutes later.The exceptional agent and hero later met me at boarding and presented my luggage tag ^:-::-::-::-:
It was at that moment I presented him with a box of the best chocolates I could find at AKL.Thats not saying much as they don't have a great selection at that airport and what is there is widly overpriced even a small box of lindt was 25 dollars
That would be like 6 bucks at home!Emirates rocks certainly a different business culture on board thats not typical yet a total class act.
A beautiful bar is available in the back of the business class cabin.This is a carrier that brings glamour and elite lifestyle to the new era of air travel
If Emirates brought that quality to the Domestic US and they can't I would say they would put many a carrier out of business.Thankfully awful airlines like Delta can survive as Int carriers of that standard are not allow to compete on domestic routes in the US
Last edited by 777 global mile hound; Mar 23, 2010 at 8:18 pm
Mar 23, 2010, 8:44 pm
#22
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: San Diego,CA
Posts: 10,090
CATHAY PACIFIC Business Class Hong Kong to Tokyo
After a number of Premium cabins on this trip it was time for my Cathay Pacific flight I had flown them once before in First from Hong Kong to Sydney and it was satisfactory but not up to the British Airways standards or Qantas standards in First.
On this trip the choice was Japan Airlines or Cathay
I have to say it was the least pleasant flight of the whole trip including economy cabins.
The First Class Cathay Pacific lounge which was once the envy of all One World lounges years ago appeared dated on this trip.
Check in however was excellent.My bags were whisked away without so much as a weigh in or security check in my precence.
The offerings in the Cathay First Class lounge were simply sad looking,steam table dried out eggs poor quality baking and a host of other not appetising items.
I had a beverage and was real glad I had eaten at my hotel the exceptional Marriott Sky City where as a Silver elite member I was upgraded to a beautiful state of the art 2 room suite.
Miracles happen sometimes in every program I suppose.Some of you realize Silver is the bottom tier at Marriott!Yet I was upgraded to a magnificent suite
The lounge customer service at Cathay was also not as helpful as other lounges visited on the trip.
On board with Cathay the business class cabin was much like some of the dated business class seating in Domestic cabins in the US.
Food service was dreadful.Undercooked dark meat chicken in a sticky sauce with edible satisfactory white rice.A small cup of Hagen Daz vanilla Ice cream was the only upscale touch of the flight for dessert. For 4 plus hours I recieved only 2 small glasses approx 4-6 ounces of water in a blue glass.I was not worthy of an entire can or bottle.
I can actually say the dated Japan Airlines tried harder then Cathay and though its food was as awful last flown at least the cabin was more comfortable as tired as the plane was. Beverage service certainly was better On JAL
Cathay is an airline where they smile at you don't say a word of English and only arrive at your seat when they absolutley have too.I would only fly them again if there was no other viable choice or time schedule.They served a purpose from point A to point B>felt somewhat cramped for a business class experience
I enjoyed my economy flights on Qantas to Cathay in Business Class and they at all times took great care of me and were more sincere with more passengers to serve
On this trip the choice was Japan Airlines or Cathay
I have to say it was the least pleasant flight of the whole trip including economy cabins.
The First Class Cathay Pacific lounge which was once the envy of all One World lounges years ago appeared dated on this trip.
Check in however was excellent.My bags were whisked away without so much as a weigh in or security check in my precence.
The offerings in the Cathay First Class lounge were simply sad looking,steam table dried out eggs poor quality baking and a host of other not appetising items.
I had a beverage and was real glad I had eaten at my hotel the exceptional Marriott Sky City where as a Silver elite member I was upgraded to a beautiful state of the art 2 room suite.
Miracles happen sometimes in every program I suppose.Some of you realize Silver is the bottom tier at Marriott!Yet I was upgraded to a magnificent suite
The lounge customer service at Cathay was also not as helpful as other lounges visited on the trip.
On board with Cathay the business class cabin was much like some of the dated business class seating in Domestic cabins in the US.
Food service was dreadful.Undercooked dark meat chicken in a sticky sauce with edible satisfactory white rice.A small cup of Hagen Daz vanilla Ice cream was the only upscale touch of the flight for dessert. For 4 plus hours I recieved only 2 small glasses approx 4-6 ounces of water in a blue glass.I was not worthy of an entire can or bottle.
I can actually say the dated Japan Airlines tried harder then Cathay and though its food was as awful last flown at least the cabin was more comfortable as tired as the plane was. Beverage service certainly was better On JAL
Cathay is an airline where they smile at you don't say a word of English and only arrive at your seat when they absolutley have too.I would only fly them again if there was no other viable choice or time schedule.They served a purpose from point A to point B>felt somewhat cramped for a business class experience
I enjoyed my economy flights on Qantas to Cathay in Business Class and they at all times took great care of me and were more sincere with more passengers to serve
Mar 28, 2010, 12:05 pm
#25
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Kent, UK
Programs: BA Gold, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,809
I experienced the same rubbish food in business in December, all served in China dishes, no plates (for the mains anyway). I really don't understand why Cathay doesn't improve the standard of food in J.
Mar 28, 2010, 1:14 pm
#26
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: San Diego,CA
Posts: 10,090
Rubbish food service remains a consistent brand standard for Cathay
I watched in amazement as many folks of Asian decent goobled it up as if it were fine cuisine
Perhaps they have become accustomed to such fareOddly my fellow pax/seatmate was listening to music in his Itouch and insisted they serve his gourmet rubber chicken 25 minutes before landing.
I am sure the FAs were thrilled
The irony here is I swtiched from JAL as I didn't like the food in First or Business whatever I was in last seated on that flight.
It was a dated front cabin in a 747 with sub par seating normally first. I would take a ham and cheese sandwich or cheese and fruit plate on Cathay and call it a day.They need to discontinue food service if they can't afford to offer it.The JAL lounge as uninspired as it was did better food offerings in their lounge as meager as they were with a nice noodle dishe and Ice Cream.Still better then what Cathay did on board.
I have had better more attentive beverage services in coach from many airlines
JAL was still better then the cattle car business class seating of Cathay
I think I may have been ruined after flying the new Emirates A380 in business class which is simply awe inspiring and the food brilliant when compared to Cathay.Nowhere near as good as QF in First though
Next time I will just fly business with QF connect and avoid Cathay and JAL completely unless left with no other choice
Last edited by 777 global mile hound; Mar 28, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Mar 30, 2010, 12:23 am
#27
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: San Diego,CA
Posts: 10,090
First Class SYD to Hong Kong Boeing 747
After an incredible and vastly improved stay from years past at the legendary Park Hyatt Sydney with sunsets and sunrises overlooking the Opera House from my balcony it was off to my next destination the one I have been most wanting to share in this thread besides the A380s I didn't want to miss details so I took my time to reflect
This is where the magic of Qantas was truly at its absolute best ^
I was sure to arrive early to the Sydney airport. As many of you know this is part of the fun and enjoyment of the entire experience. A number of fellow Flyertalkers with whom are in my personal trusted network/ circle repeated over and over again get to the lounge earlier than normal.
Qantas has created a destination world class lounge product experience with impressive facilities. Most folks I speak with appreciate those offerings and work hard to achieve elite status or buy premium tickets especially if their company is paying for it
It’s indeed a privilege that comes with the invitation to use the First Class lounge in Sydney and yes even we folks who love to redeem miles have this access when booking First. I purposely left my hotel early that morning to be sure I could enjoy the lounge offerings before my 12 noon flight to Hong Kong.
Having been in the FC lounge earlier that week I was prompted by the lovely ladies that staff the lounge how to maximize my experience.
First they gave me a mobile number to dial ten minutes before arrival to the aiport so someone would personally meet and greet my car and assist upon my arrival. I had no idea what to expect. I wasn't sure if it was a drive up first class designated area or what happens. I played along just for the experience. So the kind taxi driver handed me his mobile phone and I dialed up the QF folks ten minutes prior to airport arrival.
Upon pulling up to the regular entrance way where all passengers unload there were two not one Qantas representatives waiting for me A very well dressed lady and a gentleman suit and tie. They were smiling and waved the taxi in as they asked for the taxi number beforehand and new exactly which car I would be in. I was welcomed by name as if I was the President or CEO of something: D
My two bags were whisked away by the gentleman after a brief hand shake and the other representative and I made pleasant conversation as she continued to welcome me and escorted me into the First Class check in area with some comfortable lounge chairs
They had me take a seat while they organized my boarding pass and other details. Other then my escort who looked after the entire process I had no interaction with the check in desk ^
As they looked after me I sat there and filled out the departure card for customs and chatted away with another First Class pax who was Australian.
Shortly after was escorted with expidited access to customs and security the line was stopped as we were smiled at by customs and asked to proceed immediately to the desk. At that point on I was on my own after clearing customs and security. I made my way up to the First Class lounge with full restaurant. One orders off the menu anything their heart desires and in any quantity. There is no check after dining one just gets up and leaves. Sure like to do that all over the world anyone else?
The restaurant itself is managed and operated by the Sofitel hotel folks who do a fair to above average job at food quality,service and offerings. I have had a wide mix of quality on my various visits. Breakfast is a strong point there overall.
At 10:15 I had my scheduled spa appt for massage which is located in the back of the lounge. The very attractive massage therapist led me to her studio and I was surrounded by misted live plants growing in the walls of the studio. The massage was ok but not as good as some I have had in the past. A famous actress was getting massaged in the studio next to mine. Forgive me for not sharing her name because not only can I not remember her name. I am not familiar with her career………
It was time to board in what felt like minutes after all the pampering for hours
Off to the gate I went. There was my fellow pax I met at check in and we shared some road warrior stories and career history together prior to baording. You meet some of the most interesting and heartfelt folks on the ground and up in the air. Sometimes you see or run into these folks again however frequently never again.
I boarded the 747 and made my way to my FC seat. After the A380 it felt like and older but nice high end business class cabin. That said the lighting is better designed in the 747 for reading
The cabin staff was more mature and polished, heartfelt and professional plus
The plus was at least on this flight they not only served food and wine but understood food and wine. I was treated like a true VIP
Order anything on the menu and have as many dinners as you want if something appeals to you! Right then and there I felt my seat shrinking and myself getting larger at the very thought
In the US you are lucky to get one of the two choices on the menu frequently both bad!
After all this was the classic Qantas in flight menu I long admired and in no way on this flight in any way and at any point did the team on board or the food service ever let me down. It was brilliant from start to finish and let me share what may just be a lost in the future if Qantas might pull first class of these routes.
I hate to share this however I was one of 3 pax in First out of 12 seats on board. I assume this is very unusual
However in this global economy anything is possible and word on the street is other then SYD-LAX And SYD –LHR First class may become a thing of the past. Say it aint so!
Once again the Neil Perry designed menu worked on this flight and his brilliance was admired by this flyer. It failed on the LAX-SYD flight. Perhaps one part menu difference and one part LAX caterer
Here the menu got a little too busy and creative for my tastes however in the end all you need are a few good items and you are one happy camper up in the air. This was the best on board food service of the trip hands down. An impressive job by the good folks at Qantas who when they hit the mark are Gods in my eyes for making travel in the air a glorious experience and unrivaled by anything in my decades of flying.
Here is a partial version of the just some of the menu highlights and one thing is for sure Dorothy we aren't in Kansas and we aren't on Southwest Airlines preparing for dinner on board
Canapés
Spencer Gulf Prawn Toasts
Veggy Sang Choi Bao
Salads and other Things
Chinese style broth with seafood,corrinader and shallots
Salad of Wagyu Bresaola with sautéed mushrooms and sourdough crostini
Seared Blue fin tuna salad and Liguarian olives and Balsamic dressing
Light vegetarian and sandwich
Pan fried Hiramasa kingfish with lemon and olive oil dressing and steamed greens
Polenta lasagna with goats cheese spinach and roast capsicum sauce
Bowl of Chinese style pork wonton soup
Leek and Gruyere tart with rocket and artichoke salad
Signature steak sandwich with tomato and chili relish
Panfried Hiramasa kingfish
Chermoula crusted with Moroccan eggplant salad and Sardinians couscous
Black vinegar sauce steamed rice and Asian Greens
Roast Barosasa Valley Chicken
Black vinegar sauce noodles and choy sum
Moroccan eggplant salad and Sardinians couscous and fresh lemon
Aioli braised lentils and steamed greens
Crumbed Kurobuta Pork Cutlet
Yam Puree braised lentils and fresh lemon
Aioli yam puree and spinach
Side Salad
Salad of Baby Cos Radicchio and Frisee
Choice of dressing
Aged balsamic and extra virgin olive oil
Palm sugar vinaigrette
CheeseBlue,soft and hard cheese hand selected by Will Studd Maitre Fromager
Dessert
Quince white chocolate and macadamia tart and Crème Fraiche
Assiette of desserts
Whole or sliced fruit
Cream chocolate coated vanilla ice creampetits fours
A selection of cacao hand made chocolates www.cacao.com.au
Manna from Heaven vanilla shortbread^An Australian classic
Passionfruit Curd Cakes
I started out with the Lasagna probably a dinner for most by itself however I behaved like it was the last supper
This was a very good lasagna and impressive as any on the ground.8 out of a perfect 10
Had the salad with classic aged balsamic from Italy not the awful stuff Neil Perry dressed the salad with from LAX on the A380 Flight
Nice warm bread which I dipped into the beautiful Joseph Olive oil
My Main course consisted of the Crumbed Pork with a nice added surprise of bone in.Simply excellent ^
Also feasted on an excellent dessert which wasn't on the menu but didn't stop there as the chocolates Qantas served were some of the best I ever had.
I will be seeking them out on my next rtip to purchase and take home.Note to QF put those in Duty Free on board shopping and I will buy heavilly!
We arrived in Hong Kong after a perfect flight and I made it to my hotel easily
and settled in for the night.Flying does't get much better then this nor dining like this in the air better then many restaurants on the ground
Well done Qantas
This is where the magic of Qantas was truly at its absolute best ^
I was sure to arrive early to the Sydney airport. As many of you know this is part of the fun and enjoyment of the entire experience. A number of fellow Flyertalkers with whom are in my personal trusted network/ circle repeated over and over again get to the lounge earlier than normal.
Qantas has created a destination world class lounge product experience with impressive facilities. Most folks I speak with appreciate those offerings and work hard to achieve elite status or buy premium tickets especially if their company is paying for it
It’s indeed a privilege that comes with the invitation to use the First Class lounge in Sydney and yes even we folks who love to redeem miles have this access when booking First. I purposely left my hotel early that morning to be sure I could enjoy the lounge offerings before my 12 noon flight to Hong Kong.
Having been in the FC lounge earlier that week I was prompted by the lovely ladies that staff the lounge how to maximize my experience.
First they gave me a mobile number to dial ten minutes before arrival to the aiport so someone would personally meet and greet my car and assist upon my arrival. I had no idea what to expect. I wasn't sure if it was a drive up first class designated area or what happens. I played along just for the experience. So the kind taxi driver handed me his mobile phone and I dialed up the QF folks ten minutes prior to airport arrival.
Upon pulling up to the regular entrance way where all passengers unload there were two not one Qantas representatives waiting for me
A very well dressed lady and a gentleman suit and tie. They were smiling and waved the taxi in as they asked for the taxi number beforehand and new exactly which car I would be in. I was welcomed by name as if I was the President or CEO of something: D My two bags were whisked away by the gentleman after a brief hand shake and the other representative and I made pleasant conversation as she continued to welcome me and escorted me into the First Class check in area with some comfortable lounge chairs
They had me take a seat while they organized my boarding pass and other details. Other then my escort who looked after the entire process I had no interaction with the check in desk ^
As they looked after me I sat there and filled out the departure card for customs and chatted away with another First Class pax who was Australian.
Shortly after was escorted with expidited access to customs and security the line was stopped as we were smiled at by customs and asked to proceed immediately to the desk. At that point on I was on my own after clearing customs and security. I made my way up to the First Class lounge with full restaurant. One orders off the menu anything their heart desires and in any quantity. There is no check after dining one just gets up and leaves. Sure like to do that all over the world anyone else?
The restaurant itself is managed and operated by the Sofitel hotel folks who do a fair to above average job at food quality,service and offerings. I have had a wide mix of quality on my various visits. Breakfast is a strong point there overall.
At 10:15 I had my scheduled spa appt for massage which is located in the back of the lounge. The very attractive massage therapist led me to her studio and I was surrounded by misted live plants growing in the walls of the studio. The massage was ok but not as good as some I have had in the past. A famous actress was getting massaged in the studio next to mine. Forgive me for not sharing her name because not only can I not remember her name. I am not familiar with her career………
It was time to board in what felt like minutes after all the pampering for hours
Off to the gate I went. There was my fellow pax I met at check in and we shared some road warrior stories and career history together prior to baording. You meet some of the most interesting and heartfelt folks on the ground and up in the air. Sometimes you see or run into these folks again however frequently never again.
I boarded the 747 and made my way to my FC seat. After the A380 it felt like and older but nice high end business class cabin. That said the lighting is better designed in the 747 for reading
The cabin staff was more mature and polished, heartfelt and professional plus
The plus was at least on this flight they not only served food and wine but understood food and wine. I was treated like a true VIP
Order anything on the menu and have as many dinners as you want if something appeals to you! Right then and there I felt my seat shrinking and myself getting larger at the very thought
In the US you are lucky to get one of the two choices on the menu frequently both bad!
After all this was the classic Qantas in flight menu I long admired and in no way on this flight in any way and at any point did the team on board or the food service ever let me down. It was brilliant from start to finish and let me share what may just be a lost in the future if Qantas might pull first class of these routes.
I hate to share this however I was one of 3 pax in First out of 12 seats on board. I assume this is very unusual
However in this global economy anything is possible and word on the street is other then SYD-LAX And SYD –LHR First class may become a thing of the past. Say it aint so!
Once again the Neil Perry designed menu worked on this flight and his brilliance was admired by this flyer. It failed on the LAX-SYD flight. Perhaps one part menu difference and one part LAX caterer
Here the menu got a little too busy and creative for my tastes however in the end all you need are a few good items and you are one happy camper up in the air. This was the best on board food service of the trip hands down. An impressive job by the good folks at Qantas who when they hit the mark are Gods in my eyes for making travel in the air a glorious experience and unrivaled by anything in my decades of flying.
Here is a partial version of the just some of the menu highlights and one thing is for sure Dorothy we aren't in Kansas and we aren't on Southwest Airlines preparing for dinner on board
Canapés
Spencer Gulf Prawn Toasts
Veggy Sang Choi Bao
Salads and other Things
Chinese style broth with seafood,corrinader and shallots
Salad of Wagyu Bresaola with sautéed mushrooms and sourdough crostini
Seared Blue fin tuna salad and Liguarian olives and Balsamic dressing
Light vegetarian and sandwich
Pan fried Hiramasa kingfish with lemon and olive oil dressing and steamed greens
Polenta lasagna with goats cheese spinach and roast capsicum sauce
Bowl of Chinese style pork wonton soup
Leek and Gruyere tart with rocket and artichoke salad
Signature steak sandwich with tomato and chili relish
Panfried Hiramasa kingfish
Chermoula crusted with Moroccan eggplant salad and Sardinians couscous
Black vinegar sauce steamed rice and Asian Greens
Roast Barosasa Valley Chicken
Black vinegar sauce noodles and choy sum
Moroccan eggplant salad and Sardinians couscous and fresh lemon
Aioli braised lentils and steamed greens
Crumbed Kurobuta Pork Cutlet
Yam Puree braised lentils and fresh lemon
Aioli yam puree and spinach
Side Salad
Salad of Baby Cos Radicchio and Frisee
Choice of dressing
Aged balsamic and extra virgin olive oil
Palm sugar vinaigrette
CheeseBlue,soft and hard cheese hand selected by Will Studd Maitre Fromager
Dessert
Quince white chocolate and macadamia tart and Crème Fraiche
Assiette of desserts
Whole or sliced fruit
Cream chocolate coated vanilla ice creampetits fours
A selection of cacao hand made chocolates www.cacao.com.au
Manna from Heaven vanilla shortbread^An Australian classic
Passionfruit Curd Cakes
I started out with the Lasagna probably a dinner for most by itself however I behaved like it was the last supper
This was a very good lasagna and impressive as any on the ground.8 out of a perfect 10
Had the salad with classic aged balsamic from Italy not the awful stuff Neil Perry dressed the salad with from LAX on the A380 Flight
Nice warm bread which I dipped into the beautiful Joseph Olive oil
My Main course consisted of the Crumbed Pork with a nice added surprise of bone in.Simply excellent ^
Also feasted on an excellent dessert which wasn't on the menu but didn't stop there as the chocolates Qantas served were some of the best I ever had.
I will be seeking them out on my next rtip to purchase and take home.Note to QF put those in Duty Free on board shopping and I will buy heavilly!
We arrived in Hong Kong after a perfect flight and I made it to my hotel easily
and settled in for the night.Flying does't get much better then this nor dining like this in the air better then many restaurants on the ground
Well done Qantas
Last edited by 777 global mile hound; Mar 30, 2010 at 12:35 am