Celebrating my 53rd birthday - 1st time in first
#31
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Brighton England
Programs: AA Plat, various hotels
Posts: 1,220
Alan, if you areable to, remember you can change your SQ F ticket (and back!) to MH so you can try both the MH KUL F Golden Lounge AND the SQ lounge.
I guess it is academic as your SIN-SYD is SQ!
If i catch that flight we wont be meeting in MEL will we lol
Flying SQ F to SIN, can you go into the SQ F lounge in T3 with your (just used) boarding pass? I recall arriving MH pax can use the MH lounge but SQ probably does not allow lounge use for arriving pax.
I can use that lounge as my onward flight is in first, indeed im sitting there now typing this
Don't forget the toiletries in the SIN SKL.
Really disappointed to report, no toiletries given out here, gel and shampoo are dispensed from the wall
The Tiger beer tap there is great.
Yup, been there, tried that !!
What champers is in the ice bucket today?
Havent found it yet, but i will
Looking forward to MEL, too, and hope we meet there. Enjoy your trip and have a single malt on the way for me!I can do that !!
[Edit to add: If you read this in time AND have time on the way from the SKL to the gate, can you check on the SIN Duty Free price of Johnny Walker Blue? If it's a great price I'll add it to the Duty Free 'best buy' list. Thanks!]
Cheers,
BB
I guess it is academic as your SIN-SYD is SQ!
If i catch that flight we wont be meeting in MEL will we lol
Flying SQ F to SIN, can you go into the SQ F lounge in T3 with your (just used) boarding pass? I recall arriving MH pax can use the MH lounge but SQ probably does not allow lounge use for arriving pax.
I can use that lounge as my onward flight is in first, indeed im sitting there now typing this
Don't forget the toiletries in the SIN SKL.
Really disappointed to report, no toiletries given out here, gel and shampoo are dispensed from the wall
The Tiger beer tap there is great.
Yup, been there, tried that !!
What champers is in the ice bucket today?
Havent found it yet, but i will
Looking forward to MEL, too, and hope we meet there. Enjoy your trip and have a single malt on the way for me!I can do that !!
[Edit to add: If you read this in time AND have time on the way from the SKL to the gate, can you check on the SIN Duty Free price of Johnny Walker Blue? If it's a great price I'll add it to the Duty Free 'best buy' list. Thanks!]
Cheers,
BB
Hope to see you Friday
Best
Alan
#32
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Brighton England
Programs: AA Plat, various hotels
Posts: 1,220
Well ive just taken part in the Malaysian grand prix. Obviously, i havent but after my taxi journey from the hotel to the airport i feel like i’ve just sat next to Lewis Hamilton
As we set off from the hotel and joined the toll road, the rather elderly chinese gentleman driver set about putting the car through its paces, the 80 kph speed limit was ignored and we were soon doing 140kph. As we approach a sharp bend im thinking you really arent going to take it at this speed are you? Oh yes he was, you could feel the wheels fighting to stay on the tarmac.
In the distance im looking at dark clouds, really dark clouds and im thinking please hold off til we reach the aiport. It didnt and the rain came down in torrents, heaviest rain i’ve seen for some years. We did slow down, a bit. Aquaplaning took place more than once and i just kept looking out of the side window, because looking out the front just made me a tad nervous.
I made it in the end, and just stood outside for 5 minutes to chill out.
Into the terminal and an easy check in with my seat 2A confirmed (i had to keep booking Seat 2A to see if some of that legendary Flyertalkers writing skills would rub off on me if i sat in the same seat!!)
Once again Malaysia impressed with a speedy and efficient security, and no laptops out. So far its only BKK that required them to be taken out of your bag.
The SQ lounge in KL is a smallish facility with good views over the apron. Given the flights they do, i thought it was fine. Wine, beer and spirits were all available, along with noodles, soup, hot pasties and sandwiches and rolls.
The flight down to Singapore is only 40 minutes yet in this time they manage to serve you a drink and a choice of food. Amazing really, i know some airlines where the attendants wouldnt have got off their butts in this time.
In a couple of weeks this is going to be rebranded as a business class service as that is basically what it is, bet that going to upset the people who were able to access the SQ F lounge on the strength of that ticket.
Ive just arrived in Chiangi T3 and i’ll post my thoughts on this, the SQ first lounge and the flight to Melbourne next time.
As we set off from the hotel and joined the toll road, the rather elderly chinese gentleman driver set about putting the car through its paces, the 80 kph speed limit was ignored and we were soon doing 140kph. As we approach a sharp bend im thinking you really arent going to take it at this speed are you? Oh yes he was, you could feel the wheels fighting to stay on the tarmac.
In the distance im looking at dark clouds, really dark clouds and im thinking please hold off til we reach the aiport. It didnt and the rain came down in torrents, heaviest rain i’ve seen for some years. We did slow down, a bit. Aquaplaning took place more than once and i just kept looking out of the side window, because looking out the front just made me a tad nervous.
I made it in the end, and just stood outside for 5 minutes to chill out.
Into the terminal and an easy check in with my seat 2A confirmed (i had to keep booking Seat 2A to see if some of that legendary Flyertalkers writing skills would rub off on me if i sat in the same seat!!)
Once again Malaysia impressed with a speedy and efficient security, and no laptops out. So far its only BKK that required them to be taken out of your bag.
The SQ lounge in KL is a smallish facility with good views over the apron. Given the flights they do, i thought it was fine. Wine, beer and spirits were all available, along with noodles, soup, hot pasties and sandwiches and rolls.
The flight down to Singapore is only 40 minutes yet in this time they manage to serve you a drink and a choice of food. Amazing really, i know some airlines where the attendants wouldnt have got off their butts in this time.
In a couple of weeks this is going to be rebranded as a business class service as that is basically what it is, bet that going to upset the people who were able to access the SQ F lounge on the strength of that ticket.
Ive just arrived in Chiangi T3 and i’ll post my thoughts on this, the SQ first lounge and the flight to Melbourne next time.
#34
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: West Hollywood, CA AA EXP 2MM; Motel 6 Bauxite
Posts: 413
Hi Alan....nice to hear you are on another RTW! Having met you on my own RTW in 2005 in BKK (and at your old haunt you mentioned a few posts ago, the Amari Watergate), it is especially interesting to read about and visualize your first class experience. I love details like how many other pax there are in the F cabin. And four-star hotels??? What a contrast to the dumps I holed up in to stretch the budget, places that wouldn't even garner half a star.
I can say that you are a genuinely nice guy, and no doubt you are very appreciative to the hard-working F flight attendants trying their best. I'm sure they are happy to be serving someone in F who is relishing every minute, hearing an abundance of sincere pleases and thank you's.
Looking forward to hearing about the rest of the journey!
I can say that you are a genuinely nice guy, and no doubt you are very appreciative to the hard-working F flight attendants trying their best. I'm sure they are happy to be serving someone in F who is relishing every minute, hearing an abundance of sincere pleases and thank you's.
Looking forward to hearing about the rest of the journey!
#35
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Brighton England
Programs: AA Plat, various hotels
Posts: 1,220
The plane from KL arrived at terminal 2 and as I’m strolling through it to get the transit, I’m thinking what a fine terminal this is, but once we arrived at terminal 3 I was amazed at what a fantastic facility it is. The whole place is so quiet, you wouldn’t know you were at an airport, free internet for all including terminals, free movie theatre, shuttle trains to the far gates to save walking and loads of open space. If there’s a better facility than this in the world, then I haven’t been to it yet.
After investigating the terminal it was time to inspect the new SKF lounge.
It’s a very smart facility. The food and drinks selection is superb and there is free wireless access throughout the lounge. However I felt the place was just too clinical.
Lots of staff walking about cleaning up after you, which felt a little inclusive. As for the showers, what a disappointment. The shampoo and gel now come out of a container on the wall, but worst of all the water was only lukewarm even when put on the hottest setting. A nice facility, the food was exceptional, but I preferred the Thai lounge in Bangkok
We were departing from gate A3 which gave me the chance to see the A380 depart from the adjacent gate.
Now onto the flight to Melbourne, I was looking forward to this, SQ is supposed to provide a legendary service. I was not to be disappointed on this 747 flight.
There were only 5 of us in first tonight.
As soon as I reached the door of the plane I was quickly escorted to my seat and offered my choice of Krug or Dom, the service then continued with various items being brought for my use. I was addressed by name throughout. I even asked if they had a small ladies pair of pyjamas for me to give as a gift and they were instantly found as well.
The food was excellent, they had wagyu beef on the menu which I’ve never tried so I had to give that a try and it was melt in the mouth tender.
To finish I had to have a Johnny Walker Blue in deference to biziBB
SQ 228 Sin - Mel F/C
Dinner from Singapore to Melbourne
Appetizers
Chilled Malossal Caviar with melba toast and condiments
Triology of salmon with mesclun salad
Chilled lobster with fine mixed salad and mango chilli salsa
Soups
Oriental seafood soup with asparagus and beancurd
Cream of cauliflower with cherry tomato confit
Salad
Fine Mesclun leaves with shaved lotus root and oxheart tomato
Extra virgin olive oil dressing, chardonnay vinegar dressing, honey sesame dressing
Main Courses
*Grilled salmon, farro, beech mushroom, spinach salad, hazelnut
Singapore style chilli crab, a whole crab stir fried in a chilli sauce served with mantou and steamed rice
Grilled Wagyu beef steak with green peppercorn sauce roasted vegetables and sauteed potato with onion
Grilled teriyaki style chicken served with selected vegetables and steamed rice and sesame seeds
Roasted vegetables and ricotta cheese lasagne with tomato coulis and arugula
Desserts
Warm chocolate tart with Haagen Dazs rum raisin ice cream and passion fruit
Cheeses
Selection of cheeses with garnishes
Fruits
Fresh Fruits in Season
*Exclusively created by Nancy Oakes of Boulevard, San Francisco
As soon as i’d finished dinner they quickly made the bed up for me, the mattress makes all the difference.
All in all, a great flight, and to think i’ve got 2 more SQ flights to come, and daylight too
Next up Melbourne
After investigating the terminal it was time to inspect the new SKF lounge.
It’s a very smart facility. The food and drinks selection is superb and there is free wireless access throughout the lounge. However I felt the place was just too clinical.
Lots of staff walking about cleaning up after you, which felt a little inclusive. As for the showers, what a disappointment. The shampoo and gel now come out of a container on the wall, but worst of all the water was only lukewarm even when put on the hottest setting. A nice facility, the food was exceptional, but I preferred the Thai lounge in Bangkok
We were departing from gate A3 which gave me the chance to see the A380 depart from the adjacent gate.
Now onto the flight to Melbourne, I was looking forward to this, SQ is supposed to provide a legendary service. I was not to be disappointed on this 747 flight.
There were only 5 of us in first tonight.
As soon as I reached the door of the plane I was quickly escorted to my seat and offered my choice of Krug or Dom, the service then continued with various items being brought for my use. I was addressed by name throughout. I even asked if they had a small ladies pair of pyjamas for me to give as a gift and they were instantly found as well.
The food was excellent, they had wagyu beef on the menu which I’ve never tried so I had to give that a try and it was melt in the mouth tender.
To finish I had to have a Johnny Walker Blue in deference to biziBB
SQ 228 Sin - Mel F/C
Dinner from Singapore to Melbourne
Appetizers
Chilled Malossal Caviar with melba toast and condiments
Triology of salmon with mesclun salad
Chilled lobster with fine mixed salad and mango chilli salsa
Soups
Oriental seafood soup with asparagus and beancurd
Cream of cauliflower with cherry tomato confit
Salad
Fine Mesclun leaves with shaved lotus root and oxheart tomato
Extra virgin olive oil dressing, chardonnay vinegar dressing, honey sesame dressing
Main Courses
*Grilled salmon, farro, beech mushroom, spinach salad, hazelnut
Singapore style chilli crab, a whole crab stir fried in a chilli sauce served with mantou and steamed rice
Grilled Wagyu beef steak with green peppercorn sauce roasted vegetables and sauteed potato with onion
Grilled teriyaki style chicken served with selected vegetables and steamed rice and sesame seeds
Roasted vegetables and ricotta cheese lasagne with tomato coulis and arugula
Desserts
Warm chocolate tart with Haagen Dazs rum raisin ice cream and passion fruit
Cheeses
Selection of cheeses with garnishes
Fruits
Fresh Fruits in Season
*Exclusively created by Nancy Oakes of Boulevard, San Francisco
As soon as i’d finished dinner they quickly made the bed up for me, the mattress makes all the difference.
All in all, a great flight, and to think i’ve got 2 more SQ flights to come, and daylight too
Next up Melbourne
#37
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Sydney - Australia
Programs: BD, QF, QR/EY/GF & HH Gold/SPG, Hertz#1G
Posts: 11,079
A great time last night, catching up with Alan after he walked to my hotel!
I'm off to St Kilda for dinner but hope to catch up on your latest adventures, soon. What a lovely day. Wine tastingat Yarra Valley was great.
I'm off to St Kilda for dinner but hope to catch up on your latest adventures, soon. What a lovely day. Wine tastingat Yarra Valley was great.
#38
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Brighton England
Programs: AA Plat, various hotels
Posts: 1,220
Melbourne
What a great city this is, if you cant find things to do here for a few days then you’re not really a traveller.
This is the perfect city to explore on foot, the buildings are a real mixture of old and new and statues/sculptures abound, a mix of the traditional and the bizarre. The strangest I saw was probably a square shaped cow stuck up a tree.
There’s plenty of museums to see and a long walk down the riverbank is a pleasant distraction too.
On good Friday a lot of things were closed, however it was good Friday appeal day, which to the Brits reading this, is Melbourne’s version of Children in Need.
As part of the festivities the Telstra dome was opened to the public. I took the opportunity to have a look around and its an impressive stadium. This is where they play Aussie rules football.
There were lots of things going on around the stadium, to me the best was watching the Victoria State police playing as a rock band. They were genuine policemen and women and they were really good and well worth a donation.
On Friday evening I had the pleasure of meeting another Flyertalker, this time BiziBB, who is enjoying a long weekend in Melbourne. We had a few beers and talked everything travel. He probably thinks I’m a sad old rocker too!!!
There was one question puzzling us both, how does Kiwiflyer do so much travelling, and what sort of job is he in. If he reads this report I very much doubt he’ll answer that !!
I stayed at the Grand Mercure apartments in Flinders Lane, I had a 1 bedroom suite and was very happy with it. Its an easy walk from anywhere you might want to go, with many cafes, shops and bars nearby. The bed was the most comfortable I have slept in to date, which may explain why I managed to sleep for 12 hours on the first night.
On the Saturday I ventured out of the city centre and first stop was Brighton Beach for no better reason than it’s the name of my home town. Its actually a much better beach than Brighton, England, this ones got sand instead of pebbles.
I also headed to Williamstown and then got the Ferry back to the city centre, which is a great ride.
I could easily spend longer here, shame its so far from the UK
Next up - Another flight on Singapore to Singapore
What a great city this is, if you cant find things to do here for a few days then you’re not really a traveller.
This is the perfect city to explore on foot, the buildings are a real mixture of old and new and statues/sculptures abound, a mix of the traditional and the bizarre. The strangest I saw was probably a square shaped cow stuck up a tree.
There’s plenty of museums to see and a long walk down the riverbank is a pleasant distraction too.
On good Friday a lot of things were closed, however it was good Friday appeal day, which to the Brits reading this, is Melbourne’s version of Children in Need.
As part of the festivities the Telstra dome was opened to the public. I took the opportunity to have a look around and its an impressive stadium. This is where they play Aussie rules football.
There were lots of things going on around the stadium, to me the best was watching the Victoria State police playing as a rock band. They were genuine policemen and women and they were really good and well worth a donation.
On Friday evening I had the pleasure of meeting another Flyertalker, this time BiziBB, who is enjoying a long weekend in Melbourne. We had a few beers and talked everything travel. He probably thinks I’m a sad old rocker too!!!
There was one question puzzling us both, how does Kiwiflyer do so much travelling, and what sort of job is he in. If he reads this report I very much doubt he’ll answer that !!
I stayed at the Grand Mercure apartments in Flinders Lane, I had a 1 bedroom suite and was very happy with it. Its an easy walk from anywhere you might want to go, with many cafes, shops and bars nearby. The bed was the most comfortable I have slept in to date, which may explain why I managed to sleep for 12 hours on the first night.
On the Saturday I ventured out of the city centre and first stop was Brighton Beach for no better reason than it’s the name of my home town. Its actually a much better beach than Brighton, England, this ones got sand instead of pebbles.
I also headed to Williamstown and then got the Ferry back to the city centre, which is a great ride.
I could easily spend longer here, shame its so far from the UK
Next up - Another flight on Singapore to Singapore
#40
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Brighton England
Programs: AA Plat, various hotels
Posts: 1,220
I caught the Skybus back to the airport, they operate a hotel drop off and pick up from the terminal in Southern Cross. The journey down in the rush hour was extremely busy but the journey back on Easter Sunday was really quiet.
When I reached check in, the man said ah, our first, first passenger. He said are you happy with your seat 2A, I said I was and he said well as things stand you can have the pick of the cabin, as you are currently the only first passenger scheduled to fly, hope you like a personal service !!
Well I’m thinking this has got to be too good to be true, so I headed for the lounge to make a valiant effort to eat the food they had put out for me, without daring to do the same with the drinks. As time passes still nobody joins me in the lounge.
But then 30 minutes before boarding, 4 people enter. Hmmm, well just because they are in here it doesn’t mean they are flying first, does it, I hope. Looking across I see 2 of them carrying business class passes, so that leaves 2.
Are my dreams about to be shattered, only boarding is going to find that out.
And my next posting, tomorrow, will reveal the answer.
When I reached check in, the man said ah, our first, first passenger. He said are you happy with your seat 2A, I said I was and he said well as things stand you can have the pick of the cabin, as you are currently the only first passenger scheduled to fly, hope you like a personal service !!
Well I’m thinking this has got to be too good to be true, so I headed for the lounge to make a valiant effort to eat the food they had put out for me, without daring to do the same with the drinks. As time passes still nobody joins me in the lounge.
But then 30 minutes before boarding, 4 people enter. Hmmm, well just because they are in here it doesn’t mean they are flying first, does it, I hope. Looking across I see 2 of them carrying business class passes, so that leaves 2.
Are my dreams about to be shattered, only boarding is going to find that out.
And my next posting, tomorrow, will reveal the answer.
#41
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: East Ester, Alaska
Programs: Alaska Million Miler, United Million Miler, Wyndham Rewards Diamond, Choice Hotels Diamond
Posts: 12,148
What a wonderful journey to fly as well as to read about. And what a great way to spend your 53rd birthday, comfortably ensconced in a Singapore Suite aboard their magnificent new 77Ws. Oh the lives we FTers lead...
Happy Birthday Gatwick Alan and thanks for this excellent accounting of your travels.
By the way, you and I may well have been in the Melbourne airport at the same time yesterday. I had flown in around noon, met up with fellow FTer rot8 and then had a late lunch and hung out in the Virgin lounge until my Tiger Airways departure at 7:00pm.
Happy Birthday Gatwick Alan and thanks for this excellent accounting of your travels.
By the way, you and I may well have been in the Melbourne airport at the same time yesterday. I had flown in around noon, met up with fellow FTer rot8 and then had a late lunch and hung out in the Virgin lounge until my Tiger Airways departure at 7:00pm.
#42
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: SYD
Posts: 3,043
Nice to read that you enjoyed Melbourne.
Apologies for not being able to come out to catch up with you and BiziBB as I had family stuff to do.
And well done on the very contemporaneous updates! Something I tried to achieve with the last TR but failed miserably.
Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Apologies for not being able to come out to catch up with you and BiziBB as I had family stuff to do.
And well done on the very contemporaneous updates! Something I tried to achieve with the last TR but failed miserably.
Enjoy the rest of your trip.
#43
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Brighton England
Programs: AA Plat, various hotels
Posts: 1,220
Nice to read that you enjoyed Melbourne.
Apologies for not being able to come out to catch up with you and BiziBB as I had family stuff to do.
And well done on the very contemporaneous updates! Something I tried to achieve with the last TR but failed miserably.
Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Apologies for not being able to come out to catch up with you and BiziBB as I had family stuff to do.
And well done on the very contemporaneous updates! Something I tried to achieve with the last TR but failed miserably.
Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Your report was excellent and if i had any computer skills, i'd post photo's too
#44
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Brighton England
Programs: AA Plat, various hotels
Posts: 1,220
Ive posted some pictures of the food in the flyertalk gallery.
http://gallery.flyertalk.com/gallery...-pics-March-08
http://gallery.flyertalk.com/gallery...-pics-March-08
#45
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Brighton England
Programs: AA Plat, various hotels
Posts: 1,220
Well my dreams weren’t to come true, when I walked into the cabin, or should I say escorted, there were 2 people sitting in row 3. As I was in row 2 I still couldn’t see anybody !!
Interestingly they weren’t the guys from the lounge, and since I was first to board, I’m not quite sure how they got there.
I was further confused when the flight attendant came to take the meal order. She was carrying the catering card and with the exception of the caviar, they had catered just one meal of each type. I was given first choice of everything, so I’m wondering if they were late comers who had been warned of the catering or just off duty crew using the seats.
In any event they ate what I didn’t and promptly went to sleep.
As it was a 5pm flight I’d already told the crew I wouldn’t be sleeping and wouldn’t want the bed made up. Hint - that means I’ll want service.
Well as we all know SQ provides exceptional service and its hard to find fault, but wait I’ve found something !!, unlike the 2 guys in row 3 my flight slippers weren’t delivered and I had to ask for them. Oh dear, whatever happened !!
The rest of the service was impeccable as usual.
The menu is below and I had my first caviar. To me its ok but overrated, I did remember Moomba’s advice and when asked if I wanted a shot of vodka with it naturally said yes.
Appetizers
Chilled Malossal Caviar with melba toast and condiments
Seared spiced Tuna served with Avocado tartare and lemon
Soups
Hot and sour soup
Cream of leak and potato soup garnished with candied chestnut
Salad
Fine Mesclun leaves with shaved fennel assorted cherry tomatoes and dried cranberry
Extra virgin olive oil dressing, chardonnay vinegar dressing, honey sesame dressing
Main Courses
Seared Lamb loin, salsa verde, Lyonnais onion, aioli, bacon
Stir fried prawns in preserved black bean sauce served with seasonal vegetables and fried noodles
Stewed chicken in red wine sauce served with papardella pasta, baby carrot and broccolini
Geang masaman neau, Thai malay style beef and potato curry with papaya salad and steamed rice
Saffron fettuccine pasta with sautéed ceps mushrooms, arugula lettuce, shaved parmesan cheese, creamy basil pesto
Desserts
Warm apple date beignet served with crème fraiche ice cream and passion fruit coullis
Cheeses
Selection of cheeses with grapes, nuts and crackers
Fruits
Fresh Fruits in Season
I was so stuffed after that meal that I declined the second meal before landing, settling for some fresh fruit, the choice was
Warm Steak sandwich with Chilli tomato relish, arugula and asparagus soup
Kao Tom - Thai style rice porridge with poached chicken and chicken meatball, fried garlic and pickled vegetable.
We arrived 10 minutes late, in fact each flight so far has arrived between 0 and 15 minutes late.
Whilst we are on the subject of pointless statistics, here’s another My first class tagged baggage has reached the belt in the following positions. BKK 4th, KUL 1st, MEL 3rd, SIN 10th. Bet you all wanted to know that.
Next up Singapore and the Intercontinental Hotel
Interestingly they weren’t the guys from the lounge, and since I was first to board, I’m not quite sure how they got there.
I was further confused when the flight attendant came to take the meal order. She was carrying the catering card and with the exception of the caviar, they had catered just one meal of each type. I was given first choice of everything, so I’m wondering if they were late comers who had been warned of the catering or just off duty crew using the seats.
In any event they ate what I didn’t and promptly went to sleep.
As it was a 5pm flight I’d already told the crew I wouldn’t be sleeping and wouldn’t want the bed made up. Hint - that means I’ll want service.
Well as we all know SQ provides exceptional service and its hard to find fault, but wait I’ve found something !!, unlike the 2 guys in row 3 my flight slippers weren’t delivered and I had to ask for them. Oh dear, whatever happened !!
The rest of the service was impeccable as usual.
The menu is below and I had my first caviar. To me its ok but overrated, I did remember Moomba’s advice and when asked if I wanted a shot of vodka with it naturally said yes.
Appetizers
Chilled Malossal Caviar with melba toast and condiments
Seared spiced Tuna served with Avocado tartare and lemon
Soups
Hot and sour soup
Cream of leak and potato soup garnished with candied chestnut
Salad
Fine Mesclun leaves with shaved fennel assorted cherry tomatoes and dried cranberry
Extra virgin olive oil dressing, chardonnay vinegar dressing, honey sesame dressing
Main Courses
Seared Lamb loin, salsa verde, Lyonnais onion, aioli, bacon
Stir fried prawns in preserved black bean sauce served with seasonal vegetables and fried noodles
Stewed chicken in red wine sauce served with papardella pasta, baby carrot and broccolini
Geang masaman neau, Thai malay style beef and potato curry with papaya salad and steamed rice
Saffron fettuccine pasta with sautéed ceps mushrooms, arugula lettuce, shaved parmesan cheese, creamy basil pesto
Desserts
Warm apple date beignet served with crème fraiche ice cream and passion fruit coullis
Cheeses
Selection of cheeses with grapes, nuts and crackers
Fruits
Fresh Fruits in Season
I was so stuffed after that meal that I declined the second meal before landing, settling for some fresh fruit, the choice was
Warm Steak sandwich with Chilli tomato relish, arugula and asparagus soup
Kao Tom - Thai style rice porridge with poached chicken and chicken meatball, fried garlic and pickled vegetable.
We arrived 10 minutes late, in fact each flight so far has arrived between 0 and 15 minutes late.
Whilst we are on the subject of pointless statistics, here’s another My first class tagged baggage has reached the belt in the following positions. BKK 4th, KUL 1st, MEL 3rd, SIN 10th. Bet you all wanted to know that.
Next up Singapore and the Intercontinental Hotel