A tale of eating way too much on Turkish Airlines J; and Rome + Beijing
Feb 9, 2015, 5:16 pm
#32
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,723
I took a foodie tour of the Jewish Quarter which was quite interesting. Felt the food was still a bit fast-foodie, but nonetheless better than the usual places around Termini.
famous profiteroles
Farmer's market
~ Fried risotto ball
Our tour guide
Fresh pasta
famous profiteroles
Farmer's market
~ Fried risotto ball
Our tour guide
Fresh pasta
Feb 9, 2015, 8:30 pm
#34
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,723
Leaving Rome....
Turkish Airlines uses the BA lounge at FCO. Let's just say it was...spartan. At least it was large, but morning food options were scarce.
The green apple juice looks questionable. Too green.
Turkish Airlines uses the BA lounge at FCO. Let's just say it was...spartan. At least it was large, but morning food options were scarce.
The green apple juice looks questionable. Too green.
Last edited by iluvdoco; Feb 9, 2015 at 9:57 pm
Feb 10, 2015, 8:58 am
#35
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,723
Ah, the highlight of the trip- my flights on TK!
If TK can serve such a nice meal on a short intra-Europe segment, then it really puts domestic carriers to shame.
TK intra-Europe regional business class
FCO-IST; A321
I was impressed by the nice seats we would be having on our intra-Europe jaunt. Certainly much better than the usual economy type ones on other European carriers.
Refreshing pre-takeoff lemonade
Pre-meal chocolates
Lots of legroom!
Despite the short flight, we still had an impressive two course menu.
Assorted Turkish appetizers, shepherd salad
Turkish Styled grilled beef fillet, creamy eggplant puree, tomato & green pepper, rice. The beef was overcooked, but it was still delicious.
IFE display resolution and contrast weren't great, but much better than having no IFE selection on other European carriers.
If TK can serve such a nice meal on a short intra-Europe segment, then it really puts domestic carriers to shame.
TK intra-Europe regional business class
FCO-IST; A321
I was impressed by the nice seats we would be having on our intra-Europe jaunt. Certainly much better than the usual economy type ones on other European carriers.
Refreshing pre-takeoff lemonade
Pre-meal chocolates
Lots of legroom!
Despite the short flight, we still had an impressive two course menu.
Assorted Turkish appetizers, shepherd salad
Turkish Styled grilled beef fillet, creamy eggplant puree, tomato & green pepper, rice. The beef was overcooked, but it was still delicious.
IFE display resolution and contrast weren't great, but much better than having no IFE selection on other European carriers.
Last edited by iluvdoco; Feb 10, 2015 at 9:05 am
Feb 10, 2015, 11:17 pm
#36
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,723
I've experienced the Turkish Airlines Lounge previously, but that was prior to its extensive renovation.
I love the TK lounge. Gladly spent an 8 hour layover there. I still prefer it to the Al-Mourjan lounge since it has better service and food options.
The lower levels are all new, and generally less crowded. However be warned that when visiting on a hot summer day, the lower level AC isn't as efficient.
Entrance
Upper floor foyer
Movie theater
Upper floor, new addition
Upper floor, piano possessed by musically talented ghosts
Bookshelves near pool table
Transparent luggage storage racks
Even the bathrooms were nice. I liked the usage of automatic doors for the bathroom. Sounds obvious, but not enough lounges implement them.
I love the TK lounge. Gladly spent an 8 hour layover there. I still prefer it to the Al-Mourjan lounge since it has better service and food options.
The lower levels are all new, and generally less crowded. However be warned that when visiting on a hot summer day, the lower level AC isn't as efficient.
Entrance
Upper floor foyer
Movie theater
Upper floor, new addition
Upper floor, piano possessed by musically talented ghosts
Bookshelves near pool table
Transparent luggage storage racks
Even the bathrooms were nice. I liked the usage of automatic doors for the bathroom. Sounds obvious, but not enough lounges implement them.
Feb 11, 2015, 2:30 am
#37
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Paris
Programs: FB Plat, *A Silver, Volare Exec (LOL), some hotels (Gold)
Posts: 621
very nice trip, thanks!
Also I second what has already been posted: eating in Rome (or anywhere in Italy) close to turistic attractions will always result in mediocre/subpar/often horrible food and high costs.
If you have the time to get off the beaten path you will be impressed by how good the food is
Also I second what has already been posted: eating in Rome (or anywhere in Italy) close to turistic attractions will always result in mediocre/subpar/often horrible food and high costs.
If you have the time to get off the beaten path you will be impressed by how good the food is
Feb 11, 2015, 6:27 am
#38
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,723
very nice trip, thanks!
Also I second what has already been posted: eating in Rome (or anywhere in Italy) close to turistic attractions will always result in mediocre/subpar/often horrible food and high costs.
If you have the time to get off the beaten path you will be impressed by how good the food is
Also I second what has already been posted: eating in Rome (or anywhere in Italy) close to turistic attractions will always result in mediocre/subpar/often horrible food and high costs.
If you have the time to get off the beaten path you will be impressed by how good the food is
Feb 11, 2015, 3:40 pm
#42
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Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: UA*Lifetime GS, Hyatt* Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 12,337
I was at the TK Lounge twice in January, but in the evenings.
IMHO, It is one of the best lounges I have ever been. Huge place with several food and drink stations. Seeing your photos of the lounge under the daylights gives me a different perspective of this nicely decorated lounge.
I was also on two intra-Europe TK flights and was very impressed with its first class offerings...and yes, too much food.
IMHO, It is one of the best lounges I have ever been. Huge place with several food and drink stations. Seeing your photos of the lounge under the daylights gives me a different perspective of this nicely decorated lounge.
I was also on two intra-Europe TK flights and was very impressed with its first class offerings...and yes, too much food.
Feb 11, 2015, 7:42 pm
#43
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,723
I was at the TK Lounge twice in January, but in the evenings.
IMHO, It is one of the best lounges I have ever been. Huge place with several food and drink stations. Seeing your photos of the lounge under the daylights gives me a different perspective of this nicely decorated lounge.
I was also on two intra-Europe TK flights and was very impressed with its first class offerings...and yes, too much food.
IMHO, It is one of the best lounges I have ever been. Huge place with several food and drink stations. Seeing your photos of the lounge under the daylights gives me a different perspective of this nicely decorated lounge.
I was also on two intra-Europe TK flights and was very impressed with its first class offerings...and yes, too much food.
Feb 11, 2015, 7:49 pm
#44
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,723
Now for the amazing food of the TK lounge. Sure, it might not be considered fine dining, but it's still very tasty "street food" and a delicious sampling of Turkish cuisine.
DoCo chef making fresh simit
Simit cart
Fresh Trabzon butter for the simit (note simit cart next to butter)
Yogurt drink (I forget the name of it)
They had baristas on hand to make you fresh coffee
Plenty of other fluids
Wellness teas
Tea bar
Make your own tea- very cool!
Love the miniature tea kettles
Iced teas
DoCo chef making fresh simit
Simit cart
Fresh Trabzon butter for the simit (note simit cart next to butter)
Yogurt drink (I forget the name of it)
They had baristas on hand to make you fresh coffee
Plenty of other fluids
Wellness teas
Tea bar
Make your own tea- very cool!
Love the miniature tea kettles
Iced teas
Last edited by iluvdoco; Feb 11, 2015 at 9:48 pm
Feb 11, 2015, 9:53 pm
#45
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,723
Kofte
DoCo chef manning the grill
Pasta
Pide
Mezze
Fruits
Desserts & Demel Cakes
Strudel
Olives (not a fan)
Small sweets/cookie bar for coffee & tea
Nuts (only saw these on upper level)
DoCo chef manning the grill
Pasta
Pide
Mezze
Fruits
Desserts & Demel Cakes
Strudel
Olives (not a fan)
Small sweets/cookie bar for coffee & tea
Nuts (only saw these on upper level)
Last edited by iluvdoco; Feb 14, 2015 at 9:07 pm