After everything I'd heard and read about the FCT, I opted to fly to FRA the night before our FRA-SFO return in order to experience the full FCT treatment. We stayed at the airport Sheraton, which is very comfortable and most conveniently located via skybridge directly across from the Admirals Club on level 3 between T1-B and T1-C.
Since we (Mrs. SFO specifically) did our part to help shore up the French economy during our 2 month stay, we had at nearly two dozen VAT tax receipts we needed to have stamped. That and the fact that we could load up a luggage cart in our hotel room and walk to the terminal made me decide to check in at the LH First check in facility in T1.
After check in and a side trip to the export customs and tax refund counters in T1-B, we walked back to the glass FC check-in area, where we waited a couple of minutes for our car to take us to the FCT.
As we drove up to the FCT at about 8:45A, our Personal Attendant came to the car and warmly welcomed us to the FCT. She guided us through a deserted lobby to our own personal security station and then an explanation and brief tour of the FCT. She took our passports and BPs for processing, returned the BPs a few minutes later and told us she would be back to collect us about 30 minutes before our 10:05A departure. For future VAT refund reference, the PA explained that they would call customs who would send over an agent to process our paperwork, although she cautioned that it could take as much as 45 minutes.
In spite of stories (from disgruntled and spoiled HONs) of bucket-listers crowding the facility, we found it pleasantly uncrowded (especially for a Monday morning) and had our choice of numerous comfortable seating pairs and dining room tables. After a delicious breakfast, we relaxed for 20 minutes until our PA came for us.
We took the elevator down to the departure level, where our PA retrieved our passports and handed us off to a most lovely LH driver who walked us to our car, this morning a Porsche Cayenne. After a 5 minute drive around the tarmac and around and under various structures, she parked our car almost under the nose of our 744. A short walk to the private gate elevator, up one level and we were in the jetway about 100 feet from the mid cabin door, right in front of the stairs to the upper level. She walked us to the door, introduced us to the FA at the door and we exchanged pleasant good-byes. Wasn't sure about tipping, but she seemed appreciative of the €20 note I slipped her when we shook hands.
We were the last F pax to board and the door was closed shortly after we settled into our 83AC.
In contrast to some of the recent xFRA catering complaints, we enjoyed exceptional food. In addition to our usual caviar, all the other starters were superb (yes, I tried them all!).
My halibut was excellent and the banana and chocolate cake was in the "to die for" category.
According to one of our FAs, this new menu was just rolled out, and according to the menu, featured Chinese-Canadian chef Susur Lee, who apparently has restaurants in Toronto and New York.
Starters...
Caviar
Marinated Loin of Lamb with Mint and Yogurt Sauce, Tomato Chutney and Mango Salsa
Poached Lobster with Yuzu Mustard Dressing and pickled Ginger
Beetroot Salad with Roquefort, Horseradish and pecked Peppercorn
Salad...
Frisee, Radicchio, Endive and Lamb's Lettuce with Bell Pepper, Cucumber and Mushooms with Orange Mustard or Macadamia Dressing
Mains...
LH's Traditional Roast Goose with Red Cabbage, Potato Dumpling and Herb Crumb Butter
Marinated Halibut with Wild Rice and Mushroom Ragout served with Potato and Celery Puree
Grilled Loin of Veal served with Polenta Spinach Lasagne, Tomato Sauce and Olives
Eggplant with Herb Polenta, Oven Fried black Olives and Tomatoes
Cheese and Dessert...
Warm Banana and Chocolate Cake with Caramel Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream
South-east Asia Pudding of black Rice and Pineapple and Coconut
On the other hand, the lighter meal later titled "Grandpa's Favorite" featured some (presumably) distinctly German flavor. As I was still full from lunch and a great breakfast in the FCT, I only had the meatballs and mustard (wow, was that HOT!), pickles and the apple pie and fruit, all of which was very good.
Cold...
Celery Wild Mushroom Tartlet with Balsamic Vinegar Hazelnut Marinade and Parmesan Cheese
Herring Salad with Beetroot
(I'm not that adventuresome)
Meatballs with Mustard
Mixed Pickles
Cold Mashed Lingdonberry
Hot...
Boiled Rump of Veal with Potato Vegetable Ragout
Filet of Perchpike with Chive Sauce, Champagne Sauerkraut and Fresh Noodles
LH First is a great west coast First Class option to/from Europe even with the dated seats/IFE. Inbound through MUC would be my preferred routing and return thru FRA for the amazing FCT experience. What is not to like about never having to deal with interminable walks through crowded unattractive concourses and gate lice?
Well done LH!
