Now the part I'd been anticipating the whole trip: my first time in a proper international first class cabin and lounge. I've done F domestically many times, and international business (in 2- and 3-class planes, including the old SQ Raffles class and new UA "BusinessFirst") but have never had the pleasure of this level of pampering. I watched seat availability like a hawk and at T-72 was able to score 1K in the nose of the 747.
The CCR
My LHR arrival was late, so I was a bit peeved to have my time in the CCR cut short (curse you IB!), but those worries evaporated when I waltzed in. Time for a glass of Bollinger before my massage appointment! I'd made the appointment in advance by emailng youfirst, but there didn't seem to be a problem with getting a walk-in treatment either (Friday afternoon).
After a shower and change of unmentionables, I was ready to dig in. The burger and the Smith Haut-Lafitte came first; it was a little overcooked for my taste, but the wine was superb. One of the better Bordeaux I've had in a while, actually!
Then my favorite dessert of all time: Summer Pudding! I actually like mine a little more berry-heavy, but this did the trick. A nice dessert Gewurtztraminer, I believe.
Then off to the bar - had to sample JW Blue while watching a little Wimbledon. Never had it before, and decided I like other whiskies better; I didn't even finish it. Before I knew it, they were boarding my flight!
BA 0083 LHR-JFK
Though I left the lounge as soon as I was called, there were many F pax already settled in. This is the view of 1A from 1K - many people claim these seats are too close together, but I didn't find it distracting/problematic at all.
My seat:
And the bonus of seeing out the front of the nose is well worth any proximity issues. Nobody used the wardrobe between 1A and 1K in flight either.
An early snack of nuts and white Burgundy:
My glass is empty already? No refill for me, though. Had to try the Merry Edwards sauv blanc instead - she is one of my favorite CA winemakers (and a pioneer for women in the industry) and I'm glad to see her getting this high-end exposure. The wine is a bargain at $30/bottle retail in the US.
Dinner
My apologies - I brought the menus back but cannot now locate them for pics. Will have to recreate the offerings from my addled memory.
Salmon amuse bouche:
Crab and avocado starter
It was delicious!
Steak and ravioli for my main - again, more well done that I like, but fine. Good red wines on offer (a St. Joseph, I think), but nothing as good as the Smith in the CCR.
Turbulence during dessert (or was I just getting woozy from the drinking?)
Then into my PJs for a nap. Loved the turn down service while I changed. When I awoke, time for a personal pot of tea and sandwiches!
Then changed back and stowed my things for arrival.
All in all, a great flight. I loved sitting up front, and the service was wonderful. I almost wished it was longer! Up next for me is a trip to Iceland and Scandinavia (cheap IcelandAir free stopover) with a return in UA Global First - I'm not quite expecting the same level of service, though. Will try to take a few more cabin pics for that one.