ORD-LHR
BA 296
First Class
Seats 2AK
747-400
G-CIVA (Old First)
8:35P-10:00A
September 25, 2012

When I check the NF status earlier in the day, I was disappointed to find out that we wouldn't experience the new F, especially since 297/296 had been tracking over 90% New First. Nevertheless, for an old cabin, it was attractive and clean, much nicer than the two relic QF 744s we endured earlier in the year.





OK, we're not talking CX here but for only 7 hours, the seats were quite comfortable...





After our last flights, Mrs. SFO complained that she wasn't seeing the attraction with all my 1AK choices, and wanted to get away from the closet action and try a row 2. Kudos to the Princess. IMO, 2AK is indeed the best combination of space and privacy even for a couple. We were able to communicate with each other easily, yet still have our own space. And 2A and 2K are still close enough that, with a good stretch of the arms, we could pass things to each other without getting up.





I had read mixed reviews of BA service in the BA forum, but tonight's crew was excellent. Friendly, professional, and seemingly always there to anticipate your needs. As we took our seats, various crew members stopped by to say hello and drop off amenity kits, PJs and pre departure Laurent-Perrier Grand Siecle.



OK dude, you selected 1K. Why have your front window shade down??



Shortly after take off, our cabin crew jumped into action with cocktail service and menus...





Tonight's menu included creations from Simon Hulstone, apparently a recipient of a Michelin star.
Yo Simon, if you are going to lend/sell/rent your name an airline, make sure they can deliver in flight.





While the Grand Siecle is a nice choice, the white wine offerings were not even remotely close to F quality. The two we tried were positively horrid, while the third, the St-Supery Sauvignon Blanc, Mrs. SFO uses as cooking wine at home. Mrs. SFO tried the 2010 Saint-Aubin 1er Cru La Chateniere. I had a sip and agreed it was undrinkable. She sent it back as did I sent back the equally awful 2009 Stefano Antonucci Verdicchio Dei Castelli Di Jesi Doc. We both went back to the safe Grand Siècle.

Wine List
After Dinner Selections
Breakfast

Our set up, carefully placed on our tray table...





Scallop brochette amuse bouche was very good.





Just not with the 2009 Stefano Antonucci Verdicchio Dei Castelli Di Jesi Doc. Mercifully still lots of Grand Siècle to go around.



The Seared hamachi with tanginesse of tagarashi, jalapeno and sumiso sauce with fava beans and toasted almonds sounded delicious and looked great. Unfortunately, that's where is ended. It simply lacked much taste at all. With all those ingredients, how about using them so we can taste them.



Up next: Pork belly, Simon's "Olympic Inspired Dish". Yikes.