I made full use of the Qantas lounge, and I'm going to have to break up this section of the report into two sections.
Qantas offers a complimentary chauffeur service, which I arranged 4 hours in advance, giving about 3 hours to enjoy a full-course lunch and a massage. As my cell wasn't work in Australia, I gave the Melbourne First co-ordinator a ring the day before as instructed to book a massage. I booked a 2pm slot, which would have me finished just in time for the first boarding call.
Right on time, the chauffeured Chrysler 300M came to pick me up right at the front door. He helped me with my bags and we were quickly on our way. For the entire trip, we talked about our travels, favourite destinations, families and ambitions. We had a good laugh the entire way, and even though it was totally unnecessary, I left him a tenner for being so friendly. The smile on his face made it totally worth it.
2014-04-28 11.27.40 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
He dropped me off at the Qantas First curbside check-in lounge. Except that when I approached the door, the automated doors didn't open! The lights were turned off and no one was inside - what was going on?
2014-04-28 11.42.50 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
2014-04-28 11.44.42 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
I went into the terminal and waited around for about 10 minutes. 2 agents then opened up the check-in lounge. Weird that they close the First check-in for parts of the day.
2014-04-28 11.53.52 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
My boarding passes, fast track passes were already neatly arranged in a Qantas First folder on the desk behind the counter. My bags were tagged to Moscow and wheeled out as I took a seat on the side and filled out the departure card. I was also asked if I needed an escort to the lounge, and I told the agent I would be fine by myself (she gave me some detailed instructions on how to get there.) Kudos for a seamless check-in experience, except for that earlier hiccup. ^
2014-04-28 11.55.33 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
I was dreading going through security today. Out of principle, I am opposed to NOS scanners and I heard there was no opt-out of this nonsense available.
Security was empty today, so no need for fast track. I followed behind a couple, and I saw them lining up towards the NOS scanner, I quickly emptied out my pockets, belt and electronic devices and bolted towards the WTMD scanner as they were directed towards the NOS scanners. Whew, no NOS for me today. ^
After immigration, came the labyrinth of a duty-free shop. I hate airports that make you walk through a maze of shops before getting to the gates/lounges.
2014-04-28 12.05.01 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
The QF F lounge was conveniently located by Gate 9, where QF9 was departing today. As I made my way towards the escalator, I watched as the massive A380 was being taxied to the gate in preparation for todays flight to Dubai and London.
2014-04-28 12.13.32 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
Up the escalator to the entrance, where the dragon gave me a friendly welcome and reminded me of my Spa booking later on.
2014-04-28 12.14.25 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
First order of business was to seat myself in the dining room for lunch (I didn't eat breakfast in anticipation of dining in the lounge.) I was the first one in the entire dining room and got a great seat with a full view of the QF A380 (along with an SQ A380 further back.) The waiter came over with a menu and took my drink order almost immediately.
2014-04-28 12.19.00 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
A glass of Tattinger Brut Reserve to toast an awesome trip to Australia.
2014-04-28 12.24.40 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
The menu was very impressive. Most of the dishes made my mouth water as I read them, emphasizing fresh produce. I had a hard time deciding between the slow roast lamb or the duck confit for my main (I went with the latter.) I ordered both of the appetizers from the market selections, the soup of the day and two desserts.
I fully intended on having the entire tasting menu on board later too.
2014-04-28 12.22.24 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
The dining lounge began to fill up pretty quickly, with a CX flight departing to HKG. The dining room was pretty much full the entire time I was there, as passengers from QF9 also started to trickle in.
2014-04-28 12.19.27 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
First appetizer, the ocean trout sashimi with white soy, sesame and finger lime. Sublime it was. ^
2014-04-28 12.37.30 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
Second appetizer, a salad of roasted baby vegetables with quinoa & lemon oil. Nicely dressed and fresh tasting!
2014-04-28 12.40.08 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
Tomato and roasted red pepper soup IIRC. The waiter also brought over a bread basket, from which I selected a few fresh baguette slices to accompany the soup. It was good and hearty, but nothing special.
2014-04-28 12.45.53 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
Main of duck leg confit with roasted onions, apples & green lentils. The duck leg fell apart when picked apart with my fork. It was rich and full of flavour. Great comfort food. ^
2014-04-28 13.00.12 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
A glass of Shiraz to go with the duck, as recommended. Not a oenophile by any stretch of the imagination, but it was drinkable.
2014-04-28 13.00.45 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
Dessert of black chocolate creme with white chocolate gelato. Amazing. ^
2014-04-28 13.27.27 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
And last, but not least, a side of strawberry ice cream. Not nearly as yummy as the chocolate dessert (I wish I had ordered another dessert as there was still room!)
2014-04-28 13.27.30 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
Lunch was a very relaxed one-hour affair. Still plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely shower and sit around for a bit before my massage.
Overall, I was very impressed with the dining experience. It wasn't Michelin-star quality, but definitely that of a smart restaurant that has inspired, tasty food. The menu choices were all great and I loved the emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce reflected through the menu. The service was very good, despite the dining area being very full and I loved the backdrop of the gates.
I am more impressed they maintain such a high level of food quality even though the lounge is available to all OW Emeralds (unlike Lufthansa, which controls capacity in some ways by limiting their FCLs to F passengers and HON.)
It has the LH FCT food beat hands down. A resounding two thumbs up to Qantas, and a great prelude to the onboard dining. ^