Originally Posted by
yyznomad
AC005 YYZHND October 2015
We are proud to feature a selection of signature dishes, created exclusively for Air Canada by internationally renowned Canadian Chef David Hawksworth. These recipes, celebrating Canada's cultural diversity and natural environment, showcase the ingredient-led, contemporary cuisine that has become Chef Hawkworth's trademark.
CHEF DAVID HAWKSWORTH
"The sky was certainly not the limit when it came to creating dishes for Air Canada's International Business Class clientele and it's an absolute privilege to share a taste of Canada's cuisine with international travelers."
"H" = Hawksworth Signature Dish (on the menu it is actually an upright fork and knife with a red airplane going through both to form the letter "H")
20-A-NJHMNGP-NJMSNE-NJHSHE-NJHBN 10/15
LUNCH
APPETIZER
H Yellowfin tuna tataki with scallion ginger vinaigrette and passion-fruit
SALAD
*Mixed greens and grape tomatoes and Parmesan served with vinaigrette
MAIN COURSES
Each meal is served with a selection of warm breads.
Braised chicken coq au vin with mushrooms an pearl onions complemented by turmeric rice and fine green beans
H *Tamari roasted sablefish accompanied by bok-choy, brown rice and chili miso vinaigrette
Grilled Alberta AAA beef tenderloin with Cabernet peppercorn sauce, served with Yukon Gold lobster mashed potato and sautéed asparagus
Japanese meal offered with Sake. Composed of an assortment of appetizers, side dishes, pickles, noodles and miso soup, accompanied by a hot main course of beef fillet, steamed rice and mixed vegetables
SELECTION OF CHEESE
Oka, Camembert and medium Cheddar served with crackers
CHOICE OF DESSERTS
H Dark chocolate fondant cake with blackberry compote
Ice cream
*Fresh seasonal fruit
I had a similar dinner menu on the 788 YYZ-CPH (AC882) on 3 Oct. The Hawksworth signature dishes were the same items as posted above, and I tried all three.
Appetizer: tuna tataki - was okay, but not notably better or worse that recent non-signature offerings.
Main: Tamari roasted sablefish -
fantastic! This was the best main course I have ever had on board an aircraft. Truly mouth-watering, incredible flavour, perfectly cooked fish.
Dessert: Chocolate dessert with fruit garnish (not sure that it was the same mentioned above) - very good, but not so memorable that I would write about it. Definitely above average, just not to the degree that the main course was.
Other thoughts:
- I was under the impression that the entire menu was going to be signature dishes, not just one of four main options. Still, definitely an improvement!
- The signature dishes are only offered on outbound flights. The return flights have the traditional international business class menu.
- Upon complimenting the FA preparing the meals, she noted that the 788 has a steam oven, which retains the moisture in the dishes. She thought that helped greatly in the quality of the meals.
Overall, a big thumbs up for the improvement.