Before I worked out eating in the lounge was better, my strategy was to ask the cabin crew very nicely if they could bring me just a main straight after take-off and which could they do the most quickly (answer: cold ones or things taking little time to eat). On occasion I got my email within minutes of the seatbelt sign going off. I think the NYC->LHR menu even used to have this printed once upon a time. I'd then take my own tray back to the galley, and prepare for sleep. The crew were always super nice about it. No idea if this still works as I'm firmly in the "eat in the lounge and snooze while the plane finishes boarding" camp now. If you think you are going to get a three course meal served in the first hour you are going to be disappointed.