HND to ORD on April 20, 2024.
Pretty much the same menu as earlier post of HND to DFW flight. Service was excellent and food was delicious. We usually get the Japanese meal when flying JAL First, but after 14 days in Japan, we were ready for some "Western" food, and the International Menu really hit the spot.
Before takeoff, one of the First cabin crew members asked me our reason for visiting Japan, and I told her we spent the past 18 days visiting Taiwan, then Japan, to celebrate my partner's 60th birthday. She asked if it was "today" (April 20th) and I told her actually it's "tomorrow" (April 21). After I woke up from my nap (about 1.5 hrs prior to landing), the lead First class attendant approached me and asked me if they could wake my partner up (he was still sleeping so that they could present him with a birthday surprise). She told me the other attendant informed her that it was my partner's birthday on the 21st, and they wanted to help him celebrate. I told her yes, of course, he can sleep later at home! LOL It was a very kind gesture by the First Class team, and my partner really appreciated it!
There were four of us in First, and only three were enjoying the Salon, so we all got nice share of the bottle.
Starters of gizzards and squid
The butter roll was really good, and what I really appreciate about the service was that the bread plate came out hot to keep the breads warm longer! That's First Class service!
Goat Milk Bavarois
Nicoise Salad Terrine
Seafood Sausage
We wanted to try the Mori Izo since it is hard to find. It wasn't to our liking, but we still purchased a bottle as a gift for a friend we think will appreciate it.
Sea Bream
Sea Bream
The other champagne
Red wine for my steak
Wagyu beef fillet
I asked for really small pieces so that I could sample the cheeses, and they were happy to provide just a taste of all five cheeses -- all from HOkkaido
Strawberry shortcake
After my nap, I started with some herbal tea
Then had some Royal Blue Tea
Wagyu curry
Fruits
My partner, after he was woken up by the lead First Class attendant, ordered something "healthy" and got the vegan wraps. (I think he was still asleep when he ordered this instead of all the other options, LOL)
The attendants insisted I sit with my partner for a picture. They presented him with desserts and a model plane -- both decorated to say happy birthday. They also put little bows on the champagne flutes. Apologies that this isn't the best picture as I had to crop it.
Dessert
Decorations on model plane
Decorations on model plane
Decorations on model plane