Originally Posted by rove312
I'll be flying to Europe out of EWR. I thought of getting a carry-on meal, but now that I've got hold of some drink coupons, I think I might as well have the airline's meal. Even if I don't expect the food in steerage to be too exciting, I don't like passing up what they offer; since I can't expect food on any of my domestic flights, I like to take note of what they offer here.
That's some background for my question: if I want white wine both as my pre-dinner and dinner drink, does it make sense to ask for two bottles at the pre-dinner order? Does the second bottle risk losing its chill by the time dinner is served? I don't like eating without liquid, and I suppose there's no telling when the drink cart will come in relation to my getting the food tray. Does some bottled water come with every tray?
The opinion on the quality of food will vary depending on who you ask. Some think we do a good job, others think it stinks. Having flown other airlines, my opinion is that we're heads and tails above other carriers. In any case, I eat CO's food more than I'd care to admit when I'm working, and I'm still alive and can still stand to look at it.
On your Europe flight, your FA's might come through with a pre-meal beverage service first. They will serve drinks again with the meal - the beverage cart is usually just a few rows behind the meal cart, so you should have your wine with dinner in short order. They'll probably come through with the beverage cart again shortly after dinner, as well.
If you need a little more after that, just ask when you see them in the aisles, ring the call bell, or take the opportunity to stretch your legs and ask in the galley. Most of us are on the ball with the drink services, so you shouldn't be lacking for opportunity.
Enjoy your flight!