AA Announces new Sommelier - Bobby Stuckey (French Laundry, Frasca)
Feb 15, 2018, 9:27 am
#32
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: SAN
Programs: AA CK, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 839
Americans award winning wine program... say what???? Are they serious? The selection in International Business Class is mediocre at best. Another expert to go along with the celebrity chef cuisine from last year - which was a failure IMO. I get that they are trying to improve their food and wine selection but this shameless promotion of how great the food and wine is onboard and in the lounges is laughable.
Feb 15, 2018, 10:48 am
#33
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: TUL
Programs: AA EXP 2MM; Marriott Titanium; Hilton Diamond; Hyatt Explorist; Vistana 5* Elite; Nat'l Exec Elite
Posts: 6,177
Feb 15, 2018, 1:21 pm
#34
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
A few years ago on flights between JFK and ZRH, the menu always listed a "special" (red) wine chosen by their Somm., but nearly every time I requested it, it wasn't available.
Any airline, since they are buying huge quantities should be able to get 90+ wines at good prices--without the aid of a "super Somm."
PS: Lately menus have NOT listed any wine choices.
Any airline, since they are buying huge quantities should be able to get 90+ wines at good prices--without the aid of a "super Somm."
PS: Lately menus have NOT listed any wine choices.
Feb 15, 2018, 1:29 pm
#35
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: TUL
Programs: AA EXP 2MM; Marriott Titanium; Hilton Diamond; Hyatt Explorist; Vistana 5* Elite; Nat'l Exec Elite
Posts: 6,177
And of course, how many times have you had this conversation?
FA: Would you care for any wine today?
controller1: Yes, I'd like a red. What do you have?
FA: I don't know. I'll have to check. (continues to stand in front of me)
controller1: OK, if you'd check I'd appreciate it. (FA goes to galley)
FA: Would you care for any wine today?
controller1: Yes, I'd like a red. What do you have?
FA: I don't know. I'll have to check. (continues to stand in front of me)
controller1: OK, if you'd check I'd appreciate it. (FA goes to galley)
Feb 15, 2018, 2:21 pm
#36
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Here and there
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,551
And of course, how many times have you had this conversation?
FA: Would you care for any wine today?
controller1: Yes, I'd like a red. What do you have?
FA: I don't know. I'll have to check. (continues to stand in front of me)
controller1: OK, if you'd check I'd appreciate it. (FA goes to galley)
FA: Would you care for any wine today?
controller1: Yes, I'd like a red. What do you have?
FA: I don't know. I'll have to check. (continues to stand in front of me)
controller1: OK, if you'd check I'd appreciate it. (FA goes to galley)
I really don't mind the way they are brought out on a trolley on other airlines, so they can show you the bottle. It doesn't need to be hand delivered from the galley to me.
Feb 16, 2018, 12:19 pm
#38
Fontaine d'honneur du Flyertalk
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Morbihan, France
Programs: Reine des Muccis de Pucci; Foreign Elitist (according to others)
Posts: 19,179
A very good point. The very term Sommelier varies from someone who is qualified to advise on wine and food pairing and who has taken studies in wine. Their identity is a matter of supreme indifference to me. Whatever is chosen, and on International it is quite good IMO. What I do dislike is Champagne/wine served into tumblers as I have seen of late, and the crew members clueless about what it is that they are serving.
Feb 16, 2018, 12:35 pm
#39
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: NYC/PSP
Programs: AA EXP, A3 Gold
Posts: 4,106
And of course, how many times have you had this conversation?
FA: Would you care for any wine today?
controller1: Yes, I'd like a red. What do you have?
FA: I don't know. I'll have to check. (continues to stand in front of me)
controller1: OK, if you'd check I'd appreciate it. (FA goes to galley)
FA: Would you care for any wine today?
controller1: Yes, I'd like a red. What do you have?
FA: I don't know. I'll have to check. (continues to stand in front of me)
controller1: OK, if you'd check I'd appreciate it. (FA goes to galley)
justforfun: I'll have a diet coke.
