Sydney the looong way; EY 789 J/F, EY A380 F, 16 hours in QR F Al-Safwa Lounge
Nov 20, 2015, 1:50 pm
#181
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,727
More shots of the cabin.
It looks narrow, but I found the seat very comfortable and quite wide.
Lots of storage space underneath the ottoman.
I really like their multi-colored cushions.
IFE controller and seat touchscreen
It looks narrow, but I found the seat very comfortable and quite wide.
Lots of storage space underneath the ottoman.
I really like their multi-colored cushions.
IFE controller and seat touchscreen
Nov 22, 2015, 7:50 am
#184
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,727
Arabic coffee, dates, welcome tray. It may be a tray, but at least it's classy looking.
As we were waiting to takeoff, we had a grand view of the Midfield Terminal construction, the airport control tower, and landing planes.
Finally, our turn!
In-the-air snack tray
Shot of engines from my seat
Trying to replicate Lucky's iconic image.
Somewhere over Iran.
As we were waiting to takeoff, we had a grand view of the Midfield Terminal construction, the airport control tower, and landing planes.
Finally, our turn!
In-the-air snack tray
Shot of engines from my seat
Trying to replicate Lucky's iconic image.
Somewhere over Iran.
Nov 22, 2015, 11:18 am
#185
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,727
The chef mentioned he used to work in a professional kitchen and was classically trained. Well, what better way to test him than to ask for a custom tasting menu?
I asked for smaller, but more numerous portions, given that I had already gained some weight on this trip. (I think he gave me the usual size portions anyway.)
The chef hard at work. I'm very impressed that he was able to do so much with such a small working area.
To be continued...the mother of all of iluvdoco's onboard gorgings and the best in-flight Etihad meal ever.
Teaser pic
I asked for smaller, but more numerous portions, given that I had already gained some weight on this trip. (I think he gave me the usual size portions anyway.)
The chef hard at work. I'm very impressed that he was able to do so much with such a small working area.
To be continued...the mother of all of iluvdoco's onboard gorgings and the best in-flight Etihad meal ever.
Teaser pic
Nov 23, 2015, 10:09 am
#188
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,727
Since I couldn't decide which wine I wanted paired with my meal, I decided to try my top picks.
Starting with the Louis Latour Chardonnay, Pernand-Vergelesses 1ER CRU Burgundy, France 2013
Next followed by the Sauvignon Blanc, Seresin Estate, Marlborough New Zealand 2013
Then the Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, La Croix de Beaucaillou Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France 2011
And lastly, the Jim Barry "The Lodge Hill" Shiraz 2010, Clare Valley, South Australia
I thought the Jim Barry was one of the weaker wines. Many wines were shared with those on the segments to/from SYD.
I ended up going with the medium bodied Cabernet Sauvignon Blend which had hints of "freshly cut cedar wood, dried tobacco and fresh blackberries."
Starting with the Louis Latour Chardonnay, Pernand-Vergelesses 1ER CRU Burgundy, France 2013
Next followed by the Sauvignon Blanc, Seresin Estate, Marlborough New Zealand 2013
Then the Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, La Croix de Beaucaillou Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France 2011
And lastly, the Jim Barry "The Lodge Hill" Shiraz 2010, Clare Valley, South Australia
I thought the Jim Barry was one of the weaker wines. Many wines were shared with those on the segments to/from SYD.
I ended up going with the medium bodied Cabernet Sauvignon Blend which had hints of "freshly cut cedar wood, dried tobacco and fresh blackberries."
Nov 23, 2015, 7:04 pm
#189
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,727
Standard bread selection
First Course: Potato and herb panna cotta amuse bouche with red pepper salsa. I think this was shared with my AUH-SYD flight, but the presentation here was significantly better.
Second Course: Beef bresaola; rocket and antipasti.
Palate Cleanser: Lemon and pomegranate syrup gratin
Third Course: Lamb biryani with fried onions, cashews and raisins. Excellent. Glad I chose the lamb.
Fourth Course: Trio of Fish with lobster sauce; paupiette of plaice, barramundi, grilled prawns with lobster bisque.
Fifth Course: Pumpkin and feta tagliatelle; rocket pesto, sun-dried tomato and black garlic. Mmmm.
I really appreciated the chef's skill when it came to plating; the plating was far beyond that of any of my previous segments. There was only so much he could do with the taste, since the food came 80% pre-cooked.
I was supposed to have the chef's special grouper course after this, but I think I wore him out and he had to take a break (and I wrote a very complimentary note to Etihad Customer Service on his behalf). I was also too full to consume anymore food at this point.
First Course: Potato and herb panna cotta amuse bouche with red pepper salsa. I think this was shared with my AUH-SYD flight, but the presentation here was significantly better.
Second Course: Beef bresaola; rocket and antipasti.
Palate Cleanser: Lemon and pomegranate syrup gratin
Third Course: Lamb biryani with fried onions, cashews and raisins. Excellent. Glad I chose the lamb.
Fourth Course: Trio of Fish with lobster sauce; paupiette of plaice, barramundi, grilled prawns with lobster bisque.
Fifth Course: Pumpkin and feta tagliatelle; rocket pesto, sun-dried tomato and black garlic. Mmmm.
I really appreciated the chef's skill when it came to plating; the plating was far beyond that of any of my previous segments. There was only so much he could do with the taste, since the food came 80% pre-cooked.
I was supposed to have the chef's special grouper course after this, but I think I wore him out and he had to take a break (and I wrote a very complimentary note to Etihad Customer Service on his behalf). I was also too full to consume anymore food at this point.
Nov 23, 2015, 7:40 pm
#190
Join Date: Nov 2015
Programs: QFF, Velocity, AA, LifeMiles, Avianca...
Posts: 1
Can be eaten in multiple ways - either as is like a biscuit (dry - with or without a spread) or as a cereal with milk or yoghurt.
OR school competition style where you have to completely eat 2 to 5 (depending on the sadistic streak of the judge) and then whistle for a few seconds. Often done as a relay in teams of 3 to 5 for end of year or start of year competition (or fundraiser).
Yes they are absolutely dry. If left to soak in milk for a few minutes they will puff up maybe 3x over.
As a biscuit with some spread (you were on the right track with vegemite), especially good with honey or peanut butter. A couple will fill you up as a snack and pretty healthy (un)fortunately.
Serious sports people eat up to 12-15 for breakfast!
Nov 23, 2015, 8:22 pm
#191
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,727
Sacrilege!
Can be eaten in multiple ways - either as is like a biscuit (dry - with or without a spread) or as a cereal with milk or yoghurt.
OR school competition style where you have to completely eat 2 to 5 (depending on the sadistic streak of the judge) and then whistle for a few seconds. Often done as a relay in teams of 3 to 5 for end of year or start of year competition (or fundraiser).
Yes they are absolutely dry. If left to soak in milk for a few minutes they will puff up maybe 3x over.
As a biscuit with some spread (you were on the right track with vegemite), especially good with honey or peanut butter. A couple will fill you up as a snack and pretty healthy (un)fortunately.
Serious sports people eat up to 12-15 for breakfast!
Can be eaten in multiple ways - either as is like a biscuit (dry - with or without a spread) or as a cereal with milk or yoghurt.
OR school competition style where you have to completely eat 2 to 5 (depending on the sadistic streak of the judge) and then whistle for a few seconds. Often done as a relay in teams of 3 to 5 for end of year or start of year competition (or fundraiser).
Yes they are absolutely dry. If left to soak in milk for a few minutes they will puff up maybe 3x over.
As a biscuit with some spread (you were on the right track with vegemite), especially good with honey or peanut butter. A couple will fill you up as a snack and pretty healthy (un)fortunately.
Serious sports people eat up to 12-15 for breakfast!
Nov 24, 2015, 12:48 am
#192
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Singapore
Programs: KrisFlyer - Nothing
Posts: 49
...and then you ask a FC Attendent to give you a Weetbix."We don't serve those..." Really, you server lobster, Krug and Dom, but not a biscuit that cost probably less than $1. Dear EY/EK/QR/SQ, allocate your budget!!! Also, if Vegimite is like Marmite, I love it is a sauce draped on fried chicken. Delish. I flipping flooded my keyboard again... 
Nov 24, 2015, 12:50 am
#193
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Singapore
Programs: KrisFlyer - Nothing
Posts: 49
Sacrilege!
Can be eaten in multiple ways - either as is like a biscuit (dry - with or without a spread) or as a cereal with milk or yoghurt.
OR school competition style where you have to completely eat 2 to 5 (depending on the sadistic streak of the judge) and then whistle for a few seconds. Often done as a relay in teams of 3 to 5 for end of year or start of year competition (or fundraiser).
Yes they are absolutely dry. If left to soak in milk for a few minutes they will puff up maybe 3x over.
As a biscuit with some spread (you were on the right track with vegemite), especially good with honey or peanut butter. A couple will fill you up as a snack and pretty healthy (un)fortunately.
Serious sports people eat up to 12-15 for breakfast!
Can be eaten in multiple ways - either as is like a biscuit (dry - with or without a spread) or as a cereal with milk or yoghurt.
OR school competition style where you have to completely eat 2 to 5 (depending on the sadistic streak of the judge) and then whistle for a few seconds. Often done as a relay in teams of 3 to 5 for end of year or start of year competition (or fundraiser).
Yes they are absolutely dry. If left to soak in milk for a few minutes they will puff up maybe 3x over.
As a biscuit with some spread (you were on the right track with vegemite), especially good with honey or peanut butter. A couple will fill you up as a snack and pretty healthy (un)fortunately.
Serious sports people eat up to 12-15 for breakfast!