Foodie Weekend in Paris and Cape Town via Air France and Emirates First Class
May 10, 2023, 9:15 pm
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,610
The Silo Hotel
The Silo Hotel in Cape Town is one of the most unique hotels I have ever visited. The Silo is a former century old grain storage silo which has rebuilt and re-imagined into a spectacular five star work of art. The Silo sits on Cape Town’s V&A waterfront and offers wonderful views of all of Cape Town, one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
Beautiful morning the next morning...
After breakfast, I headed up to the roof top for the view...
... and the for a enjoyable walk to the heart of Cape Town’s V&A waterfront… a major attraction loaded with shops, restaurants and activities, featuring wonderful views of all of Cape Town.
My Instagram video of our stay at the unique Silo Hotel Cape Town.
And video of my morning walk around V&A Waterfront.
The Silo Hotel in Cape Town is one of the most unique hotels I have ever visited. The Silo is a former century old grain storage silo which has rebuilt and re-imagined into a spectacular five star work of art. The Silo sits on Cape Town’s V&A waterfront and offers wonderful views of all of Cape Town, one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
Beautiful morning the next morning...
After breakfast, I headed up to the roof top for the view...
... and the for a enjoyable walk to the heart of Cape Town’s V&A waterfront… a major attraction loaded with shops, restaurants and activities, featuring wonderful views of all of Cape Town.
My Instagram video of our stay at the unique Silo Hotel Cape Town.
And video of my morning walk around V&A Waterfront.
May 10, 2023, 9:16 pm
#17
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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Posts: 21,610
Lunch at FYN
Lunch on arrival day was at fabulous FYN (pronounced like “rain”) ranked #37 in the world and #1 in Africa on the 2022 World’s 50 Best list. FYN features an interesting blend of Japanese and South African food that really works. FYN touches all the senses with excellent food, beautiful presentation and outstanding service. And by European or North American standards, insanely inexpensive, with the lunch tasting menu priced at just US$56/50€
My Instagram video of my fabulous lunch at FYN.
Lunch on arrival day was at fabulous FYN (pronounced like “rain”) ranked #37 in the world and #1 in Africa on the 2022 World’s 50 Best list. FYN features an interesting blend of Japanese and South African food that really works. FYN touches all the senses with excellent food, beautiful presentation and outstanding service. And by European or North American standards, insanely inexpensive, with the lunch tasting menu priced at just US$56/50€
My Instagram video of my fabulous lunch at FYN.
May 10, 2023, 9:17 pm
#18
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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Posts: 21,610
Dinner at La Colombe
Dinner tonight is at spectacular La Colombe just outside of Cape Town. Although ranked “only” #56 in the world, La Colombe is worthy of a much higher ranking. Amazing food, presentation and flawless service with sensational wine pairing. Again, insanely inexpensive, with dinner tasting menu priced at just US$96. Simply mind blowing.
Truffled pea.
Sweet Potato Bread...
Liver Parfait, Red Onion, Port Venison, Sesame, Hoisin.
Tuna "La Colombe".
Smoked Tomato, Aubergine, Pine Nut,
Alaskan King Crab, Yellowtail, Buckwheat.
Quail, Tiger Prawn, Miso.
CItrus.
Dry Aged Duck...
...with Parsnip, Licorice, Horseradish.
Cheese and Honey.
Jerusalem Artichoke, Jivara, Hazelnut.
Eclair.
What an amazing meal.
And my Instagram video of a fabulous dinner at La Colombe.
Dinner tonight is at spectacular La Colombe just outside of Cape Town. Although ranked “only” #56 in the world, La Colombe is worthy of a much higher ranking. Amazing food, presentation and flawless service with sensational wine pairing. Again, insanely inexpensive, with dinner tasting menu priced at just US$96. Simply mind blowing.
Truffled pea.
Sweet Potato Bread...
Liver Parfait, Red Onion, Port Venison, Sesame, Hoisin.
Tuna "La Colombe".
Smoked Tomato, Aubergine, Pine Nut,
Alaskan King Crab, Yellowtail, Buckwheat.
Quail, Tiger Prawn, Miso.
CItrus.
Dry Aged Duck...
...with Parsnip, Licorice, Horseradish.
Cheese and Honey.
Jerusalem Artichoke, Jivara, Hazelnut.
Eclair.
What an amazing meal.
And my Instagram video of a fabulous dinner at La Colombe.
Last edited by SFO777; May 11, 2023 at 7:02 am
May 11, 2023, 6:55 am
#23
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Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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Thank you offerendum. It was such a treat although at nearly 4 hours, Mrs. SFO777 would not have been happy.
Merci!
On 2nd thought, it was probably more like 20 minutes... pretty easy and downhill most of the way. Blame the morning bottle of wine.
May 11, 2023, 6:58 am
#24
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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Posts: 21,610
Lunch at Salsify at The Roundhouse
Getaway lunch today is at yet another amazing Cape Town restaurant… Salsify at the Roundhouse. I can’t recall a better 24 hours of fine dining anywhere in the world. Gorgeous setting in the hills overlooking Camps Bay. Salsify is on the World’s 50 Best Discovery list and bound to rapidly climb the rankings. Wonderful food, creative presentation and flawless service with the best wine pairing of the trip. Again, insanely inexpensive, with our tasting menu just US$93 and the “gem series” wine pairing priced at just US$104. Simply wow!!
"Kitchen Gifts"
West Coast Abalone
Smoked Springbok
Love the Zalto glasses.
Coal Fired Langoustine with Parmesan & Chive and Truffles. WOW!
Pan Roasted Linefish with Lime Leaf and Textures of Rice
"The Ugly Bits of Lamb". LOL. Yummy.
Slow Cooked Duck Breast.
Tea & Rusk
Hazelnut & Bitter Chocolate Tart, Tonka Bean Marshmallow, 10 year old Whisky Ice Cream
What an amazing meal with a wonderful view of Camps Bay
My Instagram video of our great lunch at Salsify at the Roundhouse.
Getaway lunch today is at yet another amazing Cape Town restaurant… Salsify at the Roundhouse. I can’t recall a better 24 hours of fine dining anywhere in the world. Gorgeous setting in the hills overlooking Camps Bay. Salsify is on the World’s 50 Best Discovery list and bound to rapidly climb the rankings. Wonderful food, creative presentation and flawless service with the best wine pairing of the trip. Again, insanely inexpensive, with our tasting menu just US$93 and the “gem series” wine pairing priced at just US$104. Simply wow!!
"Kitchen Gifts"
West Coast Abalone
Smoked Springbok
Love the Zalto glasses.
Coal Fired Langoustine with Parmesan & Chive and Truffles. WOW!
Pan Roasted Linefish with Lime Leaf and Textures of Rice
"The Ugly Bits of Lamb". LOL. Yummy.
Slow Cooked Duck Breast.
Tea & Rusk
Hazelnut & Bitter Chocolate Tart, Tonka Bean Marshmallow, 10 year old Whisky Ice Cream
What an amazing meal with a wonderful view of Camps Bay
My Instagram video of our great lunch at Salsify at the Roundhouse.
May 11, 2023, 6:58 am
#25
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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Posts: 21,610
From Salsify, it was a short 30 minute drive to the airport and our Emirates marathon to Houston, starting with a 9 hour flight to Dubai where there was just one other passenger in First Class. Excellent service, food and more superb wines. And 5 hours of sleep.
The Emirates Lounge
Cape Town CPT to Dubai DXB
Emirates EK 771
777-300ER
6:25p-5:45a +1
April 25, 2023
Departed 3/8
And the familiar excellent wine list from yesterday.
Our wonderful Emirates First Class escort whisked up to the front of the security queue and to the First Class Lounge.
Where we sampled some excellent Bordeaux wines... at 6am. LOL.
After a shower and a few phones calls, we eat in the massive fine dining room. Waguy filet.
Mouthwatering good.
And Instagram video of our Emirates First Class flight from Cape Town to Dubai.
And video of the Emirates First Class Lounge.
The Emirates Lounge
Cape Town CPT to Dubai DXB
Emirates EK 771
777-300ER
6:25p-5:45a +1
April 25, 2023
Departed 3/8
And the familiar excellent wine list from yesterday.
Our wonderful Emirates First Class escort whisked up to the front of the security queue and to the First Class Lounge.
Where we sampled some excellent Bordeaux wines... at 6am. LOL.
After a shower and a few phones calls, we eat in the massive fine dining room. Waguy filet.
Mouthwatering good.
And Instagram video of our Emirates First Class flight from Cape Town to Dubai.
And video of the Emirates First Class Lounge.
May 11, 2023, 7:01 am
#26
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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Posts: 21,610
Dubai DXB to Houston IAH
Emirates EK 211
A380-800
9:35am-4:40pm
April 25, 2023
Departed 13/14
Emirates’ A380 Dubai-Houston flight is one of the longest nonstops in the world… at 8,576 miles and 16 hours. Fortunately, I went to sleep right after take-off and woke almost 8 hours later and only 8 hours to go. Today was the usual excellent Emirates service with great food and wine, although I’m always more restrained on the way home. LOL
OK, that's a long, long way.
Hit me over the head with it, thank you.
Pre-departure DP before going to sleep.
After 8 hours of sleep, ready to go for the last 8 hours of the flight.
Today's menu...
And wine list.
Nice views over Greenland.
Showtime!
Very nice.
Lovely heirloom tomato salad.
And fabulous Lobster Tandoori.
Wow on the Blueberry Brownie.
As lovely as ever.
A little later, live TV of the big ManCity-Arsenal match.
And 2nd meal about 90 minutes out of IAH.
Another wonderful Emirates flight and the capper on an amazing 40 hours of Emirates First Class.
And my Instagram video of our 16 hour Emirates First Class flight to Houston.
Emirates EK 211
A380-800
9:35am-4:40pm
April 25, 2023
Departed 13/14
Emirates’ A380 Dubai-Houston flight is one of the longest nonstops in the world… at 8,576 miles and 16 hours. Fortunately, I went to sleep right after take-off and woke almost 8 hours later and only 8 hours to go. Today was the usual excellent Emirates service with great food and wine, although I’m always more restrained on the way home. LOL
OK, that's a long, long way.
Hit me over the head with it, thank you.
Pre-departure DP before going to sleep.
After 8 hours of sleep, ready to go for the last 8 hours of the flight.
Today's menu...
And wine list.
Nice views over Greenland.
Showtime!
Very nice.
Lovely heirloom tomato salad.
And fabulous Lobster Tandoori.
Wow on the Blueberry Brownie.
As lovely as ever.
A little later, live TV of the big ManCity-Arsenal match.
And 2nd meal about 90 minutes out of IAH.
Another wonderful Emirates flight and the capper on an amazing 40 hours of Emirates First Class.
And my Instagram video of our 16 hour Emirates First Class flight to Houston.
May 11, 2023, 7:02 am
#27
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,610
From Emirates First Class to United! LOL. Talk about a downgrade. And what a dump IAH is, but I'm happy to be on the last leg of a 30,000 mile week. Even if it is United with their “worst in the US” boarding where seemingly 1/2 the plane is Group 1 and that’s after the pre-boards.
The C United Club because my initial gate was a C gate. Still sporting 30+ year old Continental decor.
Looks just like the CLEContinental United Club.
Totally appropriate view for the dump that is IAH.
Houston IAH to Denver DEN
United UA 1970
757-300
7:48p-9:25p
April 25, 2023
United with the worst First Class boading in the country... with 1/2 the plane in Group 1.
And that's after the laundry list of "pre-boards"
No idea, maybe a United catering casualty.
Happy to be back home after an crazy 5+ day 30,000 mile odyssey.
Thanks for following along.
My Instagram video of my United experience at IAH and United First Class to Denver.
For more pics and an HD version of this report, please visit SFO777.com
• Off to Mexico City for lunch at #5 in the world Pujol, at least that was the plan
• Air France La Première from Mexico City to Paris
• Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme
• Paris Bar hopping before dinner
• Dinner at Michelin 3 star Le Pré Catelan
• Sunday morning in Paris and brunch at Buvette
• Emirates First Class from Paris to Dubai
• Emirates First Class from Dubai to Cape Town
• The Silo Hotel Cape Town
• Lunch at FYN - ranked #37 in the world and #1 in Africa
• Dinner at La Colombe - ranked #56 in the world
• Lunch at Salsify at The Roundhouse
• Emirates First Class from Cape Town to Dubai
• Emirates First Class from Dubai to Houston
• United First Class from Houston to Denver
And the usual Instagram videos:
The C United Club because my initial gate was a C gate. Still sporting 30+ year old Continental decor.
Looks just like the CLE
Totally appropriate view for the dump that is IAH.
Houston IAH to Denver DEN
United UA 1970
757-300
7:48p-9:25p
April 25, 2023
United with the worst First Class boading in the country... with 1/2 the plane in Group 1.
And that's after the laundry list of "pre-boards"
No idea, maybe a United catering casualty.
Happy to be back home after an crazy 5+ day 30,000 mile odyssey.
Thanks for following along.
My Instagram video of my United experience at IAH and United First Class to Denver.
For more pics and an HD version of this report, please visit SFO777.com
• Off to Mexico City for lunch at #5 in the world Pujol, at least that was the plan
• Air France La Première from Mexico City to Paris
• Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme
• Paris Bar hopping before dinner
• Dinner at Michelin 3 star Le Pré Catelan
• Sunday morning in Paris and brunch at Buvette
• Emirates First Class from Paris to Dubai
• Emirates First Class from Dubai to Cape Town
• The Silo Hotel Cape Town
• Lunch at FYN - ranked #37 in the world and #1 in Africa
• Dinner at La Colombe - ranked #56 in the world
• Lunch at Salsify at The Roundhouse
• Emirates First Class from Cape Town to Dubai
• Emirates First Class from Dubai to Houston
• United First Class from Houston to Denver
And the usual Instagram videos:
May 11, 2023, 8:07 am
#28
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Paris
Programs: AA LT Plat (4m+), AF Plat, A3 Gold, Hyatt Lifetime Globalist, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat/Ambassador
Posts: 2,648
What a FANTASTIC review and journaling SFO... amazing!!!
How did you build that routing?
Still trying to find a way to work my way into AF's La Première
How did you build that routing?
Still trying to find a way to work my way into AF's La Première
May 11, 2023, 8:20 am
#29
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,610
The routing was on part to let us use our FB miles before AF "enhanced" LP awards.
We wanted to go back to Cape Town and originally had booked award seats on MEX-CDG-JNB in LP. We chose MEX because neither SFO or LAX had 3 award seats (for DFW_CK as well). But then Air France dropped La Première to JNB and DFW_CK couldn't make the trip. So we decided just to buy EK tickets directly to CPT (using Amex PWP). We picked CPT-IAH on the return since IAH has the cheapest EK F fares to the US.