Foodie Weekend in Paris and Cape Town via Air France and Emirates First Class
May 10, 23, 2:09 pm
#1
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
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Foodie Weekend in Paris and Cape Town via Air France and Emirates First Class
I'm off today on one our certifiably insane food-wine-flying trips with batmandds… 60 hours of flying including 5 long haul First Class fights on the world’s two best First Class airlines. And five spectacular restaurants… Michelin 3 star and #5 in the world Pujol in Mexico City, Michelin 3 star Le Pre Catelan in Paris, and three amazing Cape Town restaurants… #37 in the world and #1 in Africa FYN, #56 in the world La Colombe and Salsify at the Roundhouse.
First stop on our whirlwind trip is Mexico City and a 2pm lunch at PUJOL the #5 in World’s Best. While batmandds had an easy Delta nonstop from MSP (arriving on time), I had to connect to get to MEX in time. AA offered a DFW connection that would get me to MEX at 12:05pm… IN THEORY.
Denver DEN to Dallas DFW
American AA 1067
A321
6:00a-8:56a
April 21, 2023
At DFW, first stop is the Capital One Lounge in the D terminal.
And delicious chilaquiles.
Quick check of the bar.
And a wow on the wine offerings...
Off to my gate and so far so good...
... but true to its pathetic garbage airline status, DFW-MEX was delayed 90 minutes due to mechanical. And true to form, AA started rolling delays. By the time AA found a new plane, I had missed my window to get to Pujol, given Mexico City traffic.
Dallas DFW to Mexico City MEX
American AA 393
737-800
10:26a-12:05p (sked)
11:50a-1:30p (Actual)
April 21, 2023
Nice cleaning job AA.
Lunch was the usual disgusting AA offering.
... and totally inedible.
We arrived 90 minutes late. then 30 minutes to wait for a gate and the long trek to immigration. Then headed for the pleasant landslide Centurion Lounge to wait for Air France checkin to open.
Excellent margarita and margharita pizza.
Here is my Instagram video of our itinerary and my day with dreadful American Airlines.
First stop on our whirlwind trip is Mexico City and a 2pm lunch at PUJOL the #5 in World’s Best. While batmandds had an easy Delta nonstop from MSP (arriving on time), I had to connect to get to MEX in time. AA offered a DFW connection that would get me to MEX at 12:05pm… IN THEORY.
Denver DEN to Dallas DFW
American AA 1067
A321
6:00a-8:56a
April 21, 2023
At DFW, first stop is the Capital One Lounge in the D terminal.
And delicious chilaquiles.
Quick check of the bar.
And a wow on the wine offerings...
Off to my gate and so far so good...
... but true to its pathetic garbage airline status, DFW-MEX was delayed 90 minutes due to mechanical. And true to form, AA started rolling delays. By the time AA found a new plane, I had missed my window to get to Pujol, given Mexico City traffic.
Dallas DFW to Mexico City MEX
American AA 393
737-800
10:26a-12:05p (sked)
11:50a-1:30p (Actual)
April 21, 2023
Nice cleaning job AA.
Lunch was the usual disgusting AA offering.
... and totally inedible.
We arrived 90 minutes late. then 30 minutes to wait for a gate and the long trek to immigration. Then headed for the pleasant landslide Centurion Lounge to wait for Air France checkin to open.
Excellent margarita and margharita pizza.
Here is my Instagram video of our itinerary and my day with dreadful American Airlines.
Last edited by SFO777; May 10, 23 at 2:22 pm
May 10, 23, 2:10 pm
#2
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver DEN-APA
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Off to Paris
La Premire check in was easy and I was escorted thru security and to the Grand Lounge Elite, which Air France uses in Mexico City. They renovated since my last visit a couple of years ago and the private area is ugly, spartan and not very private anymore and right next the bar. No more LP menu although the chef did come out and go over my options. Frankly, the Amex Centurion Lounge was far better. On the other hand, escort to the plane via golf cart was excellent.
Mexico City MEX to Paris CDG
Air France AF 179
777-300ER
6:40p-1:40p (sked)
7:30p-2:40p (actual)
April 21, 2023
Departed 2/4
Happy to back in Air France La Premire and its elegant private single row 4 seat cabin, one of the best First Class cabins in the skies. And fortunate to be the only two passengers today on our 11 hour flight from Mexico City to Paris. Excellent service, good food, wonderful champagne and an excellent Bordeaux.
Meh on the amenity kit, unlike Emirates.
Tonight's menu and wine list.
Very nice Bordeaux and shockingly extravagant for Air France.
Just a little turbulence.
Bed time.
At CDG, we parked close to immigration so our escort was brief and our HertzDriveU driver was waiting for us.
For those into Instagram, my 60 second video of our MEX-CDG La Premiere flight.
La Premire check in was easy and I was escorted thru security and to the Grand Lounge Elite, which Air France uses in Mexico City. They renovated since my last visit a couple of years ago and the private area is ugly, spartan and not very private anymore and right next the bar. No more LP menu although the chef did come out and go over my options. Frankly, the Amex Centurion Lounge was far better. On the other hand, escort to the plane via golf cart was excellent.
Mexico City MEX to Paris CDG
Air France AF 179
777-300ER
6:40p-1:40p (sked)
7:30p-2:40p (actual)
April 21, 2023
Departed 2/4
Happy to back in Air France La Premire and its elegant private single row 4 seat cabin, one of the best First Class cabins in the skies. And fortunate to be the only two passengers today on our 11 hour flight from Mexico City to Paris. Excellent service, good food, wonderful champagne and an excellent Bordeaux.
Meh on the amenity kit, unlike Emirates.
Tonight's menu and wine list.
Very nice Bordeaux and shockingly extravagant for Air France.
Just a little turbulence.
Bed time.
At CDG, we parked close to immigration so our escort was brief and our HertzDriveU driver was waiting for us.
For those into Instagram, my 60 second video of our MEX-CDG La Premiere flight.
Last edited by SFO777; May 10, 23 at 2:23 pm
May 10, 23, 2:11 pm
#3
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The Park Hyatt Paris Vendme is a wonderful hotel perfectly located near iconic Place Vendme, close to shopping, Le Jardin des Tuileries, Place de la Concorde and The Louvre. And even better as Hyatt offers really attractive points redemption deals at much less than to going paid rate. The PH was the perfect home base for our day and night in Paris.
Time for a drink at the bar before heading out for the evening...
Instagram video of the Park Hyatt Paris Vendme
Time for a drink at the bar before heading out for the evening...
Instagram video of the Park Hyatt Paris Vendme
May 10, 23, 2:12 pm
#4
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With a 7:30pm dinner reservation, we headed out for drinks at two iconic Paris hotels, Le Meurice and Le Crillon on a gorgeous Paris spring late afternoon.
Very, very dangerous when Mrs. SFO777 is in Paris.
Le Meurice..
And Bar 228, home of the world's best Whiskey sours.
And Hotel de Crillon...
And my Instagram video of our pre-dinner bar hopping.
Very, very dangerous when Mrs. SFO777 is in Paris.
Le Meurice..
And Bar 228, home of the world's best Whiskey sours.
And Hotel de Crillon...
And my Instagram video of our pre-dinner bar hopping.
May 10, 23, 2:13 pm
#5
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What a wonderful experience tonight at Frederic Antons fabulous Michelin three star Le Pr Catelan. An amazing culinary taste treat with creative presentation and flawless service by a wonderful staff.
Gorgeous building.
Pea - Crispy tartlet, Stracciatella cream, caviar.
And more peas..
Asparagus - White escabeche. white Miso, Poutargue and Lemon zest.
Crab - Dashi, hot jelly, fennel cream.
Langoustine - ravioli, duck foie gras, thin gold jelly.
O-M-G!
Cod - Soft brandade.
Salmon - Smoked in cherry tree wood, confit, wasabi.
Caviar - champagne sorbet.
Squab - Prepared as a "rotie", nettle jus.
Cheese - Steamed souffl, Comt cream.
Rhubarb - Candied, lemon sabl, vanilla fragrance ice cream, crispy opaline.
Then there was this romantic LOL couple next to us. On their phones all night long with barely a word between them.
Madeira - Walnut ice cream, vinaigrette, crispy chou pastry, anise powder.
And a bonus dessert.
Fabulous meal, amazing wine and flawless service.
And my Instagram video of our wonderful dinner at Le Pr Catelan
Gorgeous building.
Pea - Crispy tartlet, Stracciatella cream, caviar.
And more peas..
Asparagus - White escabeche. white Miso, Poutargue and Lemon zest.
Crab - Dashi, hot jelly, fennel cream.
Langoustine - ravioli, duck foie gras, thin gold jelly.
O-M-G!
Cod - Soft brandade.
Salmon - Smoked in cherry tree wood, confit, wasabi.
Caviar - champagne sorbet.
Squab - Prepared as a "rotie", nettle jus.
Cheese - Steamed souffl, Comt cream.
Rhubarb - Candied, lemon sabl, vanilla fragrance ice cream, crispy opaline.
Then there was this romantic LOL couple next to us. On their phones all night long with barely a word between them.
Madeira - Walnut ice cream, vinaigrette, crispy chou pastry, anise powder.
And a bonus dessert.
Fabulous meal, amazing wine and flawless service.
And my Instagram video of our wonderful dinner at Le Pr Catelan
May 10, 23, 2:13 pm
#6
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Sunday morning and brunch at Buvette and the best croques in Paris. But first a beautiful walk to and thru the magnificent Jardins des Tuileries. Even in the rain, Paris is magical.
Just a short taxi ride from Les Jardins des Tuileries to one our Paris faves, Buvette.
It's Paris, so we have a bottle of wine at 11am. But of course.
O-M-G.
The best croques anywhere!
And walking it off on the scenic 15 minute walk back to the Park Hyatt.
And my Instagram video of our morning in Paris and brunch at Buvette.
Just a short taxi ride from Les Jardins des Tuileries to one our Paris faves, Buvette.
It's Paris, so we have a bottle of wine at 11am. But of course.
O-M-G.
The best croques anywhere!
And walking it off on the scenic 15 minute walk back to the Park Hyatt.
And my Instagram video of our morning in Paris and brunch at Buvette.
Last edited by SFO777; May 11, 23 at 10:06 am
May 10, 23, 2:14 pm
#7
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Come along for amazing inflight service on the first of four Emirates First Class flights in the next 72 hours. Today is Paris to Dubai in Emirates A380 and we enjoyed excellent service, great food some superb wines. Emirates has the best and most extravagant wines and spirits in the skies and they did not disappoint tonight.
Paris CDG to Dubai DXB
Emirates EK74
A380-800
3:35p-12:15a +1
April 23, 2023
Departed 12/14
Now here's an amenity kit with stuff you can actually take home and use.
And the A380 lav, the best lav in the skies... shower.
Tonight's menu...
And the amazing Emirates First Class wine list...
Showtime, Emirates style.
Oh yeah!
Why not? LOL.
And a nightcap.
Another superb Emirates flight with wonderful service.
And my Instagram video of our Emirates First Class flight to Dubai.
Paris CDG to Dubai DXB
Emirates EK74
A380-800
3:35p-12:15a +1
April 23, 2023
Departed 12/14
Now here's an amenity kit with stuff you can actually take home and use.
And the A380 lav, the best lav in the skies... shower.
Tonight's menu...
And the amazing Emirates First Class wine list...
Showtime, Emirates style.
Oh yeah!
Why not? LOL.
And a nightcap.
Another superb Emirates flight with wonderful service.
And my Instagram video of our Emirates First Class flight to Dubai.
Last edited by SFO777; May 10, 23 at 3:59 pm
May 10, 23, 2:15 pm
#8
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After a relaxing 3 hour connection in Dubai with the usual lounge hopping, we’re off on our 9 hour flight to Cape Town.
Just sitting on the counter...
Dubai DXB to Cape Town CPT
Emirates EK 772
777-300ER
3:50a-11:10a
April 24, 2023
Departed 4/8
With a 3:50am Dubai departure and my body saying "no mas” I went to sleep right after take-off and woke up 6 hours later totally refreshed… and hungry. LOL.
Tonight's menu...
And wine list...
More excellent Emirates service with great food and a stunning 2011 Le Petit Cheval, a mere US$300 a bottle retail.
Yummy wagyu sliders.
Delicious prawn machbous.
On approach to stunning Cape Town.
So happy to be back in beautiful South Africa.
My Instagram video of our Emirates First Class Dubai to Cape Town flight.
Just sitting on the counter...
Dubai DXB to Cape Town CPT
Emirates EK 772
777-300ER
3:50a-11:10a
April 24, 2023
Departed 4/8
With a 3:50am Dubai departure and my body saying "no mas” I went to sleep right after take-off and woke up 6 hours later totally refreshed… and hungry. LOL.
Tonight's menu...
And wine list...
More excellent Emirates service with great food and a stunning 2011 Le Petit Cheval, a mere US$300 a bottle retail.
Yummy wagyu sliders.
Delicious prawn machbous.
On approach to stunning Cape Town.
So happy to be back in beautiful South Africa.
My Instagram video of our Emirates First Class Dubai to Cape Town flight.
Last edited by SFO777; May 10, 23 at 10:18 pm
May 10, 23, 4:22 pm
#9
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@SFO777 Dreadful American Airlines. That made me chuckle. Well, it isnt better elsewhere! Ive been playing the field and it must be something in the air as Ive seen it all these last 9 flights.
Hey, so when do we get to read the next classic trip report with Mrs. SFO777 to some new location? I need new trip tip.
Hey, so when do we get to read the next classic trip report with Mrs. SFO777 to some new location? I need new trip tip.
May 10, 23, 4:36 pm
#10
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@SFO777 Dreadful American Airlines. That made me chuckle. Well, it isn’t better elsewhere! I’ve been playing the field and it must be something in the air as I’ve seen it all these last 9 flights.
Hey, so when do we get to read the next classic trip report with Mrs. SFO777 to some new location? I need new trip tip.
Hey, so when do we get to read the next classic trip report with Mrs. SFO777 to some new location? I need new trip tip.
Mrs. SFO777 returns to the air tomorrow... anniversary trip to Paris.
May 10, 23, 6:59 pm
#11
Join Date: May 2010
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May 10, 23, 8:47 pm
#13
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May 10, 23, 9:05 pm
#14
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Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,394
Meant with respect and no snark. How do you have appetite for so many exceptional tastes within a fairly compressed window of time? By the third meal, are you eating all of the dishes or just taking small bites?
May 10, 23, 10:09 pm
#15
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Good question. Although I'm pretty good at home, I tend to go a little crazy on the road, especially if the food and wine are really good which they were on this trip. On this trip, I did eat most of the dishes on the ground, but generally not in the air. I usually don't eat breakfasts or at least just have light breakfasts. Fortunately, my metabolism is such that what weight I do gain on a trip, I tend to lose it within a few days back at home.
