Kiwi Flyer

Crud - my cunning plan is spoiled and the crazy schedule keeps getting crazier.

Kiwi Flyer

Since I'm getting behind on this report, it is time for the next instalment. Sorry for the wait.

CHRISTCHURCH to AUCKLAND (CHC-AKL) on Air New Zealand 777-200ER 767-300 in business class

As the last to board and the door shut literally behind me, I got the holding up the flight glare treatment. Made worse by well over half the business class cabin being deadheading crew. One had gone so far as to nab my seat (the other seat in the pair had been blocked - presumably due to my status) in the expectation I'd no-showed. As she shuffled out I tried to find space for my carryon. It seems the deadheading crew had a lot of carryon luggage between them as it took several minutes of rearranging stuff to find enough space for my not very large carryon.

No pre-departure drink and we soon were taxiing out. Despite the wind it was a fairly smooth take-off and climb. We got high enough quickly enough to avoid the worst of the typical turbulence over the alps during a nor'wester.

It didn't seem like long before a snack was served. An open beef sandwich and a sponge mousse concoction that tasted much better than I can describe. No alcoholic drinks or juices, just a choice of tea coffee or water. Hmmm - on previous flights on this domestic international flight we've had booze, and having missed out on the flight into Christchurch I had been looking forward to a pick me up drink or two. There were some bumps so the coffee was poured half full and topped up frequently. That still didn't prevent some spillage, but not as bad as the Seoul to Tokyo flight.

The crew rushed us along to finish the snack quickly and cleared everything away before we even got close to Mount Taranaki (ie about 20-25 minutes of take-off). Geez - anyone would have thought we were doing Singapore to Kuala Lumpur (40 minute flight rather than our 80 minute flight) the way they were rushing. Am I overreacting? I guess it doesn't matter, but for what is supposed to be the best possible domestic flight experience within New Zealand (business class international flight) it came across as worse than the stuffed to the gills koru hour peak flight on the main triangle routes.

So I had some time to read part of the newspaper. We had a little detour over and north of the Waitakeres, which is an odd approach to take on this route. Then we landed a little late. As we turned to taxi back to the terminal I noticed our delay meant Malaysian Airlines had beaten us in so braced myself for queues at immigration and customs.

We got a gate near the end of the pier. I don't mind this because the longer walk gives me more opportunity to pass others on the way in, and stretch out the legs. Sure enough the passage was full of people pouring off a few different flights. Strangely immigration was, however, almost empty of people and I waited less than a minute. I walked fast past the baggage carousels. A slightly longer wait at customs, but still only a few minutes. In between customs and quarantine xray I was nabbed by an officer who'd been clearly waiting for me. She was puzzled as to my odd itinerary but eventually I said enough and I was allowed on my way without being directed to secondary. Note to self - remember those words - I get secondary far too often as apparently I fly "too much". X-ray was quick. My tip of the day is to choose the line the pilots are in (they are always in a hurry to go through and know what they are doing).

jjclancy

I, too, was disappointed by the lack of booze on CHC-AKL (on a 777) in February. And there was a similar oversupply of deadheading crew up front.

Kiwi Flyer

AUCKLAND to LOS ANGELES (AKL-LAX) on Air New Zealand 747-400 777-200ER in business class

My plan for managing sleep was in tatters after a crazy few days. At least with so short between flights I didn't have to worry about packing - my carryon stayed packed with just a swap of fresh clothes and some papers to switch.

Since I'd ticketed the flight has changed from 747-400 to 777-200ER. Thus less private (in the nose which I always get thanks to my status) and more of a crowded dormitory feel (of course not as bad as British Airways' club world. Yes - this is another flight with an equipment change this trip. My tight schedule precluded changing flights. Indeed the flight timings also changed making a comfortable connection at LAX a tighter one. Again, schedules (mine and the airlines) prevented changes to the flights. Oh well, it could be worse with misconnect and downgrade.

Just before I headed out to the airport a very brief hailstorm swept through carpeting all in an inch of iciness in just a couple of minutes before passing on. I opted to wait a few minutes for the ice to melt and for the air to warm up again - I wasn't dressed for winter.

An airbus came by within minutes of when I arrived at the stop. However the ride out to the airport was especially slow, taking about 80 minutes (and this from not even as far as the central city). Along the way I amused myself watching the intermittent brief hail and rain showers, and the many rainbows hanging below dark clouds.

The premium check in lobby wasn't too busy so I stepped right up to a desk. I got given a boarding pass for this flight quickly but not the onward flight. "I can't see the onward flight on the e-ticket". Good grief, e-tickets are supposed to be more efficient than paper tickets but lately I've been getting nothing but problems. So it looked like I would have to trust the flight to be reasonably on time, immigration in Los Angeles to be reasonably quick, and hope I can make check in for the onward flight before it closes.

A small delay at premium Air NZ immigration while the agent scrolled down a screen a few times. That wasn't a good sign so I hope that doesn't bode ill for my return. Up the escalator and I see long queues at the main immigration area - premium pays once more. With a well practised flourish I set my bits down and am ready for the WTMD with barely a pause in my stride. This throws off new security folk as I am surely not ready so quickly that I must have left stuff in my pockets or forgotten to remove a laptop. The old hands see it is me and indicate for me to continue through.

A cabin crew member followed me on the way to the lounge (crew room is the old first class lounge) and seemed surprised I was waved at by the agent in the Qantas lounge and also waved on in to the Air NZ lounge without needing to whip out my boarding pass for checking. It's times like this that make me wonder if maybe I do fly too much - nah.

I grabbed a computer to send some messages and do a bit of work before the flight. But not without a detour to grab a drink. Hmmm another degradation in quality since my previous visit (almost all Montana wines with just a lonely Fiasco as alternative). At this rate we'll soon have economy class wines in the lounge. Beer count was a semi-respectable 8. The food is also a shadow of former offerings - nothing hot, slim pickings of salady things. No fruit. Muffins. This cost cutting is not good.

nz_crew

To clarify - the deadheading crew are those that have just operated the Japan to Christchurch portion of the flight. Contractually we receive the business class seats for the CHC-AKL sector. However, any passenger who is entitled to be there (J class ticket Japan-Auckland, J RTW ticket) will always be seated there before the crew.

Kiwi Flyer

In the conservatory area of the lounge it was even worse. No food at all, some drinks but no glasses

I grabbed a shower to freshen up and timed it well, with boarding being called just afterwards. On arriving at the gate to see the cabin crew still in the gate area rather than already onboard I immediately realised the boarding and flight were going to be late. I thought about going back to the lounge but decided to wait at the gate. About 20 minutes later boarding began with children and those needing assistance, then a few minutes later business & *G passengers.

The flight was full so boarding took a while. Since my previous flight from New Zealand to USA they have added a random bag search on the airbridge. I wasn't picked.

Onboard I quickly did my routine - bag in overhead bin with a couple of things out that I wanted access to. Swap the little pillow on the seat for the big one behind the seat back. Plug in the headphones, switch on the IFE, partly recline the seat and settle in with a pre-departure champagne. The passenger opposite glowered disapprovingly.

Before boarding had even completed it was apparent there were some loose wires in my seat. With the screen out from the suite wall the picture flickered on and off, but didn't flicker in the less convenient flush position. Also the seat adjustment was defective. It has been a very long time since I've had such issues on Air NZ. Unfortunately the full flight meant I had no choice but to accept it.

We took off rather late but not so excessively that I was worried about misconnecting. While waiting for dinner service to begin I checked out the menu. It was almost identical to one I'd had a year ago! What happened to the longhaul menus being refreshed every few months? The amenity kit also seems to have suffered a bit of a cost saving with less contents in it than there used to be, although the nice bag is unchanged.

Kiwi Flyer

Dinner service goes quickly (about 2 hours) and I settle in to sleep. One of the reasons I started watching a movie during boarding was to go to sleep quickly after eating. Of course if the lounge had better fare as it used to I could have skipped the onboard meal.

I should probably stop grumbling so much, but it is frustrating knowing how much better Air NZ used to be, and it isn't like they've dropped the fares to offset the drop in standards (indeed the reverse - normal business class fares on Air NZ have gone up lots in the past few years).

Arrival cards and customs forms were handed out. Despite entering the same info on ESTA which has been compulsory for visa waiver visitors to USA or transitting passengers since January, we still have to fill in the green form as well. So much for ESTA's touted efficiency gains justifying its existence.

I got an okay sleep but not as deep or as long as I wanted. 2 1/2 hours before landing breakfast is served. Well it was served to the rest of the business class and premium economy cabins then, but a bit later for me. No, I hadn't slept through breakfast or declined it. Rather I was completely skipped out and had to use the call button to get served afterwards.

While we made up some time enroute we still landed late, and on the southernmost runway to boot, which meant a long slow taxi around the airport to LAX terminal T2 used bz Air New Zealand. On the way I saw the aircraft for my next flight taxi into TBIT ahead of us. Reaching the terminal about 30 minutes late I was relieved to see no longhaul aircraft parked up. Yes, immigration should be quick and help with my short connection.

As usual I bolted out the door, down the airbridge and passage to immigration. There were no travellers in the hall, and immigration officers were ready for us. I was quickly through (even stamped an already full page instead of wasting a rare blank page in my passport). Customs was also quick, not even breaking my stride. I looked back to see the second passenger off the flight just reaching immigration.

Kiwi Flyer

Los Angeles in transit

A simple walk from T2 to TBIT, on the upper level as it is slightly less fumed and noisy. Takes just a few minutes.

Actually I was still in shock at how quickly I'd gotten through immigration and customs. In dozens of visits it has never before been particularly quick to enter.

Kiwi Flyer

Air New Zealand
Business Premier menu
Auckland to Los Angeles
April 2009

Air New Zealand is proud to welcome you to our Business Premier experience. Your flight today will commence with a pre dinner drink service. A full dinner will then be served before you settle down in your lie-flat bed for a good night's sleep.

A full breakfast service will be offered prior to landing in California. However, if you would prefer to enjoy the comfort of your Business Premier bed until the last moment, we offer a Fast Dine breakfast service which will allow you to still have a quick bite to eat before landing. Just let your flight attendant know before you go to sleep that you would prefer not to be woken for the full breakfast.


Dinner


Starter

Trio of poached prawn
with pepper salsa, smoked snapper, palm sugar cured tuna and red onion compote

Bakery

Sourdough bread, dark rye with caraway seed bread and garlic bread

Main Course

Cabernet braised beef casserole
with sgae and kumara gnocchi, Savoy cabbage, onions and bacon

Macadamia nut crusted New Zealand salmon
with Chardonnay and light tuatua (New Zealand shellfish delicacy) cream sauce, caramelised fennel, leeks and baby potatoes

Chicken thigh roulade with feta,
confit butternut, potatoes, chicken jus and a medley of green vegetables

Light choice of white butter bean, shiitake and olive tart
with smoked tomato fondue and rocket

Dessert

Gourmet dessert
of fig and honey ice cream and golden kiwifruit pavolva ice cream

Chocolate truffle cake
and black cherry compote

Cheese and Fruit

A selection of fine New Zealand cheese and fresh seasonal fruit

Hot Drinks

Freshly brewed or decaffeinated coffee, tea, herbal tea or hot chocolate


Self-service Snacks

Help yourself from our range of snacks available for you to enjoy during your flight


Breakfast

Wake-up Drinks

Start your day with a fruit smoothie, your choice of juice, freshly brewed or decaffeinated coffee, tea, herbal tea or hot chocolate.

Light Breakfast

A bowl of muesli topped with Greek-style yoghurt and fresh fruit is available as a lighter option.

Fast Dine Breakfast

Please let your flight attendant know if you would like to sleep-in and we will wake you as late as possible and offer you a hot bacon roll and a beverage of your choice

Full Breakfast

Fruit and cereals will be offered followed by a hot bakery selection and your choice of a hot breakfast.

Fresh fruit salad

Fruit or plain Greek-style yoghurt

Toasted Muesli, Cluster Crisp Triple Berry cereal, Weetbix, Cornflakes

Bakery

Croissants, muffins, Vogel’s, brioche or fruit toast served with fruit conserve

Hot Breakfast

Three cheese and chive omelette
with veal and herb sausage and spiced tomato chutney

Cinnamon spiced brioche toast
with fresh orange marmalade and mascarpone cream

Hot Bacon Roll

Try our new hot bacon roll - a warmed roll, buttered and filled with grilled bacon, offered with caramelised onion jam and barbecue sauce


Wine

The premium wine selection onboard this flight has been chosen by our wine consultants : John Belsham of Foxes Island Wines, Kate Radburnd of CJ Pask Winery and Jim Harré, nationally recognised wine judge. For details of our onboard wines, refer to your Air New Zealand Wine Guide.

Champagne

Champagne Laurent-Perrier L-P NV Brut, France
This champagne commences with pristine floral and mineral notes to the aroma. The taste is fresh with expressive flavours from which the fruit progressively emerges. The finish is very long and refreshing. A masterfully crafted wine.

New Zealand Sparkling Wine

Offering a wide range of flavours, from rich, full-flavoured and vibrant styles to those which are finer and more delicate. A superb aperitif choice which also suits a wide range of light or moderately flavoured dishes.

Cocktails

Breeze of Passion
Tart cranberry juice and sweet pineapple juice combine wonderfully with 42Below Passionfruit flavoured vodka to create a refreshing tropical inspired cocktail.

On the Fly
42Below Passionfruit vodka, topped with plenty of chilled Champagne and a drizzle of passionfruit syrup makes this crisp, delicious cocktail one for anytime of the day.

Spirits

Glenfiddich Malt Whisky
Chivas Regal Blended Whisky
Jack Daniel’s Black Label
Gordons Gin
42 Below Vodka
Courvoisier VSOP
Captain Morgan Rum
Ron Bacardi Superior

Port and Liqueurs

Portuguese Port
Grand Marnier
Baileys Irish Cream

Beer

A selection of beer featuring Steinlager Pure, Export Gold, Heineken and low alcohol lager

Soft Drinks

Mineral water, orange juice, apple juice, tomato juice, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, cola, lemonade, L&P (sparkling lemon drink), tonic water, ginger ale, diet cola and diet lemonade

Hot Drinks

Freshly brewed coffee
Decaffeinated coffee
English Breakfast tea
Chamomile tea
Lemon tea
Decaffeinated tea
Earl Grey tea
Peppermint tea
Green tea
Hot chocolate

Kiwi Flyer

LOS ANGELES to FRANKFURT (LAX-FRA) on Lufthansa 747-400 in first class

At check in there was a short queue in first and business class lines (no passengers waiting in economy line) but I was waved over to an economy counter. I was asked if I wanted to check in for the onward flight also, which I declined because in my experience it is always easier to check in for both flights of a turnaround at the same time and thus I wanted to do this in Frankfurt. I changed my frequent flyer number to maximise mileage earning.

I was quickly given out a boarding pass, a priority security lane pass (in reality a piece of paper that was blank except it had a typed "PRIORITY") and an invitation to the star alliance lounge. There was no queue at north security (closest to checkin), so the piece of paper was worthless this time. For the first time in years on flights from USA I did not have to remove my belt, but shoes still had to come off.

A short walk to the lounge on the fifth floor south pier. This was my first visit to the lounge for TBIT lounges were all under renovation last time I flew star alliance from TBIT (or indeed any airline as all my recent TBIT experiences have been as arriving passenger not departing). I'd heard the lounge was quite good and so perhaps my expectations were raised too high. The lounge was okay, one of the better ones in USA but still not great. The first section (left hand side) had a limited food and beverage selection (eg sushi, sandwiches, coffee, beer). There were 2 computers, but I didn't have time for that. The lounge was fairly full with both Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines departures being imminent.

I grabbed a shower to freshen up and attempt to clear my head of a developing cold. A large shower room but very basic amenities. Even though my shower was very short, by the time I was done boarding had been called. I headed for our gate, at the end of the pier. In one of those moments of symmetry I saw the Air NZ 747 of flight NZ2 taxi by TBIT along the way (it was slightly early) just as I'd earlier seen the Lufthansa 747 taxiing.

The gate area was teeming with another flight using the adjacent gate and it looked like both flights were fairly full. There was a long line at the right hand side for first, business and star alliance gold passengers which I joined. Moments later I was pushed aside by a rude obnoxious woman who seemed to think she was entitled to push past the entire line. By the time I boarded and settled into my seat it was obvious first class was full. This surprised me as the flight load had looked very light less than a day prior with F9A9 indicating at least 9 discounted first class seats for sale. I'd been selfishly hoping for an empty seat alongside because the Lufthansa F layout on the 747 is 2-2 on the upper deck with no privacy between seats. Oh well, at least I'm in first class and not economy for this long flight.

Before departure there was a drink, and handed pajamas, slippers and amenity kit. We took off on time. Post departure drinks had been served when I looked out the window to see the Grand Canyon sliding past below us. Dinner followed shortly after. My seatmate had not flown LH first before. One way to identify is how they deal with the dinner service - seasoned hands know the appetisers are selected at time of serving but rookies try to order when the mains orders are taken.

As usual on Lufthansa first class, dinner was a slow drawn out affair. Sometimes I dislike this intensely due to the conflict between sleeping and noise of other passengers still eating their dinner. However today I was awake and savouring the meal to its fullest. We were well across the continent and almost some 4 hours into the flight by the time I requested a post-dinner cognac.

I then managed a few hours of fitful sleep before breakfast service commenced 80 minutes prior to landing. Air NZ and Singapore please take note - it is indeed possible to do breakfast without waking passengers over 3 hours before landing.

A farewell from the purser who'd been elsewhere all flight then descent into Frankfurt. I was asked if I needed information on how to navigate Frankfurt airport. With dozens of flights and transits here I just smiled and said no thanks. We arrived on time.

Kiwi Flyer

Lufthansa
First Class menu
Los Angeles to Frankfurt
April 2009

Menu

Choice of Hors d’oeuvres

Caviar with the traditional Garnishes

Cured Pork Tenderloin with Root Vegetable and Horseradish Chive Sauce

Sesame Pepper marinated Tuna with white Radish, Avocadomousse and Soy Chili Sauce

Jellied Asparagus with Tomatoes and Chanterelles

Salad

Seasonal Salad
presented with Dressing

Choice of Main Courses

Grilled Tenderloin of Beef with Thyme Sauce
accompanied by Bean and Leek Vegetable with creamed Mushrooms

Glazed Breast of Duck with creamy Savoy Cabbage, Finger Noodles and Plum Wine Sauce

Three Pepper crusted Salmon with braised Fennel Tomato Ragout and Gnocchi

White Truffle stuffed Ravioli with Champagne Sauce and Veal Jus, served with shaved Parmesan

Selection of Cheese and Dessert

Brie, herbed Goat, Morbier, Gruyere and Roquefort Cheese garnished with Grapes

Coffee poached Pear with Vanilla flavoured Bavarian Cream

Red Berry Compote with Vanilla Ice Cream

Specialty Dessert Wines



Vinothek

Champagne

“Rare”, Champagne Piper-Heidsieck, Frankreich
Régis Camus, the cellar master at Piper-Heidsieck, has brought together the best vineyards for the champagne grape varieties chardonnay and pinot noir in this pre-stige cuvee. The grapes from each vineyard are vinified separately in order to achieve a multi-faceted composition later. Chardonnay brings delicate floral notes, as well as a fresh minerality, to the cuvee, whilst pinot noir enhances the whole with its fruit, power and weight. Thus the “Rare” has an elegant palate structure and refreshing mousse.

Aperitif

Campari
A red mild bitters-type cordial.

Sherry "La Guita"
A classic Sherry with fruity flavor and a taste of elegant saltiness, typical of Manzanilla Sherry.

Monthly Proposal

2004 San Leonardo, Marchese Guerrieri Gonzaga, Italien
There are numerous famous vineyards in Italy, such as in the region to the north of Verona in Valpolicella where the top wine, Amarone, is made. Yet, just a few kilometres further north, is a wine region which is definitely worth discovering - the southern part of Trentino. This region is called Vallagarina and here the vines thrive on chalk, gravel or sand soils at the foot of precipitious cliffs, influenced by the climate of warm days and cool nights. Mozart's favourite wine "Marzemino" comes from Vallagarina, as does one of the truly great red wines of Italy : San Leonardo. In 1982 one of the founding fathers of the legendary wine Sassicaia, Marchese Carlo Guerrieri Gonzaga, created a red wine at his parent's wine estate based on Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine which demonstrates finesse and elegance "in purezza". Excellent ratings in all the Italian wine guides, including the wine "Oscar" awarded by Italian sommeliers, have also contributed to the reputation of this cult wine. Together with his sone Anselmo, Marchese Carlo runs the estate, which has also been the setting for many historical events. Their very own museum details the past, and the future can be experienced in the impressive underground barrique cellar. The wine San Leonardo is very impressive with its elegant berry fruit aromas and touch of sweet red pepper, as well as an elegant spiciness from oak with hints of vanilla and dark chocolate. On the palate the silky tannins, gentle spiciness and pleasant berry fruit aromas shape the finish of this wine.

White Wine

2007 Musterer Riesling Spatlese trocken, Weingut Kruger-Rumpf, Deutschland
The wine estate of Kruger-Rumpf in Munster-Sarmsheim in the Nahe seeks to impress with characterful wines of top quality. The quality philosophy at this wine estate includes yield reduction, careful handling of the grapes and slow vinification and maturation in the cellar. The family can be proud of the results, as for example with this Riesling with its pale yellow color with light green reflexes. The bouquet has restrained citrus fruit aromas as well as fine mineral touches. This is a powerful wine with elegant weight of fruit and a pleasing finish, characterised bz good length, mineral notes and clear-structured fruit.

2006 Carneros Chardonnay, Artesa Vineyards and Winery, USA
The winemaker Dave Dobson is convinced, that great wines can only be created in the vineyard. Thanks to the proximity of the Pacific Ocean, the relatively cool climatic conditions in the Carneros region, in the Napa Valley are ideal, allowing the creation of Chardonnay wines with fruit and finesse. Maturation of the wine in French oak barriques gives the final touch to the its aromatics, with elegant toasty notes and a touch of vanilla supporting the opulent fruit aromas suggestive of pineapple, juicy pears and fine citrus notes. On the palate this Chardonnay is powerful, yet at the same time elegant, and it is also perfectly balanced between weight of fruit and acidity.

2007 Nußberg "Alte Reben", Wiener Wein, Weingut Wieninger, Österreich
For this fine wine the talented Viennese wine producer Fritz Wieninger has fallen back on a tried and trusted recipe - mixed vineyard plantings. In the past, different varieties were planted assorted in a vineyard and then harvested at the same time, as a way of ensuring adequate yields. This type of mixed planting is also a feature of Vienna's best-known vineyard of Nußberg. Here Fritz Wieninger has access to vines which are over 40 years old and is able to produce this pale yellow-colored cuvee with green relfexes and a bouquet of ripe apricots, touches of citrus, fine nutty components and a touch of vanilla. On the palate the wine is juicy in structure, with good weight, fresh acidity and a smooth texture. This is a complex and classy wine.

Red Wine

2004 Aconcagua Valley Shiraz "Vagabundo", Vineyard Selection Reserva, Gracia de Chile
In the most northerly wine-growing region of Chile, the Aconcagua Valley, red grape varieties flourish especially well on the alluvial soils and the hot, dry climate influences the style of the wines. The cooling afternoon wind from the Pacific, even on hot days, encourages the development of aromas in the grapes. Even this powerful Shiraz benefits from this. It is purple in color with touches of violet and a bouquet with notes of ripe blackcurrants, fine toasty aromas, gentle hints of spice and a little black cherry in the background. In the mouth the wine is most appealing with its intense fruit, elegant ripeness, rounded tannins and complex character.

2002 Chateau Dassault, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe, Frankreich
1995 the aircraft producer Marcel Dassault acquired the estate, which is run today by the talented wine grower Laurence Brun. The sand and silicon soils, which are rather unusual for Saint Emilion, as well as the sheltered location, form the base elements of the terrior for this fine wine made from the varieties Merlot and Cabernet Franc, enhanced by some Cabernet Sauvignon. The character of this red wine is further influenced by maturing the young wine in barriques. This is a wine with ripe berry fruit, restrained notes of vanilla, tobacco and toast and an elegant palate with ripe tannins, fine fruit extract and a pleasant fruity finale with a touch of minerality.

Dessert Wine

2007 Westhofener Rotenstein Bacchus Trockenbeerenauslese, Weingut Peth-Wetz, Deutschland
Bermersheim in Rhenish Hesse is the home of Johanna and Hartmut Peth. They run the 15ha family business today with the aid of their son, Christian. With this 2007 Trockenbeerenauslese made from the grape variety Bacchus, they were able to convince the dessert wine blind tasting jury. This is a pale yellow wine with crystal clear fruit, reminiscent of fresh grapefruit, ripe apricots, juicy oranges and orange blossom, as well as exotic fruit such as pineapple and passion fruit. On the palate this wine is juicy with opulent sweetness, fine acidity and perfect balance and length.

Monthly Proposal

Bushmills 10 years Single Malt Whiskey, Irland
When King James I gave Sir Thomas Philips, Governor of the Irish province of Ulster, the license to distill "aqua vitae" or "uisce beatha" in the Bushmills region on 20 April 1608, nobody could have imagined what an unexpected career this "water of life", a spirit based on grain, later known as whiskey, would come to have. The oustanding quality of Bushmills is due to the special production method. All processes take place in the region itself, including malting, distilling, blending of the cuvee as well as cask maturation and bottling. Bushmills 10 years old Single Matl is made of 100% barley malt and is triple distilled. This guarantees the typical smooth character, which is enhanced by maturation in hand-selected casks made of American oak. This is a whiskey with soft notes of vanilla, a fine malty character and restrained honey sweetness.

Spirits

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey Old No 7
Amber colored Whiskey with distinctive caramel, vanilla and almond notes and a touch of fruity impressions.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label
Superior brand with an intense, opulent aroma and the typical peaty character.

Smirnoff Red Vodka
Triple-distilled and filtered ten times for exceptional smoothness and purity.

Bombay Sapphire Distilled London Dry Gin
Predominant juniper notes, balanced with impression of lemon peel and coriander.

Cognac Lhéraud Cuvée 30
A fine and mature cognac from an exceptional distiller.

Calvados Pays d’Auge AC, Daron
The long maturation process in oak barrels brings out crisp and sweet aromas of apple, pear and vanilla.

Fernet Branca
An aromatic blend of about 40 herbs and spices.

Tequila
Exclusively on flights to and from Mexico.

Walcher Williams Exclusiv
A juicy and very fruity poire Williams with long-lasting flavour and a very typical finish.

Etter Zuger Kirsch, 42 Vol %, Jahrgang 2005
Made from the Swiss “Lauerz” cherries, full-bodied, aromatic and refined.

Liqueur and Port

Baileys Irish Cream
A delicious cream liqueur made entirely in Ireland from a combination of dairy cream, Irish Whiskey and the smooth flavour of chocolate and vanilla.

Niepoort Portwein
An intensive, young and powerful port with a decent fruit flavour.

Cold Beverages

Mineral water
Apollinaris, sparkling natural mineral water
Elisabethenquelle, natural mineral water

Fruit juices
Apple Juice
Tomato Juice
Orange Juice

Soft Drinks
Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola light, Sprite
Kinley Tonic Water, Kinley Bitter Lemon, Kinley Ginger Ale

German Beer
Warsteiner Premium Verum
Warsteiner Premium alkoholfrei
Erdinger Weißbier

Hot Beverages

Jacobs Kaffee
Royal Diplomat 100% Arabica Coffee from the Highlands

Nespreso Espresso und Cappuccino, 3 Grands Crus des Kaffees
Ristetto : A short, full-bodied and intense Espresso with a pleasantly lingering taste.
Volluto : A lightly roasted blend with a subtle, yet present body and hints of biscuit, redolent of cereal, enhanced by a touch of acidity and a fresh and light fruitiness.
Decaffeinato Intenso : The intense pronounced flavor with a touch of sourness gives this decaffeinated coffee the potency of genuine espresso.

Masala Tee
Exclusively on flights to and from India

Eilles Teespezialitäten

Darjeeling Royal First Flush Blatt
Harvested in springtime in the best tea gardens of the Himilayan foothills, this superior quality shows a lot of white leaf toips after the winter’s rest in Northern India. Its aroma is crisp and fresh, reminiscent of lilies of the valley, its color pale orange.

Assam Special Broken
This robust elegant tea, harvested at the Brahmaputra River plantations in Northern India, is copper-red in color with a rich and malty aroma. Milk or cream and sugar are worthly accompaniments.

Earl Grey Premium Blatt
A blend of Darjeeling, Ceylon and Chinese teas enhanced by aromatic oil from the finest bergamot fruit. A classic, copper-red in the cup, especially enjoyable with pastries and cake.

Grüntee Asia Superior Blatt
Grown in fertile Central Asia, this unfermented tea is bright yellow in color with a pleasant, gentle aroma and sweet yet tart notes. Traditionally enjoyed plain.

Vita Orange
A crisp and refreshing combination of hibiscus flowers, apples, orange and lemon zest, cinnamon and orange flavour as well as ten revitalizing vitamins.

Yogi Tee Rotbusch Bio
Enticingly rich and fragrant spices reminiscent of the exotic kitchens of the Orient mingle with soft Rooisbush tea from South Africa. Organically grown Ayurvedic blend with cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, pepper, cloves and Rooibos.



Breakfast

Cold and hot Specialty

Freshly squeezed Orange Juice

Fresh Fruit

Yogurt with dried Fruit, Granola, Cornflakes and Milk


Smoked Salmon, Turkey Pastrami, Roast Beef Deli Style and grilled Chicken Breast

Emmental, Brie and Cheddar Cheese

Scrambled Eggs freshly prepared upon your Request with your Choice of Bacon or Chives

Kiwi Flyer

Lufthansa
First Class menu
Frankfurt First Class Lounge
April 2009

Buffet

Antipasti (cold)

Sashimi of grilled duck breast
Grilled vegetables
White eggplant puree
Arugula with cherry tomatoes
Shallots with aged balsamic vinegar
Buffalo mozzarella
Parmesan / Manchego
Prosciutto di Parma
Jamon Iberico / Pata Negra
Grilled green asparagus
Prawns
King Crab
Grilled goat cheese
Herbed roastbeef
Club sandwich
Ceasars Salad

Tapas (warm)

Calamares fritos / fried baby calamari
Alcachofas fritas / fried artichokes
Albondigas / meatballs in tomato sauce
Gambas à la plancha / fried prawns

Smoked Salmon

Scottish smoked salmon – Loch Fyne
Horseradish cream ./ toast or bagel / cream cheese

Desserts

Cherry Mango Macchiatto
American Chocolatecake
Apple Pie
Vanilla Profiteroles
Tirami su
Cheese Cake
Fresh fruit salad
Viennese apple strudel
Selection of sorbets
Austrian style chocolate soufflé
Vanilla ice cream with warm chocolate sauce


Buffet und Specials

Soups

Consommé with vegetables

Bear's garlic soup
with goatcheese-apple crostini, balsamico

Tom Ka Gai
Thai chickensoup with coconut milk, fresh cilantro and chilli

Local Special

Bavarian “Leberkäse”
Creamy potato salad / brezel / mustard

Truffled spinach with rosti
fried egg / sauce hollandaise

Ham baked in pastry
root vegetables / mustard, salat of asparagus

Steak and Salad

Seared fillet of beef
Eggplant salad / crispy rosemary chips

Wok

Quails Sweet and Sour
bok choy / steamed rice#

Pasta

Homemade wild garlic gnocchi
asparagus / bear's garlic pesto

Special

"Wiener Schnitzel"
accompanied with potato / cucumber, potato salad

"Salmon en Papilotte"
root vegetables

Fillet of Uruguay beef
sweet potatoes / Feijoada beans, tamarind-vanilla jus




Bar

Water

Apollinaris, still, Germany
Apollinaris, sparkling, Germany
Evian, still, France
Karoo, still, South Africa
Karoo, sparkling, South Africa
Perrier, sparkling, France
San Pellegrino, sparkling, Italy
Voss, still, Norway
Voss, sparkling, Norway
Vöslauer still, Austria
Vöslauer sparkling, Austria

Fruit Juices

pineapple
apple
pear
strawberry
black currant
cherry
mango-passion fruit
tropical fruit
peach
tomato

Fresh Juices

orange juice
grapefruit juice
kiwi-pineapple juice
carrot juice

Smoothies

strawberry
banana

Soft Drinks

Coca Cola
Coca Cola light
Coca Cola Zero
Fanta
Sprite
Bitter Lemon
Ginger Ale
Tonic Water
Soda Water
Red Bull
Red Bull sugar free

Wellness Drinks

Carpe Diem
Gignko
Kefir
Kombucha

Homemade Drinks

Lemonade
lime & lemon juice / sugar / soda

Ice Tea
Ceylon Orange Pekoe / sugar / lemon juice

Coffee

Espresso
Doppelter espresso
Kleiner Brauner
Grosser Brauner
Verlängerter
Melange
Cappuccino
Latte macchiato
Café creme
Espresso macchiato
Doppelter espresso macchiato
Einspänner
Irish coffee

Enjoy our coffee selection also decaffeinated.

Hot chocolate

Tea

Assam Bukhial second flush
Ceylon orange pekoe
Darjeeling Lingia first flush
Earl Grey imperior
English breakfast
Five o'clock tea
Chai tee
Decaffeinated Darjeeling

Formosa oolong II
White apricot tea

China Lung Ching green tea
China Wujuan jasmine

Tropical fruit
Camomile
Peppermint
Rooibos caramel
Herbal tea
Lemongras

Prosecco and Champagner

Prosecco “Brusole”
Case Bianche – Valdobbiadene, Italy

Champagner Taittinger
Brut Réserve – Reims, France

Champagner Taittinger “Rose”
Brut – Reims, France

Champagner Ruinart
Brut – Reims, France

Champagner Bollinger
Brut – Special Cuvée, France

White Wines

2007 Riesling
Weingut Robert Weil - Rheingau, Germany

2007 Riesling Rotschiefer
Weingut St Antony - Rheinhessen, Germany

2008 Weissburgunder
Weingut Polz - Steiermark, Austria

2006 Riesling Heiligenstein
Schloss Gobelsburg - Kamptal, Austria

2008 Grüner Veltliner Federspiel
Weingut Alyinger - Wachau, Austria

2007 Sancerre AOC
Gerad Boulay, Sancerre - Chavignol, France

20077 Pinot Grigio Castel Ringberg
Elena Walch, Sudtirol, Italy

2005 Chardonnay IGT
Weingut Rapitala, Siyilien, Italy

2006 Chenin Blanc
Man Vintners, Coastal, South Africa

Red Wines

2005 Spatburgunder Barrique
Weingut Barth - Rheingau, Germany

2004 Chianti Classico DOCG
Antinori – Toscana, Italy

2005 Chateau Mangot Bordeaux
Saint Emilion Grand Cru, France

2005 Cote de Beaune
Le Clos des Topes Bizot, Bourgogne, France

2007 Siro Nero Syrah
Tenuta Rapitala, Sicilia, Italy

2005 Ribera del Duero DO
Domino Romano, Ribera del Duero, Spain

2008 Sophenia Reserve
Finca Sophenia, Mendoza, Argentina

2006 Blaufrankisch Chevalier Reserve

IBY, Mittelburgenland, Austria

Rosé Wine

2004 Syrah Rosé “Chibet”
Les Vignerons d’Ambrosia, France

Dessert Wine

2006 Beerenauslese Cuvée
Alois Kracher – Neusiedlersee, Austria

Beer

Draft beer
Beck’s, Bremen Germany
Radeberger, Dresden Germany
König Pilsener, Duisburg Germany

Bottled beer
Budweiser, Czech Republic
Carlsberg, Denmark
Corona, Mexico
Foster’s, Australia
Heineken, Netherlands
Kostritzer, Germany
Kronenbourg 1664, France
Ottakringer, Austria
Miller, USA
Wasteiner, Germany
Sion Kolsch, Germany

Wheat beer
Franziskaner Hefe, Germany
Franziskaner Kristall, Germany
Franziskaner Dunkel, Germany

Non alcoholic beer
Clausthaler, Germany

Apfelwein
Possmann, Germany

Cider
Strongbow, UK

Aperitif

Aperol
Campari
Martini Bitter
Ouzo no 12
Pernod
Ricard

Digestif

Averna
Chartreuse
Cynar
Fernet Branca
Nonino Amaro
Ramazzotti

Calvados

Daron fine
Pâpidoux fine

Cognac

Camus grand VSOP
Hennessy fine de Cognac
Hennessy XO
Martell cordon bleu
Otard VSOP
Otard XO gold

Armagnac

Château de Laubade XO

Brandy

Carlos Primero Solera Gran Reserva
Lepanto Solera Gran Reserva
Conde de Osborne Solera Gran Reserva
Osborne Veterano Solera

Grappa

Antinori tignanello
Altesino grappa di brunello
Fontana Fredda grappa di Nebbiolo de Barolo
Nonino grappa di moscato
Nonino vuisinar
Poli serpa riserva

Fruit Schnaps

apple reisetbauer
raspberry reisetbauer
elderflower reisetbauer
cherry reisetbauer
apricot reisetbauer
apricot lantenhammer
quince reisetbauer
rowan berry lantenhammer
pear reisetbauer
plum reisetbauer

Rum

Cartavio 12 anos
Bacardi carta Blanca rum
Bacardi carta d’oro rum
Bacardi carta negra
Bacardi 8 años
Havana Club blanco
Havana Club 3 años
Havana Club añejo especial
Havana Club añejo 7 años
Myers’s dark rum
Pitú cahcaça
Pyrat XO
Zacapa Centenario 23 years
El Dorado 21 years
Saint-Etienne vsop

Vodka

Absolut, Sweden, wheat
Absolut citron, Sweden, wheat
Absolut mandarin, Sweden, wheat
Finlandia, Finland, barley
Green Mark, Russia, wheat
Green Mark, Russia, cedar nut
Green Mark, Russia, rye
Grey Goose, France, wheat
Stolichnaya, Russia, wheat

Gin

Beefeater, London dry gin
Bombay Sapphire, London dry gin
Gordon’s, London dry gin
Hendrick's Gin
Saffron Gin
Tanqueray, London dry gin
Whitley Neill, London dry gin

Sake

Shinzui, die quintessenz
Zuikan Aigamo - Kame No O, enten sake
Shraume Ginjo - Umeshu, Weiße pflaume

Shochu

Kouriyama Imo

Tequila

Don Julio 100% agave anejo
Jose Cuervo classico
Jose Cuervo especial gold
Patron 100% agave silver
Patron 100% agave anejo

Liqueur

Amaretto disaronno
Baileys
Batida de Côco
Bénédictine DOM
Chambord
Cointreau
Crème de Cassis
Drambuie
Grand Marnier
Kahlua
Malibu
Pepino Peach
Pimms No 1
Heering Cherry Liqueur
Sambuca
Southern Comfort
Tia Maria

Sherry

Sandeman don fino
Sandeman dry seco
Sandeman medium dry
Sandeman rich golden

Vermouth

Martini extra dry
Martini bianco
Martini d’oro
Martini rosso
Noilly Prat dry

Port Wine

Sandeman tawny porto
Sandeman white porto
Warre's 1995 late bottled vintage

Whisky and Whiskey

Blended Scotch

Ballantine’s finest
Ballantine’s 12 years
Chivas Regal 12 years
Clan Campbell 12 years
Cutty Sark emerald 12 years
Dewar’s white label
Dimple 12 years
The Famous Grouse finest
The Famous Grouse 12 years
The Famous Grouse vintage 1992
Glob Kitty
J & B
Johnnie Walker red label
Johnnie Walker black label 12 years
Johnnie Walker gold label 18 years
Johnnie Walker blue label
Vat 69 finest

Scotch Single Malt Whisky

Speyside

Aberlour 10 years
Aberlour A'Bunadh cask strength
Balvenie 10 years
Balvenie double wood 12 years
Cragganmore 12 years
Ferintosh 10 years
Glenfarclas 10 years
Glenfarclas 12 years
Glenfarclas 21 years
Glenfiddich 15 years
Glenfiddich 21 years
Glenlivet 12 years
Glenlivet 15 years
Glenluig 10 years
Knockando 12 years
Macallan 12 years
Macallan 18 years
Mortlach 15 years

Central Highlands

Dalwhinnie 15 years

Northern Highlands

Glenmorangie 10 years
Glenmorangie 18 years
Glenmorangie burgundy wood finish 12 years
Glenmorangie madeira wood finish 12 years
Glenmorangie port wood finish 12 years
Glenmorangie sherry wood finish 12 years

Eastern Highlands

Glen Garioch 12 years

Western Highlands

Oban 14 years

Lowlands

Glenkinchie 10 years
Kincaple 10 years

Campeltown

Springbank 15 years

Isle of Islay

Ardbeg 10 years
Ardbeg uigedail cask strength
Caol Ila 12 years
Druichan 10 years
Lagavulin 16 years
Laphroaig 10 years
Laphroaig 15 years

Isle of Mull

The Craignure 12 years

Isle of Orkney

Highland Park 12 years
Scapa 14 years

Isle of Skye

Talisker 10 years

Vatted Malt

Glen Grant
Johnnie Walker green label 15 years
Compass Box "Peat Monster"

Irish Blended Whiskey

Jameson 12 years
Kilbeggan
Paddy
Tullamore Dew

Irish Malt Whiskey

Bushmills 10 years
Connemara peated
Locke’s 8 years
Tyrconnell pure pot still

Bourbon Whiskey

Four Roses
Jim Beam
Jim Beam black label 8 years
Maker’s Mark
Wild Turkey 8 years
Woodford Reserve

Tennessee Whiskey

Jack Daniel’s old no 7
Jack Daniel’s gentleman jack
Jack Daniel’s single barrel

Canadian Whisky

Canadian Club
Crown Royal
Old Canada

Exotics Whisky

Japan

Suntory Yamazaki 12 years

New Zealand

Milford 10 years

Austria

Reisetbauer 7 years

Germany

Robert Fleischmann schwarzer pirate 13 years

Cocktails

Champagner Cocktails

Bellini cocktail
Champagne / peach nectar

Kir Royale
Champagner / Crème de Cassis

French 75
Champagne / Chambord

Ritz
Champagne / Otard XO / Cointreau / orange juice

Martini Cocktails

Gin Martini
Hendrick's Gin / Noilly prat / Olive or lemon twist

Vodka Martini
Grey Goose / Noilly Prat / 2 Olive or lemon twist

Gibson
Hendrick's Gin / Noilly Prat / pearl onion

Vesper (James Bond Martini)
Hendrick's Gin / Grey Goose / Noilly Prat

French Martini
Grey Goose / Chambord / pineapple juice

Rieslingtini
Robert Weil Riesling / Hendrick's Gin / Apricot Brandy

Cucumber Martini
Hendrick's Gin / Noilly Prat / cucumber

Classic Cocktails

Daiquiri
Bacardi Carta Blanca / lime juice / sugar

Classic Margarita
Jose Cuervo Tequila / Cointreau / lime juice

Gimlet
Hendrick's Gin / Rose's Lime Juice

Negroni
Hendrick's Gin / Campari / Rosso Vermouth

Singapore Sling
Hendrick's Gin / Herring Cherry Liqueur / DOM Benedictine / lemon juice / soda / pineapple juice

Sours & Fizzes
spirit of your choice / lemnjuice / sugar / soda

Anytime Cocktails

Bombay Crushed
Bombay Sapphire / Kumquats / lime juice / sugar

Cosmopolitan
Absolut Citron / Cointreau / cranberry and lime juice

Cuba Libre
Havana Club 3 years / limes / Coca Cola

Mai Tai
Myer's Rum / Apricot Brandy / pineapple juice / lime juice / almond syrup

Mojito
Havana Club 3 years / limes / fresh mint / sugar / soda

Mojita Royal
Havana Club 7 years / limes / fresh mint / sugar / Champagne

Pina Colada
Myer's Rum / coconut syrup / pineapple juice / cream

Spanish Rose
Hendrick's Gin / Licor 43 / rosemary / cranberry & lime juice

Sex on the Beach
Absolut Vodka / Pepino Peach / orange juice / cranberry juice

White Russian
Grey Goose Vodka / Kahlua / cream

Black Russian
Grey Goose Vodka / Kahlua

Virgin Cocktails

Coconut Kiss
Grenadine / coconut syrup / cherry & pineapple juice / cream

Shirley Temple
Sprite / Grenadine / lemon juice

Maradonna
Milk / mango syrup / passionfruit & mango juice

Fruit Punch
Orange juice / pineapple juice / cherry juice / lemon juice

MrSydney

Why did they glare at you for? I had that once in J on SQ drinking Champers at 10am when the women next to me glared at me haughtily and said ' Sir, it is far too early to be drinking'. I was agahst . Thge irony was I was actually in the wrong seat and was then moved and my new seat mate was great - we shared a few glasses ars together of a good NZ Sav Blanc.

How dare they take the moral high ground!

whakojacko

thats the first time Ive seen a full list of their offerings...Very impressive!

anat0l

Sheesh - full menu - and check out all of that alcomahol!!!

I don't know whether to be impressed or dumbfounded.