People who don't travel for work always think it's a glamorous thing. But the truth is, aside from the occasional trip to New York or Chicago, I usually end up in small towns in states where a "night on the town" is most often at a joint like Runza's.
On the other hand, when you do travel a lot, and have a company who tends to be loyal to one airline, there are most definitely some perks. For us, that airline is United, and I frequently manage to get upgraded, which can be a true blessing when you know you may not have another good meal for several days. Yea, you heard me right -- a good meal.
That up there is a Jumbo Lump Crab Salad with Apple Brioche Quiche -- an odd combination to be sure, but a delicious and refreshing starter. The crab meat was fresh and, as jumbo lump should be, loaded with chunks the size of my thumb. The quiche was not too sweet, and nicely balanced with the accompanying crème fraîche. The tomato was clearly superfluous, but the English cucumbers were a nice, crisp counterpoint to the rest of the plate.
For my entree, I chose a Spiced Breast of Chicken with Thai Barbecue Sauce, which was fine but nothing particularly special. The brown rice accompanying the chicken, on the other hand, was really wonderful -- tender but toothsome with a rich, nutty flavor.
Before dessert, we were offered a Cheese Plate which included a luscious Camembert, sweet, crumby Stilton, and a Black Diamond Cheddar which, meh, didn't do much for me. The strawberry was sweet and juicy (but probably not, you know, organic or small farm-grown) and the grapes were crisp and delicious.
Wine selections were abundant, and freely poured. After dinner, when I asked for my customary Bailey's on the rocks before landing, the flight attendant suggested "spiking" it with a small shot of Starbucks' Espresso liqueur -- a very tasty beverage, indeed.
But wait -- you didn't come hear to hear about airplane food? Well, that's quite all right, since after a short diversion to WBW #19 tomorrow, we'll get back to telling stories about "deconstructed" beef tongue "sandwiches" and a pappardelle so good that C and I have had a discussion about it no fewer than four times in the past 3 days.
Technorati Tags: Food | Food & Drink | Flying | San Francisco | New York
