V-Flyer

How is upper class food prepared? I see its on china plates and all but is it just warmed up out of a packet and prepared nicely on a plate?

The same as other airline food,reheated in an oven.

Originally posted by jaguarpig
The same as other airline food,reheated in an oven.

Which is really all we can expect. Even if it were offered I suspect most pax would lose patience awaiting their freshly broasted osso bucco. But little touches do make a difference: something as simple as freshly brewed coffee with a warmed biscuit is not only comforting but conveys that the airline isn't satisfied with "average".

Way back in the 1960s research by the various carriers determined that some reheated items actually come out of the warming ovens tasting freshly prepared. Add a "fresh" dessert such as ice cream or berries, a warmed dinner roll with a cold salad and a premium salad dressing, and voila!

As long as the item wasn't overcooked in the flight kitchen and it isn't held too long in the galley oven (which can and does happen), protein entrees with a sauce reconstitute pretty well. I realize that this last statement will likely produce howls of disapproval [V] and "you must be kidding" glances from some in our online family[:0] ... but, with proper care most flight kitchen-prepared food of reasonable quality can taste "fresh" when it's placed in front of you onboard.

Chuck-

Well the only reason why I ask is that I swear I sw a UC advert on TV with that looked like a chef cooking the food.

I thought to myself, 'no wayyy!'

Well, there are some chefs that work in the Clubhouses.

Chuck-

Good question, I saw that advert to.
In UK we have a system called "meals on wheels" for OAP's etc.
From my most recent experience in VA Upper 5 weeks ago I think they used "Muck on a Truck"
It happens, most other trips not too bad.
It is not cuisine
Steve

Originally posted by ChuckC

Add a "fresh" dessert such as ice cream or berries, a warmed dinner roll with a cold salad and a premium salad dressing, and voila!

Whoah Chuck - that is one hell of a combo you have put together there! Ice cream salad with Balsamic - yummy!

Originally posted by jaguarpig
The same as other airline food,reheated in an oven.

Not quite... ever flown First on Cathay Pacific?
Rice cooked in rice cookers. The first airline to install Skillets on board so the steaks are cooked to your 'cuisson', bacon and eggs for breakfast cooked from the raw ingredients and tuna seared perfectly. The first airline to install toasters on board so the bread is crispy and fresh. Full Caviar service, Crystal Champagne and Chateau Lynch Bages. I really have to stop these fond memories tonight, anyone would think I'd been on the gin!?!?!? LOL

Originally posted by ChuckC

But little touches do make a difference: something as simple as freshly brewed coffee with a warmed biscuit is not only comforting but conveys that the airline isn't satisfied with "average".

They may not be satisfied with average, but isn't fresh brewed coffee at 30,000 ft against the laws of physics as water won't boil at that altitude in a pressurised aircraft ? [?] Even in UC ?:)

The pressure in the aircraft is lower than ground level, but not 30k ft's worth lower. The water would still boil, but at marginally lower temperature than 100C. In a way this a good thing, as you should make fresh coffee with water that is slightly below boiling point anyway - it reduces the loss of volatile oils from the brew. The oils are essential as it is they that give the aroma, and taste is mainly determined by aroma.

Originally posted by sailor99
The pressure in the aircraft is lower than ground level, but not 30k ft's worth lower. The water would still boil, but at marginally lower temperature than 100C. In a way this a good thing, as you should make fresh coffee with water that is slightly below boiling point anyway - it reduces the loss of volatile oils from the brew. The oils are essential as it is they that give the aroma, and taste is mainly determined by aroma.

Happy to stand corrected. Thanks for the clarification.

Paul

If anyone would like to the boiling point at different altitudes then check out http://www.biggreenegg.com/boilingPoint.htm[:p]. Unfortunately it is only stated in fahrenheit but I am sure you can work than one out yourself[|:)]

Looking at the link, the boiling point at 5000 feet (which I think is the rough equivelent pressure of the cabin) is about 203F or 95C. If I remeber from my coffee buying days correctly, the ideal for brewing coffee is about 97C. So it is a shade cooler than ideal, but not too bad. Now at say 29000 ft (the highest green egg goes to) the boiling point becomes 150F or 64C - As for coffee, [:$]

I think there is a valuable lesson for Prieffer here. Don't try to brew coffee when you have the door open in preparation for a halo.[:(]

So the morale of the story is that there will be no excuse for bad coffee on the 787 if, as people have said, it is pressurised at 800 feet.[y]

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Originally posted by jaguarpig

The same as other airline food,reheated in an oven.

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Not quite... ever flown First on Cathay Pacific?

As a matter of fact yes I have:Dnever ever seen Cristal Fizz it's been either Cuvee William Deutz on the shorter Asia flights and Krug Grande Cuvee on the intercontinental legs.

The ice cream seems to have the opposite problem, it always comes out way too cold and is often pretty hard;) Still, once it has melted slightly, it's generally excellent[8D]

VS.

Originally posted by sailor99
The pressure in the aircraft is lower than ground level, but not 30k ft's worth lower. The water would still boil, but at marginally lower temperature than 100C. In a way this a good thing, as you should make fresh coffee with water that is slightly below boiling point anyway - it reduces the loss of volatile oils from the brew. The oils are essential as it is they that give the aroma, and taste is mainly determined by aroma.

Totally agree - 93- 95 degrees - tea 100, too many people pour boiling water into their cafetiere - and as sailor rightly says it burns the coffee - and it will taste bitter.

The Italians produce a 12 page booklet on how to make tghe perfect espresso - its a real science!![oo]

So water in an aircraft for coffee - no problemo[y]