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#239395 by ade99
13 Dec 2005, 23:54
Arrived at EWR terminal C and the Biz First entrance. Was slightly confused as we were greeted with a small line saying 'BizFirst and First' but next to it a sign pointing to the left for 'Europe Flights' So we walk half the length before we find out we should have ignored the Europe sign.

Check-in was fairly swift and our pre-allocated seats were still our. Given directions to the President Club. Made our way to security and was pleasantly surprised that there was a seperate line for BizFirst pax. Headed through the x-ray machine and noticed a couple of Homeland Security staff at a computer terminal titled 'international departures' so we asked them what it was and apparently every foreigner leaving needs to scan their passport, both index fingers and have your pic taken again!!!! Although it wasn't really clear so I don't imagine many people actually 'left the country'

To the President Club - god the british are lucky - even the BA terraces are more fun than most US clubs. Large area, but very busy. Sought peace and quiet in the TV lounge. No food (unless you count the crackers and lays) but a bar that served anything you wanted. Was slightly disturbed with the tip-jar on the bar (perhaps that's just the British in me)

We left about 30 mins before the flight and headed to the gate. Boarding was a bit of a drama with Y being loaded before J as they were still catering J. Finally got on board, greated with a drink order - anything you wanted not just bubbly or OJ etc. Then the ammenity kit and menu was presented:

TO BEGIN
Warm roasted nuts
served with your preferred cocktail or beverage

APPETIZER CART

Smoked salmon with cream cheese and caviar,
accompanied by creamed horseradish

Foie gras with truffles garnished with red grapes and oranges

SALAD

Mesclun salad mix with English cucumbers,
red onion rings, Roma tomatoes and a Kalamata olive

Offered with your choice of Champagne vinaigrette
or blue cheese dressing

Ciabatta bread, multi-grain and pretzel breadsticks
and assorted rolls with butter

MAIN COURSES
The Chefs Selection
Sterling Silver grilled rib-eye steak seasoned with pepper,
accented by red wine sauce with chanterelle mushrooms
White cheddar cheese mashed potatoes with chives
Grilled green asparagus spears

Surf and Turf
Grilled shrimp and Sterling Silver tenderloin of beef
complemented by Cajun Hollandaise sauce
Saut_ed baby spinach with garlic, onion and salsify
Oven-roasted carrots, j__cama and turnips

Herbed Breast of Chicken
Enhanced by curry sauce, presented with apricot basmati rice,
mango chutney and saut_ed Swiss chard

Pasta Bowl
Pasta shells filled with sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese,
complemented by spicy eggplant arrabbiata sauce,
tossed with saut_ed baby spinach

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will be offered with your pasta

Fresh steamed asparagus is available upon request
to accompany any entree

FRUIT AND CHEESE

Select American and imported cheeses accompanied by fresh seasonal fruit, assorted gourmet crackers and bread, served with Port wine

DESSERT CART

Featuring Edys Classic Grand vanilla ice cream
offered with your choice of toppings
or warm fruit cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream

REFRESHMENT
Will be offered prior to arrival

A selection of juices

Fresh seasonal fruit

Assorted breads
including cinnamon and crusty rolls and warm croissants
with butter and strawberry preserves


Well what can I say, perfect meal. Food was some of the best we've had in the last few years on the ground or in the air. I have to say it beats anything we've had on VS (even the bangers and mash)

Staff were attentive and your water glass was never empty, wine was free flowing (although they don't tend to have a proper wine menu).

Watched a few episodes of House (very amusing - think we could become fans of it) Then settled down to sleep for couple of hours. Seats are obviously not UCS but way better than J2000 and we both slept well.

Woke up for a coffee and skipped anything else. Landed and a short taxi to the south terminal. Was first of the brits off the flight so immigration was a breeze. Shame about baggage. No priority was given to BizFirst but still we landed at 6:40 and was out of customs by 7:05. Didn't bother stopping at their arrivals so we were back home in by 7:20. Freshened up and the second load of washing already done when we saw our flight depart back to EWR from the kitchen.

In summary, I said it on the outbound, the east coast flights are now so short sleep is a lucky thing. For those of you who can't face the adventure on the M25 from LHR then really really give this codeshare a go. Without doubt the best two VS flights we have every had!!!!
#322708 by HighFlyer
14 Dec 2005, 00:11
Thanks for the TR! [y]

My mouth is watering after reading that menu - ive already picked what im having!! Damn it would be nice if my next UC flight comes even vaguely close to sounding as good as that!

Glad you had two great flights, they certainly sound good and im sure have given a few of us food for thought in terms of utilising those codeshare flights!
#322719 by Mavrick
14 Dec 2005, 09:14
Thanks for the T.R[y] and as HighFlyer said you left my mouth watering as well... glad you had a good flight[:D].
#322775 by Richard28
15 Dec 2005, 00:49
Thanks for the TR.

I've never flown Continental, but they do seem (from TR's) pretty consistent with quality of food - and caviar too - that's my kind of airline!!
#322777 by ade99
15 Dec 2005, 01:00
We've flown three times with them now and the service I have to say is superb. The great thing is that with the VS codeshare you get the FC miles and tier points (well you should do but at the moment they've only credited us with the 2 for a 'partner' flight)
#322781 by Scrooge
15 Dec 2005, 02:32
Thank you for your TR,at last someone has backed up what i've been saying for the last year [y] about CO's food in biz-first,it is without a doubt what VS should be serving,but they wont spend the extra $$ to do it[n][B)]
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