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!!!!
