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#105337 by ela123
12 Mar 2006, 22:51
Excellent, can't wait as I'm flying to MCO on the 16th - Will anyone beat me to it?
#105338 by Nottingham Nick
12 Mar 2006, 22:54
Any more details / hints, Declan... is it just for UC, or down the back as well?

Nick
#105342 by GatorBaiter
12 Mar 2006, 22:56
Originally posted by ela123
Excellent, can't wait as I'm flying to MCO on the 16th - Will anyone beat me to it?


Come in, MarkJ, your number's up...I think you'll beat Elaine to it by about an hour! ;)
#105346 by MarkJ
12 Mar 2006, 23:08
Sorry Elaine - we fly from LHR to MIA - will just be able to tuck in about an hour ahead of you!!!!!

x
#105354 by p17blo
12 Mar 2006, 23:13
Originally posted by GatorBaiter
Come in, MarkJ, your number's up...I think you'll beat Elaine to it by about an hour! ;)


OT I know (so sorry about that), but when did you change your name Jacq? Are you married and do you have any children? I'm not on the flirt channel again, just thought we could have some interesting posts from you in the future when you talk about Master and Mr Baiter [}:)]

Paul
#105357 by preiffer
12 Mar 2006, 23:18
Can we please keep this thread on the subject of the new menu, and it's introduction on the 15th March?

(Paul - Jacq's name change was just covered here. Just trying to prevent two runaway threads!)
#105358 by MarkJ
12 Mar 2006, 23:20
yes agreed - I will be getting my PDA ready for a full report on the flight - but will now do some resaerch on the new menu - think I mite even oput my catering hat on and ask a few of the4 other passengers what they thought - has anyone else ever done this and will I get told off?
#105361 by tom139
12 Mar 2006, 23:32
Hi,

This topic seems to be related to my question. I'm flying to BGI at the end of the month - 1st time using VS. Flying UC. Is the menu the same both outbound and inbound? Also, does VS carry their food for UC pax for the inbound journey on the outbound flight?

Thanks,

Tom
#105363 by MarkJ
12 Mar 2006, 23:35
Sorry Tom - dont know the full answers - ISTBC but no they dont take food with them - theres no tthe sopace to do so and its not fuel efficient and yes the menu is different eaxh way!!

While you are here - with 26 posts why dont you join as a member you help the site develop and you also get access to the Clubhouse where there is a load more good stuff to be had!!! Its as cheap as a couple of pint s- so come on - join!!!!
#105366 by p17blo
12 Mar 2006, 23:40
Originally posted by preiffer
Can we please keep this thread on the subject of the new menu, and it's introduction on the 15th March?

(Paul - Jacq's name change was just covered here. Just trying to prevent two runaway threads!)


So you would prefer me to discuss this off topic in another thread unrelated to name changes rather than this one?[:p] Must remember to search for "OT" before I post anything OT:D

Also, the new topic has been discussed at length here

Paul
#105367 by preiffer
12 Mar 2006, 23:41
Tom,

It's usually a different menu on the way back as that flying out.

The planes, from past experience, are catered in their various locations, so it'll be fresh food loaded onto the plane for the return journey.
#105368 by tom139
12 Mar 2006, 23:42
Ok, thanks. I don't get how they can produce a menu that will correspond with the meal they wil get at the other end? Is the quality still the same? It's not that expensive is it! Hehe might just treat myself!
#105369 by preiffer
12 Mar 2006, 23:44
Originally posted by p17blo
So you would prefer me to discuss this off topic in another thread unrelated to name changes rather than this one?[:p] Must remember to search for "OT" before I post anything OT:D
Yes. If we HAVE to have something as wildly off-topic from food as Jacq's name, then keeping it in one place is preferable to two.

Originally posted by p17blo
Also, the new topic has been discussed at length here

Yes, it was - but the latest news is that it changes this week (as per the title). All other posts in this thread relate to that change, and those people that will be "experiencing" the new menu first.

Actually, in fairness, the 15th was mentioned on Page 2 of the thread.
#105370 by preiffer
12 Mar 2006, 23:47
Originally posted by tom139
Ok, thanks. I don't get how they can produce a menu that will correspond with the meal they wil get at the other end? Is the quality still the same? It's not that expensive is it! Hehe might just treat myself!
Because they tell the caterers what to provide, I believe. So, through discussion and negotiation, all parties know what's being delivered for each flight.

Also, remember, the menus don't change THAT often...
#105422 by MarkJ
13 Mar 2006, 09:23
Speaking as a Caterer I think I can offer up some info here - the whole situation of airline food is one that requires enormous planning and contracts that have terms and conditions to the "nth" degree!!!

If you remember all the issues with BA and Gate Gourment - the problem there is that BA had taken a "sole supply" contract with Gate Gourment - this will have been in relation to price in the main - but it made them exposed and vulnerable - and boy did the unions know this!!!

As with any catering service the requirment for food is based upon forecasting and the Airlines will by using their seat bookings and booking expectations to provide data to the caterer for food ordering. As the flight gets nearer the actual date of deaparture these details will be firmed up.

If you look at when seats are sold and some of the criteria attached to upgardes then this all comes into play - we have heard that we cant be upgraded "bevasue of catering" - this means thatthe meals orders are set and that there will be a problem if youget upgraded ( personally I woudl sit there and eat peanuts if it meant a better seat - but thats by the by)

Secondly when airlines try to sell seats on the cheap they are simply reducing their overheads - and catering is included in this - so by getting another paying passenger they are ensuring that their long term orders with the caterers are met.

Its a truly worldwide operation ordering food as different countries have varying standards - thats why sometimes the brands of products are different on flights back to the UK.

If anyone is genuinely intersted in seeing an airline caterer doing its thing ( an dbelive me its like a food factory!!) then I have some contacts so migth be able to organise a visit!!
#105470 by ChuckC
13 Mar 2006, 14:11
Excellent answer, Mark. Thank you for the information. And if you're offering a visit, well, that would be terrific. Used to be in your business myself years ago.

Chuck-
#105539 by MarkJ
13 Mar 2006, 20:32
Just a little "on topic" catering story.

There is a food production unit on Manor Royal in Crawley which serves Gatwick and when I used to work for a company with offices down there they used to provide us with working lunches - sandwiches and buffets.

Because they were an airline supplier our food used to arrive on trays in metal "airline" bixes - identical to thos used on the planes.

One day we went to our boxes to get out a working lunch for 10 and found that we had 10 chilled breakfasts in their foil trays and all the trays and cutlery etc!!

On closer inspection we noticed that the box was labled 0735 BMI 217 EDI. ( or similar)

So we guessed that earlier that morning on that fligth to Edinburgh from Gatwick the crew would have opened the box and then had to serv some nice rounds of sandwiches, sausage rolls and some deep fried prawn balls for breakfast!!! I bet to this day they are still wondering who the hell Wittenborg UK was ??

hahahahaha

OOpps!!
#105594 by Jetstreamer
13 Mar 2006, 23:47
Originally posted by Nottingham Nick
Any more details / hints, Declan... is it just for UC, or down the back as well?

Nick


Here's a couple of hints....

One of the desserts is a favourite of SRBs and one of the main courses may not be what everyone expects as "Best of British" [:?] (and before anyone asks its not Bangers & Mash) ;)

This menu change is for Upper Class. The next change for W and Y is scheduled around May.
#105596 by ela123
13 Mar 2006, 23:57
This menu change is for Upper Class. The next change for W and Y is scheduled around May.


Looks like I may be the first to try it then;)Will try and post the menu and what we thought of it on the site ASAP!!
#105602 by Decker
14 Mar 2006, 00:23
Curry Declan?
#105731 by mdvipond
14 Mar 2006, 13:39
Originally posted by Jetstreamer
one of the main courses may not be what everyone expects as "Best of British"

I'm with Decker on this; curry, most likely Tikka Massala?
#105749 by NY-LON
14 Mar 2006, 15:25
I'm flying to Tokyo on 21 March. Would the Best of British menu be on that flight as well? I'm asking because it seems that the VS900/901 have quite a specific menu that caters to Japanese tastes
#105851 by p17blo
14 Mar 2006, 19:40
Originally posted by Jetstreamer
Originally posted by Nottingham Nick
Any more details / hints, Declan... is it just for UC, or down the back as well?

Nick


Here's a couple of hints....

One of the desserts is a favourite of SRBs and one of the main courses may not be what everyone expects as "Best of British" [:?] (and before anyone asks its not Bangers & Mash) ;)

This menu change is for Upper Class. The next change for W and Y is scheduled around May.


Why the secrecy? If you know tell[8D]. It's not as if you have the mobile number of the guy that knows the truth about Diana's death.

Frankly, it's a meal, and even at best it's an aircraft meal. Given the choice of sitting in a UCS tucking into the new menu or visiting Ruth's Chris for a good steak I know which I would prefer.:D

Paul
#105857 by HighFlyer
14 Mar 2006, 19:50
Thanks Declan! Cant wait to see whats on my upcoming flight to DXB!

Thanks,
Sarah
Virgin Atlantic

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