Sydney to Perth
The Lounge
I am off to Perth for my birthday and I head out of the office and perch myself on a chair in the Qantas Lounge next to the window with a glass of Shiraz with a view of the tarmac.
The Business Suite
Soon the boarding call chimes and I am onboard the beautiful Airbus A330-200 with Qantas’ new business suite, which is one of the best domestic business class products out there.
The dinner service commences shortly after take-off:
Buffalo Mozarella with Samshed Broad Bean and Pea, Slow Roasted Cherry Tomato and Mint Salad
The dish is such a refreshing starter, the creamy and milky buffalo mozzarella, tangy roast tomatoes, the sizzle touch of the mint mixed with broad beans which have such a lovely texture and then the clean Mediterranean streak of the olive oil. A well rounded entrée indeed.
I pair this with a McIvor Estate Shiraz, Heathcote, Victoria. This wine has blueberry and black fruit aromas with a beautiful light floral notes. On the palate the wine has baked dark fruit flavours with hints of chocolate and spice. The wine has some lovely tannins which linger and make it perfect for rich meaty dishes.
Roast Duck Breast with Sweet Potato Gratin, Green Beans and Parmesan Thyme Breadcrumbs
The rich oily tender fall apart duck meat is a pure treat. The softness of both the flavours and texture of the sweet potato, the crunch of the green beans and the crumbly savoury hit of the crumbs. It is a pure treat, a little rich and very much in the comfort food category.
Udder Delights Goat Camembert, Adelaide Hills and Fourme d’Ambert, Auvergne, France with Accompaniments
The smooth silky texture of the milky goat camembert makes for a good simple taste experience. However the Fourme d’Ambert proves more exciting with more complex and nuanced flavours, a creamy flow and a nutty finish.
Perth to Sydney
The Lounge
After my birthday celebrations, I head back to the airport and enjoy a glass of wine in the plush lounge chairs.
The Business Suite
I have the A330-200 again, which is always the best! I settle in for the flight back to Sydney.
The flight has a rather light dinner service:
Grilled Fish of the Day, Braised Spinach, Farro, Cherry Tomatoes with Lemon and Saffron Butter
The texture of the grains, the beautiful ripe tangy tomatoes and the soft leafy braised spinach and the flakey succulent fish is a beautiful array of textures and flavours. A lovely dish with good balance.
Warmed Date and Walnut Cake with Double Cream
The warmth of this dish adds to the comfort feel, while the crunch of the walnuts sprinkled throughout the cake is a treat. The buttery moist caramel-like date flavours are a delight which leaves one feeling relaxed and able to snooze for the rest of the flight.