"Island Dining" in the Domestic J lounges: Tips, Timing & Menus

[medhead]

The real key is the menu, if there is a menu the dining is on. There was one day last year when the whole network was a complete mess. I can't remember what it was, but it was big. That's the only time that the SYD lounge talked about not doing the dining. But they came through in the end.

In terms of sophistication. I can only agree that they have sophisticated names. A lot of the meals are fairly substantial despite the sophisticated name. Others are more abstract, the cheese and salad from a week or two ago for example.

 

[JohnK]

If this is not tongue-in-cheek I am guessing you are missing the whole point of a premium lounge offering!

It wasn't tongue-in-cheek.

Are we saying there isn't enough room for "normal" and "premium" in the same lounge?

JohnK - I also get that this isn't to your taste but generally it has been to mine - it is what makes us all different. if you want hot dogs - head over to Virgin. You are not going to get what you want in a QF lounge as they are consciously trying to provide a air of sophistication so will not be putting out villi's meat pies. That doesn't make them better or worse than you - just their brand proposition is different to your needs.

I like Hot dogs and party pies but unfortunately I have given Virgin the flick. I have another 3 flights booked and then a serious review will be conducted to decide the future of Virgin.

I am quite happy with Qantas.

I know there is a demand for "premium/gourmet" food and I have no issue with it. It is more a case of curiosity for me as the "premium/gourmet" food creations does not look appealing in the slightest. By the way I can usually find something I like to eat if I am hungry.

I know there is some demand for boutique type of beers (which I do not like) but as long as there are some alternative mainstream beers in stock then I am happy.

 

[medhead]

It wasn't tongue-in-cheek.

Are we saying there isn't enough room for "normal" and "premium" in the same lounge?

No one is saying that at all. The normal is in the lounge. This thread is about the premium offering, as the thread title suggests. As such it seems perfectly reasonable to think your constant negative comments as tongue in cheek. How else to explain your complaints about the premium offering not being normal.

Perhaps we need to start a thread about the normal food.

 

[Must...Fly!]

It wasn't tongue-in-cheek.

Are we saying there isn't enough room for "normal" and "premium" in the same lounge?

Of course there is, but I would suggest that is a bit of a waste when you have two easily accessible lounges in close proximity...

 

[lovestotravel]

The J lounges have enough "normal" food in the buffet area and yes they include some very nice pies!

If you want the "premium" dining food then sit at the table

If you want yet another option then wander back to the pub side and see what they have on offer

Seems pretty simple to me

 

[JessicaTam]

MEL J Lounge this morning.

View attachment 15995

Baked egg florentine.

These are available in the buffet at the BNE J Lounge, so find it slightly odd that it is Island Dining in MEL (... Is it dining if its not dinner??... )

Staff member was placing menus on the middle Island across from the barista with cutlery settings from about 6:30am, and was also then offering the menu to others seated at the Islands on either side. Didn't see whether they were going further abroad to offer to others in the lounge.

I have just been offered the same in MEL this morning - and I wasn't even sitting near the island table. Quite tasty.

 

[pauly7]

See posts 5, 8 & 11, and a few others.

You basically have to be:

1-there at the right time, &
2-sit down at the "island" and look hungry/interested, maybe waving the menu around until served.

Or of course simply ask a member of staff, the MEL crew especially are super friendly and seem to love the service...

 

[simongr]

Or of course simply ask a member of staff, the MEL crew especially are super friendly and seem to love the service...

I tried once - and was told "we were busy earlier so aren't bothering tonight"... the super helpful service desk team sorted that out for me...

Yesterday morning around 06:40 in SYD (when I would normally be heading to board) I was offered a ham and cheese toasted sandwich (with chill jam unfortunately) - sadly I didnt have time to sample this.

 

[pauly7]

I tried once - and was told "we were busy earlier so aren't bothering tonight"... the super helpful service desk team sorted that out for me...

Yesterday morning around 06:40 in SYD (when I would normally be heading to board) I was offered a ham and cheese toasted sandwich (with chill jam unfortunately) - sadly I didnt have time to sample this.

Bad luck for you then

 

[lovestotravel]

Or of course simply ask a member of staff, the MEL crew especially are super friendly and seem to love the service...

Agree - The MEL J lounge team are great!

 

[docjames]

Agree - The MEL J lounge team are great!

That's interesting that everyone seems to think the MEL J lounge staff are great as that certainly hasn't been my experience.

Nothing terrible, just "bare minimum".

 

[JohnK]

That's interesting that everyone seems to think the MEL J lounge staff are great as that certainly hasn't been my experience.

Nothing terrible, just "bare minimum".

Not everyone. Your statement above is more accurate.

 

[medhead]

Pizza again tonight in SYD. I was discussing with Must...Fly that is was very tasty but it also would benefit from variety. As it not the same every week, much like hot dogs.

 

[medhead]

Well given recent discussion about normal food, here is a picture of "normal" food from Thursday night. Or should I say very ordinary food.

View attachment 16320

 

[JohnK]

A reference point for those wanting to know about Island Dining in BNE. It was on yesterday and menus were on the table. It was Vietnemese noodle soup. I didn't try it.

Well given recent discussion about normal food, here is a picture of "normal" food from Thursday night. Or should I say very ordinary food.

Yes that looks ordinary.

I don't know why but for some reason the "gourmet" food available in the business lounges does nothing for me. It could be because there is nothing "gourmet" about it but I could be wrong.

 

[mikejr]

I saw that soup in BNE on Tuesday night and have to say it did not look or smell that appetising John.

We had the Prosciutto, Buffalo Mozzarella plate last night in SYD which was very nice.

M

 

[daturtle]

Currently sitting at the Island at Syd looking decided hungry. Praying for a miracle. That said the chowder was very tasty.

 

[JessicaTam]

Currently sitting at the Island at Syd looking decided hungry. Praying for a miracle. That said the chowder was very tasty.

I am not sure that 'Island Lunch' is an option.

 

[daturtle]

I am not sure that 'Island Lunch' is an option.

It's happened at some point from previous posts but not today. Luckily the sausage on the flight was delicious.

 

[JessicaTam]

It's happened at some point from previous posts but not today. Luckily the sausage on the flight was delicious.

Ahh, ok. i have a 1pm flight from MEL in a few weeks so I shall keep an eye out.