Another one from the backlog. Might be a little obsolete now that there appears to be a new asian menu available.
31 August 2023 - QF35 - MEL to SIN (B787-900)
I had originally booked flights to SIN through PER but cancelled for the more direct route. Also wanted to maximise the B787 experience. Unfortunately on booking, there wasn't much available in the forward cabin (only aisle side seats could be selected) and thus chose a window seat in the mini-cabin. I would now recommend those flying J on the B787 to try and select forward cabin seats where possible as the noise (there were two upset children at the front) and the toilet traffic from PE made it less private than what people may expect.
No PDB offered even though multiple FAs passed by with trays going to J and PE. This flight was delayed about 45-50mins from the scheduled departure time. It was not until about an hour after take-off that I was offered a beverage with the apertivo.
Got the apertivo (unlike my SYD to HKG flight previous to this). Arancini ball was about average but positively crispy. Had the Champagne (Jacquart) which was delicious. I had originally requested a Sky Spritz but somehow my drink never came and when asked for again later on soon after, they apparently had run out of ingredients. Disappointing.
QF soups - I skip them at almost all costs. I chose the prawn salad to start. Vibrant, light and generally refreshing. A little spicy with zing and one I would get again. Cannot go past the butter and sourdough combo of course.
Mains arrived more than 90 minutes post departure. Another good steak. More rare than previous attempts which I prefer. Little silverbeat and carrot accompanying the protein were excellent too. Champagne was enjoyed to compliment.
Dessert I had to go with the always 'solid' ice cream sandwich. This one arrived hard as a rock though so I had to wait as it defrosted on the napkin while I had the creamy Lindt chocolate in the mean-time. I think I prefer the caramel pecan flavour to the vanilla.
Pre arrival - the quiche. Tasty and cheesy. Relish was tart. More champagne enjoyed. Some may recognise that my connecting flight also featured a quiche. I was over-quiched that day.
Overall a good dining experience. Quality of food exceeded my expectations. As for the service - despite the beverage delay/no beverage situation early on, it was made up by a couple of quality FAs later in the flight who's energy changed my mood. Nothing beats attentive service with good positive energy and attitude. I prefer the J service in F on the QF A380 I had previously to a certain extent but that is largely incomparable.
*I have this test of how easy it is to get water refills for the supplied water bottle during the flight. The water bottle was refilled willingly and remained full more often than not. They apologised for not supplying a new bottle on the first occasion which seems moot. In any case, excellent.
Happy travels!