VA2 - LAX-SYD Catering

[Cruiser Elite]

Anybody have reports on catering on recent said flt? Still serving Lanson Gold? Overall food quality? Cruiserette and I are returning to Oz on Sept 26 on this flt since direct MEL flts cancelled - amazing we are both really looking forward to this flight - we just enjoy the VA J exp so much.

I have SQ F MEL-SIN then R SIN- ZRH / R FRA-SIN then F SIN-MEL booked for Aug 26 / 31 and then we fly SQ F MEL-SIN then R SIN-NRT-LAX on Sept 14 to get to LOTFAP and yet the VA J ret flt is the one I / we are most looking forward to - riddle me that one Batman!

 

[pythonisman]

I'm a bit confused - VA2 is (and always has been) LAX-SYD no?

I just did VA across the pacific, I have a photo of the menu to LA, but not the return. Champagne Ayala and Alaya Millesime 2006 were on board, I'm not much of a champers connoisseur but I thought it tasted good.
I enjoyed row 5 in both directions and got a solid sleep both ways which helped.

Personally I'd be looking forward to the SQ F/R sectors the most!

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Yes sorry my bad it is indeed - I was lamenting the fact we have to fly via SYD when I posted - maybe a Mod can modify title for me pls?

Personally I'd be looking forward to the SQ F/R sectors the most!

Yes I understand that but I do so many sectors SQ F/R each year whereas VA usually on 1 long haul annually - and I do love the novelty of the on board bar.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

I guess if I spent more time looking and less time asking I would have found this: VA Intl Long Haul F & B

Edit: Crikey is this their red: Earthworks Barossa Cab Sav 2013

 

[pythonisman]

That menu is in line with what I had this week.

I had the serrano starter and the salmon main, both were tasty but the salmon a bit overcooked for my liking, but edible.
The corn fritters were decent too, the spinach, tomato and avocado was a really nice topping.
From memory I went the Shiraz, while not much more expensive it wasn't bad https://www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_785113/shingleback-davey-brothers-shiraz

Once I finished the meal I moved to the bar to read over a nightcap, then crashed for nearly 9hrs waking up in time for breakfast at about 0500 destination time.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

How many around the bar pytho? As I said I love that concept - are they intending to keep bar when new J seats fitted?

 

[blackcat20]

They are rejigging the bar so a 'bartender' can stand behind it.

 

[pythonisman]

How many around the bar pytho? As I said I love that concept - are they intending to keep bar when new J seats fitted?

On the flight back no-one sitting at the bar, with departure time ~midnight (I was on VA8 to BNE) I figured everyone was down for the count after takeoff. One other pax looked like he'd join in but he poured himself a baileys and went back to his seat.

Edit: on VA7 on the outbound, there were 2 other friendly pax when I stopped by the bar for a drink. I think the bar is a strong plus for me, it's nice to get out of the seat for a bit, either to talk to crew or another pax - especially good if you're traveling with someone else.

And yeah per Blackcat above, this is a pic (from AusBT) of the new 777 inflight bar:
Virgin Australia Boeing 777 premium economy 'economy plus' seats - Australian Business Traveller

 

[juliusg]

Love VA! Took my teenagers to LA in January, once the bar crowd (6 of us) had retired, the big head let my boys come up from Y for a hot chocolate at the bar. Very nice!

 

[blackcat20]

On the flight back no-one sitting at the bar, with departure time ~midnight (I was on VA8 to BNE) I figured everyone was down for the count after takeoff. One other pax looked like he'd join in but he poured himself a baileys and went back to his seat.

Edit: on VA7 on the outbound, there were 2 other friendly pax when I stopped by the bar for a drink. I think the bar is a strong plus for me, it's nice to get out of the seat for a bit, either to talk to crew or another pax - especially good if you're traveling with someone else.

And yeah per Blackcat above, this is a pic (from AusBT) of the new 777 inflight bar:
Virgin Australia Boeing 777 premium economy 'economy plus' seats - Australian Business Traveller

I like the bar, particularly as I dont usually sleep well. But self-pour is a big no no. Use the call button to get an FA to do it for you.
I've only seen at most two other people at the bar. FA often offer something to eat to, from chips to sausage rolls.

Disapointed to find Air NZ dont use their bar, depsite it being a selling point early on for their 777.

 

[stux]

I like the bar, particularly as I dont usually sleep well. But self-pour is a big no no. Use the call button to get an FA to do it for you.
I've only seen at most two other people at the bar. FA often offer something to eat to, from chips to sausage rolls.

Disapointed to find Air NZ dont use their bar, depsite it being a selling point early on for their 777.

i'm a barfly

they like to limit it to 6 pax. 4 seated, 2 standing

 

[Tazza_0712]

Just returned on Saturday from LAX. Not actually sure what champagne was being served but I know I enjoyed a couple of glasses. I had enjoyed a few too many Margaritas in the Star Alliance lounge prior to the flight

The food was quite delicious. I opted for the jamon starter and the lamb main. Both were delicious, the lamb was succulent and tender. The chocolate and hazelnut mousse cake was very enjoyable. I had trouble sleeping, so I also enjoyed the quiche and brownie, both warmed, from the dine on demand menu. Yum!

Breakfast was also tasty, I opted for the corn fritters.

After flying throughout the US on Delta in First, it was a revelation to be back on VA metal for an international business segment. We are so fortunate for the premium airline experience we have access to down under.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Tazza thanks so much for your input - concise and to the point - I owe you one my friend.

 

[cove]

CE take your taste buds and let us know what you think. I still have lots of Velocity points despite one son of cove using them.

 

[get me outta here]

This looks good catering, what is the points cost and $$ for F on VA?

 

[serfty]

This looks good catering, what is the points cost and $$ for F on VA?

VA don't do First.

Points cost for one-way Business is 94K Velocity (+++ is ~$130 to LAX and ~$50 from LAX); so 188K and ~$180 return).

Certainly better food than the single (small) 'plate' Business "Supper" offered by QF ex LAX.

 

[blackcat20]

This looks good catering, what is the points cost and $$ for F on VA?

They dont have F, only J. Its around the 90k mark.

 

[get me outta here]

Thanks, that catering at least looks/sounds pretty good.

They dont have F, only J. Its around the 90k mark.

VA don't do First.

Points cost for one-way Business is 94K Velocity (+++ is ~$130 to LAX and ~$50 from LAX); so 188K and ~$180 return).

Certainly better food than the single (small) 'plate' Business "Supper" offered by QF ex LAX.

 

[blackcat20]

Thanks, that catering at least looks/sounds pretty good.

Hopefully it has improved; while the mains were good I found breakfast quite lacking last year. The croissant was so overdone it crumbled to nothing in my hands...

 

[Tazza_0712]

Tazza thanks so much for your input - concise and to the point - I owe you one my friend.

You are welcome. Hoping you enjoy the food!

Hopefully it has improved; while the mains were good I found breakfast quite lacking last year. The croissant was so overdone it crumbled to nothing in my hands...

It was crumbly but not overly so on my flight on the 20th.