Airline food is my favorite, said no one ever. There’s one harsh reality which many travelers fail to reckon with, and it’s that even in business class – food on the ground almost always tastes better than food in the air. Well, at least perhaps until now. Virgin Atlantic is making a bold claim, and unlike many airlines – when they talk the talk, the usually walk the walk. The airline has partnered with acclaimed chef Donal Skehan to bring airline food to new heights, and perhaps make it so good, you can just call it “food”…
New Focus
Airline food and sustainability have never been “a thing”. Virgin’s new partnership with LA based, but Irish born celebrity chef Donal Skehan is based on “sustainable, fresh ingredients which bring restaurant standard food to the skies”. Virgin Atlantic and Donal worked in collaboration with the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) to introduce ingredients and dishes which satisfy both fair farming and sustainable fish & seafood guidelines. Basically, not only *should* it taste good, it should also be legitimately healthy.
New Food
The new partnership will roll out almost immediately, or as the press release reads “this month” to Virgin Atlantic Upper Class in the skies, and to Clubhouse airport lounges all around the world. The new take on food will then fly on to premium economy and the economy cabins beginning in 2019. A few dishes to look forward to include…
In the air…
- Aromatic Thai Vegetable Stew – A vegetarian curry using an aromatic Thai spice paste and served with jasmine rice.
- Charred Cod with Spicy Mango Salad & Nam Jim Dressing – delicate cod fillet with a dried spice rub served with basmati rice & a cucumber and mango salad with a sweet & sour, spicy dressing.
In the lounge…
- Spiced Chorizo, Fennel & Tomato Stew
- Vietnamese Beef and Mango Salad
- Super Green Omelette with Goats Cheese, Sun-blushed Tomatoes & Avocado
Compelling Offer
Last week I wrote an article which hurt – I got basic economy wrong. At present, Virgin Atlantic “lite” fares are offering prices lower than have ever been seen, and with the continued push to create innovative partnerships and still offer food to all guests, there’s really never been a more compelling time to give Virgin Atlantic a fly. After all, Donal’s dishes will have to compete with Eric Lanlard’s complimentary afternoon tea served in each and every cabin. How very British…
Are you excited to try Donal’s new dishes?
