Love at First (Lounge) sight - new Winter menu for SYD/MEL First Lounges

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Lunch next Tuesday, Breakfast 5 July. Yippeeeee!!:p
 
It's usually me who organises at least a 4-hour transit in SYD for flights from ADL to elsewhere, but I imagine Mrs 340 will be keener now mussels with saffron has appeared on the menu. She may, and will, order multiples of this. Good choice. This may stop the rolling of eyes whenever I manage to consume the contents of the decanter.
 
For a late lunch today I had the fettuccine as a starter and fried chicken for main - now I've written that down it sounds heavy but it wasn't really. Fettuccine was okay, but I would have it as main brunch item if arriving at 11.30am when all day dining kicks off. Really enjoyed the chicken - hot sauce has a good zing. I tried Mrs Rugby's tuna, but I think the salmon tartare is a much better option and I hope it becomes a regular. Mrs Rugby had the lamb for main - very good. Wine from the decanter was a Clonakilla 2011 Shiraz. Cheers!
 
Rugby said:
Wine from the decanter was a Clonakilla 2011 Shiraz. Cheers!
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MEL or SYD?
I am yet to experience the decanter - have asked in both lounges but it looks like it is making a comeback!
Wasn't there a thread about it some time ago?
 
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They had the decanter yesterday in SYD - I stuck with a couple of Delamotte.

FWIW, The Clonakilla Shiraz was one of the J reds on last nights QF11.
 
I was very fortunate to spend a good few hours in the MEL F lounge yesterday with a couple of colleagues. We tried a number of dishes between us (including a few favourites), but here are my thoughts on a few.


Food:

Buffalo mozzarella with roasted red capsicum, grilled radicchio and mint - I think they have changed the recipe for this dish slightly as it is definitely a sharper, more intense taste than I remember, but this remains a fantastic way to start your meal. Thumbs Up.

Sea Bounty mussels, tomato, garlic, saffron rouille - Yum! nom nom nom, This is easy to eat with a knife and fork, just make sure you keep the bread to soak up the sauce at the bottom which is almost the best bit.

Buttermilk fried chicken with celeriac slaw, soft white polenta and hot sauce - Let's be honest - this is really just regular fried chicken... But the hot sauce is the highlight. It takes regular friend chicken and turns it into a restaurant dish. Spice hounds like me may find themselves asking for more hot sauce. The polenta rounds out and balances the dish.

Chocolate croissant bread and butter pudding - Probably the highlight for me. Bread and Butter pudding made from pain au chocolate is dangerous for my waistline, but it's a great winter dessert.

Pavlova in a glass with yoghurt gelato, pineapple and lime - Great to see the Pav is [back] on the menu - I definitely prefer the summer version with the berries, but understand these things are seasonal. I normally don't like pineapple, but surprisingly I liked this dish. The lime (or lime juice?) was the winner for me.



Vino:

Surprisingly there was not Taittinger left in the cellar (OUTRAGEOUS!!!), but Bollinger has made it to the printed Melbourne menu (along with Veuve Clicquot and Delamotte).

It was disappointing that the Rockford wines on the menu posted by Red Roo were not available in the Melbourne lounge :( :( :( Oh Well, now I have to find an excuse to book a flight ex-Sydney T1...

There was no carafe (of red), but fortunately they had a little aerator device, which helped open up the Shiraz.


Service & Spa:

Amazing as always. The MEL staff really are fabulous when they are on their game. One of my best visits. I felt relaxed and spoilt.

I am usually pretty boring when it comes to the spa (back massage), but for something different I tried the "Melbourne Signature" spa treatment, which although only 20 minutes was a good taste of the more exotic spa treatments (feet, hands, neck & shoulder, scalp). The treatment lasted almost exactly 20 minutes, so was a good length, although an extra 5 minutes on neck and shoulder would have been perfect.
 
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penegal said:
Service & Spa:

Amazing as always. The MEL staff really are fabulous when they are on their game. One of my best visits. I felt relaxed and spoilt.

I am usually pretty boring when it comes to the spa (back massage), but for something different I tried the "Melbourne Signature" spa treatment, which although only 20 minutes was a good taste of the more exotic spa treatments (feet, hands, neck & shoulder, scalp). The treatment lasted almost exactly 20 minutes, so was a good length, although an extra 5 minutes on neck and shoulder would have been perfect.
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Red Roo - Am I correct in assuming the new spa menu (all 20 minute treatments) means there are more spa appointments available?

One of the annoying things in the past has been a lack of spa appointments upon arrival into the lounge. I completely understand that actual First passengers should get first preference, but I am not a morning person, so often get to the lounge later than I plan to :p
 
I am really bad at remembering to take pics, but this is the Chocolate croissant bread and butter pudding:

xnA6ydS.jpg
 
penegal said:
I am really bad at remembering to take pics, but this is the Chocolate croissant bread and butter pudding:

xnA6ydS.jpg
Click to expand...

Ran out of that. Had the Pav disappointing.
Description is a bit misleading IMHO. It's as far from a Pav as you can get. More of a sorbet with meringue.
Otherwise. A very enjoyable menu
 
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Kangol said:
MEL or SYD?
I am yet to experience the decanter - have asked in both lounges but it looks like it is making a comeback!
Wasn't there a thread about it some time ago?
Click to expand...

Hi Kangol - SYD. Had a nice one from the decanter about 6 weeks ago too (I can't remember what it was, but I rated it)
 
was meant to be having brekky with princess and shrek next tuesday but I've postponed it a day
Will wait for her recomendation
!

iv been told by a mate to try the rum but i suppose after the bubble sill make room!
 
Rugby said:
Hi Kangol - SYD. Had a nice one from the decanter about 6 weeks ago too (I can't remember what it was, but I rated it)
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Awesome, thanks. I only have two F lounge visits this year and they are both in SYD. Will definitely ask again about the decanter.
 
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