Pepper Squid Withdrawal Syndrome

[PLM]

Ever since I got my first big job which allowed me to travel Business and First Class on a regular basis, I have been truly addicted to the salt and pepper squid from the first bite I took into that glorious dish at the Qantas First Class Lounge in Sydney. With banned and skeleton services not even allowing lounge access, I am suffering severe withdrawal symptoms. I have tried takeaway versions of the dish over the past few months, but none seems to compare to the Qantas version. Has anyone found a restaurant that produces squid the equal of the Qantas First Class version? Or do I need to buy some Marc Newson plates and cook my own to replicate the experience?

I have tried discussing the reasons for my depression as a result of being banned from flying and deprived of tasty squid, but few people seem to empathise with my predicament. I am hoping that maybe I will find some friends on this forum who understand.

 

[Mattg]

Welcome to AFF. I'm sure some of the people here will understand!

I don't know the answer to this particular question, but you may wish to have a browse of the Qantas salt & pepper squid appreciation thread. Perhaps somebody there will have some tips for you.

 

[flyingfan]

If there's anywhere on the Internet to sing the virtues of the F lounge squid or mourn its inaccessibility, this would be it. Even the best takeaway rendition will struggle to compare with that at the lounge as you can eat the latter about 20 seconds after it comes out of the fryer, without turning soggy during the commute.

Are you in Sydney? I could give you a restaurant recommendation that I think does it better (with a different appearance and texture so it's not a replica) in Melbourne.

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

Pepper squid was always my starter of choice before a flight OS.

 

[PLM]

If there's anywhere on the Internet to sing the virtues of the F lounge squid or mourn its inaccessibility, this would be it. Even the best takeaway rendition will struggle to compare with that at the lounge as you can eat the latter about 20 seconds after it comes out of the fryer, without turning soggy during the commute.

Are you in Sydney? I could give you a restaurant recommendation that I think does it better (with a different appearance and texture so it's not a replica) in Melbourne.

Thankfully I am in Sydney, although I used to travel to Melbourne for work semi-regularly. Please send me your suggestions!

 

[flyingfan]

My favourite is at Tea House on Burke in Camberwell - they're more squat, rather than the long strips in the lounge, for the perfect portion size without tiring you out. Its curves and undulations capture enough of the batter and seasoning to give bursts of perfectly balanced salt and spice without going too far. IMHO its texture is also much better, the QF one can be a bit too chewy sometimes. I don't have a good pic though.



In Sydney I think I liked the one at old standby Golden Century the most, similar to above and not a replica of QF. I've also tried restaurants in Surry Hills and Rozelle but they weren't very satisfying.

A regular here can tell you about how he got a serve of undercooked squid at the lounge once and has sworn off them...

 

[PLM]

That Tea House photo is making me very hungry. Thank you!

 

[Seat0B]

I love it too, and miss it in today's situation. I will be so keen to have it again, just as long as I can maintain the WP status...

 

[henrus]

After seeing this thread, perhaps Qantas should do something like Singapore Airlines where they reopen the first lounge and you can pay for access for a meal. Given the lounges are closed anyway they could set up a path to the lounge to avoid going through the rest of the terminal.

Would make for quite a unique experience but I guess the question is how much would people be willing to pay?

 

[Mattg]

After seeing this thread, perhaps Qantas should do something like Singapore Airlines where they reopen the first lounge and you can pay for access for a meal. Given the lounges are closed anyway they could set up a path to the lounge to avoid going through the rest of the terminal.

Would make for quite a unique experience but I guess the question is how much would people be willing to pay?

I agree it would be an experience some people would pay for, but I can't see it being worthwhile for Qantas to open the whole lounge, bring back staff, cater it, etc. just so a few people can have lunch. Not to mention, this would require people to go airside and past immigration & customs (and back out) at a time when most arriving passengers are considered a quarantine risk. I suppose it could be done but I don't see this working out, unfortunately.

I wonder if home-delivered "salt & pepper squid care packages" would be popular, though?

 

[AIRwin]

Good news?

Qantas First Lounges to Reopen

Platinum One, Platinum and Gold frequent flyers along with Business customers and Qantas Club members flying on the Tasman will be invited to visit these two First lounges until the airline’s other international lounges reopen Unsurprisingly, it sounds like complimentary lounge invites won't...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[henrus]

Good news?

Yep even those with a club membership will get to enjoy it.

 

[AFF Editor]

Good news?

Yep - and salt & pepper squid is back on the menu, too!

 

[jakeseven7]

Its a squid miracle!!

*Runs to book NZ flights despite worries about highly strung NZ government*

 

[jase05]

Quite welcome to have my share of the squid, I don’t touch the stuff

 

[AIRwin]

View attachment 245168

Oh I recognise her!