QF653 SYD-PER Mon Oct 23, 332 Sched dep 1945 actual pushback 1958 (waiting for Int connections) takeoff 2008 ( 34L)
Nice to be back in a J pod after a very uncomfortable flight over in Y on a 738. No PDB offered, not even a water bottle in the basket next to the headphones.
Nonetheless, drinks offered promptly after getting up to cruise, good friendly service by CSM Helen (who gave me the rare WP welcome) and FAs Jack and Kassie.
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As the usual Chivas would taste very ordinary compared to the stellar single malts I had just had at the Baxter Inn before leaving for the airport, went with the more than passable Lois Lane blanc de blancs to open the batting. The usual Santos pretzels and almonds accompanied.
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Had the beef blade accompanied by potatoes, beans and peas with a side of an Asian prawn coleslaw. The other options were a paella and a vego salad of some description. Wasn't expecting much of the beef, but was melt-in-the-mouth tender, akin to the slow cooked brisket served in the F lounge over winter. The prawns were fresh tasting also. The Clos Clare Hayes Boy 2020 Grenache accompanied, was more than quaffable so allowed myself another glass of this.
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Maggie’s morello cherry and dark chocolate almond ice cream finished things off.
Within the expectations of the new normal for east coast - PER J, this was significantly better than average, a good end to a successful SYD trip.