As for the whole article, I don't think it is a good article. Can't pin down why...
Like most of these articles it is too superficial; generally we FF'ers know a lot more about that type of subject than the article's author/(sub)editor. In effect, the article tells us very little we do not already know.
In relation to "Special Meals", I'll preface this by stating that I have a standard "Low Fat Meal".
What that means these days on the prevalent QF shorthaul domestic 'snack/refreshment' flights is that you get a bowl 'spicy fruit compote'.
With meal type flights, I do often have to ask when bing served, "I normally have a 'special'" when I get "Oh , I'll check" and it materialises somehow.
I have have surmised this is normally happens for one of two reasons:
•The FA are too lazy or do not have the time to cross reference the specials with the PAX.
•The FA's sometimes covet my LFML meal more than the standard fare.
Two or three times over the years I have actaully been dudded by FA's. Most recently, earlier this year. Until the middle of this year the Trans Tasman J LFML was generally superor to the standard J fare. This until they replaced the "Smoked Chicken" entree with 6 slices of Celery. :roll: I was talked out of having my smoked chicken one by the CSM; the meal I was then graced with was a shocker. On the way to the loo I saw him consuming the meal that was meant for me! :evil: