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| Emirates First Class Seat - © Emirates |
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| First Class |
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| 777
DXB > DUS |
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Society - World Level Perfection
November - 2012 |
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6
Stars & 7 Stripes
Overall - 'Service & Comfort' |
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The Ultimate Award:
Seven Stars and Stripes® |
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| Having flown with Emirates Business Class many times
in the past, this was to be the first time we would experience the luxury of
their First Class cabins which we were looking forward to, after we had just
emerged out of
Karkloof
Spa (CLICK HERE), South Africa’s first Seven Star resort.
Karkloof Spa is the epitome of luxury accommodations and world-class all
natural pampering in an environmentally sensitive wellness & wildlife
retreat near Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. We were on-route Durban, Dubai,
Düsseldorf and had boarded Emirates on the business class level in Durban.
Unfortunately our agents had selected the seats behind the busy galley but we
quickly were moved to the front where we got a good look at the
first class suites (CLICK HERE for our updated review). Right then and there we decided to upgrade our connecting flight, Dubai to Düsseldorf for an opportunity to do a comprehensive review of Emirates First Class. One of the conveniences of an Emirates’ Silver & Gold Skywards membership is that you may upgrade your flights in the lounges shortly before any departure. Complimentary chauffeur service is also available for first and business class passengers to and from selected international airports within a certain radius. |
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| After we had upgraded
our flights at terminal 3 in Emirates’ Dubai home-base business lounge, we
entered the engraved sliding doors to Emirates First Class Lounge. Our initial
impression was that of a huge fresh flower arrangement and subdued quietness.
The soft splashing sounds of several fountains added to the mood. I decided to
take a quick shower before breakfast. The first class shower facilities can be
compared with Emirates business class, but are roomier and less busy, but
compatibly nicely done. Emirates First Class offers logoed slippers in their
bath facilities, which are definitely a plus. |
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| Timeless Spa - © Emirates |
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| Our breakfast at the Emirates First Class Lounge was
delightful, served on a white, starched tablecloth, set with red rose, nice
modern china, Voss water, a healthy ‘detox shot’ and pretty much
anything for the acquired taste of the discriminating international traveler.
One has the option to help themselves from the buffet or order with the
waiters. We truly enjoyed the breakfast, including eggs, lox, crisp breads,
rolls, the strong coffee and the ever-attentive service. |
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| Emirates
First Class Lounge - © Emirates |
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| The international
cheese
buffet selection (CLICK HERE) was of exquisite taste and could not
be overlooked. A perfect example of outstanding personal service occurred when
my partner raised his finger to point out an annoying ripped fingernail. A
member of the staff inquired within seconds how he could be helped, and
spontaneously guided him to the spa where a manicurist took care of the
problem. And since we still had an abundance of time before our departure, I
had my shoes professionally shined. When we finally discovered the Wine Cellar
show room, time really flew by. Here at their homeport, Emirates showcases an
interesting selection of excellent wines and champagnes from around the world
that will delight connoisseurs. |
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| Emirates - First Class - Dom Perignon Vintage 2003 |
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At time of departure,
after all economy travelers had been boarded, a dedicated ‘Business Class
Bus’ chauffeured all business and 1st class passengers to the plane, which
was parked at an outer position. That is when we discovered that Emirates
obviously had to switch the new Boeing 777 with an older version and we were
forced to fly without being able to
review the new First Class suites (CLICK HERE). After we had been guided to our
seats (CLICK HERE) and were welcomed with a nicely chilled flute of
Dom Perignon Vintage 2003 the steward assured us that that the cuisine and the
service and all else on board were not compromised in anyway. While savoring
this symbol of nobility with all the nuances of crispness, elegance and
complexity, we settled in. This was what one would expect from Emirates, the
flagship airline of Dubai, even on an older plane - quality throughout. We were
glad to see that this plane was equipped with personal mini bars as well. Let
me state before hand that the dining experience as well as the service in all
aspects on this Emirates flight were excellent. |
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| Our elaborate dinners were served on our extra wide
cabin tables, dressed in white, nicely arranged and with enough room on each to
keep a porcelain breadbasket. I started with “Wild Iranian Caviar” as
my appetizers, with all the appropriate trimmings including a heavy sour cream
and blinis. Definitely a treat since the wild, imported caviar these days comes
only from Iran or Azerbaijan as Russia maintains a self-imposed ban on caviar
trade from wild sturgeon. Since caviar is better not consumed with a stainless
steel (or silver) spoon, as this most likely distorts the taste, I tried to
push the black pearls on the blinis, with little success however,
the
caviar I got to taste (CLICK HERE) was still cool and mild and as
pearly as the Dom Perignon. |
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| The next course was a salad, freshly prepared to ones own
liking. I had asked the flight attendant to surprise me and left it all up to
her. To my delight she served a plate almost as colorful as the freshflowers
that filled the silver vase on the wall. The bowl of crackling fresh salad
green and vegetables with pine nuts were just what the doctor had ordered. The
appropriate wine paring for this course was suggested as Blanc de
Lynch-Bages 2010, a pleasingly harmonious Bordeaux white fusion of
Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle grape varietals, which when artfully
blended together produced a fine aromatic and sophisticated wine. The lobster
medallions, presented with a gracious smile and a light Jicama salad, though a
little overdone, was still incredible, considering the limitations put on
airline cuisine. |
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| When asked, the
attendant suggested Clos Blanc de Vougeot 1er Cru Domaine de la Vougeraie
2008 to accompany the lobster medallions. While I savored its deep gold
appearance, the richness of its powerful aroma took me by surprise and led to a
noticeable acidity and exciting finish. The chicken consommé was
heavenly, light and pure with just a hint of fresh herbs and vegetables, could
have easily been announced a palate cleanser. A splendid glass of Cervaro
della Sala Antinori 2009, complemented this course with ample minerality
and plenty of fruit appeal. |
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| Emirates - First Class - Beef |
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| Finally the main course, I had adjusted the
conformability of my chair once again to the fullness of my belly, a terrific
beefsteak was served that easily could have been prepared on a hot grill in
Texas. Perfected by a classic French Bordelaise, creamy mashed potatoes and
fresh sautéed vegetables; this course did it for me. Culinary schools
all over the world are trying to teach their students this timeless icon,
forever. Recommended on Emirates wine list was Font de Michel
Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2010, which I promptly asked for. I remember
savoring its delicate floral notes while enjoying essences of dark forest
berries and well-proportioned tannins in the finish. |
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| Emirates -
First Class - Dessert |
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| As my dessert I picked of course one of my favorites,
a warm pear chocolate cake, this one presented with a heavy white chocolate
sauce and shredded, candied orange zest on the side. My compelling choice of
dessert wine to prolong the exhilaration was
Château
Coutet 2006 Barsac Bordeaux (CLICK HERE), which displayed subtle
tropical fruit laced with citrus blossom honey followed by a soft nutty finish.
A double espresso and long lingering glass of Hennessey completed the picture
until a friendly smiling face insisted that I should finish with a Quinta do
Noval 2000 Vintage Port from Portugal that was unreal! I was pleasantly
surprised by the level of enjoyment projected by this wine, with its inkwell
florid color leading to a full-bodied far-reaching palate invoking flavors of
damson plum and boysenberry. After this dinner both of us were ready for some
rest. The attendant turned our seats into comfortabe flatbeds, applied
additional mattresses, pillows and comforters and dimmed the lights.
Emirates’ personal amenity kits include some Bvlgari toiletries, they have
exclusive use of Au Thé Rouge (Red Tea) products. Flying with Emirates
has always been and was now once again especially on a culinary level
rewarding. The crew could not have been more professional and accommodating.
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by Thorsten & Edmund Buehrmann
Editor: Ingrid
Lemme
Editor-in-Chief: John Lomitola |
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| © 2012 ~ Seven Stars and Stripes,
Inc. |
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