Why are we as travelers so obsessed with in-flight food? It ranges from practically inedible to sometimes delicious. I know many travelers who don’t eat on planes, even long-haul flights to help with jet lag but that is just not me.
I’m always ready to eat.
If it’s a transatlantic flight my strategy to get the best shot at a good meal is to say I’m vegan, which usually means beans, rice and fruit for dessert. If it’s for purchase I’m usually stuck with a stale sandwich or soggy wrap. It seems like most airline food is really declining in quality.
So when I saw photos from the new Air Transat food service program I was shocked and pleasantly surprised. The new menu from Chef Daniel Vézina is about to shake things up.
Beginning May 1st Club Class passengers will have the first taste of The Chef’s Menu by Daniel Vézina. Have no fear if you’re in economy you can still eat like a gourmand as it will be available on transatlantic flights May 1st and on flights South July 1st.
The Chef’s Menu by Daniel Vézina will be offered for free to all Club Class passengers. Economy Class passengers can purchase his signature dishes for $25, which will be served with a cheese plate, dessert and glass of wine.
Let me repeat that. Main + cheese plate + dessert + wine for only $25.
However, they are in limited quantity for economy class. The good news is that new Air Transat food service meals can be pre-ordered on Air Transat’s website or calling the booking centre.
Air Transat is from Quebec so it’s natural that they chose a Quebecois chef with such a legendary reputation. Chef Daniel Vézina has been cooking for over 35 years with critically acclaimed restaurants in both Montreal and Quebec City. Most recently he opened La Serre, a health-food counter.
He’s well known in Quebec radio and television cooking shows, six cookbooks and many awards but what resonates most is his commitment to minimize waste. At Loka we have a zero waste philosophy, which garners a lot of questions from guests and Vézina’s most recent cookbook helps the home cook reduce waste with tips and recipes.
The meals created by Daniel Vézina, which will change over the seasons, but here is the summer menu:
- Chicken ragout with lemon zest and seasonal vegetables
- Duck confit lasagna with spinach and a sherry and foie gras emulsion
- Braised leg of lamb with spices, maple syrup and Indian vegetable curry
- Sweet potato gnocchi with red wine bolognese, spinach pesto and Parmesan shavings
- Vegetarian moussaka with grilled vegetables, creamed goat cheese, tomato and red pepper coulis
- Vegan risotto with rice cream, red pepper coulis and diced root vegetables with fennel
I can’t decide between the duck and lamb, both look delicious.
To learn more about the Chef’s Menu by Daniel Vézina, visit www.airtransat.com.
Wow! each dishes looks so delicious, especially the Duck Confit Lasagna.
Lovely read! Thanks for sharing.
I simply love reading your blog, it’s so much fun.
The Braised leg of Lamb looks so delicious.
Thanks for sharing.
I really need to start flying! This is amazing…. and so encouraging to see an airline taking such pride in the food they serve. Although, they may be surprised at the results of expanding the menu in economy class…
Finally!! Good food on planes! I would gladly pay 25$ for a top meal on a long flight… I’m definitely going to try it out on my next transAtlantic flight Plus Daniel Vézina is a top chef, I’m sure he’s going to blow some minds up in the air! Love him! Looking forward to fly with air Transat for once…
I’m one of those aforementioned flyers who doesn’t usually eat on flights — I’d much rather pack a few energy bars and healthy snacks or grab something fresh from whatever vendors are nearby before I board! That said, this menu is absolutely inspired and has me thinking about why something like this hasn’t been done before?! I mean, what better time to really savour great food and wine (for $25, no less!) than at 30 000 feet when you have no where to rush off to and can completely immerse yourself in the experience. I’m totally going to order from this menu on my next flight! Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Ayngelina!
Hard to believe that’s airplane food! Would definitely try that Duck Confit Lasagna.
That is a great price for wonderful looking food on a flight! I want that duck confit lasagna! But will they be served in pretty plates or plastic container lol? My last flight was Toronto-Beijing and I found it funny the mid flight snalc was a cup of noodle. yes like a ramne but a cheap and with hot water added.
$25 deal sounds awesome! And I always order vegetarian on flights too!
Wow, those do not look like the usual airline food, even the food in business and first! Beautiful presentation that really does look something special!
Wow Air Transat – that’s impressive food and unlike any airplane food I’ve ever seen!
Oh wow, $25 is indeed such a great deal! Definitely trying it too!