Quantas Domestic Flights: MEL to CBR (QF 814) and (QF 795)

Quantas Domestic Flights: MEL to CBR (QF 814) and (QF 795)

I needed to make a short visit to Canberra and had a domestic Qantas flight of just about an hour between Melbourne and there. This is about the same as my well-traveled Washington-Boston route. But food service was certainly different! On the DC-Boston route, food service is limted to pretzels and beverage service; if you're lucky, and on US Airways, you'll sometimes have a prepackaged donut handed to you as you board. But Qantas offered meal service, in my case, breakfast. Juice, muffin, yogurt, choice of tea or coffee, and a bowl of cereal (on the trip up it was muesli, on the way back, crunchy honey Weet-Bix).

Meal: Breakfast
Date Visited: 3 and 5 June 2010
Rating: N/A
Address: In the air
Website: N/A

Mario's on Brunswick

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Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

Mario's

It was about eight o'clock and I'd just arrived in Melbourned after a flight from London, but I wasn't feeling much in the way of jet lag. So, my colleagues, who had arrived the day before, said we should go get some breakfast. Staying in the Fitzroy area of Melbourne, the place to head was Brunswick Street, a hip and happing strip of
shops, restaurants, and pubs.

After walking down the street a bit, we headed into Mario's, recommended by a local; we grabbed a table and I was quickly introduced to Australian coffee (I'll write more later). I had a bowl of muesli with fresh fruits and a glass of freshly squeezed orange
juice. My colleagues had egg plates (benedict and scambled) that looked fabulous).

Our wait staff had a bit of an attitude (reminding us at one point to tell him exactly what we all wanted then so he didn't have to make the twenty foot trip back to the kitchen again).

Mario's also introduced me to food prices in Australia. Suffice to say, this was the most expensive bowl of cereal I think I've ever had.

Meal: Breakfast
Date Visited: 31 May 2010
Rating: ***
Address: 303 Brunswick St., Fitzroy VIC 3065
Website: N/A

Stationary at Das Möbel Cafe

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Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

Das Möbel Cafe

I had a morning business meeting and one of my colleagues suggested Das Möbel Cafe. It had free wifi as well as nice big tables (we were a group of six), so we popped in and grabbed a nice big table. During some of our stay, the woman at the table next to us was doing some interesting watercolors.

An interesting combination of cafe and furniture store, Das Möbel Cafe not only offers a full days selection of food and drink (breakfast to cocktails) but also the option to browse their furniture catalog and use examples of the different chairs and tables while enjoying your food or drink.

I went for the one hot, one cold drink, and two breads option. That  would be, in my case, orange juice, a cafe americano, and two really good rolls with jams on the side.

Meeting went on and then it rained, so we decided to just stay on for lunch (two and a half hours later!).

For lunch, I went with the spinach and blue cheese quiche (with side salad) that was fabulous. A nice crispy crust and a filling of just the right consistency.

For dessert, we got a nice apple streudal that was good, but not as good as my mother's.

A bit tricky getting the attention of the serving staff, but they were pleasant and helpful. A very good choice Matthew!

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch
Date Visited: 27 May 2010
Rating: ****
Address: 18 Bewertungen, Burggasse 10, 1070 Wien
Website: http://www.dasmoebel.at

Austrian Air: IAD to VIE

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Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

Austrian Air: IAD to VIE

Thanks to the world of codeshare, the flight that I booked on United was actually flown by Austrian Air. I was curious as to what the food selection was and it turned out farily good.

The first meal served was dinner. There was a choice of chicken or pasta. I went with the chicken. Served with a nice cheesy potato and a very tasty spinach, the chicken was a bit over-sauced and greasy.

For the breakfast, served somewhere over Belgium, there was a nice entry to Europe type bread, meat cheese, along with a muffin and yogurt.

As an added bonus, during the dinner service, wine (red, white, rose) were free flowing. I also give kudos to Austrian Air for the wonderful triangular shape of the plates.

Meal: Dinner and Lunch
Date Visited: 24/25 May 2010
Rating: N/A
Address: In the air
Website: http://www.austrianair.com

Agamat Restaurante at the Hotel California, er Travel Inn Live & Lodge

Agamat Restaurante at the Travel Inn Live & Lodge, São Paulo

When I checked into the Travel Inn Live & Lodge, I  thought I would stay for four nights and then be on my way. Little did I realize that it would turn into a Hotel California like experience. Well, not quite, I'm finally getting to both check out and leave later today (seven total nights); and, no pink champaign on ice, but plenty of mangos!

I only ate at the Agamat for the breakfast buffet, but it looked like a nice enough place.

For the breakfast buffet, there was a great selection of fruit, yogurt, a variety of breads, usually two kinds of juice (orange and one other), and coffee/tea.

In the hot foods, there were eggs and an interesting looking sausage that I didn't try and cold cuts.

A good value (free!) and an easy way to start the morning.

Meal: Breakfast
Date Visited: February 2010
Rating: ***
Address: Rua Borges Lagoa, 1209, São Paulo, SP, 04038-034
Website: http://www.travelinn.com.br

TAM flights, BEL to BRA to CGH

TAM flights, BEL to BRA to CGH

The two hops from Belém to São Paulo, via Brasilia on this trip were again the breakfast and light lunch. As before, the flight attendants handed out various toffees before taking off; I was told Brasilians have a sweet tooth, and I guess it's true!

JJ (TAM) 3499: BEL to BRA

Full flight from Belém to Brasilia, so a bit snug to eat. Also, onlly slept for 45 minutes or so the previous night, so I fell asleep as soon as we took off and missed the serving. Luckily, the fellow next to me noticed and called the steward back and I had my breakfast box and orange juice (suco do laranja as I know call it).

The box was different than on my previous TAM a.m. flight. Today it was a toast-like bit of bread with “grape” jam (more of a paste, curious). Also some white spread that I passed on. Lastly, a nice chocolate chip cookie.

Meal: Breakfast

Date Visited: 10 February 2010

Rating: N/A

Address: In the Air

Website: N/A

JJ (TAM) 3703: BRA to CGH

Fell asleep on this leg also, but was awake in time for food service. Just as on my previous TAM lunch service flight, I had the “classic sandwich”. This time, it was clearly ham, cheese, and tomato. Not a gourmet treat, but tasty in a fast food sort of way.

Meal: Lunch

Date Visited: 10 February 2010

Rating: N/A

Address: In the Air

Website: N/A

TAM Airlines, from São Paulo to Belém (via Brasilia)

TAM Airlines, from São Paulo to Belém (via Brasilia)



JJ 3702: CGU to BRA
Breakfast (somewhere over the Patenal)

Up at the crack of dawn to fly from São Paulo to Belém (via Brasilia), I didn't have a chance for other food, so I was counting on TAM for a nice something. TAM served a nice little breakfast in a attractive box. Inside was a small bottle of the popular drinkable yogurt, small dish of fruit, and a small sandwich of ham and tomato. I added orange juice and a coffee to top it all off.

JJ 3444: BRA to BEL

On the lunch flight from Brasila to Belém, the fare was an interesting hot sandwich, at first I thought it was an empanada, of cheese and turkey (or maybe chicken? or ham?). Not the greatest, but served its purpose.

Meal: Breakfast/Lunch
Date Visited: 7 February 2010
Rating: N/A
Address: In the air
Website: N/A

Alaska Airlines: Northern Bites

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Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

Alaska Airlines: Northern Bites

Well, interestingly enough, there wasn't a Dunkin' Donuts in the gate area I boarded my Alaska Airlines flight (DCA to SEA to YVR), so I just had a quick coffee and muffin at the gate (NOTE: I arrived 2 hours early, since Canada is "international"), but breezed through check-in and security so had a full hour and a half to check out the meagre offerings!).

Well, turned out that Alaska Airlines offered a nice selection of boxed food choices (not free of course, but $6.00).

Looking over the offerings, I splurged on the scrambled egg plate. Turned out to be scrambled eggs over home fries with some sausage and cheese on top. Pretty good (except for my cholesterol of course!)

Meal: Breakfast
Date Visited: 8 November 2009
Rating: N/A
Address: In the air
Website: N/A

Blue Mermaid at the Argonaut Hotel

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Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

Blue Mermaid Chowder House

On this trip to San Francisco, I stayed at a new place and new area of town. The Argonaut Hotel is located on the "fringe" of Fisherman's Wharf so it's protcted a bit from the noise and bustle of the wharf area.

Housed in a former cannery, the hotel and other establishments, the Blue Mermaid and a Starbucks, have a combination of cannery and nautical themes.

But I digress ... what about the Blue Mermaid?

Well, as a guest of the hotel, I received complimentary continental breakfast coupons, so, well, I had to use them.

Coming down in the early morning to the Blue Mermaid, I chose to sit at the bar. The continental breakfast offered coffee or tea, a choice of juices, fuit bowl, and choice of pastry or toast. During the six days I spent here, I stuck with the toast (sometimes wheat, sometimes sourdough), grapefruit juice and coffee for the mostpart. All were good and made for a nice little breakfast. As a change of pace one morning I went with the steel-cut oatmeal (served with currents and brown sugar). It was a good oatmeal, but not spectacular.



As part of a business meeting, I also had lunch at the Blue Mermaid. My colleague chose the Caesar salad and I went with one of the award winning house-made chowders. I find it slightly odd to order New England Chowder on the West Coast, but it's my favorite. The Blue Mermaid offers a variety of chowders in addition to the New England variety and has one a few chowder cook-off prizes. All in all, quite a good chowder. Just the right amount of kick to it; nice chunks of potatoes, a good amount of clams (including a few in the shell for aesthetics).

Service is quick and friendly. The morning staff were particularly attentive and after a day or so, would greet me by name and wave as I went past.



Recommended if your in the Fisherman's Wharf area, especially if you want to avoid the touristy, mediocre spots that line Jefferson St.


Meal: Breakfast / Lunch
Rating: ***1/2 of 5
Date Visited: October 2009
Address: 471 Jefferson Street at Hyde, San Francisco, California 94109
Website: http://www.bluemermaidsf.com/

United 874: IAD to SFO: Contintenal Breakfast

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Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

I was very sad when I couldn't get a flight on Virgin America for my San Francisco trip. No wifi. No mood lighting. No cheerful pilots at the gate.

Instead, I went on my old standby, United. I had a window seat in Economy Plus and an empty middle seat, so plenty of space to spread out and work on my presentation. I wasn't going to get anything to eat, but the continental breakfast looked good, so I had that, orange juice, and coffee.

The breakfast wasn't bad, yogurt, dried fruit, and an apple danish. Not overprised at $5.

Meal: Breakfast
Rating: N/A
Address: In the air
Website: N/A

Snowbird, UT, Dining at the Bird

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Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort

Billing itself as an all year resort, I had high hopes for the culinary options at Snowbird. Perusing the website, the descriptions of the various eateries led me to believe that I was going to have quite the dining experience.

Sadly, things weren't quite what I expected. The food was by no means poor, but overall, things were of a generally average nature. The coffee spot, Baked and Brewed, offered up some good coffee and baked goods (at a relatively high price). A few spots were closed or only open certain days.

The biggest disappointments were the big ticket restaurants - The Steak Pit and the Aerie Lounge. Caveat, we ate only at the Aerie Lounge, the lower end version of the Aerie, but after the meal there and at the Steak Pit, the perceived value of the Aerie was in such doubt, we passed on it in favor of another stop at El Chanate. El Chanate was the big winner, two dinners and a lunch.

In any resort environment where there's a captive audience, the diner is at the mercy of the establishment. When you're on top of the mountain, prices, selection and quality take back seat to "can I get anything? Please!?!"

Overall, I'd give Snowbird (summer version) a solid 2.5 stars.

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Here's some details:

Forklift
For a nice little sit down breakfast, pancakes, the works, Forklift is a good option. The oatmeal was quite good as were the bacon and pancakes!

Meal: Breakfast
Rating: ***
Date Visited: July 2009
Address: Snowbird, Utah
Website: http://www.snowbird.com/dining/diningguide/forklift.html

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Baked and Brewed in the Bird
Okay, I'm in Snowbird, Utah. I want coffee and it's early in the morning. Where's my Starbucks!?!?! Huh? Where is it? What? Down in the valley? Yikees! What do to do?

Okay, I'm calming down, there's some coffee in the Cliff Lodge lobby (but nothing but powdered white stuff - and I don't mean snow) to lighten it. Where to go?

Okay. Baked and Brewed. Whew. The best little spot (ok, the only spot) to get a really good cup of coffee and a baked good.

I had the cinnamon roll which was light and tasty with just the right amount of frosting. It was really too big for just one person, but well ... it was vacation!

Meal: Breakfast
Rating: ****
Date Visited: July 2009
Address: Snowbird, Utah
Website: http://www.snowbird.com/dining/diningguide/bakednbrewed.html

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General Grits
General Grits was a good, all around spot for getting supplies while staying at Snowbird. The sandwich bar, located in the back, could get pretty busy during breaks in the Botany meetings, but the crew of sandwich makers soldiered on.

There were the usual offerings (ham, turkey, etc.). I went with a tasty salami on a roll. A nice, relatively inexpensive option at Snowbird.



Meal: Lunch
Rating: ***
Date Visited: July 2009
Address: Snowbird, Utah
Website: http://www.snowbird.com/dining/diningguide/generalgritts.html

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El Chanate
I had one and a half dinners and lunch at El Chanate. We arrived late at Snowbird and El Chanate was our only option. We had great service and a nice and lovely light meal with enchilladas and chips (note: you pay for the chips and salsa!). I also, with some business colleagues, had the "all you can eat" lunch. A nice hot table of options as a reasonable price.

We ended with another dinner on the patio (surrounded by potguts - the local ground squirrel). Good service and serviceable food.



Meal: Lunch/Dinner
Rating: ***
Date Visited: July 2009
Address: Snowbird, Utah
Website: http://www.snowbird.com/dining/diningguide/keyhole.html

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Aerie Lounge
It was getting late and there weren't that many options. It was also pretty busy since the Botany conference that I was attending was getting underway and the botanists needed to eat!!!

We went with the Aerie Lounge on this night.

Service was very slow (but I blame the staffing levels and crowds for that). Worse, the food was extremely mediocre. We had a fusion spring roll apetizer and for a main course, I had what sounded like a good pizza offering. Overall, it felt like the Aerie Lounge had ordered their foods from Chef Tontino and zapped them all in the microwave.



Meal: Dinner
Rating: *
Date Visited: July 2009
Address: Snowbird, Utah
Website: http://www.snowbird.com/dining/diningguide/aerie.html

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Steak Pit
Well, the Steak Pit was the big disappointment at Snowbird. I don't go out for steak often and when I do, I like it to be an event. I was hoping for an event at Snowbird. If this dinner was an event, it was not a big event!

Located in the lower level of the Snowbird Center, the Steak Pit aims for the basic "western steak house" look. Seated in a large booth, we made a good selection from the nice wine offerings. Snowbird is big on coupons and we had one for a free appetizer. We went with the artichoke. A nice selection, but basically, it was a boiled artichoke. Good, but, well, I make the same - and better, trimming the spiky tips - at home.

A nice touch was the family style salad. A salad was served in a large bowl with dressings on the side for the table to eat from.

For my entree, I went with the 7 oz. snake River Farms Wagyu Petite sirloin. The steak was a bit dry and didn't have a good grill look to it. Might have been done in a broiler or even in a pan. Tender, but not terribly flavorful. My wife had the chicken and my daughter the burger. Both, again, adequate, but leaning towards the dry and basic.

Not the "best western steakhouse" that I had been looking forward too.

The service was attentive and informative.



Meal: Dinner
Rating: **
Date Visited: July 2009
Address: Snowbird, Utah
Website: http://www.snowbird.com/dining/diningguide/steakpit.html

Beef and Brandy for breakfast

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Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

Beef and Brandy Restaurant and Lounge

A place called "Beef and Brandy" might not be your first choice for breakfast, but the B&B has been called "the best breakfast in the Loop" and, from my small experience, it sure is. The lounge area downstairs supplies the brandy part when the sun goes down, but when the sun comes up, head in for a nice, hearty and traditional breakfast.

The service staff might be tattooed and pierced these days, but after a great plate of pancakes, juice and a side of bacon, the B&B will make you feel like you're at your favorite childhood diner.

If you're in the Loop at breakfast time, don't miss the B&B!

Meal: Breakfast
Rating: ****
Date Visited: 12 & 13 July 2009
Address: 127 S. State street, Chicago, IL 60603
Website: http://www.beefbrandy.com/

Looks like a bookstore ... but ...

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Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

No, it's not a bookstore, or even a library ... it's "Back to the Grind", a delightful little coffee house, breakfast nook, etc. in Riverside, California. Located in a historic niche in Riverside just around the corner from the Mission Inn, Back to the Grind has been around since 1996.

I stopped in for breakfast a couple of times during a trip to Riverside and it was always great. The library ambiance was conducive to reading and it was a great place for coffee, a danish and a bit of relaxation before starting the day.

Look closely at the bookcases in the picture and you'll find a host of curious little knickknacks and doodads!

Meal: breakfast
Rating: ***** of 5
Date: 23 July 2007
Address: 3575 University Ave., Riverside, CA 92501
Website: http://back2thegrind.com/

Pie in the Sky: Woods Hole, Mass.

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Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

One word: sea ice. Ok, that's two words, but it will give you an idea of how cold it can get in Woods Hole in February. I was there in mid-February 2007 and had a great time. Yes it was cold, but there sure weren't any crowds!

It's also true that there's not a lot open at that time of the year, but one year 'round option is Pie in the Sky. Just a quick, brisk stroll down from the Swope Center of the Marine Biological Laboratory, past Eel Pond and there you are.

The Pie in the Sky opens early and also has free Internet access for the online road warriors.

Great staff and coffee and killer baked goods will start your day off right - and they're open til 10 pm, so also a great place to end your day!

Meal: breakfast/snack
Rating: ***** of 5
Date: 11 February 2007
Address: 10 Water St., Woods Hole, MA 02543
Website: http://www.woodshole.com/pie/

Grove Cafe on Chestnut St. San Francisco

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Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

The Grove Cafe is one of the nicest little places on Chestnut St. (which has quite a few actually!) to get a little something at nearly anytime during the day. On my recent trip to San Francisco, I stopped in for breakfast on a couple of occasions. On other trips, it's just been a stop off for coffee or a little something after dinner.

Service has always been friendly and helpful (including making my custom scrambled eggs seen in the picture). The thick grilled toast is also great.

It's also a great people watching place as the SF laptop crowd conducts all kinds of business at all times of day.

A breakfast highlight is the funky orange juicer that squeezes your juice while you wait.

Meal: breakfast/after dinner snacks
Rating: **** of 5
Date: 16 January 2008
Address: 2250 Chestnut St., San Francisco, CA 94123
Website: N/A
Menu: http://tinyurl.com/2ue97d

Savory Metro - Coffee and more in Takoma

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Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

Sister location to the original Savory Cafe located just across the DC-Maryland line in Takoma Park.

Savory Metro is the perfect spot to stop for coffee, tea, or something more filling - eggs, baked goods, etc. on your way to or from the Takoma Metro stop.

I'm a tough sell when it comes to coffee. I like what I like and am especially hard on "neighborhood" coffee houses that try and pass off weak, cold coffee as an "alternative" to Starbucks. Savory Metro passes my test with a good cup of basic joe - nothing fancy for me - and they didn't look at me funny when I wanted my "here" coffee in a "to go" cup!

Internet access, bulletin boards with the types of postings you find only in the Takoma/Takoma Park area (or maybe Berkeley!). A great little neighborhood spot!

Meal: coffee
Rating: ***** of 5
Date: 30 January 2008
Address: 314 Carroll St NW, Washington, DC 20012
Website: N/A

Hotel del Sol: Breakfast @ poolside

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Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

Well, it's not really a restaurant, but it is food. The Hotel del Sol in San Francisco's Marina District is an excellent place to stay for business or pleasure.

One of the treats is the Continental breakfast offered in the lobby. Take a donut, muffin or other treat back to your room, or, weather permitting, sit under the palms at poolside and enjoy.

Dish: coffee, orange juice, banana, chocolate covered old fashion donut
Meal: breakfast
Rating: ***** of 5
Date: 18 Jan 2008
Address: 3100 Webster, San Francisco, CA 94123
Website: http://www.jdvhotels.com/del_sol/