BA Terraces and First Dining ORD
BA First Lounges at ORD and an amazing First Dining experience
The AA to BA shuttle bus is not the most elegant ride, but it does beat the alternative. Our 6:10 shuttle departed around 6:15 and 10 minutes later we were dropped off at the T-5 but a long walk from the M-11/12 and the BA lounges.
Our 1st stop was the BA First Lounge located on the tarmac side of the concourse.
Wow, I thought SFO was bad but this has to be one of the smallest and ugliest excuses for a First Class lounge I have seen in ages. The place was packed, no doubt with loads of OW Emeralds on Y or J tickets. No lounge dragon at the desk checking any one. One other pax noted that he'd been there for 15 minutes and hadn't seen any agent. The only redeeming feature of this sorry lounge seems to be the direct to the jetway for boarding. See ya later.
What a contrast across the corridor in the Terraces Lounge. We warmly welcomed by the agent. When she saw our F BPs, she stood and offered to escort us to the dining room. Mrs. SFO declined (initially) and we walked back to explore the lounge which is more a series of lounge areas. Nothing luxurious but comfortably functional. We found a seating area and I went off the explore the rest of the lounge.
But I struck gold when I peeked into the First Dining room, a lovely and elegantly appointed private enclave to First pax, with not a soul at any table and a wait staff eager to please. I took one look at the wonderful menu and excellent wine selection and figured that there was no way I was going to pass this up. I went back to retrieve Mrs. SFO, who at first was reluctant to "eat" but then agreed to sit with me while I ate.
Once she saw the dining room and the menu, her "I'll sit with you while you eat" turned into "I think I'll have the salad and the Vidalia Onion Gruyere Tart."
My heirloom tomato and fresh mozzarella salad with positively sensational
Mrs. SFO loved her local baby green salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
Vidalia Onion Gruyere Tart was amazing, with chive oil and sherry syrup
My coriander seared Grouper filet was fabulous, accompanied with jicama slaw, coconut rice and mango salsa.
And the wines? OMG, a Casa Lapostolle?? We have the Clos Apalta in our cellar and what a treat to try their Sauvignon Blanc... one of the best of the year!
The wait staff was absolutely incredible... friendly yet professional and well trained to leave us alone, but checking back every 5 minutes for wine refills. I guess we must have gushed so positively that Chef Frank came to our table after dinner to say hello. He and Mrs. SFO talked shop and vinaigrette reductions. His was simply divine. I can't say say enough about this incredible culinary experience and treat. This is an absolute must for anyone flying BA First from Chicago.
Next: This is a First Class lounge??