Cathay First Class to Hong Kong
CK879 SFO-HKG Our private 15 hour charter to HKG.
CX 879
SFO-HKG
777-300
January 31, 2011
11:50A-7:00P +1
Suites 1K and 2K
We were warmly welcomed on board by our two FAs for today's 15 hour flight, Grace and Sylvia, as well as our purser Bleble, who invited us to choose any seats we wanted as the cabin was only 3/6 today with the other person in 1A on the other side of the cabin and cabin wall. While I had originally chosen a middle and window, 2D for me and 2K for Mrs. SFO, I opted for 1K window seat as the middle seemed a little dark and confining. Since D really can't see or communicate with K, I think the double K or double A option is the best for a couple. We were still able to communicate without raising our voices too much. Plus, we each have our own "space".
After we settled into our seats, our FA Grace brought us our first glass of Krug.
And what a great First Class cabin with only 6 suites designed and decorated with very soothing colors. I personally prefer the lighter colors of the CX cabin to the brown and gold of the SQ cabin.
Video clip of the cabin...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvEp0xRQq8E
And our inflight amenities kit, such as it is, and PJs.
Two more glasses of Krug later, we pushed back at 12:00P for the long taxi to 28R for take-off and today's nearly 15 hour journey into 100 MPH headwinds.
And for the other FT freaks out there, some HD video of taxi and take-off...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1_IAeKqtXY
After departure, more Krug and warm almonds, a beautiful view of the Pacific coast and time to check out Studio CX.
And the presentation of today's menu.
The wine list which, other than the Krug, was pretty disappointing.
Showtime. This was actually the 2nd setting as FA Grace insisted on replacing the table cloth after mid-pour turbulence caused a few drops of Krug to spill onto the 1st tablecloth.
Caviar and smoked salmon, and more Krug. Excellent!
I decided to go with the Chinese Favourites today, starting with the Double boiled ginseng with chicken soup and the cold plate of soya beans with vegetables and tofu. Neither were memorable, although the Krug was excellent.
On the other hand, the Steamed Lobster with ginger scallion and imperial soy sauce was very good, served with steamed rice, kailan with mushrooms and carrots. I tried a glass of the Bouchard Meursault which was passable but not a Premier Cru. So it was back to the Krug for the rest of the meal.
Today's cheese course included Port Salud, Manchego, Stilton and Goat. The Ramos Pinto Quinta da Ervamoira 10 year old Tawny port was excellent!!
I finished lunch with fresh fruit plate with sweet rose water.
And pralines.
After a couple of movies (Killers and Social Network) on Studio CX and two hours of sleep, we both decided to try the Wontons in noodle soup. Wow, that was sensational. Even better with more Krug!
More Studio CX and a break from the Krug...
10 1/2 painless hours inflight and we've reach Japan... less than 5 hours to go, although quite frankly I am in no hurry to leave.
The only decision now is what movies next and do I have Dinner before we land, or Wings or The Pier. OK, time to review my notes from Short Hair Francis and plan the HKG lounge visits, although Mrs. SFO has told me she only wants one lounge where she will stay while I "run around checking out other lounges".
After a painless 13 hours, would I like some dinner? Why not? While Mrs. SFO sleeps, I'm back at the trough.
Ricotta cheese agnolotti with roast pepper coulis, asparagus and vegetables julienne was fabulous. I tried the 2004 Chateau Lynch Bages Grand Cru Classe. Maybe it's just me, but it wasn't a wow... perhaps if it had been opened a while longer.
And to finish, the fabulous mango and white chocolate cake with vanilla sauce.
After 15+ hours of bliss, we touched down at HKG. What an incredible experience. Amazing service, wonderful food, a couple bottles of Krug and the most comfortable First Class cabin I've yet experienced. 