Off to San Francisco for the weekend
Mrs. SFO777 and I are off to our old home town this weekend to see our San Francisco family and adorable grandkids. Two months to go before Virgin America starts DEN-SFO service so this weekend is one last fling with United. On a spectacular 60F/15C January day with Broncos fever on display everywhere.
The South PreCheck was open and deserted, and we were thru in no time.
At Mrs. SFO suggestion, we came a little early and headed for lunch at Elway's.
Crap weather in San Francisco means ATC delays to SFO.
So we headed for the United Club East, where a surly lounge dragon refused entrance since I didn't have my actual Copa Star Gold card. I had used my Lufthansa Miles & More account where I only have Silver status. No, a picture of your Copa card is not good enough. No, I'm not going to enter your number. OK, then change my M&M number to my Copa number... which she grudgingly did and we passed the test. Welcome to the friendly skies. LOL.
After all of that, what was the point? Yikes this is one dump of a lounge.
With furniture that is fully depreciated and then some. Oh yeah, and power outlets that are scarcer than a Haley's Comet sighting.
Delta upgraded their Sky Club food offerings, so United copied Delta as they do with every decision.
Our 2:20p departure which had been moved to 2:50p and then briefly to 2:30p is now 3:05p.
We headed downstairs to nearby B46 where the atmosphere was much more pleasant and seating more comfortable than the United Club. Also, more power outlets.
Friendly and cute FA Megan greeting us and helping with PDBs. Unfortunately, she worked the Y cabin and we never say her again.
Just a few greasy fingerprints on this window.
The good news is at seat power and live DirectTV.
The bad news is that live TV wasn't working today. The good news is that we'll probably get a $100 UA service failure credit.
Oh yeah, I can see why we're down to one runway today.
This is one ugly day.
As we deplaned, I ordered Uber. Cool feature is that you can specify terminal and door and don't have to worry about texting the driver.
Our driver Alex pulled up less than a minute after we were outside. Friday rush hour traffic... ugh.
We came the back way up 3rd past AT&T Park.
And arrived at our SF fave, the Taj Campton Place just off of Union Square.
Time for a drink at the Campton Place bar.
We've always enjoyed dining at the wonderful and elegant Cal-Indian Campton Place restaurant. This is our first visit since it received its 2nd Michelin star. What a treat!
What a great menu, whetting our appetites for our trip to India next month. We chose the Spice Route Menu with wine pairings, which were outstanding.
From the Campton Place website.
Our amuse-bouche platter.
Wonderful house naan.
Brassicas... Tandoori Caulifower, Saffron Whey and Pineapple relish. Wow.
Maine Lobster with Brussels Sprouts Kurkure, Apple and Coconut Butter. Sensational.
I'm not a big cod fan but the Black Cod with Shrimp Podidas, Paratha Crust and Snow Peas was very good.
The Guinea Hen with Chestnut Kitchdi, Chicories, Chanterelles and Spinach Jus was fantastic.
The carnage.
The Slow-Cooked Lamb Rack was divine, with Basmati Rice, Biriyani Spices and Spiced Yogurt Broth. Wow.
By this time, the 7 glasses of wine was having its effect. No idea what this was... oh, palate cleanser I believe.
For dessert, Mrs. SFO chose the Dark Chocolate with Candied Kamquat, Mandarin Ice and Lemon Grass.
I went with the "lighter" and delicious Citrus... Mango, Lime Velouté and Lemon Confit.
OMG... no mas, no mas.
OK, maybe just another bite.
Oops. No idea how Mrs. SFO did that. Time to leave.
What a truly spectacular meal.