At the airport, I encountered this magnificent temptation … and yet, in retrospect, I can’t imagine what stopped me from giving in, even if just for a bite.
In transit, on my way home from New Delhi, through Bangkok, to Manila on the redeye. Attended the 7th Conference of the Parties (COP7) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control – the most important tobacco meeting in the world, held every other year, last time in Moscow (COP6) (see most recently 5.285 Red Mullet Fillets …) – Monday thru Saturday.
With the pollution, the currency demonetization, the US election, the food, the location: what an experience – and that’s not even counting the conference itself.
MIDNIGHT SNACK
At the airport in New Delhi.
At the business lounge in Indira Gandhi International Airport …Illustrating my point yet again …… that Indian food, for the most part = “thickish/creamyish curry gravies, orangish in color (or intensely green, if spinach-based), with softish beans/lentils/cauliflower/potatoes/tomatoes/carrots/cheese, hints of heat, accompanied by fluffy rice and/or charred flatbreads.”
DINNER
On the flight from New Delhi to Bangkok.
Confirming my first impressions on the way in, the food services on the return flights were far from impressive. Unimaginative. Blah. And again, “poorly prepared and sloppily presented.” Shameful, coming from the national carrier of a country renowned both for cuisine and service.
Marinated Salmon Salad (2.0)Eral Pepper Masala (2.5) : “prawn with black pepper and South Indian spices” + Hari Moong Dal Pulao (2.0) : “green lentil and coconut steamed rice” + Madras Tarka Bean (2.5) : “bean cooked with coconut and curry leaves” = “thickish/creamyish curry gravies, orangish in color (or intensely green, if spinach-based), with softish beans/lentils/cauliflower/potatoes/tomatoes/carrots/cheese, hints of heat, accompanied by fluffy rice and/or charred flatbreads.”
As always, I am grateful for and respectful of the opportunity to travel internationally, whether for fun or for work, especially via business class (see BEST IN FLIGHT), including airport lounge access (see in BEST IN LOUNGE).
LUNCH
On the flight from Bangkok to Manila.
Marinated Prawn on Light Mayonnaise, Crab Meat Quenelle with Beetroot, Creme Fraiche (2.0) : couldn’t get past the big-ass dollop of “light” mayo, topped inexplicably with two raw scallion scapes — do people eat scallions like that??These might’ve been okay as a late-night snack with a fat mug of whiskey while watching a movie in the middle of a long-haul flight.Much prefer to select my fruit (to the extent that I prefer anything about fruit).
I know what stopped you from getting that maharaja mac. The wrath of DC. 🙂
I know you can just picture the look of disdain on my face…
that would’ve been an irresistible reason to do it, not a deterrent …