A Taste of Meals on Airlines in the Past

Many of you know I retired from TWA, and at one time it was one of the premiere airlines of the world.  For those interested in aviation and museums you might be interested in visiting the one in Kansas City, Missouri. Here is just a bit of what you will find inside.

Below, I'm giving a description of what the meals were like on premiere airlines. 

Once upon a point of time airlines were luxurious.  In first class, you received a menu to make selections from and in coach the flight attendant told you the choices you could make.  Also, in first class you were served your meal on real china and real silver silverware.
 
For those of you who remember the luxury of airlines in the past, here are some meals served in first class in years gone by.

On the L-1011, coast to coast, you could expect to start with an eye opener of your choice either a cocktail or other beverage.

After takeoff, you were given a variety of seasonal fruit served with pastry. You could choose from your choice of croissants, biscuits or bagels and accompanied with coffee, decaffeinated coffee or tea. 

Next you were offered brunch specialties such as the Chef's Garden Omelet filled with fresh vegetables and served with one or more of the following: Spanish sauce, Ranchero sauce, chicken a la reine, mushrooms a la suisse, black olives and cheese; Whole Wheat French Toast sautéed with nutmeg and vanilla, accompanied by yogurt and syrup.  Both of these entries were offered with grilled ham steak, or beef and veal sausage.

Soft drinks and juices such as Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Canada Dry, Club Soda, Ginger Ale, Tonic Water Perrier, Mr. & Mrs. "T" Bloody Mary Mix, orange juice, apple juice, tomato juice and grapefruit juice were offered.

On the Lockheed 1649A Constellation (I think this is an overseas menu) you could expect after takeoff to receive a cocktail or beverage of your choice and mixed nuts.  Appetizers would consist of Black Forest ham and cantaloupe served with honey mustard sauce.  Next came a salad of leaves and greens garnished with bacon, tomato and hard boiled egg with a choice of Italian herb or ranch dressing.

Your choice of entrees would be filet mignon with bordelaise sauce, twice baked potato and sautéed mushroom caps; Chicken Vera Cruz seasoned with Mexican salsa and guacamole served with Creole rice; Blackened Tuna Steak with Creole sauce, rice and sautéed mushroom caps.

The flight attendants in the Royal Ambassador section would advise you of the day's selection.  Along with your entree you would be served southwestern vegetables, selection of dinner rolls and butter.

On the Boeing 767, first class overseas flight, you could expect Premium champagne prior to takeoff.  After takeoff you could have a cocktail or beverage of your choice along with cured olives with herbs and roasted cashews.  Appetizers served would be Scottish smoked salmon, long tail shrimp, mesquite-marinated chicken breast and asparagus spears garnished with strawberry and kiwi served with wasabi sauce.

Next the salad came garnished with cucumber slices, radishes, croutons, and a choice of balsamic vinaigrette or low-fat blue cheese dressing.  Then you had a choice of entrees such as Filet Mignon served with bordelaise sauce and duchess sweet potatoes; Grilled Breast of Chicken served boneless with forestiere sauce, and new potato wedges with rosemary; Fillet of Salmon grilled with printemps sauce and scallions, and accompanied by saffron rice; Medallions of Lobster and Chateaubriand served chilled with smoked turkey, artichoke salad and remoulade sauce.  All hot entrees were accompanied by green beans with red peppers, dinner rolls and butter.

Last but not least dessert was an assortment of fruit and international cheeses, Haagen-Dazs vanilla frozen yogurt and chocolate brownie load with chocolate sauce.  You had a choice of coffee and or tea. 

Then when the sun was coming up, you're served a continental breakfast buffet.  You can shop duty free on this flight.
It does sound magnificent to be on a flight like this.  In the old days, passengers were given something to drink and eat even for short flights. 

For those of you interested in learning more about the history of Trans World Airlines (TWA) visit the website of the historical museum at http://twamuseumat10richardsroad.org  Also, you can find the museum at 10 Richards Road at the old MCI airport.

Happy New Years Everyone!  May 2013 be a good one for all of you. 

Have a good week and I'll see you next Sunday

Sandra K. Marshall
http://www.eirelander-publishing.com