Helvetic Airways, WAW-ZRH, Business Class

Flight Details:

• Flight: LX 1343
• Class: Business
• Origin: Warsaw, Warsaw Frederic Chopin (WAW)
• Departing: Friday 17 May 2024 at 9:35AM
• Destination: Zurich, Zurich Airport (ZRH)
• Arriving: Friday 17 May 2024 at 11:35AM

Our inbound aircraft was delayed getting in, but wow, they got people off fast, and turned the plane around in <10 minutes. I was honestly stunned by how fast they got it ready for boarding.  Taxi time was essentially zero, no line for takeoff, runway super close to the gate, made up time in the air, so we didn't arrive all that late (although the connection was still stressful because boarder control lines were crazy long and slow).

Anyway.  No wifi, no power outlets besides USB-A.  Modern enough cabin, layout is 2-2, but with one seat blocked every row in Business, which was quite nice, better than the standard 3-3 with just the middle blocked.  My ears seriously popped both going up and down.  But otherwise, smooth enough flight.

"Breakfast".

Trays were distributed pretty quickly once underway.  "Breakfast?", was the question asked, no choices.  I asked what it was, and the flight attendant told me it was vegetarian.  No further details. It was an adventure through some very random, but relatively tasty items.

Drinks were served from the same cart.  I had my own coffee from the airport, and sparkling water to finish, so I didn't get anything.

Croissant.

After the meal trays were distributed, a basket came by with a choice of bread: brown, white, or croissant.  We were offered butter or several kinds of marmalade. 

I went for the croissant.  It was not warm.  It was clearly not very fresh.  Not flaky.  Generic airline croissant, a poor choice on my part.  I didn't want it. *+.

Vegetarian Adventure.

The main dish was this platter.  I call it an adventure, because, wow, it was.

There was a small grain salad.  A blob on top.  A more mousse-like blob in the middle.  Poached pears.  Radish slices.  Nut crumble.  It was an odd assortment, I don't know what much of it was, but, um, I liked it?  Fairly tasty, and just kinda interesting.  

First up, the small scoop of grains.  They were super flavorful, creamy almost, well cooked with nice texture.  Great level of garlic.  My favorite component.  Somewhat reminded me of the Mendocino Farms cous cous salad that I love.  I wish the scoop was bigger! (And also, this is kinda strange for breakfast ...).  ****.

Next, the blob on top.  Some kind of flavorful, savory aioli.  Didn't seem yogurt based, likely mayo.  It was good, but I wasn't sure what to do with it.  The grains were already creamy, and it didn't seem quite right to just sit there eating aioli by the spoonful.  Good, but, out of place to me.  ***.

The blob in the middle was a mousse I think.  More well set than the blob on top.  Slight cheese flavor?  Lightly savory.  It was fine.  ***.

The poached pears were also fine.  They went well with the mousse blob.  Soft but not mushy, decent flavor.  ***.  The slices of radish just confused me.

And finally, the almond crumble.  This was delicious, provided excellent crunch, and went well with the grains, and the mousse/pears.  ****.

So, overall, pretty enjoyable, not really what I think of as breakfast, and mostly unknown.

Muesli (watermelon?!).

I *love* bircher muesli.  I was so excited when I realized the little pot was bircher.  The pink color made me think it was likely berry infused?  The garnish looked a bit like strawberries, just very ripe one.

I took one bite, and sorta panicked.  Ok, the muesli was actually really awful - complete mush - but the real issue is that I tasted something distinct, that I haven't had in my mouth in a very, very long time.  MELON.  Zomg.  I'm extremely allergic to watermelon, pretty badly allergic to most melons, and absolutely did NOT expect melon in the muesli.  ZOMG.  I spit it out, I washed my mouth out, I tried to calm myself, but, I was pretty terrified.  I had two epi pens with me, but, being on a late flight, with a short connection, and the melon was truly terrifying.  0 stars all around, but it was total mush anyway and not good regardless.