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.
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When it's just me, I park myself. With Mrs. SFO, we do valet. Happy wife, happy life.
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The South PreCheck was open and deserted, and we were thru in no time.
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At Mrs. SFO suggestion, we came a little early and headed for lunch at Elway's.
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Crap weather in San Francisco means ATC delays to SFO.
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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.
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After all of that, what was the point? Yikes this is one dump of a lounge.
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With furniture that is fully depreciated and then some. Oh yeah, and power outlets that are scarcer than a Haley's Comet sighting.
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Delta upgraded their Sky Club food offerings, so United copied Delta as they do with every decision.
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Our 2:20p departure which had been moved to 2:50p and then briefly to 2:30p is now 3:05p.
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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.
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DEN-SFO
United 733
737-900
2:20p-4:05p (sked)
3:30p-5:10p (actual... ATC delay)
January 22, 2016
Refreshments
Friendly and cute FA Megan greeting us and helping with PDBs. Unfortunately, she worked the Y cabin and we never say her again.
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Just a few greasy fingerprints on this window.
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The good news is at seat power and live DirectTV.
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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.
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Oh yeah, I can see why we're down to one runway today.
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This is one ugly day.
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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.
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Our driver Alex pulled up less than a minute after we were outside. Friday rush hour traffic... ugh.
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We came the back way up 3rd past AT&T Park.
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And arrived at our SF fave, the Taj Campton Place just off of Union Square.
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Time for a drink at the Campton Place bar.
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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!
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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.
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From the Campton Place website.
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Our amuse-bouche platter.
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Wonderful house naan.
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Brassicas... Tandoori Caulifower, Saffron Whey and Pineapple relish. Wow.
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Maine Lobster with Brussels Sprouts Kurkure, Apple and Coconut Butter. Sensational.
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I'm not a big cod fan but the Black Cod with Shrimp Podidas, Paratha Crust and Snow Peas was very good.
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The Guinea Hen with Chestnut Kitchdi, Chicories, Chanterelles and Spinach Jus was fantastic.
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The carnage.
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The Slow-Cooked Lamb Rack was divine, with Basmati Rice, Biriyani Spices and Spiced Yogurt Broth. Wow.
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By this time, the 7 glasses of wine was having its effect. No idea what this was... oh, palate cleanser I believe.
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For dessert, Mrs. SFO chose the Dark Chocolate with Candied Kamquat, Mandarin Ice and Lemon Grass.
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I went with the "lighter" and delicious Citrus... Mango, Lime Velouté and Lemon Confit.
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OMG... no mas, no mas.
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OK, maybe just another bite.
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Oops. No idea how Mrs. SFO did that. Time to leave.
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What a truly spectacular meal.