Review of Alaska Airlines flight Mexico City Los Angeles in Domestic First

Airline Alaska Airlines
Flight AS 245
Seat 4F
Aircraft Boeing 737-800
Flight time 03:50
Take-off 09 Sep 13, 14:45
Arrival at 09 Sep 13, 16:35
AS   #55 out of 96 Airlines A minimum of 10 flight-reports within the past two years is required to appear in the rankings. 85 reviews
jetsetpanda
By 5175
Published on 26th October 2013
Mexico City is a fascinating metropolis and this was my second trip to this city. I have always been intrigued by the culinary side of the places that I visit and always try to go out of my way to find authentic places to sample the local cuisine.

I have always believed that Mexican cuisine is very misunderstood and often misrepresented abroad. Part of the problem is its association with Tex-Mex fare which is a regional variant and merits a separate distinction. True Mexican gastronomy starts with an appreciation for what the indigenous people ate during pre-Hispanic times followed by the contributions that the Spaniards brought creating a fusion of cultures in which food has become one of its most successful manifestations and culminating with present day reinterpretations of traditional cuisine by talented chefs.

It's hard to cover all the great food that this metropolis of about 21 million people and one of the largest cities in the Western hemisphere has to offer, let alone in a few days. The very few places that I had the opportunity to sample have given me an encouraging start and I have barely scratched the surface, but from what I have seen and ate, I will surely come back.


Barro Negro

This is a great gem specializing in Oaxacan regional cuisine located in the upscale Polanco neighborhood.


I chose to dine outside al fresco.

photo Barro Negro rest (1) (800x561)


I started with a drink made with Hoja Santa herb, chia, and lemon. A very refreshing choice.

photo Barro Negro rest (6) (600x800)


The chief waiter was extremely attentive and brought me different salsas and condiments. I specially liked the black salsa con mole. Most moles contain at least 18 ingredients including chilies, nuts, seeds, spices and of course chocolate.

photo Barro Negro rest (5) (800x600)


I then tried a Tlayuda which is a thin crispy tortilla with queso fresco, chorizo and tasajo (smoked meat in aromatic wood). Absolutely delicious!

photo Barro Negro rest (8) (800x600)



El Cardenal

One of the best restaurants in DF for traditional Mexican specialties with four branches across the city. I had a chance to visit only two - Alameda inside the Hilton and Palma in Centro Historico.

Alameda

Even though the Alameda one is inside a hotel, I noticed that most of the patrons were well heeled locals the day I visited.

photo El Cardenal -  Paseo Reforma (2) (800x634)

I started with a Molcajete which consists of artisan white cheese produced by the restaurant, served with slices of avocado in a salsa verde with hints of cilantro and onion. It has become a trademark of the restaurant and it is customary to start with one of these before a great meal at El Cardenal. The waiter brought me a basket of breads with the most amazing rolls that are crisp on the outside with a perfect balance of softness and chewiness inside. These could easily come from a great bakery in France. They were that good! The basket also included salty rosquillas and sesame crackers. A container with soft and warm tortillas was also brought to the table and waiters keep an eye for both baskets in case they run low.

photo El Cardenal -  Paseo Reforma (3) (800x600)

Cuitlacoche or corn smut appetizer. This is a fungus that was revered by the Aztecs and has a slight crunchy texture with an earthly mushroom like flavor. Best when it is just simply done to appreciate all its qualities.

photo El Cardenal -  Paseo Reforma (5) (800x600)

For the main dish I had Lomo de Robalo en Estofado de Hoja Santa - Sea bass in a creamy Hoja Santa sauce. Hoja Santa or Sacred Leaf is an aromatic leave that is rarely found outside of Mexico. It has a very complex flavor and has been described as a mixture of eucalyptus, licorice, sassafras, anise, nutmeg, mint, and pepper. The dish was served with a side of rice that complemented it perfectly.

photo El Cardenal -  Paseo Reforma (7) (800x600)photo El Cardenal -  Paseo Reforma (9) (800x551)


Centro

This branch is located at 23 Palma St. housed in a beautiful historical building. I came here for breakfast and this time I decided to try some really exotic fare like escamoles or ant eggs and gusanos de Maguey or worms. It was an interesting experience and I enjoyed savoring both dishes. Service was extremely attentive and efficient.


photo El Cardenal Centro (1) (585x800)photo El Cardenal Centro (3) (800x599)


Mixiote de escamoles con flores de Maguey Escamoles are ant's eggs which was considered a delicacy by the Aztecs. The dish was interesting and had a very delicate floral undertone.

photo El Cardenal Centro (4) (800x600)

Gusanos blancos de Maguey There are two types of worms - red which are smaller and the white which are meatier. I ordered the white ones and these were a revelation. They were very cirspy and flavorful.

photo El Cardenal Centro (6) (800x600)


And now something sweet……

Dulceria de Celaya

A lovely turn of last century building housing delectable sweets. The main location is at 5 de Mayo No 39, but there is also a branch in Roma. Confections are made by hand and faithful to traditional recipes.

photo Dulceria de Celaya (1) (547x800)photo Dulceria de Celaya (8) (800x600)photo Dulceria de Celaya (12) (800x600)


Pasteleria La Ideal

Not too far from Bellas Artes on Av. 16 de Septiembre No 18 is La Ideal, Mexico City's most famous and ornate bakery shop. This temple of baked goods attracts a faithful Mexican clientele at all times of the day and its second floor with their glorious display of cakes for all occasions is a must for any visitor who comes. On the first floor where the baked goods are, you pick up a tray and a pair of tongs and pile up what you want. When you are ready to check out, bring the tray to one of the girls behind the counter. She will write you a receipt to take to the cash register for payment and then you bring the receipt back to the attendant to pick up your boxed or wrapped goodies. There are also counters for cookies (pasta seca), turnovers, whole cakes and desserts.

photo Pasteleria La Ideal (4) (800x589)photo Pasteleria La Ideal (800x582)


Second floor

photo Pasteleria La Ideal (28) (800x600)


I took a private taxi from the hotel to the airport and the ride took about 20 min. I decided to arrive 3 hrs. before departure just in case the strikers wanted to block the road to the airport as they did a few days ago disrupting the travel plans of many travelers. Thankfully there were no incidents and I arrived with plenty of time to spare.

I went to the AS counter and there was already a long line at check-in. I went to the F line and inquired about an upgrade. Luckily there were still seats available and I was offered one for $108.00. Security was quick but my bag had to be opened for further inspection. The search was conducted quickly and the agent gave me the ok to proceed.

When I looked up for the lounges, I noticed that there was an IB one and decided to pay it a visit.


IB Sala VIP

The IB Sala VIP is located in the first floor beyond security at T1. When I arrived the lounge was empty and it remained that way until I left. The facility was festively decorated and it had a bar in the middle of the room. The lounge was divided into different sections and rest rooms were available inside by the reception desk.


Entrance

photo IB VIP MEX entrance (1) (800x598)photo IB VIP MEX entrance (3) (800x600)


Bar

photo IB VIP MEX (16) (800x530)


Computers

photo IB VIP MEX (12) (600x800)photo IB VIP MEX (14) (800x600)


Catering looked basic with a refrigerator containing sandwiches, yogurt, jell-o, pitcher of juices and salad components. There were also fruits, chips and candies in other areas.




My snack plate.

photo IB VIP MEX (15) (800x600)


I spent some time at the IB lounge and afterwards I headed to the gate. Boarding commenced quickly and FA's offered pre-departure beverages and hung coats.


Cabin

photo AS 245 MEX-LAX (2) (800x600)photo AS 245 MEX-LAX (1) (800x600)


While taxing, I came across several Mexican airliners.





After take off FA's offered warm nuts with your preferred beverage. There was no choice for lunch and we were given a vegetarian wrap served with couscous. In the back, people were having beef burritos with cinnamon pastry twist. What dessert did we get in F? A chocolate. There is something wrong when the meal in Y is better than F.


Drink with nuts

photo AS 245 MEX-LAX (4) (800x598)


Vegetarian wrap

photo AS 245 MEX-LAX (8) (800x538)


Tea

photo AS 245 MEX-LAX (9) (800x600)


French twist that people in Y enjoyed

photo AS 245 MEX-LAX (10) (800x600)


The flight was very uneventful and we landed in LAX on time. AS always does a decent job service wise, but their catering needs to improve. A cold veggie wrap in F is not filling and at the least they should provide a choice.

Upon landing at LAX I noticed a UA 787 taxing, so I took a couple of shots.

photo UA 787 (1) (1024x348)photo UA 787 (2) - Copy (800x409)




See more

Verdict

Alaska Airlines

5.9/10
Cabin7.0
Cabin crew8.5
Entertainment/wifi5.0
Meal/catering3.0

Iberia VIP Lounge

7.6/10
Comfort8.0
Meal/catering7.5
Entertainment/wifi7.0
Services8.0

Mexico City - MEX

8.0/10
Efficiency8.5
Access7.5
Services8.0
Cleanliness8.0

Los Angeles - LAX

8.8/10
Efficiency8.0
Access9.0
Services9.0
Cleanliness9.0

Conclusion

Alaska is a reliable carrier that provides decent service. However their catering on this intl. route is extremely disappointing. The lack of a meal choice flying in a F cabin is unthinkable and the meal that I received was cold and did not look very appetizing. Additionally a small chocolate does not qualify as dessert in my opinion.

Related

17 Comments

If you liked this review or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to post a comment below !
  • Comment 91042 by
    freddo 1 Comments
    Put the Aeromexico Salon Premier Review!!!
  • Comment 91066 by
    lagentsecret 12186 Comments
    Thanks for sharing this FR

    Interesting gastronomic tour

    IB lounge is very basic

    AS catering is incredibly poor in first class


  • Comment 91081 by
    pititom GOLD 11489 Comments
    Thanks for the restaurants tour : Maybe you're going to start a new trend for FR's openings ;) I really want to try the worms next time I fly there, thanks for the tip.

    Totally share your pov about AS...good service, poor catering.

    Thanks for sharing !
  • Comment 91085 by
    KévinDC TEAM SILVER 6668 Comments
    Well that was a first...a bowl of worms...eew, I threw up a little in my mouth, LOL. The rest of the foodie tour is interesting though! What drink did you get with the nuts, is that a Tequila sunrise? Yea, I would have definitely wanted the Y burrito over the veggie wrap in F...catering FAIL ^^ An FR with lots of beautiful planespotting, just how I like them! Really good shorts of the UA 787! Gracias y Hasta la proxima :-)
    • Comment 283220 by
      KévinDC TEAM SILVER 6668 Comments
      p.s. since this is an international flight, isn't it technically Business since First is reserved for Domestic?
    • Comment 283221 by
      jetsetpanda AUTHOR 2283 Comments
      There are far nastier things than worms for sure. Rotten shark from Iceland anyone?

      The drink is one my favorite and it is custom made. Just ask for half orange juice and half cranberry, add a splash of vodka to add some kick with a squeeze of lemon or lime.

      De nada. That 787 is one sharp airplane, despite all the problems. I specially like the curving line with the UA's livery.

      I'm really looking forward to my upcoming trip with Asiana and Singapore in J to HKG at the end of November. Hopefully I will get more plane spotting shots. Stay tuned.

    • Comment 283223 by
      jetsetpanda AUTHOR 2283 Comments
      AS officially sells it as First on their website.
    • Comment 283226 by
      KévinDC TEAM SILVER 6668 Comments
      Yuck..lol....Bugs, I can't do. My partner ate fried crickets in Thailand last year and I almost threw up.I've had the shark in Iceland before, at the Viking restaurant. It is pretty nasty, but I love most Icelandic food, even the dried fish Jerkey. I have family in Iceland and used to work for an Icelandic company so it's like my home away from home.

      Yes, United should have made that livery standard for all their planes. I am not a fan of the Unitental livery as I call it, but on the 787 it looks good. Do you recommend a good planespotting area in SFO? Or is it pretty much just the park accross the water?

      I'll be in Singapore at the end of November too. Spending the night on the way to Thailand on Nov 22-23 and then again on Dec 2-3
    • Comment 283227 by
      jetsetpanda AUTHOR 2283 Comments
      You are one lucky frequent traveler. Unfortunately my trip to HKG is a bit short - just a few days. Otherwise I would have jumped at the chance to buy a J tkt to BKK which are quite affordable. I think I came across a USD 330 one way on Sri Lankan and EK goes for about USD 100 more. It's cheaper to buy a RT.
  • Comment 91093 by
    Leadership TEAM BRONZE 5461 Comments
    Thank you for this report, IB lounge has been added.

    Catering is indeed weak, but I am more surprised by the fact that Y pax got to serve a proper snack!

  • Comment 91094 by
    KL651 TEAM 4534 Comments
    Thanks for this FR.
    Kinda disapointing to get such an average service in F especially compared to Y...
    Though for 108$ it's still a good deal as the seat is much bigger.
  • Comment 91169 by
    indianocean SILVER 7572 Comments
    I always knew that one shouldn't expect too much from a US carrier even in First Class.

    Thanks

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