Qantas, Virgin Atlantic launch pop-up dining in airport lounges
By David Flynn, September 2 2013
Pop-up restaurants are the latest buzz in dining and now these temporary delights are making their way into airport lounges to expand their reach from foodies to frequent flyers.
Qantas is set to launch a series of ‘pop-up dining experiences’ at its Qantas Club lounges under ‘YUM’ banner.
The airline teases that YUM will involve “some of Australia’s best food innovators”, with full details to be revealed today.
Meanwhile, Virgin Atlantic has just finished its first pop-up experiment at London’s Heathrow airport featuring Soho’s acclaimed Peruvian restaurant Ceviche.
During a week-long stay at Virgin Atlantic’s Heathrow Clubhouse Ceviche served up a selection of its signature dishes such as drunken scallops (king scallops with pomegranate, Pisco and coriander oil) and ensalada de quinoa (quinoa cereal salad with Limo chilli, red onions and lime juice vinaigrette).
Ironically, Ceviche started life as a pop-up restaurant itself in London last year before moving to permanent digs in Soho in March.
“At Ceviche we love doing things people have never done before” said Ceviche founder Martin Morales, pictured above. “Innovation is key in what we do, and above all it’s fun to do new stuff.”
The samplers were served free but it was a be-quick-or-miss-out venture, with meals on offer for just 30 minutes between noon and 12:30pm.
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David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 785
Pity VA doesn't try out something like this. Getting sick of toasted sandwiches.
Qantas
21 Aug 2013
Total posts 1
Not sure about the name YUM which migh have a negative similarity to Yum!, which operates or licenses Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut, and WingStreet restaurants worldwide.
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3012
Excuse my ignorance - I'm not very fashionable (and do not take food too seriously); But what is a "pop-up restaurant"?
Is it a glorified hawker cart, the kind you find at a church bazaar?
14 Jun 2013
Total posts 353
Pop-up restaurants are temporary setups, usually running for a few weeks at most, but they often have very innovate food, it might be an up-and-coming chef or even be an offshoot of a larger established restaurant but the pop-up has different dishes, smaller serves, it's designed to let people sample the restaurant's menu and style, and of course to generate plenty of 'buzz' on the street and on social media. I don't think they have taken off in Australia yet, but in New York and London as well as some bigger Asian cities they're all the rage.
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3012
Thanks Mal,
It's all very interesting isn't it? I have to say I'm more a Delia Smith than a Heston Blumenthal kinda guy when it comes to food.
15 Aug 2011
Total posts 33
one word tronixstuff "SWITCH" if you are not happy;-)
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 785
No, won't fly QF on principle. Don't ask.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
03 Apr 2013
Total posts 46
QF are a great airline. And guess what! They can check in!!!!!'
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