"SpoKEN Tales" with KEN SOLO

24,087 25 segments

Actual Miles Flown Since 1/1/02

Ken Solo PROFILE

ARCHIVE

3/29/2002

Travel: United Airlines San Diego/San Francisco/San Diego (2 times)
Delta Airlines San Diego/Atlanta/Tampa/Atlanta/San Diego
Southwest San Diego/Phoenix
Delta Airlines Phoenix/San Diego

It’s been a busy month and I know I am doing my part to try and save the airlines from going bankrupt. After my great experience in February on Alaska, I was left with very much of a let down on the First Class sectors on Delta Airlines. It was quite disappointing to have everything just tossed at you on one tray, and barely much more the remainder of the 4+ hour flight. Even the snacks they offer have gone from the array of almonds, granola mix, chex mix, and cookies, to the latter two. And don’t try to get ask for lime with the Bloody Mary or the sparking water back in coach.

The airport security appears to be very much under control, and my current strategy of flying off peak seems to work very well. I have encountered virtually no lines, but I am thrown for a loop when I get pulled out for additional screening - removing the shoes, being “wanded” and having the bags rechecked. This has happened twice but the security personnel have been fairly efficient about the process and with the National Guards looking on, I suppose it’s best not to say much anyway. On all the flights above, I have left outside of the pre 8 am, or 4-7 pm time frames and managed to get through with no line.

I have to mention kudos to two individuals who stand out this month for their outstanding service in the airline travels: Flight attendant Mary on board DL 995 ATL/TPA managed to miss giving me my drink order, not once, but three times. She asked for the order and then kept on serving past me on the rows 3-8 ( I was in Row 2) and when I finally looked up - she gave this horrified look, brought me my beverage, and apologized profusely. Later, she brought me a bottle of wine as a token of apology for her “poor service”. Oftentimes, it’s in service recovery process that makes you forget what the big deal was in the first place. If you’re a Crown Room member, stop by and see the renovated room in Phoenix, where Don Campbell is the manager. He has just moved to PHX from SLC and would be delighted to show you around the new business cubicles, and explain the improvements and offer you a beverage too. It was nice to chat with him before my PHX/SAN flight (the only DL flight on this route) and have the feeling of true welcome to his lounge. Incidentally, the 767-300 on this sector is a continuation from JFK and carried only 34 passengers - plenty of room all around!

On to my next favorite subject after flying is eating:
Chandler's
717 S Howard Ave
Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 250-1661
Style: Fresh pasta, pizza, seafood and game shine at this New American bistro.

Chandler’s reviewed This restaurant was a true gem of a find for me! I found the service to be excellent and the food to be fresh and well presented. My only disappointment was that they did not have ostrich the night I was there (and if you’ve never tried it - it tastes more like a steak and is very low fat), but the venison, eggplant lasagna, and fish selections were all well received.

In Tucson, I found some New American cuisine in the Oro Valley Area. Wildflower Restaurant. This upscale restaurant offers diverse entrees from Grilled Ahi Tuna with sesame seed ponzu and wasabi whipped potatoes to Maple leaf duck with a plum wine glaze to pan roasted lamb with a dijon crust. It’s a comfortable setting, and was very busy when we arrived at about 7 pm and so opted to sit in the bar area, which has 6 tables. The service was excellent and the attentiveness was no less than it would have been in the man dining room.

In Phoenix, (Chandler Area), stop in between 4 and 7 pm for half price tapas at Barcelona Restaurant. Located at 900 N 54th Street (phone 480/785-9004) in Chandler, this restaurant blends old world Spain with the American Southwest. Barcelona Restaurant. Live music in the evening sets the mood in the cavernous restaurant that offers an array of meat, paellas, pizza and pastas. For appetizers, try the house smoked salmon, Barcelona dip (with green chiles, artichoke, spinach and garlic) or New World shrimp. Together with a great martini selection, my friend Stephen and I managed to wrap up a hectic travel day on the patio while seated in comfortable leather couches. They’ve also opened a second restaurant in Scottsdale, so you might want to stop in at that location. I am told that in the first month of opening, this restaurant generated $1 million in sales!

United has stated that they have removed the “Shuttle by United” service - could have fooled me. On 3 of the flights to/from the Bay Area, the 737s used are still as tight as ever, and there’s no economy plus - so be warned. They have, however, stopped the zone boarding (which you may remember) and do board by Status (First/Premier/ back to front). And there’s the usual beverage (one glass only please) service. On some flights that are ongoing to points east, you may get an Airbus or 757 as part of the route and be given the Economy Plus section as a premier member.

April’s travel: Delta - San Diego/San Antonio/Indianapolis/Atlanta/San Diego
United - San Diego/San Francisco/San Diego; San Diego/LAX/San Diego
Air France - LAX/Paris/Budapest/Berlin/Paris/LAX (code share with Delta)