After a very satisfying visit to the TWA Flight Centre it was time to commence the journey back home, starting with a visit to Flagship First Dining at JFK Terminal 8.
The AirTrain from Terminal 5 to Terminal 8 took a few minutes and soon I was at the impressive row of Cathay Pacific check-in desks, which open 3 hours and 30 minutes from departure.
As CX865 is a New York to Hong Kong service via Vancouver, I had to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before I could fly to Canada. This is despite not actually stepping foot off the plane in Vancouver! Fortunately the online application process took only a few minutes on my phone (thanks to Vodafone $5 roaming) and approval to travel was received within about 10 minutes.
Security was relatively quick and efficient at this time of the evening so I was airside within about 10 minutes.
In this post:
Getting To Flagship First Dining JFK
Flagship First Dining is a lounge within a lounge, in the same way hotels have executive or club floors that are a hotel within a hotel.
The Flagship Lounge is the American Airlines lounge for Business Class passengers and OneWorld Sapphire and Emerald elites and located on the mezzanine level after the Concourse B security checkpoint.
Flagship First Dining is a restaurant within the Flagship Lounge for First Class passengers on American Airlines, and by special arrangement for Cathay Pacific’s First Class passengers departing from JFK only.
At the entrance to the lounge, my boarding pass was checked and I was issued the invitation below for Flagship First Dining. Access to the dining room is via the frosted glass sliding door in the photo below.
Once inside, my invitation was taken and I was shown to a solo table overlooking the apron by a friendly server. It’s hard to beat this view of aircraft coming and going if you like planes!
As the dining room was quite full, I didn’t take a photo of the entire room but it consists of a tended bar with some casual seating and then the dining room proper with booths along the back wall and then two rows of dining tables set for one or two diners.
Victoria Beckham did a better job of capturing the dining room when she passed through a few days later.
Flagship First Dining JFK Review
The Wine Menu was presented, and with Krug being served it was an easy decision.
The All Day Dining Menu had a number of good options but I went with seafood to pair with the champagne.
Tuna Tartare
A generous pour of Krug was delivered and was followed by the tuna tartare starter. The ingredients were very fresh and it was a tasty way to start the meal.
Seared Diver Scallops
The scallops were seared to perfection and the whole dish was supremely enjoyable. It was certainly restaurant grade and a world away from the usual offerings at an airport lounge.
It was so good that I’m hoping it is still on the menu when I pass through again in December.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Once the main had been cleared, I was presented with the dessert menu. The top three desserts all sounded great but given I would be dining aboard the flight in a few hours the lighter pineapple upside down cake was the go.
It was warm, light and not too sweet. A pleasant note to end the meal on.
Summary
Flagship First Dining is an impressive restaurant within a lounge for First Class passengers flying Cathay Pacific out of JFK.
The food was excellent, easily restaurant grade, and the service was warm and well paced.
I’d say Flagship First Dining JFK holds its own against the Qantas First Class Lounge at LAX, which is considered the best lounge in the US.
Introduction – The Cathay Pacific New Year Deal Trip
Review: Singapore Airlines Silver Kris Lounge Sydney Business Class
Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class 77W
Review: Silk Air Business Class 737-800
Review: Four Points By Sheraton Danang
Review: CIP Orchid Lounge Danang
Review: Cathay Dragon Economy Class A320
Review: The Pier First Class Lounge
Review: Cathay Pacific First Class 77W
Review: Fairfield Inn Manhattan Downtown East
Review: Blue Hill At Stone Barns
Review: Le Bernardin
New York Activities
Review: TWA Flight Centre
Review: AA Flagship First Dining JFK
Review: Cathay Pacific First Class 77W (via Vancouver)
Review: Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour
Review: The Pier Business Class Lounge
Review: Qantas Business Class 787
Summary – Highlights & Points Earned
