Air France Enlists Chef With Michelin-Starred Restaurant To Create Premium Economy Dishes

Updated: December 15, 2023, 3:17pm CST

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Air France Invests in Culinary Experience With New Premium Economy Dishes
Final Thoughts

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The French are known for taking their gastronomy seriously, and Air France — the nation’s flag carrier — is validating that reputation with the unveiling of 2 new dishes on its premium economy menu.

Created by Frédéric Simonin, whose eponymous restaurant in Paris boasts 1 Michelin Star, the new dishes promise to tantalize the tastebuds of premium economy passengers on Air France’s long-haul flights.

Let’s tuck in.

Air France Invests in Culinary Experience With New Premium Economy Dishes

While Air France is no stranger to enlisting the expertise of renowned chefs, the launch of this updated menu marks the first time Air France’s premium economy passengers will get to enjoy dishes created by such a prestigious chef.

The following new dishes will only be offered to passengers on flights departing Paris (CDG).

Salmon risotto with orzo pasta and a lemon and wild dill sauce
Porcini mushroom and hazelnut trofie pasta bake

Air France Premium Economy dish 2 — Chef Frédéric Simonin’s “gateau de pâtes trofie aux cèpes et aux noisettes”. It sounds much better than a mushroom and hazelnut pasta bake. Image Credit: Air France

As you’d expect from such a prestigious chef, Simonin’s dishes will feature only the freshest, locally sourced, and in-season produce, including sustainably sourced salmon.

“For Air France customers, I have carefully chosen produce with care so that they can be enhanced with fineness and precision, offering each passenger a magical moment.”
Frédéric Simonin

Each premium economy passenger will also be offered a variety of alcoholic and alcohol-free drinks selected by Paolo Basso, who was awarded the title of world’s best sommelier in 2013.

Air France operates nonstop service to no less than 23 airports across Canada and the U.S., so if you’re a foodie, you might want to consider sampling Air France’s premium economy on your next jaunt across the Atlantic.

Hot Tip:

Not sure if flying Air France premium economy would be worth the cash? Upgraded Points’ Ryan Smith wrote about what it’s like doing exactly that on a Boeing 777-200 from Paris to New York (albeit without Simonin’s new dishes), which should give you an insight as to whether it’s for you.

Final Thoughts

It’s great to see airlines investing in the quality of the food and beverage experience in cabins other than business and first class.

We expect Air France’s and Frédéric Simonin’s 2 new dishes to be a big hit with the airline’s premium economy passengers on flights leaving Paris.

Bon appetit!