My Meal of the Week feature examines an airline meal from my travels over the years. This may be a meal from earlier in the week or it may be a meal served over a decade ago.
My upgrade did not clear on my flight from Los Angeles to Washington Dulles. These days, upgrades are much more difficult to secure on United even for top-tier flyers and because this was an award ticket, I was at the bottom of the 1K totem pole. The upgrade list was 40-passengers long and I ended up at number three. But the failed upgrade gave me a chance to try United’s buy-on-board food in economy class.
Beatrix Market Mediterranean Grain Bowl On United Airlines
United Airlines offers 1K members complimentary food and alcohol beverages when flying in economy class. I passed on the alcohol, but when the meal cart came through the cabin I ordered the mediterranean grain bowl from Beatrix Market.
(believe me, it was very difficult to pass upon the cheeseburger, which is delicious, but I wanted to take one for the team and give this dish a try)
I’m not a vegetarian and the grain bowl (more like a grain box) did not look all that appetizing to me. It featured:
- lentils
- carrots
- bell peppers
- zucchini
- bulgur (the primary ingredient)
Turns out it was very delicious. There were herbs like parsley, basil, and mint mixed in and it gave it a very good flavor.
The lemon vinaigrette dressing was also nice, though a warning: you know how the oil often escapes over time through a glass jar of olive oil? The plastic container the dressing was in was an oily mess. I got oil all over hands which was nasty. Thankfully, I had a moist wipe and was able to clean up, but not before dripping on my trousers and effectively ruining them (the grease spot did not come out in the wash).
The dressing adds a great extra flavor but is actually not necessary and I know I’m not going to touch it if I order this dish again.
For those without 1K or Global Services status, it costs $10 thought you can get 20% off by using a co-branded Chase-United credit card.
CONCLUSION
So the cheeseburger or the grain bowl? Well, I still prefer the cheeseburger, but both are great. I’m sure vegetarians will appreciate this option and I certainly would order it again.
> Read More: Taste Test – United’s Beef Butter Burger With Cheddar Cheese
Yeah but…$10? For that?
You’re captive onboard unless you come prepared!
Looks alright, but how do they manage to get it to 440 calories? A 150g steak has fewer!
avoid the salad dressing, likely has high calories and super high sodium/salt.
Is this the same Beatrix as in Chicago?
Yes.
Try Dawn dishwashing liquid on those pants and run them through the laundry again. 😉