The situation: It’s zero-three-hours since our plane was supposed to depart. We are now officially stuck in transport-limbo. We were all herded off the plane and imprisoned in the Paris airport lounge. We are all anxiously waiting for our flight to be ‘green-lighted.’ My fellow would-be-passengers are getting combative, as the clock slowly passes lunch time and still no rations are in sight.
Save the day by combining a few simple ingredients from your ‘snack-sack’…You did remember to bring your ‘snack sack’…right?!?
The collective voice from a jumbo-jet’s worth of passenger’s grumblings stomachs is finally answered as we see staff bringing trays of food from backrooms.
I eagerly approached the spread to see how I could satisfy my malnourished self. Although the lounge was ‘freshly’ stocked to provide us stranded travelers lunch, the food looked far from fresh. I was sadly let down when I realized that for all the fame the French get for gourmet food, the French obviously do not apply their foodie-standards to anything served in Charles De Gaul Airport.
Nothing looked appetizing. But I noticed some limp pieces of chicken on a tray that was garnished with wilted lettuce and cucumbers and my mind began to get creative.
I remembered my training and realized I could be a food Macgyver. I first grabbed a bunch of the dull-looking chicken and as many of the garnishes as I could with out look too suspicious. I then pulled out my trusty snack-sack that I always travel with. It has helped many many times in the past for scenarios just like the dreaded one I faced now.
Not the tastiest or prettiest lunch ever, but this yogurt-topped-salad, was just perfect for this particular crisis.
In my stash , I realized I had an unopened Greek yogurt cup left over from breakfast, a lemon juice packet, a Tabasco hot sauce packet, and some of my homemade garlic seasoning. I mixed these all together to form a sort of Greek inspired, ‘yogurt sauce’. I then used it to top a bowl full of the chicken and the cucumber and various other ‘garnishes’…
Lunch was saved. I enjoyed my ‘Greek’ salad and happily chowed down while my fellow passengers looked on with envious eyes.
Ok. I admit. It was nothing compared to some of my favorite lunches. But under the circumstances, it was damn tasty.
Now that was some handy innovation.
I is smart!
I always have a piece of fruit and some nuts and crackers – never know what will happen while traveling. Happy Friday:)
Glad to hear I am not the only one who is always prepared!
So I want to share some random useful info…if you have the option to bring one piece of fruit on a plane; a banana or an apple…which do you choose? Assuming they are equal sizes/portions, you want to pick the apple because it will keep you fuller longer which can be a real savior on an extensive flight.
Nice! A snack sack is a great idea too.
I’m known for food improv when I cook, but I’m definitely not prepared for these type of situations. I should probably change that..
You can never be too prepared
The “snack sack” is definitely one of the best idea I got from you, mr Fed up!
And Charles De Gaulle airport is one of the worst airport I have seen ( probably worse when you are stuck there) ,especially food wise.
I am glad you like the ‘Snack Sack’! Yep I try to always come prepared with my own snacks (ESPECIALLY when flying out of CDG). I usually end up getting roasted chestnuts (the kind in the vacuumed sealed bag) from one the grocery stores in Paris. I really wish we could get those here…