Ep 25. Come Fly With Me

Come Fly With Me is the exciting 25th episode of season 4 of Food Factory, a food-based documentary t.v. series that focuses on the manufacturing processes of various food items we consume daily. The episode starts with an introduction to the world of airline food catering and how it is different from mainstream catering. The episode explores a day in the life of an airline catering service and the rigorous process that is followed in preparing and delivering food to passengers on flights.

First, the episode showcases the process of preparing chicken satay for in-flight service. Chicken satay is a popular food item that is usually served with peanut sauce and cucumber salad. Catering companies use only fresh chicken breast and stick it on skewers, marinating it with a flavorful blend of spices before cooking it. The process of cooking is done carefully as the chicken needs to be at the correct internal temperature to ensure that it’s safe to eat. The skewers are then wrapped carefully for transport to the plane.

Next, the episode shifts its focus to the dessert section, where the catering company prepares delicious cakes for airline customers. Making cakes for an airline is more challenging than making cakes for cafes or restaurants. They need to be designed to fit in a limited space while being flavorful and attractive. They must also be changed seasonally to keep the customers interested. A pro-level baker shows the steps from baking the cake to add the frosting and finishing it with attractive decorations.

The episode then takes a look at another popular food item for airlines- wraps! Wraps are easy to handle, and do not take up a lot of space, making it an ideal food item for the airlines catering service. Wraps are generally made of grilled chicken, roasted beef, or vegetarian options, with toppings that include garden-fresh vegetables and a variety of spreads. The episode shows how ingredients are dipped into the spread, rolled onto a tortilla wrap, and tightly packed to fit into a single tray. It emphasizes the importance of airtight packaging to prevent the wraps from becoming soggy and unappetizing.

Finally, the episode showcases the creation of one of the most popular beverages consumed on flights - tomato juice. A flight attendant reveals that tomato juice is the most requested drink on flights, and the catering company reveals the detailed process by which tomato juice is made. The ingredients used are very basic - tomato juice, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. The catering crew makes sure to get the ratios right so that the tomato juice served in the air tastes the same every time. The episode also delves into the science behind why tomato juice tastes so good in the air.

In conclusion, Come Fly With Me, the 25th episode of season 4 of Food Factory, is an intriguing and informative episode that takes an in-depth look at the complex and precise process required to create and serve airline food. The detailed process of preparing skewered chicken for in-flight meals, baking cakes that can sustain high altitudes, making wraps that remain delicious, and perfectly mixing the ingredients for tomato juice illustrate the meticulous planning and attention to detail that go into creating an exceptional airline food experience. The episode provides an insightful view into the working of an airline catering service and indeed, leaves the viewer with a newfound respect for the people responsible for making airline food so incredible.