Taste Test: The Chicago Bagel Breakfast Melt By Jeff Mauro On United Airlines
I flew from Los Angeles to Chicago for the Freddies last week on United Airlines, and of course, my upgrade did not clear (I was #15 even as a Premier 1K), but that gave me the chance to try out what turned out to be a declious bagel breakfast melt inpsired by Jeff Mauro from the economy class buy-on-board menu.
Jeff Mauro + United Airlines Collaborate For Chicago Bagel Breakfast Melt…And It Was Delicious
This was a quick trip to Chicago that I booked at the last minute, with cash fares for the front cabin way too high to justify…it seems that airlines are having no trouble filling their front cabins without having to upgrade any frequent flyer elites. I love first class, but I’m not stupid.
As a MileagePlus Premier 1K flyer in United Economy, I receive a free food and beverage item on each flight when I do not receive an upgrade. On flights longer than 1,190 miles, United offers a “Bistro On Board” menu that includes a trio of heartier hot items. While breakfast tacos are back on the menu (I approve…), I tried a rather creative Chicago-inspired breakfast sandwich (normal cost, $11).
The Chicago Bagel Breakfast Melt by Jeff Mauro
Folded omelette, Honey G pepper relish cream cheese, giardiniera-dusted Amy Lu chicken sausage, and fontina cheese on a sesame bagel
Created exclusively for United Airlines
I like omelets, I like giardiniera, I like sesame seeds…so I figured this might be good.
…and it was!
The ingredient list was still a bit longer than I’d like and it did not quite look like the picture on the menu (above), but it was really a nice blend of flavors and hit the spot…it’s actually something I would have ordered had it been on the first class menu (and it is best eaten with a fork and knife).
Jeff Mauro is the co-host of the Food Network series The Kitchen and host of Sandwich King and $24 in 24. This breakfast sandwich was created exclusively for United Airlines and it’s worth a try…I’d 100% order it again.
Below is Mauro in an Instagram video that cracked me up. He was flying United in first class and ordered his cheeseburger (which was on the menu last month). His seatmates saw how much he enjoyed it and everyone asked for one…the poor economy class passengers must have ended up with nothing!
#Let them eat stroopwafels!
While I think celebrity chef collaborations can often be overrated, not here – this is a great fit for United and now I need to try the Honey G Cheesburger as soon as it returns to the menu!
Each week, 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.