Latest news with #Perret
Vancouver Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Flying business class with Air France — an honest review of the fine-dining experience
I've spent plenty of flights wedged into economy seats, balancing plastic-topped trays on flimsy tables and managing sleep in fits between meal carts and elbow jabs. My expectations for in-flight dining have always been low — more about getting through it than savouring anything. So when I boarded my Air France business class flight from Toronto to Paris and settled into a lie-flat seat for the first time, I didn't expect much more than comfort. But then the linen napkins and warm towels appeared. Champagne was poured before takeoff. And a menu was placed in my hands. It felt less like a routine flight and more like being quietly ushered into a fine-dining experience — one that just happened to be unfolding at 35,000 feet. Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The current business class menu, which launched in spring 2024 on select North American routes, is part of Air France's elevated in-flight experience in partnership with renowned French chef Olivier Perret, also the executive chef of Renoir restaurant in Montreal . Flights from Toronto to Paris run daily, and roundtrip business class fares can range between $3,500 and $5,000, with prices varying by season. For comparison, an Air Canada Signature Class (or 'La Première') ticket on the same route can cost upwards of $4,500. Air France also offers business class service to Paris from Vancouver and Montreal, with varying frequencies. Toronto Pearson airport, usually a scene of chaos, felt like a private club that afternoon. Air France business class passengers get to glide past the snaking economy lines and into a dedicated check-in zone where the stress seems to evaporate with the sound of a friendly 'bonjour . ' Within 10 minutes, I had cleared check-in, was fast-tracked through security and found myself in a leather armchair at the Air France lounge, torn between a flute of champagne and an espresso — France's eternal dilemma. The lounge was a sunlit oasis with floor-to-ceiling views of the tarmac and a spread that included pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt and sandwiches. The seating was designed for lingering, not just passing time: chairs angled for privacy, clusters of café tables near the buffet and quiet corners with built-in power outlets for those trying to squeeze in one last email. When boarding time arrived, I was greeted at the aircraft door by none other than chef Perret himself. I didn't know what business class really meant until I walked onto that aircraft and found what can only be described as a high-altitude cocoon — equal parts boutique hotel room, cinema pod and tranquil workspace. My first impression was that the seat looked like something you'd find on a Scandinavian design blog. The cabin was a palette of clean whites and blues with lighting that adjusted gradually as the evening sky outside darkened. My seat, more of a suite, featured a full lie-flat bed, bedding and a privacy door I could slide shut to disappear into my own world. I soon found myself reclining into a dozen different positions until I landed on the perfect zenned-out angle. The amenity kit offered noise-cancelling headphones, a sleep mask, slippers, a toothbrush and a (semi-limited) selection of toiletries from French brands like Clarins and Buccotherm. The smallest details, like a hanger for my jacket and a light-up mirror to touch up my appearance, made it clear that I wasn't merely a passenger, but a guest in a flying hotel suite. But it was the new Sofitel MyBed mattress pad that truly elevated the experience. Firm yet cloud-like, it's part of a new collaboration between Air France and the luxury hotel brand Sofitel. The pad made the in-flight rest feel indulgent, even restorative. Before takeoff, a flight attendant asked if I preferred champagne or still water. The Air France motto is, 'Everyone has the right to champagne' — and judging by the glass in my hand before we even left the tarmac, they mean it. The Air France food experience began with linen. An attendant unfolded a white napkin onto my tray and handed me a menu. Not a laminated list of options, but a carefully designed booklet outlining the culinary philosophy behind the flight's meal service. A selection of four entrée options stood out, but I zeroed in on the beef cheek. (Later, Perret would tell me it's his favourite, too.) First came the starters: a curated cheese plate with three aged varieties, accompanied by a warm baguette. The butter, sliced into four delicate tabs, was pre-softened and easily spreadable (a small but thoughtful detail that felt helpful). A fresh heirloom salad came alongside a plate of roast duck and butternut squash, presented with precision. Because of the shorter flight time, dessert arrived with the starter course: a refined caramel shortbread biscuit. Creamy, light, not overly sweet — it was a quiet counterpoint to the richness of the cheeses. But it was the heirloom tomatoes on my salad that shocked me most. I usually avoid tomatoes. These ones burst with flavour like they'd been sun-ripened in Provence. Then came the main event. The beef cheek arrived steaming, the sauce poured tableside by Perret himself, who asked if I'd like to keep the extra on the side. Of course I did! The meat was meltingly tender, bathed in a savoury red wine demi-glace sauce that clung to every bite. Rich without being heavy, indulgent without being overpowering. It was plated with tender heirloom carrots and sweet glazed onions. The ingredients — from the beef to the vegetables — were sourced in Canada, a detail Perret was proud to share. While I didn't try them, the other entrées sounded equally well-crafted. They featured a poultry blanquette with a creamy tarragon sauce and vegetables, a zander fillet paired with Saint-Germain cream and slow-cooked leeks, and a vegetarian risotto finished with portobello mushrooms, fava beans and parsley coulis. For wine, the flight attendant recommended a structured red Bordeaux from the Air France wine list: Château de Malleret 2017. Classified as a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, it paired perfectly with the beef. At altitude, you lose about 30 per cent of your ability to taste salt. But the chef's careful seasoning and the wine's minerality made up the difference. Air France's in-flight meal service was polished and intuitive — never hovering, but always near when needed. The flight attendants spoke knowledgeably about the food and wine and delivered courses with care. The entertainment system was sufficient: a large, high-definition screen that extended in front of you, with a responsive interface and a well-curated library featuring more than 370 films and 1,500 hours of content. Whether you wanted to binge French cinema or catch up on Oscar winners, it was all there. The meal was easily one of the best I've had in the air — and yes, it could rival some restaurants on the ground. But it was the sense of care that struck me. Every touchpoint felt considered: from the wine pairings to the pacing of the meal, to the simple question, 'Would you like more sauce?' It's rare to leave a flight talking about the entrée. Rarer still to remember what the butter looked like. But I did. I remembered everything. Air France's business class menu didn't just meet my expectations for a premium experience: it redefined them. Would I fly Air France business class again just for the food? Honestly, yes. And while $3,500 may not be a casual expense, the experience — when compared to similar offerings from other airlines — offers real value for those seeking comfort and cuisine in equal measure. This flight wasn't just a way to get to Paris. It was part of Paris, served at altitude. Victoria Surla was a guest of Air France. No one from the airline read or approved this article before publication.
Business Insider
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
The CEO of a $6 billion fintech explains how the huge risk he took with thousands of banks paid off big
Before fintech company Plaid became an essential link between banks and digital finance apps like Venmo, Robinhood, and Coinbase, its founders made a risky gamble. Founded in 2013, Plaid's leaders recognized a gap. While consumers had the right to access their financial data, banks didn't have official application program interfaces for companies like Plaid to access the data on behalf of their customers. To get in, Plaid relied on a practice known as "screen scraping," essentially logging into users' bank accounts with their usernames and passwords to retrieve data. Screen scraping can raise privacy and security concerns because it requires sharing sensitive login credentials and bypasses banks' direct control over the data. On an episode of the "Acquired" podcast published Tuesday, Plaid's CEO, Zach Perret, said the company scraped data from 12,000 banks. "Doing this at scale is very complex," Perret said. He said some of Plaid's work with banks was "very collaborative," while other work was "a little bit more antagonistic." Some banks were frustrated that investing apps like Robinhood even existed — and that resistance made it harder for Plaid to work with them. "Broadly, our goal was always to partner with the banks," he said. "Many of the banks actually came to us and said, 'Great, we'd like to move to an API. We haven't built it yet. Please just screen scrape us,'" he added. In 2021, Plaid agreed to pay $58 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over data privacy. The case, filed in California, consolidated five lawsuits brought by consumers who said Plaid accessed their bank account data without their knowledge. The suit also said that Plaid sold user data — a claim the company has denied. In 2020, Plaid publicly committed to moving 75% of its data volumes to APIs, not screen scraping, by the end of 2021. "At this point, we have the vast majority of our data coming from API-driven integrations," Perret said on the podcast, adding that banks have built their own APIs. Plaid is now in a "much more long-term sustainable technical infrastructure state," he said. Perret said that he was initially skeptical about whether people would want to link their bank accounts to apps like Venmo. "It turns out people did it in droves," he said. "It was a chicken and egg thing," Perret said. "We had to build the less scalable integrations before we could get to the more scalable ones." Last month, Plaid raised $575 million at a $6.1 billion valuation, in a round led by Franklin Templeton.
Daily Mirror
01-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
UK temperatures soar to 30 degrees - how to stay sun safe while enjoying the weather
Finally the UK has been blessed with some warm weather and sunshine. With temperatures reaching 30 degrees in some areas, it's important to stay sun safe and we have you covered with these top tips Love it or loathe it, temperatures have risen to a staggering 30 degrees across the UK. And now, more than ever, sun safety is essential for protecting you and your body from excessive sun exposure. While it may seem objectively simple, it is essential to take the proper measures to avoid lifelong damage to your health and accelerated superficial ageing from harmful ultraviolet rays (UV). Melanoma Focus ' latest survey of 2,000 individuals in the UK revealed that 19% reported they 'rarely' apply sun cream from May to September, while 8% indicated they 'never' use it during these months, and shockingly 9% stated they never wear sun cream at all. Sunscreen is a proven way to prevent sunburn, and every instance of sunburn further increases the risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Unfortunately, 2,000 deaths a year are caused by skin cancer in the UK, but by making some simple changes to the way you enjoy the sun, you can lessen the risks. Dr. Conal Perrett, London's leading dermatologist at The Devonshire Clinic, explains: 'It is essential that people understand that skin cancer is preventable by being skin conscious all year round.' He adds: 'The risks associated with sunburn and excessive sun exposure far outweigh the appeal of a temporary tan.' A sunburn is a skin reaction most commonly caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and is distinguished by redness, pain, and sometimes blisters and peeling. Dr Perret emphasises the significance our skin has on our overall health, stating: 'With the skin being the largest organ of the body, sun exposure can cause thinning over time, making it more susceptible to skin conditions and cancer.' So, as you enjoy a weekend basking in the sunshine, here are five tips to stay sun smart which don't involve sitting at home all day. Sunscreen While it may seem like a tired conversation, there is a reason that sunscreen is the first suggestion for sun safety. Using sunscreen daily is undoubtedly the most effective way to guard your body from damaging UV rays. It's essential to invest in a good sunscreen. When choosing a sunscreen, opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50. However, there's no benefit in having a good sunscreen if you don't use it correctly. Apply the lotion generously at least 30 minutes before exposure to UV rays. Additionally, it's essential to reapply every two hours, or even more frequently if swimming or sweating. Last but not least, cover any exposed areas that are not protected by a hat or clothing. The ears, neck, scalp, tops of the feet, and the backs of the hands are often overlooked and are prone to intense sunburns. Hats Hair does not protect our scalps from the harsh UV rays, so wearing a hat is vital. Hats provide ample protection against sunburn, shading your face, neck, ears, and scalp. While they're not always the most flattering, a wide-brim or bucket hat offers the most protection compared to other styles. Wearing a hat also helps prevent premature ageing, as prolonged sun exposure is one of the leading causes of wrinkles, age spots and hyperpigmentation. Lightweight layers On hot days, lighter clothing is essential, so it's no surprise to pull out your denim shorts that were tucked away in your cupboard during winter. However, a great way to protect your skin from sun damage is by creating a physical barrier that either blocks or absorbs harmful UV rays before they reach your skin. By wearing a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt instead of a vest, you reduce the amount of direct sun exposure. Although, this depends entirely on the type of fabric, so opt for cotton, wool, silk, or synthetic materials and avoid linens and more opaque garments. Avoid outdoor activities during high UV hours Certain times of the day have a higher UV rating. It's essential to check the daily UV index before heading outside. This information is typically found on weather apps or websites. The rule of thumb is that a UV rating of 3 or above requires sun safety precautions, which include wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing as mentioned above. By keeping informed of the UV index throughout the day, you can plan and protect your skin accordingly. On average, UV rays are most powerful between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, so try to stay in the shade or indoors during these hours. Simply reducing exposure during peak times can greatly reduce your risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Wear Sunglasses Last but not least, wear sunglasses. Sunglasses are not just for comfort; they also protect your eyes from sun damage. Your eyes can also get sunburned, and unfortunately, it's not as simple as applying sunscreen to them. Sunglasses can help reduce glare and overall eye strain while protecting the eyes from UV rays. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Wearing UV-protected glasses can significantly reduce the risk of developing one of these conditions.
CBS News
09-02-2025
- General
- CBS News
Community Options provides work and housing for those with disabilities
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - From mopping the floor to wiping the glass clean, keeping a spotless space is fulfilling for Michael Perret at Community Options Inc. "It makes me feel great about helping other people out here," said Perret. He's a part-time janitor at Community Options, in Pittsburgh. Perret said, "I always dreamed of working as a janitor part-time," and it's a dream come true for him because it's strides ahead from where he came. "Yeah I was in foster care when I was three and a half." At three and a half years old, doctors diagnosed Perret with Autism spectrum disorder. "I am special in so many ways," said Perret. Special in the best of ways which Community Options understands. Perret said, "They help a lot of other individuals that are on the spectrum like me." Tara Peele is the Executive Director of Community Options in Pittsburgh. "We are supporting individuals. These are individuals with disabilities. Not disabled individuals," said Peele. "We are definitely trying to break that stigma." Breaking the stigma means showing the community those with disabilities offer lots to our community. So the nonprofit helps individuals with a range of disabilities from autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome to traumatic brain injuries and more, find housing and employment. Peele said, "They don't want to be excluded. They don't want to feel different, and being able to work and have gainful employment, not just working for five cents or ten cents an hour, they're actually working hours and for a good wage." Here's how Peele and the nonprofit do it, they meet the individual first, offer them a place to live in one of their homes, and then trained professionals help that individual learn skills to live on their own. "Help them attain those goals for independence," said Peele. Employment specialists also work with partnering companies and businesses to make sure the individual is successful in the workplace. "It means a lot to me. I'm very passionate about this and I think for the individuals that we support, it means a lot to them," said Peele. The results show not just in clean glass but in empowered personalities like Perret's. "I'd like to send a positive message out to them saying keep up the good work, and you do help others like me on the spectrum," said Perret. It's person-centered services providing dignity and freedom for all. "Just keep moving forward," said Perret. Community Options has homes located all over Allegheny County to help those individuals. If you want to get involved or if you're an organization that wants to employ any of the individuals with disabilities visit the Community Options website.
