With the various cities and towns I find myself flying to, I can't always book my flights on the same airline. That makes it difficult for me to accumulate the miles necessary to be at the top of the upgrade list, regardless of how much time I spend on the road. That means, if I can't rely on a meal in first class, then I need to have time to either buy food before boarding, or accept the onboard snacks. But alas, the Delta EATS menu makes inflight food more appetizing. There is a new menu this month that I sampled on the first day of its release.

I have to say, the best part of editing the Business Travel site here at Bella Online is the opportunity I have to do things I never thought I would. Play food critic? Review a menu? Never in a million did I think I would or could. Not that an airline menu is fine dining and I shouldn’t feel so out of place, but this isn’t what I do for a living, or even as a hobby. Yet, I do travel more than most people I know and I understand the momentary detrimental effect of starving on a cross country trip. It can make you hate your life, momentarily. So, here is my virgin voyage into the world of being a food critic.

First of all, don’t worry frequent Delta flyers, the new menu still features the fruit and cheese plate. That is by far the most popular item on the EATS menu. It is served for breakfast and lunch/dinner. For the most part, the salads and sandwiches have changed. For example, the pastrami on a pretzel roll is no more. It is replaced with a smoked turkey sandwich with apple and brie. I guess in the culinary world, this is a yawner. But on a cross–country flight needing sustenance, I devoured it, and it was quite tasty.

In place of the once served chicken salad with jicama, is now a veggie salad with goat cheese and pine nuts. No animal protein, just nuts. The menu also features a new orzo dish with mushrooms, peas, kalamata olives, parsley and onions finished off with a pita bread slice. See? I'm getting the hang of this.

All menu items are between $6 and $8. Breakfast menu items are approximately $6. The three featured breakfast items are: The old reliable fruit and cheese plate, a honey wheat bagel, and a cheddar turkey-bacon apple buttered croissant sandwich. With the leaner turkey-bacon and no fried eggs on this breakfast sandwich, there is no need to offer a small angioplasty on the side. (Need work on my culinary humor) But seriously, much to my morning flight chagrin, the fruit and granola parfait is no longer offered. Zoot alors!

Generally speaking, for those who drink, who doesn’t love a cocktail on a flight? Delta features signature cocktails, and of course, beer and wine. On my flight this week I had the turkey, apple and brie sandwich with white wine, which was a very decent California chardonnay. I am not a big fan of mixed drinks as I “get on in years”, yet I have tried Delta’s signature drinks and they are quite good. The Mile High Mojito is sweet and crisp, and the featured margarita isn’t the best, but the mix is a good quality that doesn't leave you feeling like you just drank liquid candy. My one complaint is that Delta has increased the prices of their alcoholic beverages in recent years. The price is up to $7 now in coach. Yet that is made up for with the offerings of coffee up and down the aisle separate from their food and beverage service. It's a nice touch.

So, although I am not a food critic, I do consider eating to be one of my favorite sports. Combining above average airline food with decent spirits is a plus on any trip for me. Hey, it's not the best. I hope my virgin voyage into the food critic arena helps you make a decent onboard food purchase.

Now if they only had a dessert menu.