ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, June 13, 1996 TAG: 9606130023
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: B-8 EDITION: METRO
Flying ostriches to get no kick from first class
LONDON - Ostriches can't fly, but a few unlucky ones will take to the skies next month, chopped and grilled, as British Airways tests the exotic meat on first-class passengers.
Ostrich steaks, lower in fat and cholesterol than beef, have commanded attention recently as Britain's mad cow crisis prompted some diners to seek alternative meats. The birds initially will appear as the ``Chef's Special'' for first-class travelers on London-New York flights and may be served on other flights, depending on how well they are received.
But at least one London food critic suggested the high-fliers should stick with champagne and caviar.
``I think it's a load of baloney, frankly,'' said Richard Ehrlich, food editor at Time Out, a weekly entertainment guide. ``Ostrich tastes like chicken, but it's not really as good as a good piece of chicken, and it costs a hell of a lot more.''
At London's Mad Dog Cafe, where Ehrlich had what he vowed would be his first and last ostrich, a baguette with ostrich meat sells for 11.95 pounds, or $17.95, compared with a baguette of chicken breast for 4.95 pounds, or $7.50.
But travelers in the cheap seats shouldn't count on tasting any of the big bird.
``The main reason we're offering it in first class is it's so expensive,'' said British Airways spokeswoman Heather Harris.
- Associated Press Bell Atlantic told to give refunds
RICHMOND - The State Corporation Commission has ordered Bell Atlantic-Virginia to refund to customers nearly $10.2 million in excess profits collected in 1992.
The SCC said Wednesday that Bell Atlantic in 1992 was participating in an experimental plan that allowed it to earn a 12 percent to 14 percent rate of return. Under the plan, a refund was required if an audit found the company had earned more than 14 percent.
The commission set a July 23 hearing to determine how the refunds will be distributed.
``We believe that our 1992 earnings were well within the authorized range of 12 to 14 percent,'' said Bell Atlantic spokesman Paul Miller. Bell Atlantic is Virginia's largest local telephone company, with about 3million customers.
- Associated Press
Fleet wins ad suit against SmithKline
A Roanoke federal jury on Wednesday found that the maker of Massengill disposable feminine douches has engaged in false advertising, setting the stage for penalties against the manufacturer, SmithKline Beecham Plc of England.
The decision favoring competitor C.B. Fleet Co. of Lynchburg, producer of the Summer's Eve brand douche, found that SmithKline's claims last year that its douches perform better than those made by Fleet were unsupported. The TV and newspaper ads have stopped.
U.S. District Court Judge James Turk allowed three weeks to file additional motions before he rules on any sanctions against SmithKline.
Fleet said when filing the lawsuit that it wanted money damages. SmithKline and Fleet are the No.1 and 2 makers in the $100million U.S. market.
- Staff report
LENGTH: Medium: 67 linesby CNB