The search for a decent airline meal in the US is, at this point, one akin to the search for Big Foot. Sure, there are rumors out there that it exists and people claim they have seen it, but it all seems like Legend at this point.

As airlines continue to charge for snack boxes (US Airways charges for soda at this point), the idea of a great meal on a plane seems like a joke at this point. However, for those who get the opportunity to fly in Europe and Asia, a delicious gourmet meal isn’t a thing of the past.

MSNBC broke down some of the finest meals you can find while high above the ground, proving that if you’re on the right flight, even the foodies among us can find a dish that satisfies.

Keep reading for a glimpse of some of the culinary delights awaiting you in foreign airspace…

Word is reaching us from London about the Luxe series of international city guide books, for those who want only the best.

According to the Luxe website, these pocket-sized travel guides are “packed with a highly selective and opinionated list of only the best shops, restaurants and hotels, unique services and lifestyle options each city has to offer” for the busy and sophisticated traveler.

You can order from the website; I’ve also seen them available through Amazon.

Gotta love their tagline: LUXE chooses only the very best, so you choose only the very best.

Hungry?

Well, you’ll start seeing more variety in the menus in American’s first and business class sections. Here’s a sampling:

• Macadamia nut chicken with pineapple papaya marmalade
• Grilled barbeque chicken salad garnished with bleu cheese and spicy pecans
• Rosemary-scented shrimp drizzled with garlic sauce served with lemon rice and artichokes
• Beef filet enhanced by a ratatouille sauce and served with cauliflower gratin and mixed vegetables

Sounds pretty good; but if there are any food critics out there, let us know what YOU think.

You might have expected to see the Broadmoor of Colorado Springs get the coveted 5-star rating; after all, 2008 makes 48-years in a row for the venerable hotel.

New to the list: the Boston Harbor Hotel, The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island in South Carolina, and the Stein Eriksen Lodge in Park City, Utah.

And 3-new restaurants joined the 5-star club: the Georgian Room in Sea Island, Ga., The Inn at Dos Brisas in Brenham, Texas and Le Bernardin in New York City.

For the full list, AND, an irreverent view of the ratings, do click here!