Dougie,
Talking of kerfuffles and Rudy's excellent food I remember checking a chap to Belize, and it transpired that Lyneham's bean-counters had told the Loadies that under no circumstances were the crew to order lobster thermidor as it was considered a VIP meal. It was pointed out to them that it was the same price as a steak which was OK to order. It doesn't matter said they - lobster thermidor was a VIP meal and that was that. Disgruntled, a conversation was struck up with Rudy who was as perplexed as us about the status of said meal. Rudy had a little think about it and said was it OK to order omelettes. We said yes, but who ever ordered omelettes out of Belize. He said we should all order omelettes whilst he worked on the menu. Long story short - seafood omelettes became the norm. They looked very much like a certain VIP meal which was verboten.
On a different trip there, we were a little rushed to get out before expected weather. The loadie reported rations on board apart from a tray of sandwiches (which were normally alternative breakfast anyway). The captain made the decision that we could not wait and the skies were getting dark. Rudy's man was very put out and said that Mr Rudy would be very upset. Off we went anyway, to be held short of the runway. we could see no traffic and Taco were not expected, so we asked how long we were to be held as the weather was now very close. The loadie reported a tapping at the crew entrance and was there a seat belt trapped outside. I said we were unpressurised and to check. When he opened the door there was Rudy's man with the sandwiches and the Tower said we were now cleared to take off! Rudy had a great deal of power.