Fascinating Food Choices in the Airport
Edited by Jennifer L. Price
The food on airplanes has never really been known for its
high quality and exceptional taste, but airlines are making improvements on
their offerings. But what about the food that’s offered in the airport; while
you’re waiting to board your plane or waiting for your friend to arrive from a
delayed flight? That food is definitely getting better.
Celebrity chef restaurants are popping up in American
airports from New York to LA, giving travelers more choices from local favorites
and national outlets. Airports nationwide are transforming into sophisticated
dining destinations through partnerships with some of the most celebrated chefs
in the world.
Household names and regional rising stars such as Wolfgang
Puck, Boston's Todd English, Seattle's Kathy Casey and Southern California's
David Wilhelm partnered with HMSHost, the world leader in travel concession, to
bring their signature dishes to and airport-only restaurant concepts to airports
nationwide.
“We know travel can be frustrating these days. Sampling the
world’s best cuisine from innovative celebrity chefs can be both fun and
relaxing,” said HMSHost President & CEO Elie W. Maalouf.
 Award-winning chef, television personality, and cookbook
author Todd English will open Bonfire Steakhouse, a new 84-seat restaurant in
Terminal 2 at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Bonfire’s menu will be a fusion of Argentinean, European and American steakhouse
influences and feature grilling traditions from across the globe.
The restaurant will also boast a taqueria serving delicious
assortments of tacos and tapas. Signature menu items will include steak frites,
crab-meat nachos, Kobe beef burger and a variety of globally-inspired dishes
that English is creating especially for his airport restaurants. Two additional
Bonfire Steakhouse locations will open later this year at Las Vegas McCarran
International Airport and Boston Logan International Airport.
 At John Wayne Airport in Orange County, Calif., chef and
restaurateur, David Wilhelm, created a Jetsons-themed Oasis Grill & Sky Lounge, the only full-service restaurant at that location. Wilhelm’s menu
features bold fare such as Chilaquiles, a scrambled egg dish made with Ortega
chiles, tortillas, cheddar and sour cream. “All American Sliders” – mini burgers
with bleu cheese dressing and onion fritters are served in an inviting and retro
atmosphere. Signature martinis such as the Pink Panther and the Cosmo Topper are
popular cocktails throughout the restaurant.
 Wolfgang
Puck Café and Wolfgang Puck Gourmet Express restaurants come from one of
America’s most beloved celebrity chefs and offer gourmet cuisine in comfortable,
contemporary settings. The restaurants are located in airports around the
country including Boston Logan, Chicago O’Hare, Las Vegas McCarran,
Minneapolis-St. Paul, Salt Lake City, Seattle-Tacoma and Lambert-St. Louis
International Airports. Menus vary by location and feature Puck’s hand-crafted
gourmet pizzas, a variety of pastas, sandwiches, soups and fresh salads, including Wolfgang’s famous Chinois™ chicken
salad, as well as Puck’s classics including rosemary rotisserie chicken with
garlic mashed potatoes.
“Recognizing the needs of busy travelers who want a quality
meal on the go, we strive to present a quality, authentic and innovative menu,”
said Wolfgang Puck. “We look forward to introducing distinctive new menu
offerings later this year in our Express restaurant and kiosk locations.”
Accomplished chef, food writer and cookbook author Kathy
Casey worked with HMSHost to bring her Dish D'Lish café and gourmet food store
in Seattle's hip historic Ballard neighborhood to Seattle-Tacoma International
Airport. Dish D'Lish features fresh-made “Food T' Go," such as the NW Salad --
made with roasted pears, crisp greens, toasted hazelnuts, blue cheese and
cranberry vinaigrette, and Kathy's Favorite -- a hot-pressed sandwich made with
house-roasted sliced chicken breast, brie and Washington apple chutney.
Beverages include Hand-Shaken Berry Lemonade and White Chocolate Raspberry
Mochas. Also available are Casey's line of retail products, including seasonings
and Cocktailor™ cocktail mixers.
To date, there are more than 47 restaurants in 12 U.S.
airports and plans are underway to open more in the coming months. Finally,
some food to look forward during your travels. |
