It used to be that airport food involved stale, plastic wrapped sandwiches, ancient fruits, and a plethora of grease-soaked, high fat, non-nutritive foods. Two airport experiences indicate the tide towards fresh and tasty is turning.
SFO
At San Francisco International, most of the terminals recently transformed their food courts. (The Delta Terminal is sadly still not updated.) At the United Terminal, the concessions are no longer “airport” but are branches of privately owned and corporate enterprises established around the Bay Area. Lori’s Diner, Firewood Grill, Fung Lum, and others offer a huge range of ethnic and comfort food choices, even at 6 am. Before a flight to New Jersey, Stefan and I purchased sushi rolls, three kinds of dim sum, a croissant, a ham and cheese sandwich, and two coffees, one with soy milk. Freshness and a diversity of choices are the new norm.
Visited May 10, 2007
JFK
Unexpectedly re-routed out of John F. Kennedy International, I was prepared to endure the worst. I hate JFK. It is a third-world mini-country with the expected joys of too many humans in too small spaces, foul smells, dim lighting, and awful traffic. I could not have been more delighted by the new rental car facilities, AirLink train connecting all terminals and services, new terminals and new dining choices.
While waiting for our United flight, Stefan and I enjoyed a meal at Latitudes Bistro. Our server was charming, the floor was clean and the food was…..good! The beer and wine selection was more than the usual Bud and KJ schlock. The meals were “American Bistro classics” like Caesar salad, Thai chicken and vegetables, seared tuna niçoise, and of course, a hamburger with French fries. There was an actual person in an actual kitchen preparing the food from "almost scratch". The rice tasted like rice as did the chicken, broccoli, and peppers. I even received a straight answer about allergens and how to avoid them. In sum: thrilled. A for effort and A for experience.
Visited May 15, 2007Labels: airport food, jfk food, sfo food