Michelin-Starred Celebrity Chefs Energize Airfield Cuisine

A new trend in airport dining is boosting cuisine above stale French fries and greasy hamburgers. Celebrity chefs and regional restaurateurs are making airport dining an experience to be enjoyed, and not just one of last resort. Many of these chefs taking their culinary skills to the terminal are Michelin-starred and their dishes are on a par with anything available in finer restaurants.

The renaissance is due to the recognition that while travelers are a captive audience, they will pay for something more substantial than fast food from a chain and would appreciate higher quality food in more stylish surroundings. Some airport eateries have become hot spots for non-traveling locals and in some instances turned into a foodie destination.

CNN reports that Skytrax awards now include categories for best airport restaurant. The top five awards this year went to Hong Kong International, London Heathrow, Munich, Singapore Changi and Amsterdam Schipol.

CNN offers examples of restaurants that have raised the bar in airport dining. One Flew South at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport offers upscale, southern-influenced food including pork-belly sliders, pecan-dusted scallops and pulled duck sandwiches. Hung's Delicacies at Hong Kong International Airport serves duck tongue in Chinese liquor, sliced goose in marinade and chicken leg tendons in sesame oil. La Moraga at Malaga Airport in Spain tempts with contemporary tapas, oxtail burgers and cherry gazpacho. Plane Food at London Heathrow Airport is run by none other than Gordon Ramsay and offers crumbed fried pork, steamed sea bass and short rib burgers. Skytrax voted Mr. Ramsay's restaurant 2nd best in this year's awards.

Additional upscale meals can be had at airports in Amsterdam, Geneva, and others sprouting up at bistros frequented by international travelers.

FMI: www.skytraxresearch.com