Mouth-watering airport restaurants around the world
Posted on Friday 11 May 2012
in Flights, England, London, Germany, Munich, Netherlands, Amsterdam, United States of America, New York
By Rory MacTavish
McDonald's, Subway, Starbucks, Chili's - Kiwi travellers know all too well the horrors of airport food and its lackluster appeal. Chain restaurants revel in charging twice the amount for their subpar eats that hungry fliers feel obligated to purchase, because, let's face it, an even more terrifying meal awaits them on their flight. A number of airports are stepping up their culinary game and not only opening better restaurants, but also providing farm-fresh ingredients grown right in the terminal.
Raw oysters in Amsterdam
Before booking an Amsterdam car hire, culinary aficionados with a taste for raw seafood should stop at Bubbles, located in the Amsterdam-Schipol airport, which serves a rich assortment of Irish oysters, sushi and beluga caviar. Diners can match their meal with a selection from 15 different champagnes and forget they're in an airport altogether. Surrounded by an impressive saltwater aquarium, Bubbles' minimalist design is sleek and sophisticated and a perfect place to relax and stretch before getting back on a plane.
Schipol's chic scene doesn't stop at the oysters. Passengers looking for something to do during a layover can enjoy long walks through Europe's fourth-largest airport, where they'll find a fine art museum, casino and library.
Eat like an Olympic champion at London Heathrow
Chef Gordon Ramsay made his first attempt at airport cuisine in Heathrow's Terminal 5 with his aptly named Plane Food restaurant. With an ever-changing menu and incredible cocktail list, Kiwis taking flights to London will wine and dine in style.
Entrees include roasted bream, broad bean risotto and Ramsay's specialty, a short rib burger served with aged cheddar cheese, gherkins and hand-cut chips. For dessert, Kiwis can indulge in a selection of British cheeses or the mouth-watering banana toffee pudding.
Understanding the time constraints of layovers, Ramsay also created a Plane Fast menu, which the kitchen can churn out in less than half an hour for travellers in a rush. Fliers who can't stand the sight of in-flight meals can also order a Plane Picnic, which comes with a neat souvenir lunch parcel filled with an array of menu items, including fresh fruit, smoked salmon and a cheesecake tart.
No time to visit a beer garden? Take flights to Munich
AirBrau is the only authentic airport beer garden in the world, and after ordering a 10-litre goblet of ale, travellers might want to order some food to pair with the hefty beverage. With a traditional German menu, the restaurant offers various kinds of sausages and Schnitzels. Vegetarians need not worry because the menu also includes a number of delicious meatless bites that perfectly complement brews made specially for this airport treat.
Share a meal at Piquillo in New York's JFK International Airport
As the first tapas bar to open in an American airport, Piquillo is an ideal way for Kiwi travellers to grab a quick yet decadent bite to eat before hopping back on a plane. Each plate is designed for sharing, and whether travelling alone or with family, fliers will have every opportunity to exchange conversations about their journeys abroad.
Situated in JetBlue's Terminal 5, Piquillo's menu was designed by Alexandra Raij, one of the masterminds behind New York's gourmet Tia Pol restaurant. Her authentic sangria recipe makes fliers feel as though they're in the middle of a Spanish tapas bar.
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