by Eric Bowman
Last updated: 7:00 PM ET, Wed May 17, 2017
Finding exceptional airport food can be a daunting challenge for hurried travelers.
Thankfully, HMSHost is offering a chef-driven menu for the rest of May at more than 50 North American airports, creating a unique culinary experience for passengers.
Airport Restaurant Month first started back in October of 2014. The popularity grew, airports loved the feedback they received and now it's offered twice a year in May and October.
In fact, HMSHost has had so much success that airports and restaurants have begun reaching out to them to join in on the event. Shayna Iglesias, HMSHost's Director of Digital Marketing said the goal is to "bring an elevated dining experience to airport passengers."
It's all about fresh food and giving consumers "something new and different," Iglesias said.
[CALLOUT]
This is especially great for those frequent travelers tired of the same menu options.
With nearly 100 participating restaurant locations for May, there are several options for travelers to dine on superb food, whether they're in the mood for something light or heavy.
The need for speedy service as well as fresh quality food inspired the meals available to travelers. HMSHost works with its partners several months in advance to create seasonal menus centered around as many local ingredients as possible. Some items like the salmon are not local, but the fruits and vegetables are, however.
Additionally, individual restaurants offer customized tasting menus that highlight their own flavors and dishes, which are also expertly paired with wine for those who desire a full dining experience.
[READMORE] READ MORE: South Korean Barista Just Changed The Latte Game [/READMORE]
I had the pleasure of recently tasting from the Atlanta Chophouse menu at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. To say that my dining experience was exceptionally elevated might be an understatement.
Freshness is the name of the game for Airport Restaurant Month, and you get that with every bite.
Executive chef Pam Place recommended the Cilantro Lime Shrimp Wrap as her favorite on the menu, and it did not disappoint. It's a flour tortilla with jalapeño crema, roasted corn and black bean slaw, served with a side of parmesan seasoned fries, pickled vegetables and peach arugula salad. The wrap itself was phenomenal while the fries were perfectly cooked and seasoned.
However, the peach arugula salad-a delicious mix of peaches, arugula, roasted red peppers, toasted walnuts and a strawberry balsamic vinaigrette-may have stolen the show.
All the ingredients blend together so perfectly.
[READMORE] READ MORE People Love Airlines Right Now (Seriously)[/READMORE]
Other menu items include the Heirloom Tomato Flatbread, Pan Roasted Salmon with crowd-favorite garlic mashed potatoes and an Asian Burger with a kick. If you like spicy foods, then you will love the chili garlic mayonnaise they pile on top of that burger.
A sample of other participating airports around the world includes dishes like the( Hawaiian Burger, Grilled Chicken Gyro, Grilled Peach Turkey Panini, Grilled Shrimp Skewers and the Crispy Eggplant Flatbread.
HMSHost has branched out globally with this event in the past, but the participating locations are only in North America for May. Planning for the October Airport Restaurant Month will begin once the current event has ended, and Iglesias said airports all over the world will be considered.
So, skip the fast food places and enjoy unique fine dining instead.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
