Alaska Airlines Launches New First Class Meal Options

Image: Alaska Airlines Chefs Brandon Jew and Brady Ishiwata Williams (Photo Credit: Alaska Airlines)
Image: Alaska Airlines Chefs Brandon Jew and Brady Ishiwata Williams (Photo Credit: Alaska Airlines)
Noreen Kompanik
by Noreen Kompanik
Last updated: 2:00 PM ET, Wed May 28, 2025

Alaska Airlines announced the launch of its newest culinary initiative, Chef’s (tray) Table, a First Class dining program designed by West Coast chefs launching June 5, 2025. The program features a menu crafted by James Beard award-winner Chef Brady Ishiwata Williams, behind Seattle's renowned Tomo restaurant.

The Chef’s (tray) Table began with the successful collaboration of San Francisco’s Chef Brandon Jew in 2024 which laid the groundwork for an expanded, rotating chef series featuring seasonal menus and local talent.

"Chef Williams and Chef Jew work tirelessly at their craft and remain deeply rooted in their communities, no matter how successful they become," said Todd Traynor-Corey, vice president of guest experiences at Alaska Airlines. "They embody Alaska's values of giving back, creating thoughtfully curated meals with high-quality ingredients and providing memorable guest experiences — making this a perfect partnership."

"Every dish and ingredient carries a story, and I'm incredibly proud to partner with an airline that champions local business owners like me to bring elevated and culturally rooted cuisine to the skies," said Chef Brady Ishiwata Williams.

He added, "This collaboration has shown me how deeply Alaska cares about every detail — from carefully selecting its partners to food sourcing — and how committed they are to transforming your tray table into the chef's table. These are dishes I make in the kitchen, and thanks to Alaska, I now get to share them with guests in the sky."

Chef Brady’s inaugural dishes highlight ingredients sourced from the Pacific Northwest and will be available in First Class between Seattle and JFK International Airport, Newark Liberty International and Ronald Reagan International Airport.

Breakfast features a Mochie Waffle & Fried Chicken, crispy tempura-fried on a chewy mochi waffle while dinner offers the Klingemann Farms Glazed Short Rib, glazed with serrano jaew sauce and paired with stir-fried rice cakes.

In April 2025, Alaska unveiled Chef Jew’s new spring menu and expanded his Cantonese-inspired dishes to more East Coast routes from San Francisco.

Main cabin guests can enjoy the airline’s newest 100% plant-based and gluten-free ‘The Best Laid Plants grain bowl’ for Main Cabin on most flights over 1,100 miles. Created in collaboration with the culinary team at Seattle-based Evergreens, the grain bowl features Chimichurri Tofu, avocado, quinoa, and a side of Mango Habanero Dressing. 

Pre-orders for the Chef’s (tray) table are currently available.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Watch Now!
Discover Alaska with Princess: Expert Insights and Selling Strategies for Travel AdvisorsTuesday, October 20, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover Alaska with Princess: Expert Insights and Selling Strategies for Travel Advisors webinar...
Upcoming Webinar
MSC Cruises Exclusive Preview: New MSC World Atlantic Reveal & MoreWednesday, October 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
As we approach the one-year countdown to the highly anticipated arrival of MSC World Atlantic, join...
Upcoming Webinar
Mexico for the Western Traveler Part 1: 2026Thursday, October 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse in the virtual studios for Discover Mexico for the...
Watch Now!
Discover Alaska with Princess: Expert Insights and Selling Strategies for Travel AdvisorsTuesday, October 20, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover Alaska with Princess: Expert Insights and Selling Strategies for Travel Advisors webinar...
Upcoming Webinar
MSC Cruises Exclusive Preview: New MSC World Atlantic Reveal & MoreWednesday, October 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
As we approach the one-year countdown to the highly anticipated arrival of MSC World Atlantic, join...
Upcoming Webinar
Mexico for the Western Traveler Part 1: 2026Thursday, October 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse in the virtual studios for Discover Mexico for the...