Phoenix Sky Harbor Dining | More Reasons to Get There Early
When was the last time you were at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport? Did you arrive in just enough time to check your bags, get through security, grab a coffee and then board your flight? That’s normally the way I travel, however, a recent culinary tour through the airport had me rethinking my travel timeline for future flights. While Arizona is clamoring for a spot (a well-deserved spot) on the culinary map, one of the best spots to get out of towners to notice us is at the airport. In my youth, I spent a great deal of time in airports, traveling back and forth between Arizona and Illinois, and I only remember a few things about the food. There was a McDonald’s, Burger King, a pizza spot and that intoxicating aroma of Cinnabon reaching every corner of every terminal. Now, the options are expansive, bright and sometimes bold. There are some of our Valley’s brightest restaurant concepts in every nook and cranny of our cities airport.
Last night’s progressive dinner got me thinking. Who remembers when flying was a true event? Travelers donned their best attire, it was a truly special occasion. There was glamour associated with air travel and an unspoken dress code. The meals served on planes were far more prevalent than current times and were beautifully presented despite the limited space available. It was something to look forward to.
HMSHost, a global restaurateur, is a world leader in creating exciting and approachable dining options for travel venues and operates in close to 120 airports around the world. The brand helps to expose hungry travelers to new culinary brands exclusive to the region they happen to land as well as familiar brands and specialty eateries. You’ll never be without a Starbucks, Chili’s or California Pizza Kitchen if that’s your thing.
Some of our favorite local spots have HMSHost backing at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and are showing travelers what we have known for years. Phoenix has some of the best restaurants and culinary minds in the country.
During our progressive dinner, we hit up Chelsea’s Kitchen, Blanco Tacos + Tequila, Cowboy Ciao and Barrio Café. We had an opportunity to meet the brand representatives, chefs and our HMS hosts. We were served a little taste of each hotspot to demonstrate the level of experience one can expect as well as to show that the airport versions are of the same quality as the “on the street” locations.
Ready for Your Phoenix Sky Harbor Dining Guide?
Stop 1 | La Grande Orange | Chelsea’s Kitchen
We started out at La Grande Orange/Chelsea’s Kitchen which is conveniently located outside of the Terminal 4 security checkpoint. We settled in with a prickly pear margarita, a fresh and flavorful welcome. I did a little happy dance in my seat as the deviled eggs arrived at our table. The flavorful yolk, peppered with herbs and bacon, are a favorite no matter the location and a great option for a quick bite or an introduction to the ingredient-driven menu. Stop 2 | Blanco Tacos + Tequila
After everyone was satiated, we took an escorted walk through security. To get past security, you will need to have a travel ticket, but since we were on a tasting tour, we were able to circumvent that rule, but still needed to go through security. We headed to Blanco next and were greeted with a sampling of their cheese crisp, nachos and machaca tacos as well as a blood orange margarita. Stop 3 | Cowboy Ciao
If you’ve ever had occasion to be in the presence of Peter Kasperski you already know that he is a larger-than-life character. He’s a savvy businessman who created a concept so inviting that his kitchen has been home to some of the most critically acclaimed chefs in the Valley at one point in their career. That says a lot, not only about the man but also about Cowboy Ciao. He and his team, Lester Gonzalez and Country Velador (the sweetest sweets maker you could ever meet) greeted us with a cocktail, a warm handshake and a lot of laughs.
We started out with the white whiskey smash, a combination of Death’s Door white whiskey, simple syrup, fresh lemon and mint. The tart citrus flavors mellowed out the kick of the whiskey. It’s almost sacrilege to make a visit to Cowboy Ciao and not get the infamous Stetson Salad. The beautiful blend of Israeli couscous, Roma tomatoes, dried sweet corn, arugula, Asiago, dried currants, pepitas, and either smoked salmon or grilled chicken has a great textural balance and the flavors are perfectly balanced. This is, quite possibly, the best salad on the planet.
Stop 4 | Barrio Cafe
As we all trudged through the airport, my full belly was in major disagreement with my Spanx and the prospect of another bite was seemingly impossible. As soon as we arrived at Barrio Café and I got my warm hug from Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza, I was thankful for the long walk that freed up a tiny bit of space, enough to enjoy our chipotle mashed potatoes and chiles en nogada. The brightly appointed dining area makes it close to impossible to have a bad attitude, no matter how delayed your flight might be. If you’re still feeling a bit cross, a trip to the tequila tasting room is sure to brighten your spirits (or allow you to momentarily forget them.)Our miniature entrée, a roasted poblano packed full of chicken, apple, pear, dried apricot and pecans and matched with a creamy almond sauce and a smattering of pepitas, was a delightful balance of heat and sweet from the fruits.
Next time you’re flying out be sure to make a little extra time and experience the great Phoenix Sky Harbor dining options. You won’t be disappointed.
Just, maybe leave the pj’s packed away in your luggage.
**I would never try to trick you! So you should know that I was personally invited to experience the restaurants at Phoenix Sky Harbor. All the tastes, comments, and recommendations are made by me. My words and opinions are my own and cannot be influenced, not even by the tastiest of foods! Check out our Disclosure Policy for more information. **
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© Taryn Jeffries 2017