Coast to Coast Cuisine

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Tue, 10/10/2006 - 08:46 — David Evans Jr.

So, it's time for me to compose another post and ideas are running through my mind like crazy. Since one of the purposes of this blog is to give insight into Flight Crews' lives, what better to write on than what we talk about most as we cross this great country...food!!!!

Southwest is well known for how fast we "turn" an aircraft (the time between pulling up to the jetway from one flight and leaving the jetway for the next one). For the most part our airplanes are only at the gate 20-25 minutes; so what does this have to do with food? Pilots and Flight Attendants get hungry as the day goes along (we work really, really hard, and there are no vending machines at 35,000 feet); our only chance to grab a bite to eat is to run off and get something between flights. Over the next several postings, I will put forth some of my favorite food spots in and around the airports we serve as well as suggestions by fellow Crew Members. My wife asked if I was going to go in a particular direction with these stories. I answered with, "Of course, they will contain humor, be well-written, and be informative!" She gave me this "don't be an idiot look", and sternly asked if my suggestions would be presented from west to east or south to north? And the answer: nope, I'll just give you the information as it comes to mind. So here goes...

If you are at Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) (three letter airport codes are for fellow blogger Richard Sweet 'cause he loves them so much) a great sandwich can be had at Potbelly's. My personal favorite is the "Wreck" but a close second is the warm Peanut Butter & Jelly. Yep, a warm PB&J, it's incredible. Don't worry if the line is long. The folks at Potbelly's are second only to SWA in efficiency; you will be in and out in minutes. Speaking of IN & OUT (nice segue don't you think?), if you find yourself with some extra time in Los Angeles (LAX), Burbank (BUR), or San Jose (SJC) go just off the airport property for an IN-N-OUT Burger. I wish we had these near my home. While we are on the West Coast (my wife will be pleased that I am flowing in a direction), check out the fish tacos at Rubio's in the food court at San Diego International Airport (SAN), very very tasty and the breakfast burritos are equally as good.

OK, hope this keeps you traveling and satisfied for a while. I have a couple of Weight Watchers sessions and then I'll be back with some additional suggestions. If you know of a sumptuous eating establishment around the Southwest system please post your comment. Until next time...

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Comments

The food in the new MDW is wonderful. I like the Greek place (forgive me for not knowing its name), but what I would really like to see is a Giardonio's. Also, is it just me or have food prices at the airports came down from astronomical to acceptable.

Mary J — Tue, 10/10/2006 - 14:21

Nothing beats a Rubio's fish taco!

Jill Howard-Allen — Tue, 10/10/2006 - 15:42

Potbelly at MDW is fantastic. On a trip back home from PIT I purposely broke the trip in two so that I would have sufficient time to grab a Wreck. Well, that and I wanted to earn the extra Rapid Rewards credit! :)

Drew — Tue, 10/10/2006 - 15:59

Potbelly is also two gates down from Southwest's gates at IAD.

Drew — Tue, 10/10/2006 - 16:05

Speaking of In-n-Out burgers - the one just north of LAX if FANTASTIC! As you eat your hamburger and fries you can watch aircraft landing on runways 24L and 24R. You are so close to the runways that you feel like you should duck at times. These are the runways that Southwest usually lands on.

David Ross — Tue, 10/10/2006 - 16:37

Enter W 92nd St & S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA into maps.google.com for the location

David Ross — Tue, 10/10/2006 - 16:39

As a BWI-based flight attendant, I am very paticular to the California Tortilla that is in our wonderful new terminal. A close second is the Pappasitos at the Houston-Hobby Airport. But nothing can beat Tampa or St. Louis. They both have Starbucks and a Chili's To-Go. Plus, STL has a California Pizza Kitchen. :)

Matt D — Tue, 10/10/2006 - 17:02

I would have to agree with Matt about Houston Hobby (HOU), in the new terminal they now have a Pappasito's Mexican Restaurant, a Pappa's Burgers, Wok N Roll (I think) and a Subway. But one of my favorites is Portland (PDX). They have Gustav's German Restaurant and it is GREAT!

James Malone
MDW FA

James Malone — Tue, 10/10/2006 - 18:51

Many years ago I worked in MCO and a favorite was to get cuban or chinese food from one of the "roach coaches" near the taxi holding area. I'm not sure if these are still around, but it was a good meal for a lot less money than you could get in the terminal.

Brandon Dotson — Tue, 10/10/2006 - 21:15

if you have some sinus issues going on, the best place to fly through is ABQ for the Green Chili. You'll be drained within minutes. (not to get too graphic or anything.)

Other than that, the "loaded" baked potato in HOU is a great choice, if you have the guts and the speed to leave security (hint: leave your cellphone and keys on the plane), and 360 burrito in SJC or OAK.

Those are some of my favs.

Jeremiah Jackson MDW FA — Tue, 10/10/2006 - 23:28

NOTHING beats Amy's Ice Cream in the AUS terminal.

Stove — Wed, 10/11/2006 - 03:22

ABQ seems to have more than it's fair share - the tortilla soup at the mexican place by security is wonderful!!

Michelle — Wed, 10/11/2006 - 13:39

You can get a pretty good cheese steak or Chicken Parm at the concession just outside the D concourse security checkpoint in PHL.

Don — Wed, 10/11/2006 - 14:44

I have to agree with ABQ for sure!
When I was a CSA there, the most frequent greeting we got from flight crews was "Hi! Where's the green chile soup?" (followed closely in second by "Is the soup place still open?" from the evening/night crews).
And the name of the place used to be Comida Buena, but has probably changed by now.
**sigh** How I miss that green chile.......

Phil Willman — Wed, 10/11/2006 - 16:11

One of my favorite restaurants (my parents LUV it, too) is Panera Bread Company! I wish all airports would open up one! As much as I really do fly, I hardly ever eat in the airport!

Leah — Wed, 10/11/2006 - 19:05

Ask for the Chili Lime Salad at La Salsa in the SMF airport. You can add chicken or steak too. For those of you watching your weight, get the dressing on the side and no chips. Very good! (the salad dressing is good though)

A. Lopez — Thu, 10/12/2006 - 06:07

Phil, if the place you're talking about is the one in the non-secure part of the terminal, it's now GarduÃƒ

David M — Fri, 10/13/2006 - 07:00

Stove is right about Amy's Ice Cream in Austin, but if you need pizza, go to Mangia's across from the food court. The slice and a half will fill you up. If you have a little more time, go to Salt Lick and get their bar-b-cue plate.

Glenn — Sun, 10/15/2006 - 01:45

I love Inn n out. I also love "the dodger dog". It is the greatest hot dog known to man. Go dodgers.

Jeramy Brian phx res — Mon, 10/16/2006 - 20:26

yes there are better. ever use you're benefitrs and go to Baltimore or Phoenix? Rubio's is fast food!! Get out and try some real fish !!

Go to the inner harbor in Baltimore or try The Fish Market in Phoenix !!

john — Tue, 10/24/2006 - 20:55

David,
Apparently your thread in this blog has inspired the national media to stand up (or to return their seatbacks to the full, upright positions) and sample the cuisine at a number of U. S. airports. Check out this article from the Friday, October 27, 2006 edition of USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2006-10-26-airport-food_x.ht...

Not every city listed is a SWA destination, but most are!

Happy eating!
Kim :-)

Kim Seale — Sat, 10/28/2006 - 13:44

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