While it's safe to say that every Miamian has a different opinion about what to love about our fair city -- the amazing weather, pristine beaches, exciting nightlife, fine dining -- we will probably agree on one thing: Miami International Airport sucks. Plan on spending an extra few hours on the security lines, only to wait some more when your plane is delayed...sometimes for weather, but usually for no good reason at all.
Celebrity Chef Eric Ripert agrees. The executive chef and co-owner of Le Bernardin, rated four stars by The New York Times and three stars by Michelin Guide, calls Miami International Airport "pretty dysfunctional" in a recent Wall Street Journal article on airport food.
Frequent traveler Ripert did, however, recommend the airport's branches
of Cuban chain La Carreta for food on the fly. "They do fantastic yucca
fries, and it's so classic Cuban Miami", Ripert gushes, noting it's the
go-to place for pilots and stewards who want to fuel up on coladas and
Media Noches before taking off on yet another flight. La Carreta is located on the second level of Terminal D at Miami International, and also has a few cafe stands at various other terminals inside the airport, perfect for a quick caffeine jolt.
Where else
does Ripert dine before boarding a jet? Here are chef's other
recommendations around the country, so you don't have to settle for a stale pretzel or pizza
when your flight is delayed:
JFK Airport in New York (American Airlines Terminal)
Bobby Van's Steakhouse for a sit-down steakhouse experience.
LaGuardia Airport in New York (Delta Terminal)
Crust for thin-crust pizza and wines by the glass
O'Hare Airport In Chicago
Billy Goat Tavern for burgers and breakfast
Reagan National Airport in Washington D.C.
Matsutake for well-made, fresh sushi
Los Angeles International Airport
Wolfgang Puck for smoked salmon pizza with wasabi cream.
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