n an effort to encourage the Los Angeles City Board of Referred Powers to approve a dining proposal for Los Angeles International (LAX), chefs and owners from more than a dozen of the city’s restaurants hosted an “Eat In” at the Patina restaurant on July 29 to preview the new airport cuisine.
“We’re ready to bring the very best food that Los Angeles has to offer to the airport,” said Joachim Splichal, chef and founder of Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse, in a statement. “We just want city officials to give us the chance. As a chef and as an Angeleno, I’m really excited about the opportunity to serve our food at the airport.”
In April, LAX management chose a team of local restaurateurs assembled by SSP America to provide dining options at several airport terminals. However, because of a potential conflict of interest involving one of the airport commissioners, final approval of the contract must come from the Board of Referred Powers, a committee of the Los Angeles City Council.
“This is a world-class food city and we are really proud to be joining L.A.’s culinary community in its commitment to help make LAX one of the world’s best airports,” says Pat Murray, senior vice president at SSP America, which co-hosted the event. “The airport management plans to spend nearly $1B upgrading and expanding its facilities in the coming years, and they understand that it’s crucial to upgrade the travelers’ dining experience, as well. We are extremely pleased that the airport management recognized the quality and strength of our proposal and recommended it for selection.”
Partners with SSP America for the airport service include Nick & Stef’s Steakhouse; Market Café©; Border Grill Taqueria; Panda Express; Geisha House from the Dolce Restaurant Group; Spuntino from Nancy Silverton of Michael’s, Spago, Mozza and La Brea Bakery; M Café© from the Chaya Restaurant Group; 25 Degrees from the Domaine Restaurant Group; La Serenata de Garibaldi; Bertha’s Soul Food; Red Mango; Park’s Korean BBQ; Buttercake Bakery; Groundwork Coffee; Lamill Coffee; and Peet’s Coffee & Tea.
The city attorney and city administrative officer have recommended the Board of Referred Powers approve the airport management’s contract recommendations. The board had scheduled a hearing on the matter for tomorrow, Aug. 5, but has postponed it for a later date yet to be published.
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