Thanks to celebrity chefs, a new popularization of gourmet food has emerged in this world that transcends geographical borders—and now, these culinary icons are ready to conquer the skies.

Starting October 1st, American Airlines will offer an upgraded in-flight menu featuring items created by renowned chefs Marcus Samuelsson and Richard Sandoval.

Chef Sandoval, named "Restaurateur of the Year" in 2006 by Bon Appétit, became a celebrated chef after the success of his many acclaimed restaurants, such as Maya, Pompano, and Zengo.  Specializing in modern Latin cuisine, Sandoval’s culinary inspiration draws upon traditional Mexican ingredients combined with contemporary cooking techniques.

Sandoval’s Latin-inspired entrées featured on the new menu will include lemongrass-marinated chicken breast with yucca puree, chayote salad with a citrus sauce, and halibut with truffle corn salsa and sweet potato puree. The menu will rotate each month and will be offered to passengers flying in premium class cabins onboard flights between the U.S. and Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

Sandoval is not the only praiseworthy chef whose culinary talents will appear high in the sky.  Marcus Samuelsson, season two winner of Bravo!’s “Top Chef Masters” and chef/owner of the much-applauded restaurant Red Rooster Harlem in New York, was also recruited by American Airlines for his culinary expertise. The award-winning chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author is the youngest person to earn a three-star rating from The New York Times, and helped American Airlines revamp their main cabin menu.

Samuelsson-inspired items include a turkey breast sandwich on artisan bread complete with apple cranberry ginger chutney, apple slices, and romaine lettuce, as well as a breakfast biscuit sandwich made with smoked turkey breast, sharp cheddar cheese, and tomato. Samuelsson’s menu items will be available for purchase on the New American Table Menu in the main cabin on domestic flights longer than two hours.

Thanks to Chefs Samuelsson and Sandoval, travelers on American Airlines will get to experience the flavors of two of America’s top chefs. However, it remains a question as to whether these celeb-inspired dishes served onboard will compete with the meals they serve in their restaurants.  Though, in the world of food, the sky’s the limit--and it appears as though these chefs have already defied gravity with their culinary creations.

 

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