Final Flavors of Summer: James Beard Foundation Brings Global Flair to American Airlines Flagship® Lounges
As summer begins to make its graceful exit, American Airlines is ensuring the season ends on a high note for travelers passing through its Flagship® Lounges. Starting in the first week of August, passengers will experience an elevated dining journey curated in partnership with the James Beard Foundation®, a continuation of American’s commitment to offering premium, chef-led culinary experiences at select airport lounges across the U.S.
This final installment of the summer menu captures the essence of the season — fresh, vibrant, and imaginative. By fusing locally sourced ingredients, global influences, and bold culinary vision, the new menu delivers a sensory experience that blurs the line between airport layover and gourmet indulgence. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or heading out on a special summer escape, this offering transforms your pre-flight experience into a celebration of taste and place.
A Culinary Tour of Summer’s Final Chapter
American’s collaboration with the James Beard Foundation highlights a shared dedication to diversity, innovation, and excellence in food. This latest lineup of dishes isn’t just about feeding travelers — it’s about surprising and delighting them, introducing them to flavors and textures that reflect the creativity of some of the nation’s most exciting culinary minds.
Each dish featured in the Flagship® Lounges tells a unique story, woven from regional traditions, seasonal ingredients, and the chefs’ personal passions. Whether it’s a reinterpretation of a classic Southern staple or a modern twist on an Asian favorite, the new menu is a journey in and of itself.
What’s on the Menu?
Fresh, Seasonal, and Global:
The final tastes of summer spotlight vibrant produce and bold combinations — herby couscous bursting with mint and citrus, smoky mushrooms layered with umami, garden greens kissed with light yet impactful dressings, and unexpected crunch from crispy rice or chickpeas. These aren’t just salad bar staples; they are thoughtful, chef-driven dishes that stand out for their balance of flavor, texture, and seasonality.
Creative, Destination-Inspired Dishes:
This menu is not static across all lounges — instead, it reflects the personality of each city and the unique talents of the chefs behind the creations. From Philadelphia to Miami, travelers can enjoy a regionally inspired tasting tour that elevates typical airport fare into something memorable and deeply satisfying.
Chef-Curated Excellence:
Every item is crafted by celebrated chefs selected for their culinary distinction and innovation. Their reputations extend far beyond the airport, making these menus an accessible way to sample the work of some of America’s finest.
Meet the Chefs Behind the Menu
American Airlines has again teamed up with standout chefs from across the country, each with deep roots in their respective culinary communities. Their influence on the final summer menu is unmistakable, and their distinct personalities shine through in every bite.
Philadelphia (PHL) – Chef Randy Rucker
At the helm of acclaimed restaurants River Twice and Little Water, Chef Randy Rucker is known for his boundary-pushing take on New American cuisine. For the Flagship® Lounge in Philadelphia, he’s introducing squid ink biscuits — striking in appearance and unforgettable in flavor — paired with speck ham and a bold Creole mustard. It’s a creative reinterpretation of comfort food, offering travelers a snack that’s both whimsical and refined.
Los Angeles (LAX) – Chef Brandon Kida
A culinary force behind Hinoki & the Bird, Chef Brandon Kida brings a globally inspired sensibility to his dishes. This season, he presents a bao bar with two standout offerings: crispy maitake mushroom and fried chicken, both topped with a luscious yuzu aioli. The result is a balanced contrast of textures — soft bao, crunchy filling — enhanced by the citrusy tang and silkiness of the aioli. It’s a small but powerful bite that represents the best of modern Asian-American fusion.
Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) – Chef Tiffany Derry
Renowned for her bold Southern flair and contemporary approach to comfort food, Chef Tiffany Derry brings a duo of dishes that are rich in flavor and cultural resonance. Her charred mixed mushroom salad, paired with crispy rice and furikake dressing, is a masterclass in umami and texture. Meanwhile, her Mediterranean couscous salad, featuring red radishes, mint, feta, and crispy chickpeas, offers a fresh, herbaceous contrast — vibrant, layered, and satisfying.
Miami (MIA) – Chef Timon Balloo
Chef Timon Balloo, celebrated for his global, vegetable-forward cuisine, delivers a garden-inspired finale to summer. His warm dishes include brussels sprouts glazed with sweet soy and balsamic, bringing depth and tang to a seasonal favorite. He also offers a colorful medley of asparagus, haricot verts, and peas in citrus butter, which showcases summer’s finest produce in a light and flavorful way. It’s a plate that speaks of sunshine, soil, and sophisticated simplicity.
More Than a Meal: A Redefined Lounge Experience
American Airlines’ Flagship® Lounges aren’t just about comfort — they’re about reimagining what it means to travel well. With premium seating, high-end amenities, and now world-class cuisine, these spaces are designed to make your time at the airport as enjoyable as the destination itself.
The collaboration with the James Beard Foundation reflects a broader mission: to elevate the in-transit experience with authenticity, quality, and inspiration. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between meetings or savoring a meal before a long-haul flight, the lounges offer something far beyond the ordinary.
Making the Most of Lounge Access
Through the AAdvantage® program, gaining access to these premium experiences is easier than ever. Frequent travelers can unlock exclusive perks — including entry to Flagship® Lounges — by earning elite status or traveling in eligible premium cabins. It’s a way to reward loyalty while enhancing every step of the travel journey.
For those with lounge access, the perks extend well beyond food. Relaxation areas, shower suites, dedicated staff, and curated beverages all contribute to an experience that’s less like a layover and more like a luxurious interlude.
And with every trip, members move closer to additional privileges, making future travel more seamless, comfortable, and delicious.
Savor the Journey
As the curtain falls on summer, American Airlines invites you to savor the season one last time — through dishes that surprise, delight, and linger in memory. With the James Beard Foundation’s culinary touch, each lounge becomes a stage for the final flavors of summer to shine.
Whether your next destination is across the country or across the ocean, take a moment to experience this final summer celebration — right at the airport.
Because at American Airlines, the journey is just as important — and delicious — as the destination.