Waiting for a recent flight Mexico City from the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX, you might have thought you were at some midsize city airport instead of at the gateway to and from the second largest city in the United States.
It was 10 p.m., not that late according to most people’s standards, yet there were absolutely no food service vendors open in the terminal. What that essentially meant is it that it was impossible to even buy a bottle of water, much less anything else that might tide us over. It was unconscionable– but luckily we had the foresight to bring an empty water bottle and were able to fill it up with tepid water from a drinking fountain. Ugh, big ugh–but better than dehydration.
Now comes word about a major upgrade, food and beverage-wise, to the Bradley. Well-known and loved Southern California born and bred favorites–from street stuff, fast casual to haute cuisine– will soon set up shop to service international travelers inside the terminal.
It is part of the ongoing $1.5 billion makeover, under the direction of architect Curtis Fentress, which will result in 100,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space.
The impressive list of vendors includes Border Grill, Chaya, James Beach, Marmalade Café, pinkberry, Umami Burger, The Larder at Tavern, Cantina Laredo, Luckyfish, Vanilla Bake Shop, the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, See’s Candies and 7 Eleven. Adding to the diversity and on the complete opposite side of the convenience store spectrum yet presumably also grab-and-go is Petrossian, which is known for its incredible selection of caviar, smoked fish and other fine foods purveyed at its location on Robertson Boulevard in West Hollywood.
That alone makes us want to rush ticketing for our next international voyage. And let’s just hope some of these fine vendors will see fit stay open to accommodate travel schedules that often involve leaving late at night from the City of Angels.
