USA. OTG’s latest food & beverage opening at Newark Liberty International Airport combines the culinary creations of local chef Dan Kluger and the imaginative expression of artist James Nares.
Vanguard Kitchen is a chef-driven concept in Terminal C and forms part of a US$120 million transformation of the United Airlines hub.
The menu focuses on seasonal, “farm-to-terminal” fare and has been developed in conjunction with New York chef Dan Kluger, noted for his work at downtown restaurant Loring Place. Kluger previously served as executive chef at ABC Kitchen, where he earned the James Beard Award for ‘Best New Restaurant’.
Vanguard Kitchen’s menu features a range of appetisers and salads including Steamed Mussels with coconut broth and coconut flakes; Beets & Carrots with curry and honey yogurt; and Steak & Roasted Pear Salad with arugula and fennel in a pine nut vinaigrette.
Entrees include a Crispy Portobello Sandwich with a carrot remoulade; Black Sea Bass in a sweet onion & cauliflower cream; and a Grilled Pork Chop in a caramelised apple & onion glaze.
OTG also commissioned artist James Nares to paint a custom piece for the space. The work uses a single brushstroke “to record a gestural passage of time and motion across the canvas, with its gently rising trajectory eliciting a sense of flight”, according to OTG. A video of Nares in his studio can be seen below.
Vanguard Kitchen was designed by architectural firm Rockwell Group. The space features a “contrasting palette of deep purples and white, accented by whimsical sconces and rabbit table lamps”. A marble communal farm table is the central feature of the space, and it has a custom, monumental chrome light fixture hanging overhead.
OTG CEO Rick Blatstein commented: “Being able to bring the incredible work of both Dan Kluger and James Nares to the terminal has been a tremendous experience. By bringing this calibre of talent to the table, we ensure United travellers passing through experience the very best of the region.”
OTG has installed iPads equipped with its customer experience platform flo (pictured above) throughout the restaurant. Each tablet features the Vanguard menu (from which passengers can order food), as well as entertainment options and flight information. Power and USB outlets are available at every seat.
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The company also organises the annual Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) Conference & Awards.
FAB 2017 , hosted by Greater Toronto Airports Authority, will take place in Toronto on 21-23 June. For details, click here.
