Los Angeles - LAX Terminal 4 getting better food options

Might be slightly OT, but since it pertains to AA's T4 at LAX, I've decided to post here.

For those who don't know, LAX is undergoing major renovation and improvements for the past several years. One of them includes improving airside concession offerings.

For T4, they plan to move the Starbucks downstairs to the carousel area, get rid of Burger King and Chilis Too with new restaurants.

You can review LAX's Terminals 4, 5, 7, 8 Concessions here:
http://www.lawa.org/uploadedFiles/board_agenda/ManagementReports/boac110502zConcessions%20Terminals%204,%205,%207,% 208.pdf

Now if they can just open up those airside halls to other terminals to see restaurants over on DL and UA's terminals... :rolleyes:

Looks like some good new choices.

Now if they can just open up those airside halls to other terminals to see restaurants over on DL and UA's terminals... :rolleyes:

AA wants to open the tunnel but Delta refuses. That's where things stand now. It has nothing to do with the TSA. :(

AA wants to open the tunnel but Delta refuses. That's where things stand now. It has nothing to do with the TSA. :(

Why does AA want to open it in the first place? And why would DL care?

Looks like the food at T4 is going from bad to worse. None of these joints look like fast-food places to me. Sure, fast food gets a bad rap, but fast food has one advantage--it's fast.

When I'm in a hurry, I trust Burger King because at least it's a hot meal I can get thrown in a bag and be running to my gate in under 5 mins. It looks like all the options will be either slow (wood fired pizza) or cold (sandwich joints). Now, I like to eat healthy, but it seems to me that at least one of the options ought to be of the "crowd pleasing fast food" variety.

I like the Burger King too... now I'm afraid there will be a lack of quick and lower priced food.

So no Starbucks airside? Or am I missing something? Because the Starbucks by BK was always very busy . . .

I like the Burger King too... now I'm afraid there will be a lack of quick and lower priced food.

Must be my timing. I've never seen that BK without a line so long that getting through it invalidates any concept of "fast" food.

About time they did something about the food selection in T-4

OMG, Campinile, la provance, 8oz burger bar!!!

T4 is turning into SFO int'l terminal where they have some of the City's best food in the airports!!!

totally excited for this!

This sounds interesting. T4 has always been stagnant. Finally something happening over there.

Do the airlines have anything to do with the food choices in the terminal? Is that why DL would even care about opening up the terminal to non-DL pax? Is it because they worked hard for those restaurants and don't want AA pax to reap the benefits? Do they even have better food?

LAWA put the master concessions contract up for bid when it expired with the goal of bringing some local restaurants into the airport. It is producing some results at last. All of the other terminals should see better food options as well.

When I'm in a hurry, I trust Burger King because at least it's a hot meal I can get thrown in a bag and be running to my gate in under 5 mins. It looks like all the options will be either slow (wood fired pizza) or cold (sandwich joints). Now, I like to eat healthy, but it seems to me that at least one of the options ought to be of the "crowd pleasing fast food" variety.
Well, IIRC, the deli at the gate 40 end of T4 will heat up any "cold" sandwich I want and let me pay for it in way under 5 minutes typicaly (of course, like anywhere, it depends on the line). So I can have healthy, hot, and fast, all at the same time.

Meanwhile, how slow wood fired pizza is depends on whether it's made to order or not. Over in T1, CPK runs a very efficient and flexible pizza operation, where if you want a pizza that isn't ready or in process, you can get any pizza in about 10 minutes, but they tend to have a reasonable supply of "just made" pizzas always waiting (or a minute or two away) for those customers who'd rather have it fast than to-spec.

Does Sammy's Woodfired Pizza have an existing airport concession somewhere else (that we could use to see whether they'll do this as well for cusotmers in need of food fast as CPK in T1 does)?

does someone have the map for TBIT or T1-T3?

the UA terminal is getting a yogurtland and seven... nice!

So no Starbucks airside? Or am I missing something? Because the Starbucks by BK was always very busy . . .

+1
In every terminal I normally go through (4, 6, 7, 8) starbucks is very busy every morning. Moving one outside would make no sense at all - "better" food is not gonna replace a cup of coffee...

Actually it looks even worse - starbucks are gone from other terminal being replaced with coffee bean. Ouch!

Looks like the food at T4 is going from bad to worse. None of these joints look like fast-food places to me. Sure, fast food gets a bad rap, but fast food has one advantage--it's fast.

So excited about seeing Homegirl Cafe! They are a wonderful non-profit in East LA that offers all kinds of services to ex-gang members. And this is the only one that I've seen actually makes a difference. Their Cafe near Silver Lake is one of our favorite places to go for breakfast.

I'm sure they'll have excellent options, and supporting them does a really great service to keep them in the position of being able to continue doing their important work.

Well, IIRC, the deli at the gate 40 end of T4 will heat up any "cold" sandwich I want and let me pay for it in way under 5 minutes typicaly (of course, like anywhere, it depends on the line). So I can have healthy, hot, and fast, all at the same time.

I hate that place. :mad:

Their sandwiches are too pointy. Cuts up my mouth. :D

Why does AA want to open it in the first place? And why would DL care?

AA wants easier connections to AS, which is moving to T6, which is connected to T5 by a similar tunnel. DL doesn't want AA having that conviencne. In the end it doesn't matter that DL doesn't want it open, DL has no power to stop AA from having it opened.

So excited about seeing Homegirl Cafe! They are a wonderful non-profit in East LA that offers all kinds of services to ex-gang members. And this is the only one that I've seen actually makes a difference.Mmmm, good tacos for a good cause. Hopefully they'll also offer some of the bakery items.

However, the coffee situation at LAX is looking very disappointing. Luckily I seldom fly out of there in the mornings.

Aww look at little T4 growing up into a real cornerstone terminal. ;)

Glad to see this. LAX T4's dismal options are what actually compelled me to join the Admiral's Club. I'd held out for a while, but one afternoon I arrived at LAX much earlier than I planned (a rare and stunning lack of traffic on the 405). I looked over the Chili's Too and On The Border with their 100% occupied barstools and I just... couldn't... do... it. So I walked in to the AC and joined right then and there.

Plus it's good to see more cities giving local joints a shot at their airports. AUS and PDX are a couple of my favorites just for that reason.

There are two Starbucks in T4. One between security and the Admiral's Club, and one down at the far end by the high numbered gates.

The second one always has a shorter line. Shhhh.

There are two Starbucks in T4. One between security and the Admiral's Club, and one down at the far end by the high numbered gates.

The second one always has a shorter line. Shhhh.

I don't see those Starbuck locations in the new plans though.

+1
In every terminal I normally go through (4, 6, 7, 8) starbucks is very busy every morning. Moving one outside would make no sense at all - "better" food is not gonna replace a cup of coffee...

Actually it looks even worse - starbucks are gone from other terminal being replaced with coffee bean. Ouch!

Yes, it's defiantly down grade to not have starbucks airside. LA seems to be moving to a similar policy as SFO where starbucks is essentially banned or relegated to undesirable locations.

Now if they can just open up those airside halls to other terminals

Why does AA want to open it in the first place? And why would DL care?

And why does DL have any say about this?

The tunnels were a cool way to quickly get to the other terminals and were an excellent option to stretch one's legs.

Yes, it's defiantly down grade to not have starbucks airside. LA seems to be moving to a similar policy as SFO where starbucks is essentially banned or relegated to undesirable locations.

But SFO has several Peets (which IMHO is better than SBUX) but LAX is getting Coffee Bean that I personally find undrinkable (obviously tastes differ).

I'll probably start carrying those instant starbucks coffee singles and ask for hot water :)...

I guess I'm the only one here that won't miss having a Starbucks?

Bleh. I'd rather drink McDonalds or Dunkin Donuts coffee.

Looks like the food at T4 is going from bad to worse. None of these joints look like fast-food places to me. Sure, fast food gets a bad rap, but fast food has one advantage--it's fast.

...and inexpensive, and consistent.

Then again, BK is pretty much the worst of all major US fast food chains, and I won't miss it, especially in overpriced airport trim. Nor the limited-menu version of Chili's, which basically served only overpriced oversized burgers. I am completely unfamiliar with any of the restaurants moving in there, and have no idea if any will prove to my taste, but right now figure it can hardly prove any worse.

--

Has there been any public notification of the time frame for the old concessions closing?

...and inexpensive, and consistent.

One more big advantage--it's kid pleasing.

But SFO has several Peets (which IMHO is better than SBUX) but LAX is getting Coffee Bean that I personally find undrinkable (obviously tastes differ).

I'll probably start carrying those instant starbucks coffee singles and ask for hot water :)...

Maybe I will get that AC membership. At least there is no line at the coffee bar.

Might be slightly OT, but since it pertains to AA's T4 at LAX, I've decided to post here.

For those who don't know, LAX is undergoing major renovation and improvements for the past several years. One of them includes improving airside concession offerings.

For T4, they plan to move the Starbucks downstairs to the carousel area, get rid of Burger King and Chilis Too with new restaurants.

You can review LAX's Terminals 4, 5, 7, 8 Concessions here:
http://www.lawa.org/uploadedFiles/board_agenda/ManagementReports/boac110502zConcessions%20Terminals%204,%205,%207,% 208.pdf

Now if they can just open up those airside halls to other terminals to see restaurants over on DL and UA's terminals... :rolleyes:
ZOMG!!! Cole's by gate 46!!! <3 This is prolly the best news to happen LAX since it was last destroyed in that turd of a movie "2012."

:)

Looks like the food at T4 is going from bad to worse.
Spoken like a person who has never eaten at Cole's. On your next trip to LA, head down to Cole's, which is on E. 6th. They have a great selection of beer to match their awesome sandwiches. They can totally crank them out fast/to-go.

ZOMG!!! Cole's by gate 46!!! <3 This is prolly the best news to happen LAX since it was last destroyed in that turd of a movie "2012."

:)

Isn't there another movie where aliens come out of the ocean and destroy Santa Monica and LA?

BK was my favorite fast food place because they have veggie burgers, heatlhy and tastey (doesn't try to taste like meat).

I'll be sad to see it go.

Not having a coffee place seems insane.

Looks like the food at T4 is going from bad to worse.

I'm sure that your opinion will change 180 degrees when you try out the new ones. :)

Isn't there another movie where aliens come out of the ocean and destroy Santa Monica and LA?
You mean that turd of a film... "Skyline," right? Well, I dun think they cut away to a scene of LAX being destroyed because all of the characters involved were trapped in that one apartment. Such an awful movie. :td:

The new extablishments/offerings look good. A coffee joint is missing, but Home Girl will take some of the coffee needs and will def be an improvement over Brioche Dore or whatever it is near security.

Curious to know if HMS Host will still be the actual operato/contractor of these establishments. So far they've done a pretty crummy job of any venues they operate at LAX. Operations have to be set up to be pretty cookie cutter like in order for them to do a fair job of it.

I love when airports have the local restaurants -- even if you're just connecting somewhere, you can get a sense of a new place by enjoying the unique local foods.

8 oz. burger bar has amazing onion rings, BTW.

When I'm at an unfamiliar airport, I gravitate towards the chains, the places I know. At least there is a level of consistency. I right away know what I want without having to hope that what I ordered is good.

Having something familiar helps take out one less stress of traveling.

So excited about seeing Homegirl Cafe!

Homegirl Cafe is coming to LAX T-4!!??!!!

Wow, that's really great. I did not know that. I will definitely stop there every time.

8 oz. burger bar has amazing onion rings, BTW.

But do they have normal-sized burgers, or only oversize half-pounders?

When I'm at an unfamiliar airport, I gravitate towards the chains, the places I know. At least there is a level of consistency. I right away know what I want without having to hope that what I ordered is good.

Having something familiar helps take out one less stress of traveling.
I hear you, and I agree to an extent. However, the current offerings at T4 are really bad (and don't live up to expectations of the name on the front of the front of the outlet).

But do they have normal-sized burgers, or only oversize half-pounders?

The menu (http://www.8ozburgerbarlosangeles.com/#/menu/our-food) lists both 8 oz and 6 oz burgers. They offer many non burger items as well. The airport location selections may not necessarily be the same, though.

The menu (http://www.8ozburgerbarlosangeles.com/#/menu/our-food) lists both 8 oz and 6 oz burgers. They offer many non burger items as well. The airport location selections may not necessarily be the same, though.

Thanks; good to have options for those of us who are watching what we eat but still sounds very much like sit-down-pace sort of size rather than fast food.

Then again, as you said, the airport selections may be different, and as the old choices were mediocre oversize burgers at a limited-menu Chili's or bad fast food ones at BK, well, it doesn't take much to be an improvement

When I'm at an unfamiliar airport, I gravitate towards the chains, the places I know. At least there is a level of consistency. I right away know what I want without having to hope that what I ordered is good.

Having something familiar helps take out one less stress of traveling.


Yes, fast food is not expected to be great, but we want familiar choices that we have come to call "good", based on what is available under the circumstances, and are the most acceptable choices for our palate and preferences. The fear is that an unfamiliar choice or vendor may be even worse, and of disappointingly bad quality and/or value.

We are familiar with the variability in quality and value of the large fast-food chains (at least how we each perceive them), so much so that we gravitate not only to the fast-food chains, but also to particular fast-food chains.

Not only is there a battle between the national fast-food chains (which we can evaluate by familiarity and experience), there are also the smaller, local chains and vendors, which can be a wild card. These are often are quite good - - because they have to be - - in order to squeeze out the established incumbents. But their unfamiliarity and risk factor may result in aversion by hurried travelers.


Having a consistent, though mediocre-at-best, choice has the benefit of an easy, no-brainer decision, but the result is probably that one also won't even think about the 'food' as one chows it down. A mindless activity from start to finish, but accomplishes the task of getting something (that almost qualifies as) sustaining, with a minimum of effort. And a consistent choice has no threat for one becoming upset from unexpectedly bad food. I remember getting disappointingly poor quality crab cakes from a fast-food place in BOS...

It is normally best for fast-food places to not try to be culinary giants and offer exotic food choices that don't satisfy the mainstream gullet or some idea of middle-of-the-road palatability. Great if a marriage of 'really good' and 'fast' happens, but the best food will only be at sit-down places. Some of the best chowder I've had is at such a sit-down place in BOS. Unfortunately, the large sit-down chains also suffer from mediocre food and choices. The local sit-downs can be a better alternative, as can be the local fast-food places. The 'Potbelly' in BWI is an example. They do lots of the little things right, and are a good value.


The poster mentioned being at an "unfamiliar airport", but LAX would not be an unfamiliar airport for one living in LA, or for many people transferring on the West Coast. If one takes a bit of time (once) to figure out the menu at the new place - - how long can that take? - - and order from it, one may have a new favorite. If you live in LA, or transfer in LAX occasionally, you will remember (!) your favorite, or, at the very least, be more familiar with the menu and hit upon a new favorite the second or third time. From then on, the question of a national chain or the local place (at that particular airport) becomes moot. At least for me, the BK at T4 became moot after they put up the new expensive video screen menu (both the screen and the menu were expensive) and did away with the Value Menu.


The old risk/reward question. But when on a MR, and in an unfamiliar airport, the scale tips towards the unfamiliar, in that when on a MR, one does not get to see much outside airport security, and a bit of local flavor is welcome as a bit of an experience - - whether positive, or sometimes not so good.

I don't like what we currently have, but I don't like what is planned either.

After the mayhem that will ensue during the construction and swap-over's, we'll be without any place to really sit down for an extended period of time (i.e., no more Chili's) outside the AC and FL. I can picture the new "mini-mall" being no more appealing than that where the aforementioned CPK is in T1 or any of the older food "courts" in DFW.

Reserving judgement; but no optimistic about this.

More on the new LAX food offerings from the Los Angeles Times:

...Eateries poised to land at LAX (http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-lax-food-20110517,0,2143062.story)

The idea behind the new offerings is to reflect more California cuisine and give the food outlets a "sense of place, officials said.

"We have a cast of new, talented and proven restaurants that will put 'L.A.' back into LAX," Gina Marie Lindsey, executive director of Los Angeles World Airports, said in a statement.


I believe that the roll of the dice of trying something new is worthwhile when visiting a new city, even if for a brief hour or two. Travel is life -- seize that moment!

Here's some concept art:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/.a/6a00d8341c630a53ef01538f520441970b-pi

The food truck will be permanently located there, but what it sells won't be. A pre-selected roster of local LA food trucks will share the space and rotate their menus using the truck.

Here's some concept art:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/.a/6a00d8341c630a53ef01538f520441970b-pi

The food truck will be permanently located there, but what it sells won't be. A pre-selected roster of local LA food trucks will share the space and rotate their menus using the truck.

Hahaha... good one. That's so typical LA at the moment.

Food trucks are all over Santa Monica on Tuesdays.

Am I the only that's going to miss the brioche doree? I'll admit, I haven't tried homegirl cafe...

Here's some concept art:



The food truck will be permanently located there, but what it sells won't be. A pre-selected roster of local LA food trucks will share the space and rotate their menus using the truck.

That's god aweful!! I hate sitting out in the open with people walking by my food, and having to hear the conversations of the tables next to you. That truck is tacky. Is this what they're going to replace Chilis Too with? :td:

I don't like what we currently have, but I don't like what is planned either.

After the mayhem that will ensue during the construction and swap-over's, we'll be without any place to really sit down for an extended period of time (i.e., no more Chili's) outside the AC and FL.



I agree completely. At Chilis you could at least sit down and eat in a civilised manner while being isolated from the rest of the terminal mayhem. I hate "feeding at the trough" type restaurants. Why don't airports realize that not everyone is looking for a low class burger and fries experience.

At Chilis you could at least sit down and eat in a civilised manner while being isolated from the rest of the terminal mayhem. I hate "feeding at the trough" type restaurants.

Yes, if you were lucky enough to be given a seat in the dining area. Seems to be full to capacity most of the time.

So given the limited space at T4, the only options are the 'trough' places. But these can be better than the sit-down chains. Notice I said "can" be. It would take a good local outfit to rise above the usual level of mediocrity.



Why don't airports realize that not everyone is looking for a low class burger and fries experience.


BK will be gone, correct? No more "low class burger and fries".

Seems like the alternatives will include deli sandwiches and high-class burgers.

LAX has its hands tied at T4. Not very much space for nice sit-down places. The barely-serviceable Chili's is usually full.

Not all airports have the space problem, or think 'burgers and fries'. SEATAC hit a home run with 'Anthony's'.

That's god aweful!! I hate sitting out in the open with people walking by my food, and having to hear the conversations of the tables next to you. That truck is tacky. Is this what they're going to replace Chilis Too with? :td:

It's replacing Burger King.

Here's some concept art:

According to the accompanying article, Host International remains the food service provider in T4. :(

L. A. Times -City Council approves restaurants for LAX (Cole's in Terminal 4, ¡Loteria! Grill in Terminal 5, and more...) (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dailydish/2011/06/city-council-approves-restaurants-for-lax.html)Meanwhile, in Terminal 4, Host International will operate Cole's French Dip, Campanile, 8 Oz. Burger Bar, La Provence Patisserie & Café and L.A. Gourmet Street Truck -- a venue for a rotating roster of food trucks such as Buttermilk, Ahn Joo and Nom Nom. There will be Starbucks locations too.

And from L. A. Weekly (http://blogs.laweekly.com/informer/2011/06/lax_concessions_host_salvages.php):Yes, the same HMS Host that has been serving crappy food at the airport for 40 years. The same HMS Host that finished last in the contract bidding last year, but managed to restart the process through a Herculean lobbying effort. The HMS Host that should have been booted out of LAX entirely a year ago but has managed to cling to a decent chunk of the business through the sheer power of incumbency.

<snip>

This is the same company, by the way, that loudly proclaimed last year that its that its rival's plans were too fancy and expensive for working-class travelers, and printed up a bunch of T-shirts with the slogan "Real L.A. Food for Real L.A. People."

Am I the only that's going to miss the brioche doree? Yes. Everything I've had from there has been disgusting.

Does AA have any say in what type of restaurants go into T4? I can't imagine that a large food truck reflects the type of image the AA wants to portray. If AA is going to make LAX their asian gateway and connecting point for OW partners, better food options should probably be placed in T4.

In regards to the space issue in T4, can anything be added as a second story, or would it interfere with the AC?

I can't imagine that a large food truck reflects the type of image the AA wants to portray.

Why?

Gourmet food trucks are the hottest trend on the Los Angeles dining scene. They serve everything from ice cream to sushi.

Los Angeles Times (http://articles.latimes.com/2011/may/08/business/la-fi-food-trucks-20110508)

GAYOT's Blog (http://www.gayot.com/blog/top-10-food-trucks-los-angeles-culinary-trends-kogi-bbq-truck/)

Top 10 Food Trucks in Los Angeles (http://www.gayot.com/restaurants/best-losangeles-ca-top10-food-trucks_2la.html)

Gourmet Magazine (http://www.gourmet.com/restaurants/2009/09/los-angeles-street-food)

Why?

Gourmet food trucks are the hottest trend on the Los Angeles dining scene. They serve everything from ice cream to sushi.

Los Angeles Times (http://articles.latimes.com/2011/may/08/business/la-fi-food-trucks-20110508)

GAYOT's Blog (http://www.gayot.com/blog/top-10-food-trucks-los-angeles-culinary-trends-kogi-bbq-truck/)

Top 10 Food Trucks in Los Angeles (http://www.gayot.com/restaurants/best-losangeles-ca-top10-food-trucks_2la.html)

Gourmet Magazine (http://www.gourmet.com/restaurants/2009/09/los-angeles-street-food)

So so true- NYC too. maybe some people dont get out much. I think it looks like a very nice change

Why?

Gourmet food trucks are the hottest trend on the Los Angeles dining scene. They serve everything from ice cream to sushi.



Trends come and go. What may be "trendy" today will be passé tomorrow, especially in superficial L.A. Will that truck be "trendy" five years from now? AA should focus on bringing quality dining that will appeal to a more international mix of pax.

Obvisously, if the space issue can be resolved, there would be more room for junk food establishments.

Trends come and go. What may be "trendy" today will be passé tomorrow, especially in superficial L.A. Will that truck be "trendy" five years from now?


^

Then again, with the current crud that's there, it can hardly be worse. If the truck starts to feel dated, it can't be that hard to replace it with a fast-food counter.

How about an In N Out in T4?...OK, so much for my dream world ;) LAX should get a clue from SFO & AUS.

At Chilis you could at least sit down and eat in a civilised manner while being isolated from the rest of the terminal mayhem.Trends come and go. What may be "trendy" today will be passé tomorrow, especially in superficial L.A. Will that truck be "trendy" five years from now? AA should focus on bringing quality dining that will appeal to a more international mix of pax.

Trendy is not necessarily bad. In this case, the vendors selected to rotate in the "food truck" at T4 are actually quite good; their food is vastly superior to Chili's which you seem to covet.

If you want sit down in a civilized place isolated from the terminal mayhem, go to the Admirals' club.

LAX food options are such a joke, it would be difficult to go any further down hill (unless they closed all the food places). I welcome any and every option they are trying to bring in.

You would rather have Chilis and burger king over a gourmet food truck?

You would rather have Chilis and burger king over a gourmet food truck?

In a heartbeat. Most of the gourmet food I eat is delicate and quality falls off a cliff when the preparation is botched. I'd much rather have reliable mediocre food in an airport than botched gourmet stuff.

I think the biggest problem with LAX food options has been insufficient capacity for the number of passengers.

Why can't the airport could solve the space constraints issue by utilizing the old Admirals Club space on the 3rd floor for an expanded food court with a variety of sit down restaurants.

So so true- NYC too. maybe some people dont get out much. I think it looks like a very nice change
How many people who work Mon-Fri can get out far beyond where they work?

These gourmet food trucks only go to certain kinds of places. I've never seen them because I'm never at lunchtime in those kinds of high-traffic places in the "right" part of town. (This being L A, it's hard enough to get across town, no point in trying it at lunchtime!)

I work in an industrial park in Orange County where everything is two stories and a food truck has to make oodles of stops just to get a decent number of cutsomers. Only "desperate" cheap ethnic food trucks tend to come by any more.

When I see stories about food trucks on the L A news, it's always showing them outside office high-rises and such, where they can get tons of customers from only half a block away. This doesn't work in parts of town where all the buildings are two stories and spread out in sprwaling suburban office parks...

What about using the space downstairs once they permanently vacate the passport control area. DFW did this by reusing the downstairs space from the old AAirtrain terminals for nice sit doe restaurants like Pappadeuxs.

Trends come and go. What may be "trendy" today will be passé tomorrow, especially in superficial L.A. Will that truck be "trendy" five years from now? AA should focus on bringing quality dining that will appeal to a more international mix of pax.

Obvisously, if the space issue can be resolved, there would be more room for junk food establishments.

Food trucks are not a trend in Los Angeles. Los Angeles is the birthplace of food truck culture - everybody in Los Angeles from construction workers to lawyers eats at them. It's a great addition to the terminal and properly reflects LA's food culture, which, like it or not, includes food trucks.

It might be a trend in Miami or Chicago, but it's certainly not in Los Angeles.

BK was my favorite fast food place because they have veggie burgers, heatlhy and tastey (doesn't try to taste like meat).

They're putting in a RFD which is a pretty decent Vegan place....and I'm saying this as a carnivore....so you should be in a MUCH better situation than with BK. I've been to RFD on La Cienega and if they replicate that in T4 it should be a good thing.

What's the story with this Cole's that is claiming to be the originator of French dip sandwiches?

I thought that the undisputed inventor of the French dip sandwich was a different LA institution - Philippe "The Original" on Alameda (?) just north of LAUPT?

Wirelessly posted (htc Evo 4G: Mozilla/5.0 (Linux; U; Android 2.3.3; en-us; Sprint APA9292KT Build/GRI40) AppleWebKit/533.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile Safari/533.1)

Both restaurants claim to have first created the "French dipped" sandwich. The dispute has been discussed on Snopes and Wikipedia. I'd post links, but it is quite cumbersome to do so from my phone. Just Google the terms "Cole's", "Philippe's" and "French dipped sandwich."

Wirelessly posted (htc Evo 4G: Mozilla/5.0 (Linux; U; Android 2.3.3; en-us; Sprint APA9292KT Build/GRI40) AppleWebKit/533.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile Safari/533.1)

Both restaurants claim to have first created the "French dipped" sandwich. The dispute has been discussed on Snopes and Wikipedia. I'd post links, but it is quite cumbersome to do so from my phone. Just Google the terms "Cole's", "Philippe's" and "French dipped sandwich."

Both restaurants claim to have first created the "French dipped" sandwich. The dispute has been discussed on Snopes and Wikipedia. I'd post links, but it is quite cumbersome to do so from my phone. Just Google the terms "Cole's", "Philippe's" and "French dipped sandwich."

Just read the Snopes article on the Cole's vs. Philippe French dipped dispute. Fascinating. And looks like it will forever remain an unsolved mystery.

Now I'm looking forward to a LAX connection to sample a Cole's sandwich. I'm a big fan of Philippe's French dip (the beef version is very good, the lamb even better!) so can't wait to check out the competition. Just hope that HMS Host's version does the real thing justice...

Just read the Snopes article on the Cole's vs. Philippe French dipped dispute. Fascinating. And looks like it will forever remain an unsolved mystery.

Now I'm looking forward to a LAX connection to sample a Cole's sandwich. I'm a big fan of Philippe's French dip (the beef version is very good, the lamb even better!) so can't wait to check out the competition. Just hope that HMS Host's version does the real thing justice...
My foodie friends and I have found Cole's to be the better sandwich. YMMV? Anyway, enjoy!

For those of you who fly AA out of LAX/ Terminal 4

LAX Terminal 4 Concession Redevelopment

In early January, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) will embark on a project to redevelop our Concession offerings in Terminal 4.


In addition, you will notice that LAWA has no plan to offer a branded coffee offering such as Starbucks that is currently available. We are pursuing this at the highest levels within LAWA, since I expect we will likely receive complaints from customers if they cannot purchase a branded coffee offering on the Concourse. There is a plan however, to construct a Starbucks on the Baggage Claim Level where the vacated rental car counters currently exist.

As part of the Concession Redevelopment Plan, you will begin to notice construction on the Concourse and on the ramp level in the vicinity of Pier 18 at the Outbound Bag Room and at Gate 40.

Thanks for the info, but is there a link missing? Where's the information about the branded coffee (or lack thereof), and is there a list of planned offerings? I like LAX T4 but the current "food" options are a major weak spot, so improvements would be very welcome!

Thanks for the info, but is there a link missing? Where's the information about the branded coffee (or lack thereof), and is there a list of planned offerings? I like LAX T4 but the current "food" options are a major weak spot, so improvements would be very welcome!
Look on response #54 for the new offerings. Starbucks is 'planned' to be at baggage claim area. Who wants a coffee when you are leaving the airport?
I did try and download the list and map, but it is 'not for copy'.

...Who wants a coffee when you are leaving the airport?

:raiseshand:

Appreciate the opportunity to get a coffee or a frap at baggage claim at airports like PDX, SFO, MSP, etc.

Look on response #54 for the new offerings. Starbucks is 'planned' to be at baggage claim area. Who wants a coffee when you are leaving the airport?

Someone with an early-morning arrival?

Who wants a coffee when you are leaving the airport?

There will be a coffee bar in the departures area.
HMSHOST BRINGS THE BEST OF L.A. DINING TO LAX INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WITH NEW 10 YEAR AGREEMENT FOR TERMINAL 4 (http://www.hmshost.com/2011/07/15/hmshost-brings-the-best-of-l-a-dining-to-lax-international-airport-with-new-10-year-agreement-for-terminal-4/)LAX travelers will be greeted by Fashid Hakim’s La Provence Patisserie & Café. Known for great lattes, wonderfully fresh salads and sandwiches, and amazing baked goods, La Provence Patisserie & Café is a West L.A. destination where even celebrities stand in line for the flavor of the Left Bank. The aroma that will waft through the airport’s La Provence Patisserie & Café will come from its Intelligentsia (http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/) gourmet coffee—a wonderful complement to its signature tasty macaroons or cupcakes.

:raiseshand:

Appreciate the opportunity to get a coffee or a frap at baggage claim at airports like PDX, SFO, MSP, etc.
I stand corrected... I, myself am always rushing to leave the airport and drive the 130+ miles home.

OMG, Campinile, la provance, 8oz burger bar!!!

T4 is turning into SFO int'l terminal where they have some of the City's best food in the airports!!!

totally excited for this!I'm excited to finally be able to try 8oz Burger Bar. My partner and I tried to visit their former L.A. location last Halloween after reading about it and making a note for our next L.A. visit, only to find them closed, shuttered, gone. They sound great: all-natural, humanely-raised beef, lots of other interesting options.

AA wants easier connections to AS, which is moving to T6, which is connected to T5 by a similar tunnel. DL doesn't want AA having that conviencne. In the end it doesn't matter that DL doesn't want it open, DL has no power to stop AA from having it opened.I'd love easier connections between AA and AS. When will this be available?

But do they have normal-sized burgers, or only oversize half-pounders?Their Miami menu (http://www.8ozburgerbarmiami.com/#/) lists smaller burgers and plenty of non-burger choices. Their home page (http://www.8ozburgerbar.com/#/) makes the food sound great.

Why can't the airport could solve the space constraints issue by utilizing the old Admirals Club space on the 3rd floor for an expanded food court with a variety of sit down restaurants.Where is the old AC space?

What about using the space downstairs once they permanently vacate the passport control area. They're permanently vacating the passport control area? You mean no more Immigration (and Customs) in T4?

In addition, you will notice that LAWA has no plan to offer a branded coffee offering such as Starbucks that is currently available. We are pursuing this at the highest levels within LAWA, since I expect we will likely receive complaints from customers if they cannot purchase a branded coffee offering on the Concourse.Where is this quote from? Who is the "we" that expects to receive complaints? AA? LAWA? Someone else?

Does anyone have any up-to-date information on how construction is progressing, or has it not started yet? Is anything new open? Is anything at all open? I have a flight at noon on Wednesday and need to know if I need to bring my own lunch. Thanks!

Does anyone have any up-to-date information on how construction is progressing, or has it not started yet? Is anything new open? Is anything at all open? I have a flight at noon on Wednesday and need to know if I need to bring my own lunch. Thanks!

I saw things boarded off across from the far Starbucks.

Does anyone have any up-to-date information on how construction is progressing, or has it not started yet? Is anything new open? Is anything at all open? I have a flight at noon on Wednesday and need to know if I need to bring my own lunch. Thanks!

I would bring something from home or from outside. The options of Brioche Dore (mock deli sandwiches) Burger King, or Chili's are the only options right now. Presuming you are coming in on Eagle from SBA? You can also exit T4 and go to the International Terminal/TBiT for a few food options that are available pre security, but you'll have to re-clear T4 security coming back in.

Update:

The former Manhattan Beach Brewery space (across from gate 43) is now a Sammy's Woodfired Pizza and is now open and operating at T4 LAX. Hard to believe that after being shut down for 4-6 months, the layout and "look" of the place is basically the same. Bland design and color scheme.

Also, another gift/news shop opened next to the Admiral's Club entrance, although not sure why T4 needs 2 gift/new shops.

The Starbucks re-opened next to gate 46A, and there has been a Starbucks at the Baggage Claim area (land side) now for several months.

The Starbucks re-opened next to gate 46A, and there has been a Starbucks at the Baggage Claim area (land side) now for several months.

That Starbucks never closed (there used to be two Starbucks outlets in T4). That being said, I think it is located where the next stage of the remodeling project is scheduled to take place.

I haven't been there in a couple of weeks, but I was told that Peet's Coffee opened near Sammy's Woodfired Pizza.

That Starbucks never closed (there used to be two Starbucks outlets in T4). That being said, I think it is located where the next stage of the remodeling project is scheduled to take place.

I haven't been there in a couple of weeks, but I was told that Peet's Coffee opened near Sammy's Woodfired Pizza.

Likely a mistake on my part about the Starbucks next to Burger King. I was just there yesterday, and did not see a Peet's, but I'm all for it over a Starbucks.

Last week, there was a one hour wait for pizza at Sammy's - not a wait for a seat, but instead, they had run out of dough and the new batch needed time to rise etc.

The Brioche Doree across from Gate 41 is now closed, so that looks like the next place to get renovated. Looks like the Starbucks line in the morning will be even longer now. I guess we'll have to do without $5 mochas and $3 croissants... :rolleyes:

The Brioche Doree across from Gate 41 is now closed, so that looks like the next place to get renovated. Looks like the Starbucks line in the morning will be even longer now. I guess we'll have to do without $5 mochas and $3 croissants... :rolleyes:

I'm happy to see it go. There was nothing authentically French about that place and their food, nothing much better than a grocery store sandwich place.

Well, IIRC, the deli at the gate 40 end of T4 will heat up any "cold" sandwich I want and let me pay for it in way under 5 minutes typicaly (of course, like anywhere, it depends on the line). So I can have healthy, hot, and fast, all at the same time.

Meanwhile, how slow wood fired pizza is depends on whether it's made to order or not. Over in T1, CPK runs a very efficient and flexible pizza operation, where if you want a pizza that isn't ready or in process, you can get any pizza in about 10 minutes, but they tend to have a reasonable supply of "just made" pizzas always waiting (or a minute or two away) for those customers who'd rather have it fast than to-spec.

Does Sammy's Woodfired Pizza have an existing airport concession somewhere else (that we could use to see whether they'll do this as well for cusotmers in need of food fast as CPK in T1 does)?

I can't speak for any Sammy's at an airport, but the quite similar California Pizza Kitchen has several airport concessions, including at SAN and SJC and they basically are pre-heating several popular choices, such that they are already cooked and under heat lamps, or else will take well under 5 minutes from the time they are ordered till they are served. I cannot imagine that any Sammy's at an airport would operate any differently.

Didn't see a newer thread on this, so figured to bump this one. Came through LAX today; most of the dining is closed, except Starbucks, Sammy's (new) and the sandwich place (currently "Homeboy Cafe & Bakery" -- formerly "Brioche Doree" wasn't it? On a superficial examination, unchanged except for the name.)

Had planned to sit down for a meal with MrsNKEdel and MiniNKEdel who were flying with me; Sammy's was the only sit-down place, and was mobbed, so ordered a takeaway pizza to bring to the AC. Was told there would be a 20 minute wait (unless I wanted BBQ which was ready immediately), so checked my family into the AC and then picked up the pizza. Was not 20 minutes; the pizza was ready to go when I got back from the AC.

Pizza wasn't bad; better than I remembered from the SJC CPK Express -- and a nicer base crust than CPK in general (much lighter than the slightly bready one CPK) with otherwise decent but unexceptional sauce, cheese, and pepperoni on top of it (and not over-cheesed, the way many "gourmet" places do.)

Overall, very good for airport food, although it was a fairly small personal pizza for a fairly high price ($15 after tax?). Would not have been enough for two, even fairly light eaters, had it been an even split but MrsNKEdel was fine with a smaller piece and snacks she'd packed. I'll get it again if a better option doesn't open, but not a very good trade for Chili's -- pricier, less seating, and the non-pizza options looked uninteresting.