Text size:

New JetBlue terminal at JFK redefines travel wait

BY JOAN REMINICK | joan.reminick@newsday.com

1:32 PM EDT, October 31, 2008

Deep Blue is a sushi restaurant at the new JetBlue terminal at JFK.
(Newsday Photo / Bruce Gilbert)

If you're flying out of the striking new JetBlue Terminal 5 at Kennedy Airport, you may find yourself wishing for a departure delay. The futuristic blue and white concourse has what it takes to perk up even the most jaded travelers. Here, you'll find gratification for almost every craving, from sushi to surfing gear. Plus you can get a massage, a prescription filled, or a meal delivered to a table near your gate.

What a comedown it will seem, flying out of other, earthbound terminals.

RESTAURANTS

Smart move, assembling a team of top New York City chefs to create an assortment of power dining spots. The major venues (alcoves, really) open onto a central plaza; eat inside or at a courtyard table. Or have yours packed to fly.

Among the 22 options: Aeronuova, a modernistic Italian trattoria by Mario Batali protege Mark Ladner; 5IVESTEAK, a steak house with a bar by Michael Coury, concept chef for OTG Management; Piquillo, a Spanish tapas bar by Alexandra Raij, formerly of Tia Pol in Chelsea; La Vie, a French brasserie by Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr (of Balthazar and Pastis); and Deep Blue, an Asian restaurant and sushi bar by Michael Schulson (ex of Buddakan). In another part of the terminal is Revolucion, a truly authentic Mexican restaurant by Roberto Santibanez, formerly of Rosa Mexicano.

Flying high: Surprisingly, prices are down-to-earth, with most entrees less than $20 and almost none (except for steaks) more than $30. Virtually all restaurants offer lighter choices -- salads, burgers, small plates and sandwiches.

A food hall with an appealing salad bar and a Whole Foods market also showcase several fast food options, along with a wine bar.

Many restaurants (among them La Vie and Aeronuova) serve breakfast, opening with the security gates in the morning and closing when the last plane leaves. Which means the rumbling heard at takeoff won't be in your tummy.

Grounded: You need a JetBlue ticket to eat at any of the major restaurants, which are past security. That means people seeing you off can't join you for a meal.

"Re:vive" touch-screen food delivery
Sit down at a computer station, enter a food order, specify if you want to eat at the terminal or have yours packed to go. You'll know how long the order will take and pay (tip and all) by credit card before delivery to your seat.

Flying high: A fine prosciutto and grana padano panino with spicy relish arrives in 12 minutes, only two minutes longer than promised, boxed to go.

Grounded: Once you put in your order, you don't dare move from your stool or someone else may end up with your food. Word to the wise: use the restroom first.

Other eating options

Horizon Bakery Cafe: French-inspired bakery featuring local produce and artisan breads, with an emphasis on organics and natural products. Offers European-style breakfast and a bistro menu with salads, soups, sandwiches and desserts.

New York Sports Grill: Updated sports bar and restaurant with multiple TV monitors and 48 beers on tap.

Gourmet Food Hall: Enables travelers to mix and match menu items from eight quick-serve eateries:

Boar's Head: Offering a wide assortment of custom sandwiches, wraps and panini, this quick-serve eatery features Boar's Head meats and cheeses.

Cheeburger Cheeburger: Burgers, hot sandwiches and milkshakes.

Fresco Italian Pasta: Pasta eatery with expansive menu that includes more than 25 different sauces.