Author: Alnissa Ruiz-Craig

By Shannon Evans

As I’ve been traveling lately, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the foods that unify us. That has always been the power of food to me. One of those key ingredients that I see used no matter where I am in the world is beans. The history of beans can be traced back over 20,000 years. It’s a staple item in just about every culture and as I look back at my travels over the past few months, I realize that it popped up everywhere. In Jamaica, my first meal upon arrival was a cup of red pea (kidney beans) soup on the side of a mountain. In Turkey, I had a mezze platter with hummus and pita bread and a lot of other goodies. In Portugal, I had arroz de feijão (lightly stewed white rice with pink beans).

No matter what corner of the world you look, you can find beans. Fortunately, this includes Hartsfield Jackson airport. Here are a few great places to stop when you’re at the airport:

Papi’s Cuban and Caribbean Grill

Beans have always been (no pun intended) a part of my diet, but I think the first time that I realized that I was a bean enthusiast was when I discovered Cuban style black beans. In Atlanta, one of my favorite places for Cuban food is Papi’s and the airport outpost doesn’t disappoint. There isn’t a better way to taste black beans than in their “Papi’s Bowl”. It has rice, black beans, plantains, pico de gallo, salsa verde and you can add ropa vieja or slow roasted pork if you’d like more protein. Bonus: In addition to the spacious dining area, they have a take out area that makes it easy to grab and catch your flight.

Concourse T7

Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh

While beans can be relatively easy to find, sometimes it’s hard to find it in a light meal. I love rice and beans, but when searching for something healthier, I turn to hummus. Hummus -popular in the Mediterranean and Middle East-is a dip primarily made with mashed chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice and salt. At Garbanzo’s, it’s just one of the fresh choices you have when building a wrap, salad or plate. If you want to take a break from the norm, ask about their seasonal hummus. This is a great way to see the many things you can do with hummus.

Concourse D Food Court

The Mustard Seed

“Beans and cornbread had a fight…beans knocked cornbread out of sight…Cornbread said, ‘Now that’s alright.’ “  I have no idea what that Louis Jordan song is about, but as I sat down at The Mustard Seed and looked at the menu, I couldn’t get it out of my head.  So, I found myself ordering a side of baked beans and some cornbread to crumble on top of it…this is a thing right? Well, if it isn’t it should be. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and salty.  It is also went great with their Banisher dark red blend wine.

Concourse D23

By: Alnissa Ruiz-Craig

The world’s busiest and most efficient airport was buzzing more than usual when it kicked off the fourth annual Taste of Hartsfield-Jackson, a one-of-a-kind food festival showcasing more than 30 of its restaurants. The event featured live music and a chef competition, and even better, all proceeds benefited No Kid Hungry, a nonprofit organization working to solve problems of hunger and poverty in the United States and around the world.

Taste of Hartsfield-Jackson was held pre-security right here in the Domestic Terminal atrium, ensuring all Airport guests had an opportunity to sample and enjoy all the amazing cuisine that ATL has to offer. A book of ten tickets cost $15, which entitled you to ten “tastes” from the many vendors.

Taste booths wrapped all around the atrium with all kinds of delicious options. Now, when you hear the word “taste” you may be thinking of a tiny bite, but not at Taste of Hartsfield-Jackson. These portions were large! Really giving you a bang for your buck. There was a little bit of everything – burgers, ribs, seafood, pastas, sweet desserts, and even sushi. A few of my favorites were the fish tacos from Jekyll Island Seafood – crispy, perfectly fried white fish with a tangy cabbage slaw in a tortilla; the shrimp and grits from LowCountry Southern Cuisine – well seasoned, creamy and really delicious; and the sample salmon and ahi tuna roll from One Flew South. For dessert, I grabbed the tiramisu and pralines from the Café Intermezzo booth. I’m not ashamed to say I went back twice; it was that good!

In the midst of the food tastings, center stage came to life with an exciting chef’s competition. Head chefs from two of ATL’s popular restaurants – Connie Taylor of Ecco and David Williams of Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint – faced off cooking in real time. The competition was judged by “Atlanta Eats” host Steak Shapiro, “Everyday Korean” author and Chef Seung Hee Lee, Jackmont Hospitality Culinary Director Chef Todd Richards and “Eating with Erica” food blogger Erica Key.

With a larger-than-life stage, the rush of competition and the smell of freshly prepared food all around, it was easy to forget you were standing in the middle of the Airport. It really was an awesome experience.

Is it bad to say my one regret is that I didn’t eat more? Everything was so good. World-class restaurants and top-of-the-line chefs – this is not your typical Airport food.

The event wrapped up after four hours of indulgence with great success. With smiling faces and full stomachs, everyone in attendance seemed to enjoy their time. If you missed it this year, mark your calendar for next year and keep an eye on our social media accounts. This is not something that you want to miss again.

Thank you to all the hardworking organizers, chefs, vendors and volunteers. I already cannot wait for next year.

By: Alnissa Ruiz-Craig

October was a big month for burgers here at ATL. With the opening of two major burger chains, Bobby’s Burger Palace and Shake Shack, your options for gourmet burgers just became twice as good!

Bobby’s Burger Palace – Concourse B

The brain child of renowned celebrity chef Bobby Flay, Bobby’s Burger Palace specializes in a wide variety of imaginative (and delicious) craft burgers, top-notch shakes and unique sides. The ATL location is the first in the City of Atlanta and the first in any airport in the country. The Iron Chef even added a signature burger for the airport called the “ATL Burger,” so if you’re flying out of ATL on Concourse B, you are really getting a special treat.

Let’s talk about the menu. First, you get the option of beef, chicken or turkey so there is a little something for everyone, even a veggie burger for the “veg heads” out there. The menu boasts 11 signature burgers each with the option to “get crunchified” (having your burger served with crispy potato chips on top) free of charge. They have an impressive selection of what they proclaim are the “world’s best shakes,” and I don’t claim to be the authority on milkshakes, but I can attest that the shakes at BBP are very, very good! When it comes to sides, they have classic fries, sweet potato fries and massive onion rings. I recommend you choose “The Undecided” options which allow you to choose two of the three to pair with your meal.

Chef Flay was on hand for the grand opening event and I had the awesome opportunity to chat with him about his decision to start a burger chain and why he chose Hartsfield-Jackson as his first airport location.

“Well, I’m a burger guy and I started Bobby’s Burger Palace about 10 years ago,” said Chef Flay. “We have close to 20 locations now and I always wanted to open somewhere in Atlanta. We found the perfect partners to do this with, and after about a year and a half of talking about it, we just decided to do it.”

Of course I had to ask him about his favorite burger on this menu.

“Oh, the ATL burger of course! We’re in ATL so you have to have the ATL burger. It’s pimento cheese and crispy fried pickles. So it’s sweet and spicy and a little bit crunchy.”

Sounds like a winning combination to me. Be sure to check it out!

Shake Shack – Concourse A

Another exciting grand opening took place this month with the opening of the famous Shake Shack. What started as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park in New York City is now a booming burger chain with a cult-like following. One taste of their burgers and it will be easy to see why they have seen such success.

The menu is simple, but each item is fresh, well-made and full of flavor. I usually keep it classic with the ShackBurger and a side of cheese fries, but they have quite a few other delicious options including the “Chick’n Shack,” a crispy chicken breast patty topped with lettuce, pickles and buttermilk mayo; a tasty “‘Shroom Burger” for the vegetarians; and “Flat Top Dogs” as a nod to their humble beginnings as a hot dog cart. The menu also includes freshly spun, frozen custard shakes that are rich, creamy and delicious. I definitely plan on working my way through the menu … for research purposes of course.

I got the chance to speak with Shake Shack’s General Manager Brett Baisden about the grand opening of the first Shake Shack in Hartsfield-Jackson:

‘It has been an amazing feeling, it’s been about two years of waiting and finally it’s come to fruition,” said Baisden. 

“It’s been lots of hard work, but we’ve hired an awesome team and we’re really excited to represent the brand and also bring something new and exciting to the Airport.”

When asked what he recommends to someone who has never had Shake Shack:

“I recommend the ‘SmokeShack.’ It has Shack Sauce, cherry peppers and bacon and you can’t go wrong with that. And a strawberry shake.”

Bobby’s Burger Palace and Shack Shack are two awesome additions to the ATL Skypointe program and I highly recommend you check them both out the next time you visit. You really can’t go wrong.

By: Alnissa Ruiz-Craig

There is nothing like a good handbag. Serving both function and fashion, it can be the stylish accessory that pulls together a great outfit or the perfect carry-all that holds everything you need for a weekend trip. It is my personal opinion that you could never have too many – I mean, a girl (or guy) has to have options right?

If you’re on the hunt for your next perfect handbag, ATL has a fantastic array of options, including a Patricia Nash store opening next week! ATL is like a mall with planes. I visited a few of Hartsfield-Jackson’s retail stores to give you an idea of some choices, across all different price points. So whether you’re looking to save or splurge, there should be something for you.

Bijoux Terner – Concourse C13

This retail shop is a big win for those of you looking to save. Nothing in the store is over $10 – yes you read that right. Although I specifically visited to scout their handbags, you should definitely stop by to check out all the other accessories they have to offer. I loved these elegant evening bags, especially with the holiday season approaching. For $10 each, I would suggest stocking up on a few in various colors so you’ll be set for any evening or cocktail invitation that may hit your mailbox.

Brighton Collectibles – Concourse A Centerpoint 

This cute little shop also offers a lot more than handbags, including unique jewelry pieces. Their bags are all handcrafted, many with funky designs and patterns. I love the Gabriella Medallion Tote in Lipstick, a deep shade of red. It is just perfect for work, to fit your tablet or laptop, and it travels well with plenty of different compartments.

Michael Kors – Concourse F

The king of everyday chic, you really can’t go wrong with a Michael Kors piece. If you happen to be traveling from Concourse F, be sure to stop in and take a look for yourself. From timeless totes and satchels to ornate and embellished clutches and mini-backpacks, this store has something for you. I wanted to have them all.

Coach – Concourse F

Another classic brand, also on Concourse F, Coach handbags are tried and true. When I was 17 and working at the mall, the very first high-end handbag I bought with my own money was a black leather Coach crossbody bag. With quality leather and hand-stitching, Coach holds a special place in my heart. And with the right love and care, these bags can last forever. There are way more trendy styles and colors now than when I was 17, so perusing the store was a treat.  

Salvatore Ferragamo –  Concourse A

When you talk about luxury, you’re talking about Ferragamo. Hard to believe you can stroll into a Ferragamo store right here in ATL. I tried my best to keep my composure while looking around, but I have to admit when I took a look at their velvet emerald green bag with the fur wrist strap … I let out a gasp. Can you say GORGEOUS?! Of course, everything in the store is beautiful, including this colorblock top-handle satchel and chic little clutch with simple bow detail. If you are in the mood to splurge, this is the perfect place to stop before or after your flight.  

 

So you and your main squeeze are headed to ATL to catch a flight. After you get through security, you probably have plans to grab something quick to eat and get to your gate. But, what if you made your visit something more?

Too often many of us are leading such busy lives that carving out time for dates and time with our loved ones can be challenging. But with a little creativity, you can make the most of a typically mundane situation. 

I’m talking date night at ATL!

With so many hidden gems at ATL, you have the rare opportunity to share a special moment before you head to your destination. I’ve put together a few date ideas that will make you and your honey feel like you’re enjoying a night out on the town, rather than traversing through the world’s busiest and most efficient airport.  So. leave a little earlier, check your bags, hop on the Plane Train to make the most of your time together at ATL.

 

Cozy and romantic: Buckhead Books/Café Intermezzo – B Centerpoint

Don’t be deterred by the name; this is not just a place to quickly grab the latest bestseller and leave. This Buckhead Books, Café Intermezzo hybrid gives you the feel of a quaint French coffee shop enveloped by brightly colored spines of all sorts of books, by some of your favorite authors. With soothing music playing in the background and a menu FULL of different coffee and food options, (my personal favorite is a café au lait and Monte Cristo sandwich) you and your date can’t help but feel cozy and romantic before you board your plane.

Casual and lively: Gordon Biersch – A Centerpoint

Conveniently located on Concourse A, this German pub-style hangout is a lively, casual date option. A slow and leisurely ride up the escalator almost makes you feel like you’ve left the Airport.  When you arrive at the top, you’re greeted by the entrance of the full-service restaurant and bar. You and your sweetheart can enjoy German craft beer and an eclectic menu that includes lobster macaroni and cheese, ribeye steak, and jambalaya. On top of the good food and good beer, Gordon Biersch also sports a killer view of the planes.

Swanky and sophisticated: 40/40 Club – D Centerpoint

If you’re looking for something a little swankier, look no further than ATL’s own 40/40 Club. The ATL hotspot offers open seating, glass windows all around, and a stylish bar that is stocked with all the best wines and spirits. The 40/40 Club is the brainchild of hip hop mogul Jay Z, created so you and your “boo” can dine like celebrities over good drinks and great conversation. Pull up a seat at the bar, order a glass of champagne, a small bite, and share a dessert before your flight.  And start your trip together on the perfect high note. 

 

By: Alnissa Ruiz-Craig

In my musings to you on Destination Skypointe: Beyond the Gate, I often encourage you to build in extra time so you can arrive at ATL early and enjoy a relaxed meal and shopping experience before your flight. However, I realize that that is not always possible, and sometimes you have to grab and go.  That’s why today we’re celebrating an ode to wraps with “Wrap Wednesday’!  Much like a traditional sandwich, the wrap is the prefect all in one food vessel all tightly tucked into one delicious package. What I love about wraps is there are so many different versions from different cultures offering you an array of different flavors to choose from. 

ATL has fantastic options to satisfy your wrap craving, and I’ve picked out a few of my personal favorites below. So make a list and check them out!

Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh – Concourse D

Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh offers fresh Mediterranean cuisine with an easy customizable ordering system. Each entree has anywhere from three to five steps with various different options within each step to curate your perfect meal.  I ordered the wrap — or “Laffa” as they call— it with falafel as my protein, hummus and tabbouleh, and their signature white Mediterranean garlic sauce. It was fresh and delicious. You can customize your Laffa however you see fit. They have chicken, steak, gyro meat and mushrooms (for the vegetarians) as well as a plethora of veggies and sauces to choose from. Highly recommend you try for yourself!

Great Wraps – Concourse A

This ATL eatery is fully dedicated to all things wraps, hence the name. Offering hot, cold and even breakfast wraps, you may have a little trouble deciding which one you want. I opted for their Buffalo Chicken Wrap that was chock full of grilled chicken in mildly spicy buffalo sauce, pepper jack cheese, topped with cool crunchy lettuce and tangy ranch dressing. There were no disappointments here. It was tasty with the right amount of heat. 

Chick-fil-A – Concourse C

When it comes to Chick-fil-A, I probably don’t have to wax poetic on how good the food is being that they already have a pretty strong following. However if you are someone who has not had the pleasure of trying it for yourself, I can confirm that the hype is real! When it comes to fast food, Chick-fil-A always tastes freshly prepared, and their customer service experience is one of the best. Although their claim to fame is being “home to the original chicken sandwich,” their Grilled Chicken Cool Wrap is one of my favorite menu items. The wrap coms with perfectly seasoned sliced grilled chicken, lettuce, red cabbage, carrots and cheese all wrapped in a flaxseed flour flat bread. You also get your choice of dressing to give it some extra flavor (I usually go with the zesty apple cider vinaigrette.) I recommend finishing it off with a lemonade and those delicious and highly addictive waffle fries. 

By: Alnissa Ruiz-Craig

Traveling through Atlanta, you can’t tell it by the temperature, but based on the calendar it is now FALL!

With temperatures hovering in the 80s and 90s, it’s hard to tell that fall is here. Still, the transition from Summer to Autumn is one of my favorite times of the year. It brings the beautiful change of leaves giving way to hues of orange and red and, of course, cooler temperatures. But, with cooler temperatures on the way, you’ll have to think about more than just adjusting your wardrobe.  You’ll also need to adjust your skincare routine. Home to Kiehl’s and The Body Shop, Concourse F is a quick Plane Train ride to a convenient skincare shopping experience before, or even after, your flight.   

When it comes to your face, the name of the game is “moisturize.” The drop in temperatures brings drier air, and drier air means drier skin. To combat that, you’ll want to use cleansers that don’t strip your skin of natural oils, and you’ll want to add another layer of protection from dry skin with a thicker moisturizer. Here are a few of my favorites:

Cleansers

Kiehl’s Cucumber Herbal Conditioning Cleanser

This Kiehl’s foaming gel-lotion cleanser softly melts away dirt, impurities, and makeup while conditioning dry skin. It even works for sensitive skin for a fresh-feeling clean that lasts all day. 

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil

Looking for a new cleanser to use before bed? Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil is an ideal blend of essential oils and makeup remover in a gentle, yet effective cleanser. It is also soap-free and sulfate-free, so you don’t have to worry about it drying out your skin. Perfect for optimal night-time replenishment.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Cream Cleanser

The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Cream Cleanser gently lifts dirt, makeup and impurities to leave skin feeling soft and smooth. This cleanser contains wheatgerm oil to hydrate & protect from moisture loss, making it especially effective for dry and dull skin.

The Body Shop Aloe Calming Cream Cleanser

The first thing to note is that according to WebMD, people have used the gel from Aloe Vera leaves for thousands of years for healing and softening the skin. So, can you guess why this particular product might be perfect for sensitive skin? The Body Shop’s Aloe Calming Cleanser has no added fragrance, color or alcohol. Enriched with cool, calming Aloe Vera, it gently washes away dirt and moisturizes at the same time.

Moisturizers

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer

This moisturizer by Kiehl’s really packs a hydrating punch! If your skin gets incredibly dry, especially during the Fall, this is a great product to add to your repertoire. Infused with Squalane and Glycerin, this formula helps to soften and moisturize skin for all-day hydration. 

The Body Shop Vitamin E Gel Moisture Cream

This oil-free daily facial moisturizer offers 48 hours of hydration in a non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula. It’s packed with bio-fermented wheat-germ from Pomacle, France, raspberry extract, and Vitamin E to refresh and re-plump your skin with moisture.

There is no way I could cover all of the awesome products that Kiehl’s and The Body Shop offer. This is really just the tip of the skincare iceberg. I encourage you to leave a little earlier for your next flight out of ATL and take a trip to Concourse F to see for yourself. The associates in the stores are so very helpful and will get you on the right track to radiant skin. Don’t forget to grab a few travel sizes as well to take on your trip, because let’s face it; those plane cabins don’t do us any favors. 

If you go, be sure to snap a photo and let me know what your favorite products are. I would love to hear from you!

By: Alnissa Ruiz-Craig

As we all recover from the Labor Day weekend, one thing I’m still longing for is some of that weekend barbecue food. Summer may be coming to an end, but if you’re flying out of ATL, there’s always an opportunity to enjoy your backyard cookout favorites–all year round.

Links Grill – C30

If you have a taste for a good grilled hot dog, Links Grill, located at C30, is the perfect place to tame your craving. Specializing in gourmet links, there are seven specialty entrees from which to choose.

I opted for the Classic Link, topped with ketchup, mustard and diced onion. It was full of flavor and gave that perfect snap when I bit into it. Head over to Links Grill and choose your favorite.

Shane’s Rib Shack – Atrium 

With “rib” in the name, it’s not hard to guess what my next stop was on my barbecue quest. Shane’s Rib Shack, located in the Atrium, offers an assortment of delectable barbecue entrees like pulled pork, smoked chicken and their famous ribs. But what I want to focus on are the sides. Shane’s has the perfect pairings for those saucy meat mains. Baked beans, coleslaw, fried okra, macaroni and cheese and the picnic favorite, potato salad. To accompany my half-rack of ribs I opted for my favorite baked beans and coleslaw combo. I just love the mix of the sugary, sweet baked beans with the cool, crunchy tang of the coleslaw. All of their sides are delicious so mix and match to suit your taste, you really can’t go wrong.

Boardwalk Fresh Burgers – A Spine

This list wouldn’t be complete without the perfect backyard-style burger. Boardwalk Fresh Burgers has plenty of options to choose from, from beef, turkey to veggie. Choose the “build your own burger” option and get unlimited toppings so you can have your burger exactly the way you want it. Feeling extra hungry? You can stack your burger with two or even three patties. The burger was juicy and delicious, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my favorite sweet treat on the menu – funnel cake fries! How good does that sound? Not exactly something you would have at a weekend barbecue, but definitely a summer sweet indulgence. Be sure to stop by and enjoy your favorite tastes of the summer season.

 

By: Alnissa Ruiz-Craig

If you’re anything like me, when preparing for a trip you make a meticulous list (and check it twice), making sure you packed the right clothes, shoes and TSA-approved amounts of your favorite moisturizers. And even after all that planning you still forget … something. If that “something” you forgot was your reading material for a long flight, long layover or the perfect vacation read – fear not.

Heritage Booksellers is located in the Domestic Terminal atrium right before you head over to the security lines. It’s conveniently located so you can quickly and easily grab your reading material and many other incidentals like snacks, magazines, ear buds and even neck pillows and blankets (if a nap is part of the plan).

My favorite part about shopping for books at Heritage Booksellers is their Read and Return program. When you purchase a new book, you have six months to return it to the store for a 50 percent refund! Cool, right? This means you can always swap out that compelling page-turner and purchase the next compelling page-turner for half the price. And don’t worry if you won’t be back to ATL in the near future; the program is available at dozens of Paradies Lagardère airport retail locations across the country. So you can buy that new book at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and return it to a location in Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) if you need to.

For a full list of locations, visit paradieslagadere.com

Right now, I’m catching up on a couple of Gillian Flynn novels (scary stuff!). Below are a few other titles that caught my eye. What are you reading at the moment?