eXpect delaYs Travel Delay Blog - Chicago Airports

Food Delivered To You At Chicago O'Hare Airport

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 13:28:05 -0500

New Service at O'Hare Delivers Food Right To Your Gate

(From http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs035/1102463494613/archive/1108669805502.html)

Getting a bite to eat at Chicago O'Hare International Airport before your flight just got a little easier, thanks to a new smartphone app, B4 YOU BOARD. The app, created and offered by HMSHost, can be downloaded for free by travelers to give them the option of having a hot, fresh meal delivered directly to them at their gate. They also have the option to order in advance for pickup at select locations throughout the airport. B4 YOU BOARD staff are easy to spot at the airport, wearing bright yellow chefs hats and aprons.

B4 YOU BOARD staff process a food order at Tuscany Cafe in Terminal 1 at O'Hare International Airport. Participating HMSHost restaurants at O'Hare offering B4 You BOARD service include Tuscany Café and Chili's Too! In Terminal 1; Blackhawks Restaurant & Bar in Terminal 2; and Wolfgang Puck Café and Chili's Too! in Terminal 3. The selection includes breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings, as well as appetizers and desserts.

B4 YOU BOARD is available from the Apple App Store and the Android Market. Delivery of the meal via HMSHost's B4 You Board associates is also free of charge.

B4 YOU BOARD is also available at JFK International Airport and followed by Minneapolis-St.Paul International Airport

Chicago Airport Green Taxi Program

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 14:30:59 -0500

Green Taxi Program Results in Cleaner Airport Trips

A Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) pilot program to encourage taxis to use compressed natural gas (CNG) instead of traditional gasoline has been a success, with 29 cabs using the fuel for more than 3,100 trips to O'Hare International Airport between August and November 2011.

The CDA Green Taxi Pilot Program, launched in August 2011, gives participating taxis preferential access to O'Hare terminals by allowing CNG taxis to use the short trip lanes that are typically used for wheelchair-accessible vehicles. This new process reduces wait times for taxis to pick up fares.

The program complements the City of Chicago's Green Taxi Incremental Cost Allowance Program ("Green Taxi Program") launched in April 2011 by the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) and the Department of Environment (DOE). The Green Taxi Program uses $1 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding to reimburse a portion of the cost of certain hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles purchased in 2011.

Ford Transit Connect CNG Taxi

The CNG taxis have traditional car engines that have been converted to run 100 percent on CNG. Through the City's Green Taxi Program, CNG-powered taxi cabs can be reimbursed for the incremental cost to convert, typically between $9,000 and $14,000, or the cost for the conversion of a gasoline-powered taxi cab to run on 100 percent CNG. Popular CNG taxi models include the Chevy Impala and Ford Transit Connect.

The CDA's program supports the City's goal to achieve the greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals outlined in the Chicago Climate Action Plan. Purchasing CNG instead of gasoline or diesel fuel also reduces dependence on foreign oil, generally costs at least 15 percent less, has a more stable price, requires fewer oil changes, and is less toxic.

Both the CDA's program and the Green Taxi Program involve educating taxi drivers about "EcoDriving Practices" to reduce emissions and save drivers up to $2,200 per year in fuel costs. EcoDriving signs and brochures are posted around the airport to provide insight on idling, weight, air conditioning use, cruise control, proper tire inflation and other topics.

CDA Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino recently announced that the CDA intends to issue a Request for Proposals in the next few weeks inviting developers to construct and operate a fueling station that will supply multiple alternative fuels such as CNG, biodiesel, ethanol, and electric vehicle charging to commercial and private vehicles at and around O'Hare. The alternative fueling station will be located near the intersection of Mannheim and Higgins Roads and will aid in fueling the increasing fleet of CNG taxi cabs.

Phil Stefani's Tuscany Cafe Open At Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:04:11 -0500

A new sit-down Italian restaurant comes to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Stefani's Tuscani Cafe opened in Terminal 1, concourse B and will serve travelers full service Italian cuisine, as well as breakfast, in either an elegant dining room or sidewalk cafe setting.

Full details about this new Chicago O'Hare airport restaurant are provided in the following press release issued by HMSHost on December 5, 2008: (See the full list of Chicago O'Hare Airport Terminal 1 Concourse B & C Restaurants and Bars)

O’HARE TRAVELERS WINE AND DINE AT STEFANI’S TUSCANY CAFÉ

CHICAGO – Phil Stefani’s line of Signature Restaurants has arrived at O’Hare International Airport with the opening of Stefani’s Tuscany Café in Terminal 1, Concourse B near Gate 18. O’Hare’s newest sit-down restaurant is a comfortable trattoria and bar serving northern Italian dining specialties including homemade pastas, gourmet pizzas and flavorful wines. “Stefani’s Tuscany Café offers our travelers a taste of Italy as well as a true Chicago dining experience,” said Aviation Commissioner Richard L. Rodriguez. “We are pleased to provide another Chicago tradition at O’Hare.”

From its roots on Taylor Street in the heart of Chicago's “Little Italy” neighborhood, to the many successful locations across the Chicago area, Stefani’s Tuscany Café has become the benchmark for high quality, full service Italian cuisine. HMSHost, a world leader in travel dining and shopping, brought the concept to the airport, with an emphasis on speed of service and convenience for travelers. Tuscany’s authentic Italian menu includes mouthwatering appetizers, hearty soups and salads, gourmet pizzas, homemade pastas, savory entrees and delicious desserts. The restaurant’s wide selection of wines and beverages are the perfect pair for any of the incredible dishes.

For passengers with early flights, Tuscany offers traditional breakfast options like omelets and French toast, and serves fresh Lavazza® coffee. “Phil Stefani is very excited to work with HMSHost and the Department of Aviation to bring Stefani's Tuscany Café to Chicago O'Hare International Airport. We look forward to serving Chicago travelers flying in and out of O’Hare,” said Steven Hartenstein, CEO and CFO, Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants.

The O’Hare Stefani’s Tuscany Café décor is based on the original restaurant on Taylor Street. The kitchen is open to an elegant dining room with warm mahogany wood. Wrought iron chandeliers and wall sconces, and terra-cotta floor tiles capture the look and feel of a trattoria in Italy’s Tuscany region. The restaurant’s sidewalk café, complete with umbrellas and flower planters, creates an experience similar to the hundreds of sidewalk cafes throughout Chicago in the summer months.

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Other Chicago O'Hare International Airport Terminal 1 Concourse B & C Airport Restaurants, Bars and Concessions

Stefani's joins other Terminal 1 (Both Concourse B & C) Chicago O'Hare airport restaurants, bars, fast-food places and concessions including: (Restaurant & Bar Descriptions are provided by the Chicago O'Hare International Airport Web Site and do not necessarily represent our personal opinions)

Berghoff Cafe - The Berghoff family operates one of the oldest restaurants in Chicago. This bar and carvery at O'Hare offers hand-carved sandwiches, salads, pizza, and their Berghoff label beer along with a full complement of beer, wine and liquor.

Billy Goat Tavern and Grill - "Cheezburger! Cheezburger! Cheezburger! No Pepsi; Coke. No fries; cheeps." This infamous line from the Saturday Night Live skit is said to be inspired from the Billy Goat Tavern. Aside from just cheeseburgers, the menu also includes rib-eye steak sandwiches, a breakfast menu with ham and cheese omelets, and other delicious entrees.

Budweiser Bar - If you're looking for a place to unwind, stop by the Budweiser Bar for their selection of beer, wine and liquor

Cafe Zoot - If you are in a hurry and would like a delicious oven baked sandwich, check out Zoots. They also feature quesadillas, ice cream, smoothies, Intelligentsia Fresh Roasted Coffees, and pastries. Great food and great service in a flash!

Chicago Style Hot Dogs

Chili's - Enjoy good food and a great atmosphere at Chili's where you can dine-in or carry-out your favorite meals. Chili's offers their Big Mouth Burgers, Guiltless Grill, and their famous Baby Back Ribs.

Cinnabon - Known for their great service, complementary samples, and warm atmosphere, treat yourself to Cinnabon's warm cinnamon roll, a Mochalatta Chill, or a fresh copy of Seattle's Best Coffee anytime.

Connie's Pizza

Corner Bakery - At the Corner Bakery, you'll find all sorts of delicious items, just like mom used to make. From generous-sized sandwiches, to hot soups, and delicious desserts, no one will leave hungry!

Eli's Cheesecake - Created in the kitchen of Eli's restaurant, where superstars like Frank Sinatra, Sean Connery, and Liza Minelli came to dine, Eli's cheesecake has become a Chicago tradition and one of the best-selling cheesecakes in America. You can buy one slice, or take home an entire cheesecake.

Flying Fare

Galileo's - Stop for a drink at Galileo's serving a fully array of beer, wine premium spirits and soft drinks.

Garrett Popcorn - Read more in the eXpect delaYs Blog story about Garrett Popcorn Shops.

Great American Bagel - Looking for a great place to grab a healthy breakfast for lunch? Try the Great American Bagel for delicious fare.

Jazz Bar - Come enjoy a comfortable atmosphere and a selection of beer, wine, and spirits at the Jazz Bar.

La Tapenade Mediterranean Cafe

Manchu Wok

McDonald's - This international hamburger chain is well known around the world for their affordable family fare of hamburgers, chicken, salads, and desserts.

Nuts on Clark

Quick Connection

Quizno's - Relax and enjoy delicious subs, salad, sandwiches, soft drinks and more! You can ask for a lunch or dinner to go and take it on your flight.

Reggio's Pizza - If you're looking for some great Chicago-style pizza, don't miss Reggio's!

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Salad Works - Voted "Best Greens at O'Hare International Airport" by Chicago Magazine. Looking for a light, healthy meal? The Salad Works has everything you want for a delicious experience.

Smoothie King

Starbuck's Coffee - Have a great day with one of Starbucks coffee creations - prepared just the way you like it! Starbucks also offers other items to eat, ready to go.

TCBY - Enjoy a frozen treat from The Country's Best Yogurt! The hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily. For more information call 773-686-8473.

The Grove - Looking for a snack? Come to The Grove for a wide selection of bulk candy, nuts and dried fruits.

Vosges Haut-Chocolat

Wings Bar

Wolfgang Puck - Critically acclaimed chef Wolfgang Puck brings fine dining to O'Hare International Airport. The eclectic interior design and savory dishes are a treat for the eyes and palette

Garrett Popcorn Shops Pops Into Chicago O'hare International Airport

nospam@example.com (Gus) — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 22:51:48 -0400

You can now get some famous Chicago popcorn at Garrett Popcorn Shops while you pass through Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

CHICAGO -- July 14, 2008 (O'Hare International airport (ORD)) – Garrett Popcorn Shops, a Chicago tradition since 1949, has opened one of two new locations at O’Hare International Airport in Terminal 3, near Gate H1. The shop is the first-ever airport location for the Chicago-based company. “Garrett’s popcorn adds a classic taste of Chicago to O’Hare’s varied and unique food options,” said Aviation Commissioner Richard L. Rodriguez. “We are pleased to offer travelers this extremely popular, longtime favorite of Chicagoans and tourists alike.”

Since Garrett Popcorn Shops opened its doors in Chicago more than 50 years ago, it has become “A Chicago Tradition” and favorite around the world. The shop's popcorn selections include Plain, Buttery, CaramelCrisp®, Macadamia CaramelCrisp® or CheeseCorn™. Garrett Popcorn boasts hot-air popped (without oils or fat) premiumquality popcorn, freshly-made all day long. Travelers will be able to purchase popcorn in convenient bags or one- and two-gallon keepsake tins featuring Garrett Popcorn Shops’ signature-stripes, Chicago sports teams, the Chicago skyline, and seasonal holiday designs.

“For years we've been contacted by wishful visitors passing through O'Hare Airport with no time to venture into the city for their CaramelCrisp or CheeseCorn craving,” says Scott Schroeder, Garrett Popcorn Shops' Chief Financial Officer. “Now travelers from around the world will be able to experience this internationally recognized Chicago tradition, popped fresh on the spot.”

A second Garrett Popcorn Shops location will open next month at O’Hare in Terminal 1, between Gates B9 and B10.

The Department of Aviation provides an array of well-known local food choices at its airports so that travelers experience a bit of Chicago’s famous fare. The Berghoff Café, Billy Goat Tavern & Grill, Goose Island Brewery, BJ’s Market and Bakery, and Lou Mitchell’s Express are just a few of the many locally owned food and beverage concessions at O’Hare.

The shops and restaurants at Midway International Airport’s “Midway Boulevard” concessions triangle are all locally owned. The restaurants include Chicago favorites like Harry Caray’s, Manny’s Coffee Shop & Deli, Lalo’s Mexican Restaurant and Pegasus on the Fly.

Two Chicago O'Hare Locations:

O'Hare International Airport (Now Open)
American Airlines Terminal, #3 Concourse H
Chicago, IL 60666
O'Hare T3 Store Hours:
M-Sun: 6:00am - 10:00pm

O'Hare International Airport (Opening August 2008)
United Airlines Terminal, #1 Concourse C
Chicago, IL 60666
O'Hare T1 Store Hours:
M-Sun: 6:00am - 10:00pm