Introduction to the Partnership
Alaska Airlines, renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation in the aviation industry, is proud to announce a new culinary collaboration that brings Michelin-starred cuisine to the skies. Starting August 14, 2024, passengers traveling in first class on flights between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) will have the exclusive opportunity to enjoy a menu designed by Chef Brandon Jew, the celebrated head chef and owner of Mister Jiu’s in San Francisco.
Chef Brandon Jew’s Culinary Background
Chef Brandon Jew has earned acclaim not only for his culinary skills but also for his innovative approach to Chinese-American cuisine. Having maintained a Michelin star at Mister Jiu’s for seven consecutive years, Chef Jew brings his expertise and passion for Chinese gastronomy to Alaska Airlines’ first-class menu. His diverse training, which spans from Bologna, Italy to Shanghai, China, and throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, informs his unique culinary creations.
Details of the New First-Class Menu
The menu crafted by Chef Jew for Alaska Airlines reflects his Cantonese heritage and the vibrant food scene of San Francisco. The dishes selected are designed to offer passengers a luxurious and memorable dining experience while in flight. The menu includes:
- Breakfast: Brown rice congee with soy cured eggs and braised pork belly, accompanied by turnip cake, pickled cauliflower, hoisin, and hot chili sauce.
- Lunch/Dinner on SFO to JFK: Liberty Farms braised duck leg with sesame egg noodles and gai lan, complemented by wood ear mushrooms, tofu skin, and cucumbers.
- Lunch/Dinner on JFK to SFO: Roasted black cod topped with ginger-scallion sauce and silken tofu in mapo sauce, served on a bed of quinoa and farro blend with roasted shiitake mushrooms.
These selections will be available for pre-order by first-class passengers, ensuring personalized service and an enhanced dining experience.
Commitment to Community and Sustainability
Aligned with Alaska Airlines’ dedication to community support and environmental sustainability, this partnership also includes a philanthropic component. Alaska Airlines is contributing $5,000 to Gum Moon Women’s Residence, a San Francisco-based non-profit organization focused on supporting women and children in transition. This initiative is part of a broader commitment by both Alaska Airlines and Chef Jew to give back to the community and foster sustainable practices.
Future Directions
Alaska Airlines continues to explore innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and reduce environmental impact. The collaboration with Chef Jew is expected to set new standards for in-flight dining and demonstrate Alaska Airlines’ commitment to excellence in all aspects of its service. Seasonal rotations of the menu, featuring fresh, high-quality ingredients, are planned to keep the dining experience exciting and reflective of both the seasonal availability of produce and evolving culinary trends.