No one would think of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) as a dining destination. And thanks to the TSA, it's not an option anyway – without a ticket and several dozen pieces of federally mandated ID, there's no way to get past the ticket counters. But for those actually booked on a flight, travel-focused concession company HMSHost has opened several new culinary outposts just in time for the busy travel season kicking off this week. Before you depart California, you can get a taste of LA at Baja Fresh Mexican Grill in Terminal 7, at On the Border Mexican Grill in Terminal 4 and at the La Brea Bakery in Terminals 1, 2 and 7. A branch of Gladstone's Malibu is slated to appear in Terminal 3 in December. It's not exactly Nobu-at-the-airport, but, as Debbie Bowers, Los Angeles World Airports deputy executive director for commercial development, put it, "We expect travelers will find much to tantalize the palate."
– Merrill Shindler