Airport Food: Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless

I don't think I've ever met a person who enjoys spending time at the airport. Between the early arrival times, security hassles, airline delays and annoying procedures, there isn't really any reason to look forward to a trip to the airport (aside from the final destination, of course). In an effort to change this universal feeling of dread when it comes to airports, I am starting an Airport Food series, where I highlight certain restaurant and bars that make the time spent in an airport that much easier. First up: Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless!

The Vibe

Having visited another one of Rick Bayless's establishments (XOCO in the River North neighborhood of Chicago), I knew to expect great things from the airport version of his popular restaurant Frontera Grill. The location in Terminal 1 of Chicago's O'Hare Internstional Airport is not huge but has enough seating for a few dozen people as well as about 4 spots at the bar. Customers can order the traditional Mexican sandwiches to go or can dine in at one of the limited tables. If dining in, simply get in line, order your meal, and then find a seat. If seats are open at the bar, customers can opt to order and pay there instead, which is what I did since I was traveling alone.

The Food & Drink

Tortas Frontera is a Mexican restaurant featuring traditional Mexican sandwiches as well as soups, salads, and classic sides like chips and guacamole. I started off with chips and guac, and enjoyed the small cup stuffed with avocado, onions, cilantro and a hint of lime. For my lunch, I ordered the garlic and shrimp torts, which came loaded with shrimp covered in a garlic mojo sauce with goat cheese, black beans, and arugula. It was absolutely delicious, and definitely some of the best airport food I have ever tasted! The earthiness of the arugula paired perfectly with the creamy goat cheese and the slight smokiness of the garlic mojo sauce. Add to that the bread of my sandwich, which was toasted perfectly with a crunch on the outside and a super soft middle, and you have an amazing taste of Mexico before you ever leave the ground.

To wash everything down, and to help me get over the fact that my flight was over 2 hours delayed, I washed everything down with a couple classic margaritas on the rocks. My meal left me full, satisfied, and slightly buzzed.