Currently San Diego International Airport (SDIA) does not have non-stop service to Asia (but we’re trying!) But, this doesn’t mean we don’t have Asia on our mind. In this two-part Ambassablog post, I will explore the many ways that the Airport Authority is connected to the Far East.
For anyone that knows me, all my good posts start with food! The Airport Authority’s Real Estate Management department has done a phenomenal job of bringing some great new cuisine choices to SDAI Chili’s, Brioche Doree and soon Jamba Juice. I have Bhavesh and Nyle in our Real Estate Management Department to thank for my “Authority 15″…(it’s like the Freshman 15, but much, much harder to get rid of.) But I digress … back to Asia!
In the lobby of Terminal 1 East, we are so excited to have celebrity chef Martin Yan’s first airport eatery: Yan 
Can Fresh Asian Bistro. The menu features a variety of traditional Asian dishes — spring rolls, orange and cashew chicken — plus, you get a fortune cookie! Yan Can staff reports the most popular dish, though, is Kung Pao Chicken. I have to agree, it is extra tasty. The best thing is that Yan Can is located pre-security, so anytime you want to take me to lunch, just 
let me know. LOL!!
But, the Airport Authority is interested in more than just filling you up with Chinese food — we also want you to step on to your aircraft … enriched. Our Airport Art Program has done an amazing job bringing new and innovative (and, most importantly, beautiful) art pieces to SDIA. Just adjacent to Yan Can you’ll see Winds of Change, an Asian-themed art piece done in traditional Chinese wood block style. The artist is a San Diego local, Mark Richmond. I was instantly drawn to this piece because of the bright colors and the feeling of movement. It visually portrays that excitement that I feel when I fly. What about you? Go check it out, because I’d like to hear what you like or don’t like about the piece. You can just let me know by clicking on the “comments” link below.
In part two of this post, we will go beyond the walls of the airport and explore the Airport Auhtority’s involvement in the San Diego region’s Asian community and our ongoing efforts to make the journey to Asia that much easier.
Until then, goodbye, or shall I say sayonara or paalom nap!
Filed under: Get to Know Your Airport, RYAN (Airport Planning Department)
[...] sure you’re dying to know what my favorite attitude adjustment is? Take me to lunch at Yan Can and I might tell you. [...]