Skip to main content

Alaska Airlines launches new first class dining experience

Alaska Airlines cuisine
Alaska Airlines / Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines is keeping the pedal to the floor with its culinary offerings, with the debut of Chef’s (tray) Table, a First Class dining program curated by top chefs along the West Coast. The program launches with a menu created by Chef Brady Ishiwata Williams, a James Beard Award winner and owner of Seattle’s heralded Tomo restaurant. 

Chef’s (tray) Table builds on the airline’s boundary-pushing in-flight meal service, including its recent partnership with San Francisco Chef Brandon Jew. Chef Jew will also be a part of the Chef’s (tray) Table program. Each meal brings the West Coast’s flavorful, artistic culinary creations to 35,000 feet. 

Recommended Videos

More details on Chef Brady’s menu

Chef Brady Ishiwata Williams said: “Every dish and ingredient carries a story, and I’m incredibly proud to partner with an airline that champions local business owners like me to bring elevated and culturally rooted cuisine to the skies. This collaboration has shown me how deeply Alaska cares about every detail — from carefully selecting its partners to food sourcing — and how committed they are to transforming your tray table into the chef’s table. These are dishes I make in the kitchen, and thanks to Alaska, I now get to share them with guests in the sky.”

First Class passengers can enjoy the debut menu starting June 5, and preordering is available now. It will be available on flights between Seattle and John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and Ronald Reagan International Airport.

The menu consists of the following (via Alaska Airlines):

Route: SEA to EWR/JFK; EWR/JFK to SEA; SEA to DCA; DCA to SEA

Departures 5-9:59 a.m.

Breakfast: Mochi Waffle & Fried Chicken: rice flour bubble waffle topped with crispy tempura fried chicken. Served with an apple miso butter and a tamari-maple syrup.

Routes: SEA to DCA/EWR/JFK

Departures 10 a.m. – 11:59 p.m.

Dinner: Klingemann Farms Glazed Short Rib: Klingemann Farms Short Rib, from Central Washington, glazed with a balanced serrano jaew sauce. Complemented with soy and Shaoxing Wine stir-fried rice cakes, spinach, & hon-shimeji mushrooms and steamed baby bok choy. Served with tangy pickles and radishes.

Route: DCA/EWR/JFK to SEA

Departures 10 a.m. – 10:59 p.m.

Dinner: Buckwheat Soba with Ahi-tuna Tataki: buckwheat soba noodles in a cold ponzu broth, served chilled and topped with edamame, scallions, pickled seaweed, tofu, cucumber and shiso leaf. Seared ahi-tuna tataki served on the side with a spicy chili crisp.

Todd Traynor-Corey, Vice President of Guest Experience, Alaska Airlines, said: “Chef Williams and Chef Jew work tirelessly at their craft and remain deeply rooted in their communities, no matter how successful they become. They embody Alaska’s values of giving back, creating thoughtfully curated meals with high-quality ingredients and providing memorable guest experiences — making this a perfect partnership.”

Mark Reif
Mark Reif has a passion for the outdoors and travel, and telling the stories of his experiences. He’s a lifelong…
Tired of airline passengers standing too soon? Türkiye’s new rule cracks down
Turkish Airlines airplane

Airplane landings are a hectic time, when the pilot focuses on a smooth touchdown, and passengers must remain fastened in their seatbelts. Even after the wheels meet the tarmac, the seatbelt sign can stay illuminated, ensuring everyone’s safety before arriving at the gate.

Even then, some travelers still unbuckle and stand up before the seatbelt sign is off, inconveniencing the crew who must repeat their safety announcements. To address the issue, commercial airlines landing in Türkiye must document and report rule breakers to the Turkish Directorate of Civil Aviation, which may issue a fine up to $70. 

Read more
JetBlue and United join forces to enhance the customer experience
JetBlue United Blue Sky

JetBlue and United have announced a new collaboration, Blue Sky, that helps passengers on both airlines find flights and offers more chances to earn and redeem MileagePlus miles and TrueBlue points on both carriers. Benefits of each loyalty program—such as priority boarding, same-day standby or switch, and free access to preferred and extra-legroom seats—will be available on either airline.

Blue Sky provides more choice and value

Read more
This airline is bringing tequila to the skies
American Airlines tequila

American Airlines will soon offer tequila at 35,000 feet, in response to passenger requests. From June 1, the sweet, fruity alcoholic beverage will be available on select flights for eligible customers. The airline chose premium brand Socorro Tequila, based in Dallas-Fort Worth and known for its clean, additive-free profile. 

American introduces tequila and new premium snacks

Read more