|
|
 |
| Interested in an aviation-related book? Find it at... |
|
|
|
|
SW Aviator Magazine
|
3909 Central NE
Albuquerque, NM 87108
Phone: 505.256.7031
Fax: 505.256.3172 |
| publisher@swaviator.com |
|
| The Galley |
| story and photos by Gerrit Paulsen |
We arrived at the Flagstaff, Arizona airport just as a typical midday summer monsoon cloudburst was threatening the field. Ducking into the terminal building mere seconds ahead of the deluge, we made our way to the Galley Deli & Catering Company for lunch.
The Galley is the newest addition to Flagstaff’s beautiful commercial airline terminal, serving passengers waiting for one of the frequent commuter flights to Phoenix, as well as transient pilots. Centrally located in the terminal between the check-in counters and the rental car desks, the Deli faces the airline departure lounge.
The Galley is aptly named; the restaurant is not much more than a wide spot in the terminal’s main corridor. There are four tables, a curved counter that seats another four hungry travelers, and a self-service drink and dessert bar next to the cash register. We plopped down at one of the tables, relieved to have escaped the downpour. Each table is uniquely decorated with flying memorabilia under the glass tabletops, making for an interesting time reading the table while waiting for your order.
In typical deli fashion, how and where to order was a bit of a guessing game. I’m still not quite sure of the correct protocol. Patrons sitting at the counter were presented with menus, while those of us who chose table seating alternated between ordering at the register off a big menu on the wall, and a version of table service by the friendly, but somewhat timid, young staff. Refills on drinks, and add-on orders such as dessert also required a trip up to the register.
There was no confusion over the quality of our lunch though — it was good. The lunch menu is mostly salads, hot and cold sandwiches, and burgers. I had a green chile cheeseburger with fries, while my traveling companion ordered the sliced turkey sandwich. The sandwich was tasty, and even better once a side of mayo was smeared onto the toasted sourdough. The accompanying potato salad looked and tasted homemade. Yummy. My lunch was also nicely prepared, with a big, tender Ortega chile and shredded jack cheese topping the burger, and a generous portion of fries on the side. For dessert, several prepackaged items are temptingly displayed next to the register. We opted for the airplane-shaped cookies baked on-premises, which were crisp, sweet, and tasty from spinner to tail.
We watched the rain continue to fall outside while enjoying our lunch. Though the Deli is on the “land-side” of the terminal, the parking ramp and runway are visible through the floor to ceiling windows that separate the passenger waiting area from the main terminal. As the rain poured off the roof and pooled up on the expansive aircraft parking ramp, three unfortunate, soggy America West Express employees scurried around, furiously tossing the last few bags into their Beech 1900. We were happy to be snug, dry, and well fed inside the restaurant.
A large part of the Galley’s business is aircraft catering. The Galley provides meals for the steady stream of corporate aircraft that populate the ramp at Wiseman Aviation, Flagstaff’s premiere FBO. If you are in a hurry, the Galley excels at takeout meals. Call ahead on Unicom 122.95 and place your order with Wiseman, or call the Galley at (520) 213-9331.
The Galley also caters events at the airport, making Flagstaff a great choice for your group’s next fly-in. Small groups are accommodated in a private room, separated from the Deli by glass walls. Larger groups can reserve space in the terminal’s second floor lounge overlooking the runway. This is a beautiful location, with a fireplace and wonderful views.
There are a few transient spots by the terminal building for fly-in dining customers. However, if you need fuel or other services, it is better to park at the FBO west of the terminal. Wiseman Aviation will provide you with prompt golf cart shuttle service to and from the restaurant.
The rain ended just as the last few bites disappeared off our plates. Lunch for two, including the cookie dessert, was just under $10, a very good value, especially in an airline terminal. The Galley Deli & Catering Company is open 5:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays, rain or shine.
|
| Click here to return to the beginning of this article. |
The material in this publication is for advisory information only and should not be relied upon for navigation, maintenance or flight techniques. SW Regional Publishing, Inc. and the staff neither assume any responsibilty for the accuracy of this publication's content nor any liability arising out of it. Fly safe.
|
|
|
|
