American Airlines has partnered with the renowned James Beard Foundation to deliver an unparalleled culinary journey for its premium customers.
This exclusive collaboration elevates the onboard dining experience, reflecting American’s ongoing investment in upgrading its Flagship First and Business offerings. By working with the James Beard Foundation, American introduces passengers to celebrated chefs committed to exceptional taste, culinary diversity, and sustainable gastronomy.
According to Janelle Anderson, Vice President of Marketing at American Airlines, “Collaborating with the James Beard Foundation allows us to offer distinguished, innovative cuisine to our guests. We’re proud to feature a lineup of acclaimed chefs known for their creativity, inclusivity, and commitment to responsible sourcing.”
Chef Sarah Grueneberg, a Top Chef finalist and James Beard Award winner from Chicago’s Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio, leads the culinary charge. Her signature dishes are now available in Flagship First Dining and Lounges, with menus rolled out across select transatlantic, South American, and flagship coast-to-coast routes. Premium passengers can pre-select their gourmet meals via the official American Airlines site from 30 days up to 24 hours before departure.
Chef Grueneberg’s curated menu for American includes standout appetizers, artisanal pasta entrées, and decadent desserts in Flagship First Dining, a vibrant salad option in the Flagship Lounge, and a specialty pasta offering in the air.
Flagship First Dining: Chef-Driven Menus in the Sky
- Roman-Style Grilled Artichokes: adorned with black truffle, creamy fontina sauce, and a touch of fresh lemon zest
- Hearty Mushroom Bolognese: fusilli tossed with cremini and porcini mushrooms, peas, carrots, and Parmigiano Reggiano
- Decadent Chocolate Budino: layered with candied orange, mandarin-infused olive oil, feuilletine crunch, and whipped cream
Flagship Lounge: Fresh, Seasonal Salads by Chef Grueneberg
- Tuscan Kale & Beet Salad: crisp apples, tangy goat cheese, spiced sesame, a medley of sunflower and pumpkin seeds, finished with creamy tahini dressing
Flagship First & Business: Signature Pasta Dishes on Key International and Transcontinental Routes
- Artichoke Ravioli: served with a blistered cherry tomato sauce and a vibrant green olive-pistachio pesto
- Spinach & Ricotta Rotolo: rolled pasta with pomodoro sauce, basil pesto, and toasted pine nuts
About Chef Sarah Grueneberg & the James Beard Foundation Partnership
“Bringing a taste of Monteverde to Flagship guests is a privilege, and I am grateful to be the inaugural chef for this groundbreaking James Beard Foundation and American Airlines collaboration,” shares Chef Grueneberg. “Our creations highlight the essence of Italian culinary tradition—simplicity, bold flavors, and premium ingredients—to create memorable moments for travelers.”
Chef Grueneberg earned the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef: Great Lakes Award in 2017 for her work at Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio, a Chicago destination that consistently ranks among the nation’s most acclaimed eateries. Monteverde has been featured by Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, and Eater for its distinctive approach to Italian cuisine. Chef Grueneberg exemplifies the Foundation’s Good Food For Good™ ethos, advocating for a more ethical and sustainable food landscape through leadership and education.
Kris Moon, President and COO of the James Beard Foundation, remarks, “Our exclusive partnership with American Airlines advances our mission to champion sustainability and culinary excellence. Today’s travelers are seeking brands that prioritize positive impact, and together, we’re bringing that vision to new heights.”
Throughout 2025, American Airlines continues to support the Foundation’s flagship initiatives, including the Taste America pop-up series in major U.S. cities, the annual James Beard Awards in Chicago, and special events at the historic James Beard House in New York. This collaboration, developed alongside Intersport, reflects the shared values of both organizations and their commitment to exceptional guest experiences.
American Airlines remains dedicated to raising the bar for luxury travel, complementing its James Beard Foundation alliance with partnerships like Casper, Bang & Olufsen, and exclusive Five Star Service offerings including The Private Suite and BLADE private helicopter transfers.