Bobbie Van's Steakhouse, a New York City Area Steakhouse, opens a restaurant in Kennedy Airport, in Terminal 8, the American Airlines Terminal

Kennedy International Airport (JFK) - June 2009 -- Bobby Van's Steakhouse has recently opened a restaurant in the American Airlines Terminal (Terminal 8) at Kennedy Airport (JFK). Bobby Van's is a steakhouse that had its beginnings in Bridgehampton, NY, and has restaurants in New York City and Washington, D.C. The reviews for this restaurant so far have been positive. The staff will expedite your order if you let them know that your flight is leaving soon, however some people have mentioned the service can be somewhat slow, and suggest that you tell them your plane is leaving a little earlier to allow yourself time to enjoy your meal. The restaurant has 140 seats, TV's that display flight information, and a full menu, including wine, beer and cocktails. It sounds like it is worth a stop if you are looking for some decent food before your flight. Bobby Van's Steakhouse joins Drink Martini Bar, O'Neals, New York Sports Bar, Soho Bistro and Vino Volo Wine Room in Terminal 8*.

You can learn more about Bobby Van's Steakhouse on their website, although they do not have information posted about the Kennedy Airport location.

*Concession information from JFK website, June 26, 2009.

USA Today article highlights reader's favorite airport restaurants, bars and stores.

June 2009 -- USA Today has published the results of a survey given to frequent travelers on their favorite airport places, such as their favorite airport restaurant, bar or store. The article contains useful information for those traveling through these airports or people faced with an unexpected layover or flight delay.  Their results include some of our airport favorites as well, and some places we have mentioned in prior posts, such as the Yadkin Valley Wine Bar at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Cibo Bistro and Wine Bar in Philadelphia International Airport, and Legal Sea Foods at Boston's Logan Airport. The recommendations are easily viewable in a chart provided within the article. There is also some mention of airport hotels in the article, and some useful comments from readers.

Read the full article at USA Today.
Also, check out our full article on Airport Wine Bars.

Cleveland's "Home of the Overstuffed Sandwich", Panini's Bar and Grill, and Great Lakes Brewing Company Restaurant and Bar are opening soon in Cleveland Hopkins International Airport on Concourse C

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) (June 1, 2009) -- Panini's Bar & Grill, known for it's sandwiches piled high with french fries and coleslaw (sounds a lot like Primanti Brothers in Pittsburgh) will have a restaurant opening soon on Concourse C at Hopkins International Airport. Panini's Bar & Grill is known for its overstuffed sandwich and pizza, and also serves a full menu with appetizers, salads, wraps and other sandwiches.

Great Lakes Brewing Company, which was Ohio's first microbrewery, will have its locally brewed beers on tap at this full service restaurant and bar, which will also serve breakfast. The menu will also include appetizers, pub favorites, sandwiches and dinner selections.

Check out the Panini's Bar and Grill web site for more information about their establishments.
Check out the Great  Lakes Brewing Company web site for more information about their establishment and their beer.

U.S. Border Crossing Requirements Are Changing - Get Compliant by June 1, 2009!

(the following is from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection web site. For full information about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) visit GetYouHome.gov and for full Border crossing information as well as border crossing wait times visit eXpectdelaYs.com )

Simplify your travel checklist!

On June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens returning home from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda, by land or sea, will be required to present one of the travel documents listed below.

Many of these documents are already available, and obtaining one now will ensure that you are ready on June 1, 2009, when they will be required.

U.S. Passport – This is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies a person’s identity and nationality. It is accepted for travel by air, land and sea.

U.S. Passport Card – This is a new, limited-use travel document that fits in your wallet and costs less than a U.S. Passport. It is only valid for travel by land and sea.

Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) – Several states and Canadian provinces/territories are issuing this driver’s license or identification document that denotes identity and citizenship. It is specifically designed for cross-border travel into the U.S. by land or sea.

Trusted Traveler Program Cards – NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST enrollment cards can speed your entry into the U.S. and are issued only to pre-approved, low-risk travelers. The cards are valid for use at land or sea; the NEXUS card can be used in airports with a NEXUS kiosk. (Remember, these documents work ONLY at specific borders -- they will NOT be adequate documentation for U.S. entry at all borders - Gus)

Special Groups – Information for Parents and Children, Native Americans and Boaters.

Knowing what documents are required and having them ready when you return home will help streamline the entry process and ensure your return to the U.S. is as smooth as possible.

Gus says: "Remember, if you treat all border crossings the same, and always bring the same documentation when you are traveling by car or foot as you would if you were traveling by plane, you should have a trouble-free travel experience."