American Express this week reopened its new Centurion Lounge at New York’s LaGuardia Airport.
The relocated Lounge is now double its previous size and located in the newly opened Terminal B, conveniently located after travellers pass through security screening.
The facility features a study space designed in partnership with New York City independent bookstore McNally Jackson, custom design elements from New York-based designers, a menu curated by Wayan’s Cédric Vongerichten, locally inspired beverages, and more.
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“With the reopening and expansion of our Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport, we are looking forward to having this lounge join the rest of our Centurion Network and provide eligible Card Members even more places to relax and unwind during their travels,” said Pablo Rivero, Vice President, Loyalty Travel Experiences & Benefits.
Inspired by New York City, The Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport will spotlight unique amenities including:
International Cuisine and Locally Sourced Beverages
New York City chef Cédric Vongerichten will continue as the Executive Chef of the Lounge. Chef Vongerichten’s dishes are influenced by his celebrated modern Indonesian restaurant, Wayan, in New York City’s Nolita neighbourhood and the vibrant culture of New York City.
The menu will include signature Centurion Lounge favourites, such as Crispy French Toast with market strawberry jam and Fried Chicken with honey lemongrass glaze, and new dishes, including a refreshing Heirloom Tomato Salad with cilantro pesto and chilli-lime vinaigrette, and Soup Jamur, an aromatic mushroom soup, with shiitake and oyster mushrooms, makrut lime and Thai basil. Additionally, Chef Vongerichten will introduce several vegetarian and vegan options for the summer, such as Roasted Cauliflower served with red curry sauce, coconut and sunflower seeds and Eggplant Balado with chilli tomato sauce, to provide a healthier variety for travellers.
Eligible Card Members will be able to enjoy a wide variety of locally sourced beverages, such as coffee from Brooklyn Roasting. Mixologist Jim Meehan developed the main bar menu1, which will include alcohol-free mixed drinks and original cocktails such as the Lower East Cider and Grand Central Express. Centurion Lounge wine director Anthony Giglio selected wines from around the world, including two New York state wines, Wolffer Estate Cabernet Franc from Long Island and Silver Thread Riesling from The Finger Lakes. Locally sourced beer from breweries such as Coney Island Brewery and Captain Lawrence Brewing Co will also be available to enjoy in the Lounge.
Study Space
To continue its longstanding support for small businesses, American Express has partnered with a New York City independent bookstore, McNally Jackson, to design a unique study space. The Lounge’s collection of New York City-inspired books was curated by McNally Jackson Books to deliver a library-esque ambience so that eligible Card Members can relax before their flight.
The new Lounge will feature custom design elements from New York City-based designers such as bespoke lighting by Brooklyn-based Roll & Hill. The design elements will also be reflective of the city’s playful culture, such as arched shapes in the dining area referencing downtown architecture and local bridges, phone rooms with vibrant artistic murals and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Looking Ahead
This location is the brand’s second outpost in New York City, joining the Centurion Lounge at John F. Kennedy Airport which opened last autumn.
American Express is working towards opening locations in London’s Heathrow Airport and Washington, DC’s Reagan National Airport and expanding its Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and San Francisco International Airport locations.
Lounge access is just one of the many ways American Express supports Card Members’ journeys as they return to travel, with additional offerings available for Platinum Card and Centurion Members through American Express Travel, including access to the Fine Hotels + Resorts program, The Hotel Collection, International Airline Program, The Global Dining Collection, and more.
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