Lance G.
Yelp
This place is WORTH going through security screening a second time!
My flight started out of Redmond airport and then had a connection in PDX before I would fly out to Houston. I was researching the various food choices online to see what what I would have to choose from. I had never been to Flying Elephants before but came to conclusion that this would probably be my BEST option. The downside... I would have to go through security again since they are located in the general public area. *Arrrrgh!!!* I thought to myself--- but having good fuel for the tank is a top priority!
So I decided to give them a try, not only for something to eat while I was there in PDX, but to get a sandwich to eat later on for lunch (since you don't get meals on planes unless you pay for them... and we all know they're not that great either).
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
It seemed much smaller in person than in the photos. I think people did a good job of taking photos from all the best angles, but when I actually got there I though, "oh wow, it's small!" As you can see from the photos there are about two red counch/lounge areas to sit out. They were all full when I got there. HOWEVER, there is a LOT of seating almost right next to them, that's open to anyone and everyone.
FOOD CHOICES
I had two goals, first to find something for breakfast and then to find something to take with me on the plane. A few people took a photo of their sandwich area which is where you can choose from pre-made sandwiches. If you're just looking for a tasty sandwich I think you're have no problem. I had the more difficult challenge of trying to find an alkaline choice (pretty difficult normally, and VERY difficult at an airport). I noticed "Shelly's Vegan Wrap" and was THRILLED to see Kale, Broccoli, cabbage, etc. as the ingredients. I grabbed one to eat for lunch while on the plane. I took a photo of this as well so you can see what it was like.
I wanted to also try their breakfast burrito which they have two options for, vegan or meat (sausage I think?). I went for the vegan option which has beans and chilies in it. It also came with salsa (see photo).
*NOTE* All of their sandwiches were TSA approved and they had a nice sigh there saying so. I'm not sure if there any sandwiches that AREN'T approved, but as someone who hadn't flown in a while, it gave me full assurance that I wouldn't have to depart with my new found food treasure going through security.
TASTE EXPERIENCE
The breakfast burrito was quite good. What stood out to me most is the wrap itself. The texture and taste of that was quite remarkable. Although not a monster burrito in size (like something from Chipotle) I found it to be filling and didn't want to eat anything else. The salsa was nice but nothing remarkable. I like spicy foods but the salsa didn't taste spicy to me. As far as airport food goes, I thought this was a good value at around $5 (i believe?). I would eat it again, though it's not on the level of food experiences that I would eagerly anticipate the next time I'd get one.
After getting on the plane and about 3 hours later I pulled out "Shelly's Vegan Wrap" to try. My first thought, was "oh my, how am I going to eat this on a plane." It was wrapped really well so it didn't fall apart at all on me, but the contents are lots of little pieces that could fall out on you fairly easily. I just took my time eating this, and everything worked out fine. No messes, though again, the potential is definitely there if you're not careful.
Taste wise, this was actually remarkable!! The wrap itself was delicious, the dressing was subtle and did it's job very well (I don't normally like having dressing on food but this was great). The bits of grape and apple add some sweetness to this meal which went really well with the flavorful bites of kale, carrot, cabbage and broccoli. I was REALLY impressed with this sandwich for how well they balanced it being something healthy and yet very tasty. It took we a LONG while to eat both parts, and I was full after finishing them both. It was perfect, and still fresh even after being in my bag for about 3 hours.
ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS
I'm SO GLAD I decided to give this place a try, even though it meant having to go through security again. Next time I'm in PDX, this will be my go-to place and I'll stock up on meals to take with me.
I think I scanned the drink area and didn't see anything for me. I pretty much drink water (alkaline if possible) or pure vegetable juices (as in juiced). I believe they had Kamboucha and a few Snapple esque type products. My suggestion for improvement would be to have some water with a pH of 8 or above (I actually found some at another airport!) or coconut water. However, I totally get it if not enough people want that (yet) to warrant offering it.
THANK YOU to Flying Elephants for providing me w/ some TRUE healthful eating, you're earned my business and I'll be back!!