Would you believe our flight from Cville to Dulles was only TWENTY minutes?! From take off to landing. Fastest. Flight. Ever.
While yes, we probably could have driven to DC during the delay time, a few hours with free Wifi, bathrooms and coffee was much more pleasant. [Although breakfast with Emily would have been fun!]
Charlottesville’s final snack before our 10:30AM departure [4 hour delay!]
Upon arriving in Dulles we ventured from Concourse A to Concourse C to see if we could get on an earlier flight. Because we had checked bags we got a strict: “NO!” from a gruff attendant. Bummer.
The walk from A to C was quite long, involving a train in the process.
But I had done my research and knew the best dining options for lunch were in Concourse A + B.
So we walked back!
Great airport exercise – you can always count on at least a little swift walking when flying!
And let me tell you – this rolling bag is a LIFESAVER! I wouldn’t have agreed to all the walking if I’d had 20 pounds of equipment on my shoulder. So convenient – even as a coat holder!
We surveyed the dining options: bagel sandwiches, build-your-own sandwiches, pub food with local beer, build-your-own salad bar, Five Guys and settled on the main reason we’d gone all the way to Concourse B…
A pretty swanky restaurant for an airport!
I decided on the salad bowl (because I wanted a pile of romaine!) topped with pork (which I never order), salsa, black beans and a sprinkle of cheese. Chipotle’s pork might not be as fresh as a local Virginia farm, but what I have a read about the company makes me want to vote with my dollars for better meat choices than most alternative “fast food.”
This dangerous onion pit was combed through and partially enjoyed:
Matt had tacos, which I tasted and loved
We also shared a Coke Zero! I rarely drink soft drinks, but traveling is one time when I enjoy the treat (I consider them both sugary and artificially sugared, a treat, and not something to live on.)
After lunch we took the train from Concourse B to C and then walked the length of D before setting up camp again:
[We find floors sometimes more comfy than chairs with tons of luggage so you can spread out – plus outlets are priceless!]
How many Altoids does it take to get rid of Chipotle breath?!
Stacy @ Every Little Thing says
I have a friend that works for Chipotle and he says that everything corporate claims is true. They try to get all their meats from local farms and everything is top quality, hormone/antibiotic-free, grass-fed, etc. It’s a great company and one I don’t mind spending money on!
hippierunner says
Wow what a short flight! That guac looks good.
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
I saw on Twitter that you were going to be in the Denver airport for five hours. I was there for 12 last month and I was surprised by the number of restaurants they had! I’m cheap and went with Jamba Juice, but I’m sure you can find something good 🙂
Val @ Balancing Val says
I’ve never had chipotle even though I pass a ton of them in NYC.
Did you know they are one of the only “fast food” restaurants to use meats from humane raised and grass fed animals?
Cheers to them!
Maryann (The Balanced Bean) says
I used to hate Chipotle until I discovered the salad bowls! Love! beans, greans, and guac= best combo.
Cute pic of you and Matt on the bottom there! Who took it? or self timer? For some reason Im really curious about that, haha.
Lee says
Ha, I was going to ask the same thing about the picture!
Kath says
I have a remote control 🙂
Emily @ One Sweet Vegan says
I LOVE Chipotle! I always order their salad bowl, whenever I’m lucky enough to go there. My hubby won’t go near Chipotle or anything even closely resembling Mexican food. So sad.
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
I like the Dulles airport. My parents live in right outside of DC so we have been there quite a bit. Chipotle is a good choice! The only complaint I have about it is I don’t think they give you enough lettuce on the salads. Moe’s does a much better job at a big salad. I hope the rest of your trip goes well!
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
i had no idea c-ville was so close to DC! if i’m ever in the area,i’ll come visit your great harvest!
kailey @ caffienated nut says
wow thats really nice that your airport has a chipolte!! i love that place so much 🙂
Samantha says
Pretty sweater!
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine says
As far as fast food goes, Chipotle is definitely the best option on the market. It tastes fresh, the ingredients are basic and they really do make a great effort to use high-quality, organic meats. Safe travels to Montana!
Sana says
I guess you don’t like onions?
Kath says
Not at all!
jen @ taste life says
I have run into the same checked-bag-no-flight changes problem! Bummer!
Michele @ Healthy Cultivations says
Oh wow! Airport Chipotle… now that would be my favorite airport. Safe and happy travels!
Sarah @ See Sarah Graduate says
Definitely looks like a long day so far. Hope you guys make it out to Montana soon!
Caitlin says
I just drank a Coke Zero, ironically!
Camille says
Sweet airport food! Eating at airports is so hit or miss. I’m glad you found something decent!
Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] says
I never thought I’d see soda on KERF 😉
mmm, Chipotle – always a great choice!
Amy says
Oh no, did you have to take one of those crop dusters to Dulles? TERRIFYING!!!
Anna @ ciaotochow says
Altoids are my life (and breath) saver. I’ve only been to Chipotle once, but they have one right near my school, so I should probably check that out sooner rather than later (after all, you make it look so yummy!). I’m lovin’ your sweater, by the way. Pretty pretty!
Rachel @ Grateful Girl Goes Gluten Free says
Wow there were SO many options for a good meal at that airport! I’m impressed!
Allison @ Happy Tales says
You’re purple cableknit sweater is SO pretty!!! Where did you find it?!
And Chipotle is a major win, good for you! Love the options of building your own…
Cathy B. @ Bright Bakes says
I adore chipotle! although I can see it being a semi-dangerous spot if you don’t care for onions:) (which, thankfully, I don’t mind!) Safe travels!
love,
cathy b. @ brightbakes
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
i love chipotle…and their guac is AMAZING! but i gotta say, i love the onions in there. they are a fave in our house 😉
Balanced Healthy Life says
Looks like you guys made the best of your airport delay! That 20 minute flight sounds like my find of flight! : )
Heather says
Sounds like you have been busy in your travels!
Safe flight and hope you get to Montana sometime today.
Meagan says
These multiple airports are sure making the traveling confusing!
lindsay says
Love Chipotle! Do not love the breath it leaves me with 🙁
Kristy @ KristyRuns says
Chipotle is amazing. I heard it’s owned by McDonalds!! Did I hear that right?!?! Either way, it’s bueno. Safe travels!
Stephanie says
This post makes me want to travel. 20 min flight? Yes please!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
I had chipotle for lunch today too! I love what the company stands for. It really strives to give customers fresh and natural foods!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
I LOVE quick flights like that!! And they’re even better when you can find good eats at the airport. Safe travels!
Amanda (Eating Up) says
An infinite amount…probably the onions fault!
christina cadden says
Hope you make it safe!
Allison @ Can't Wait for Breakfast says
I love Chipotle! Their guacamole is the best! And those chips with a hint of lime and lots of salt are to die for! Safe travels!
Rach says
Outlets are definitely priceless when you are stuck in the airport for a long time!
Michelle MacFadyen says
Kathy, I love reading your recipes. I am always looking for recipes that incorporate some of the Great Harvest breads to use on a local TV morning show during the cooking segment. I couldn’t find any on your blog but not sure how to search efficiently for them if they are out there. Do you have any?
Thanks for your help.
Michelle in Lafayette, LA
Kara says
My husband always flies out of Dulles for business trips and he is STOKED to learn that there is a Chipotle there. I guess he never flies out of B? I feel like we always get stuck in D and I end up with overpriced sushi and candy 🙂
I bet you will sleep well when you get there after all that airport sitting!
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says
I love that you’re blogging from an airport. Makes me feel less strange that i blogged not only from the airport, but from the AIR, about 10 days ago. And earlier this week i blogged from the hair salon w/ foils in my hair. lol
Have a safe trip you two!
Lindsey@DishesNDiapers says
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Chipotle. They are all over my hometown, but we do not have any in our current city. It almost made me homesick reading your post. Glad you enjoyed it!
Carla says
Forget the food, I LOVE your purple sweater! Where did you get it?
Elizabeth @ The Sweet Life says
Chipotle is great–pretty fresh, decently priced, and fast. My good friend works for them in their corporate offices and says it’s a great place to work, too, which is an added endorsement. Hope you’re almost in Montana!
Erin @Shortcut to Bliss says
Who were you flying? I used to work for Jetblue and as long as your weren’t changing your final destination you could have changed flights. You would have just needed to pick your bags up when they arrived. Your airline sounds cranky ;o) Most are nowadays…
Kath says
United. They have made me cranky.
Amalfi Girl says
That all looks delicious! And you are wearing the pretty purple sweater again (love it)!
Kath says
Sweater is Banana and it is so cozy and warm!
Christin@purplebirdblog says
Chipotle is one of my favorites. Love everything about them!
Lissy says
Can’t believe you were right at Dulles…I live down the road!
Justeen @ Blissful Baking says
Mm I love chipotle burrito bowls! There is guac is delish too!
Sounds like you guys are having fun at the airport 🙂
Hannah says
Oh gosh, I remember how crazy-long Dulles airport was to walk! Actually so many airports are. You’re right, it’s a good way to get in some incidental exercise!
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Chipotle is my favorite! Wish we had one closer. Qdoba is identical to it, but that’s not close either. 🙁
Anna says
I ate at a Chipotle for the first time this last week and loved it! I love that the choices are good and you can pick and choose what you want to add. Their cilantro lime rice was wonderful 🙂
Alaina says
I do love chipotle, but love Boloco (BOston LOcal COmpany) more 🙂
lauri (RedHeadRecipes.com) says
We LOVE Chipotle!!! Every time we make it back to Cola we stop in for lunch!! I wish the airports we traveled through more yummy options! I’m pretty sure the Yucky Food I ate in the Miami Airport is what made me so sick!!
Jessie -- The Messie Kitchen says
Chipotle is the one “fast” food that I just simply ADORE!!!
Jasmine says
Actually many area Chipotle’s do get their pork from a Virginia Farm. Joel Salatin’s farm to be exact. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/25/AR2008032500813.html
Tanya @ Vegan Faith says
I love the new rolling briefcase and I absolutely love Chipotle! I’ve never seen it in an airport before!
Kate says
I’m not a huge authentic Mexican food fan but I do like Chipotle…funny considering it used to be owned by McD’s through ’06
Kath…your mention of Coke Zero as just a treat, etc…you should do a blog/tips on how to get off soda…esp with your backup as a RD.
People are shocked that I still drink soda b/c I’m fit/workout/run/eat healthy but I drink just 1 a day (at lunch), sometimes a 2nd if I go out to eat for dinner, etc. I know it’s bad & extra calories, etc but I’m addicted to the caffeine & the carbonation and I love popcorn & it goes great with that.
Help
Kath says
I’ve got a very big tough love attitude when it comes to soda.
Replace the bubbles with seltzer and the caffeine with tea and give that stuff up!
Kristi says
We were just in Dulles last week returning to Honduras….I sooooo wanted to eat Chipotle but couldn’t stomach it at 7:30am!!!