Philadelphia International Airport Lands American Express’s Prestigious Centurion Lounge

Story, photos by Sharon Kozden

“To the great city of Philadelphia, I am so grateful to bring this back home to you.” – Chef Michael Solomonov, on being named best chef in the country at the James Beard Foundation Awards in Chicago, 2017. AMEX’s Centurion Lounge tapped Mike as its menu man.

The City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection was recently honored in becoming one of only nine airports in the world to offer travelers a uniquely unique and unforgettable way to hang before, between or after flights. On October 19th (prior to an official October 31st opening), media were invited to preview American Express’s Centurion Lounge and to witness what was in store exclusively for AMEX platinum card-holders or Centurion members. Additionally, members’ immediate family and plus-two guests also are welcome. The representing media folks even graciously sent a fancy ride to my home to fetch then later return me.

Holiday and year-round travelers, listen up: you want showers and cozily secluded seating pods? You got ’em. Bet you didn’t realize how much you cared to whiff scents that have nothing to do with perfume or cologne. Aromatherapy in an airport lounge? Brilliant. A wall of scents with placard descriptors is available for deep inhalation and aromatic education. Relax. Be mindful in the moment. Calm those pre-flight jitters or post-flight-with-screeching-infant stressor. With the push of a button, indulge in Centurion’s signature scent, Modern Prestige, whose notes are a blend of Leather, Pink Peppercorns, Lavender, Bergamot and Vetiver. I also never knew how desperately I needed an Infinity Room (or even what one is) until I entered the Centurion Lounge’s curious, playful and magnificently mysterious alcove. Surrounded by a three-dimensional rendering of buildings, skyline, mirrors and twinkling lights of the city I call home, I felt like Alice in Wonderland. This spacious lounge is, quite simply, a feast for the senses.

Located at Terminal A-West (near Gate A14), The Centurion’s expansive bar offers standard drinks along with area-themed specialty cocktails such as Liberty Bell Ringer, Pennsylvania Dutch and Schuylkill Express. Whoa: if that drink is anything like the oft- referred Sure-kill Express, I’d go easy on this bad boy.

Let’s talk eats! A rabid foodie and Philadelphia suburban dweller, I was both proud and thrilled to learn AMEX tagged Philadelphia’s own super-talented Michael Solomonov in which to showcase his Israeli-themed menu. Co-owner of restaurants Zahav and Federal Donuts and a four-time James Beard award-winning chef, Solomonov was present during the media preview. See post-article photos for his Israeli-inspired menu’s salivation-inducing foodstuffs.

PHL has certainly acquired a new level of prestige and cache with the addition of this progressive, modern and eclectic lounge. Thankfully, I was there to cover the event without a flight to catch. Something tells me my experience at the lounge would’ve cost me a flight or engaged me to the point of a last-minute mad dash to board one.

Ultra-modern décor with all manner of blended textures creates a pleasing and relaxing atmosphere.

Long view of the scene populated by invited media.

“In Royale we trust.” This deejay spun tunes that matched the lounge’s vibe–super chill yet with a gotta-move tempo.

The massive and impressive bar with mixologists who certainly know their craft.

White and red wines proffered to those preferring more status quo over specialty concoctions.

Select creations described in the cocktail menu’s detail.

Fabulously crafted drinks lined like super models on the catwalk. Take a bow!

Belly up to the bar for one of these beauties.

Specialty cocktails aplenty!

Such intense coloring and mouth-watering presentation.

The hors d’oeuvres and light bites hit the right visual and taste notes. No licking your computer screen!

Presentation. Presentation. Presentation. And don’t get me started on the sublime taste combo in this delicacy.

Super-mod, bright and comfy arrangement! And yes, it’s Philadelphia’s own “Fresh Prince” hanging out on the wall.

I so could have a nice lie-in on this wavy-gravy sectional. Note the interactive scent display behind the snaking L-shaped sofa.

Cozy up to this! I’m loving the color combo. Lime-green accent works better here than on a leisure suit.

Enter if you dare. But seriously, there’s nothing here to fear. Sorry for the upcoming spoiler snaps!

A clean (and wikid-cool) well-lighted place.

What? I have to leave this place for a flight to Bermuda? Forget that. I’m having too much fun within the Infinity Room.

Pre-flight nerves? Forget the Xanax. Press and sniff for a dose of aromatherapy.

Well: that’s unlike anything I’ve ever read before. A wonderful and almost poetic explication of the Centurion’s signature scent. Leave it to AMEX to come up with such a concept.

I was so enchanted by this wonder wall, I snapped each scent comprising the end result that is Modern Prestige.

Yip: I did do have to look this one up (read: Google it).

No having to look up this scent, as it’s my go-to one for luxurious baths. Who isn’t aware of lavender’s calming properties?

Apropos of a sudden unrelated thought, my first novel’s protagonist is going to be named Pink Peppercorn, and she will be fresh, cool and spicy, indeed.

Bergamot balls! It’s juggle time. They remind me of Lush’s bath bombs.

The man who requires no introduction ’round these parts and even outside of ’em. Congratulations, Michael. You’re having quite the banner year.

When the chosen representing chef for the American Express Centurion Lounge speaks, we media attendees and all present listen.

A far cry from your typical airport lounge fare, nothing against those pre-wrapped salad with wilted lettuce. Ha.

Gorgeous and delectable. I feel an American Express membership in the offing.

Hummus swirl. Food-porn heaven. Can I just face-dip this?

Okay: I retract the hummus face-dip wish. Hummus demands a bed of something crispy and crunchy. Exceptional bedding here.

More Solomonov artful creativity–Israeli Salad with feta. Visual feast and gustatory temptation.

Sharon Kozden giving chef Solomonov pointers. Take-out queen that I am, I’d rather he give me pointers.

When not engaged with others or snapping the goings on, I ate heartily and paged through Mike and Steven’s book.

Luggage lands in LA (Louisiana) rather than at LAX?  Nada problem with clever luggage-tracking device.

Parting gifts included personally inscribed luggage finder.