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One of the most hotly-contested categories at the recent FAB Awards 2019 was for those food & beverage concepts best expressing the critical concept of Sense of Place. The regional winners combined the finest examples of regional F&B with striking design and cultural or sporting elements to create genuine landmark destinations.

Tastes on the Fly’s San Francisco Giants Clubhouse at San Francisco International Airport draws on the fame of the local baseball team, attracting sports fans with Giants memorabilia, a ballpark-inspired menu and a wrap-around digital wall showing live sports, news and movies.

“For inspiration, I combined the uniquely diverse culinary culture we embrace here in the San Francisco Bay Area with my love for baseball, beer and hot dogs,” said chef Charlie Ayers. We’ll drink to that.

Copenhagen Airport leveraged recent interest in the hygge phenomena – which has become a byword for heart-warming experiences and authentic lifestyles. That translates at the airport as a new Food Hall featuring an additional nine local hero brands, bringing the total to 20 born and raised in Denmark. The design aesthetic also reflects Danish traditions of natural materials and clean simplicity.

Auckland Airport’s Glamp Grounds won The FAB Innovation Award and was worthy of recognition for Sense of Place, too. It avoids stereotypes to instead focus on fun, play, relaxation – and good food – all based on a social camping experience.