American Express recently opened The Centurion Lounge at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). This marks the seventh Centurion Lounge location  in the nation. Located in Terminal D, The Centurion Lounge in IAH provides 8,500 square feet of space for Card Members to relax and recharge before flying.

The Centurion Lounge at IAH, located in Terminal D by gate D6, is open daily from 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM. Entry to The Centurion Lounges is complimentary for consumer, Business and Corporate Platinum and Centurion® Card Members, and their immediate family or up to two travel companions. Other American Express Credit and Charge Card Members may purchase a one-day pass at The Centurion Lounge for $50.

"With Houston's growing reputation as a global destination for business and leisure travel, and with international passenger numbers at George Bush Intercontinental Airport increasing at record levels, it’s necessary to provide the type of amenities that enhance the experience of discerning travelers, like those embodied by American Express Card Members,” said Mario Diaz, Director of Aviation, Houston Airport System. “The Centurion Lounge aligns perfectly with our efforts to meet that important goal and create a memorable travel experience for passengers at Bush Intercontinental, where they can enjoy the level of service they deserve and can access the nearly 200 destinations available via nonstop air service from Houston."

When Card Members step inside The Centurion Lounge, they are met with an array of amenities allowing them to fully enjoy their travel experience, including:

• A Houston-inspired menu of light but flavorful dishes created by nationally celebrated chef and recent James Beard Award winner, Chef Justin Yu of Houston
• A complimentary full bar and custom beverages from renowned Mixologist, Jim Meehan
• Wine selections handpicked by renowned wine authority, Anthony Giglio
• Custom art installation by local Houston artist Patrick Renner inspired by the city’s own public Trumpet Flower sculpture
• Essentials for business and leisure travelers alike, such as noise-buffering workspaces, plenty of power outlets, private phone areas, a family room, comfortable seating, a computer bar, tranquility areas and access to high-speed Wi-Fi

“Our Card Members travel across the country and around the world, and Houston is an important hub and a gateway to many international destinations,” said Janey Whiteside, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Global Charge Products and Benefits, American Express. “We’ve been steadily growing The Centurion Lounge Network in the places our Card Members travel most as we aim to make travel more seamless and enjoyable. For The Centurion Lounge in IAH, we wanted to create a memorable travel experience intrinsic to Houston’s culture with locally-inspired art, food and drink.”

To bring superb cuisine to American Express Card Members in Houston, American Express is partnering with Chef Justin Yu - a celebrated Houston chef and only the third chef in Houston to win “Best Chef Southwest” in the recent James Beard Foundation Awards. Yu, Houston native and Chef/Owner of the sought-after restaurant Oxheart in the Warehouse District, is bringing his unique locally-inspired but globally-influenced, seasonal and artistic menus to The Centurion Lounge in Houston. The menu is complemented by Houston-inspired cocktails crafted by celebrated mixologist Jim Meehan and wine selections by wine director Anthony Giglio.

“Growing up in a family that ran Cantonese restaurants, I learned to cook in an Asian style, but I also infuse a strong Southern influence in my food – it’s a quirky take on southern cooking,” said Yu. “I’m excited to reach more people with my cooking, bringing food that tastes great, and is also healthy and well-sourced, to a place where global travelers can enjoy.”

Yu’s custom menu will rotate regularly for variety and seasonality, and will include local Houston favorites such as griddled johnnycakes with strawberry and pink peppercorn jam, thickened cream, and honey along with braised chicken thighs in harissa with dried fruit, nuts, and avocado crema. Asian inspired dishes also include light mushroom broth with miso, green onions and kombu.

Breads and desserts, including black pepper panna cotta with vanilla poached stone fruits and cardamom and currant scones, will be provided by Oxheart’s pastry chef, and Chef Yu’s business partner, Karen Man.

The Centurion Lounge Network is part of The Lounge Collection- an exclusive benefit for American Express Centurion and Platinum Card Members with access to more than 900 lounges in 130 countries around the world. The Lounge Collection also includes access to International American Express lounges, Delta Sky Club®, Priority PassTM Select Lounges and Airspace Lounges. Card Members can find a lounge at The Lounge Collection website.