Choke Coach to launch Flying Artichoke restaurant at Salinas Airport.

For most of the year, with the exception of the jaw-dropping California International Airshow Salinas, the Salinas Airport goes overlooked.

Now a different sort of craft, besides stunt planes, will give it new flavor: a food truck.

The expected soft open date for the new Flying Artichoke, a spinoff of The Choke Coach, is Tuesday, Jan. 17, with the grand opening a month or so later. 

Most of the menu, as with the food truck, is straightforward and artichoke-centric.

The deep fried artichoke headlines, followed by a fried artichoke po boy, steamed and grilled treatments, with salads and soups, a few tacos and a burger.

Speaking of, the hamburger will get a major upgrade from Flying Artichoke Chef Shawn Samaniego, who reunites with the Saguil family behind the Choke Coach after working with Jonathan Saguil at two Ramada Inns in Central Coast area. 

Over at the airport, they're working on the new floor, fresh paint and new menu while installing TVs.

The restaurant, which enjoys a full bar, will be open 8am-3pm daily to start, and will also be available for special functions.

Pop-up dinners featuring things like prime rib for a modest $25 are also in the works. 

And hey, while we're at the Salinas Airport and tastebuds prepare for liftoff, let's take a look at stunt master Sean D. Tucker, who calls the valley's skies home.