Photo: Bob King
A frozen treat with Bailey’s, Kahlua and Vodka – served in a cold fudge-coated cup with chocolate shavings. Ballpark food? It is now! It’s the Mud Slide, one of the new food and beverage offerings being served at Target Field during the coming (it’s almost here) season. Served at the Town Ball Tavern and the Delta Sky 360 Club. Price: $17.00
This afternoon (March 24), Baseball Roundtable again took part in what is now a rite of spring for me – the Twins’ Annual Food and Beverage Preview. Sponsored by the Minnesota Twins and Delaware North (the team’s exclusive food and beverage partner), this was the tenth annual showcase and taste-fest of the upcoming season’s new Target Field food and beverage offerings. If I had to describe the event, and Minnesotans will understand this, it’s a bit like the State Fair, only in a ball park. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the new Target Field concessions, as well as a few from other stadiums that BBRT found of interest.
Raising the Bar
When I first began attending MLB games, standard fare consisted of hot dogs, beer and soda. Flavorful condiments could be counted on two fingers – ketchup and mustard (sometimes artfully applied). If you wanted to go a step further, there were peanuts, popcorn, Cracker Jack®, licorice ropes and ice cream (usually frozen malt cups, where you risked splinters working with a very flat wooden spoon). When pizza, bratwurst and burgers arrived on the scene, many of us thought baseball’s culinary landscape was complete.
The 2019 Target Field Food and Beverage Preview again brought home how wrong we were – and how committed the Twins are to continually raising the ballpark food and beverage bar – or as Twins President David St. Peter put is “re-imagining” the food and beverage experience.
Now, I have neither the space, nor the time, to touch on all the new food and beverage items that were unveiled this afternoon. (They ranged from Grown-Up Grilled Cheese to a chance to create your own Soul Food Experience to a Chicken and Bacon Waffle Cone.) I would like to share a comment or two on some of the new food items my photographer (Bob King) and I found especially tasty, interesting or both. Note: Keeping in mind that prices and offerings can change, for a detailed, up-to-date look at Twins concessions (old and new), click here. I would expect it soon. Also, at the end of this post, you will find a description of a handful of top new food items from other ballparks.
The Obligatory Target Field Bloody Mary – Tossed a Curve
Hrbek’s Pub
Target Field has a reputation for signature Bloody Marys – offered at Hrbek’s Pub, near section 114. In the past, we have seen such concoctions as the Brunch Bloody Mary, the Cluck and Moo Bloody Mary and the Bigger Better Burger Bloody Mary.
This year, the Twins threw us a curve, with the “Mimosa Mary.” It’s a tangy and refreshing mixture of fruit and vegetable juices (predominantly orange), mandarin vodka and champagne. Served with skewer of fruit, it seemed a pretty healthy way to enjoy an adult beverage. Price: $16.00
Photo: Bob King.
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Now to the food. Bacon has produced a few hits at the ballpark. Here are two new bacon-centric Target Field options for 2019.
Peanut Butter n’ Jelly Candied Bacon Sandwich – Elvis Would be Proud
Craft Sandwiches – Section 114
Served on grilled sourdough bread, this treat features peanut butter, strawberry jelly and candied bacon.
This simultaneously crunchy, gooey, meaty and sweet sandwich was a favorite of both Bob’s and mine – and of several other “tasters” I talked to. Craft Sandwiches also offers a Philly Cheese Steak and Grown-Up Grilled Cheese. But, why be a grown-up when there’s peanut butter, jelly and bacon on the menu? BBRT Tip: Have a beverage near at hand. Price : $10.00
Photo: Bob King.
Bollywood Smash Salad – A Healthy Delight
Roots for the Home Team – Section 101
A tasty and refreshing offering, with roasted cauliflower and chickpeas, tossed with sorghum, mint, raisins and bok choy slaw – then topped with sunflower seeds and served with mango vinaigrette dressing. It delivers healthy veggies in a combination of sweet (raisins and mango) and nutty (sorghum and sunflower seeds) flavors. Bob noted, “I’m a committed carnivore and I’d order this.” Another new offering from Roots for the Home Team is the Northside Fresh Salad (black-eyed peas, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, Brussel Sprouts, serrano pepper and currants – topped off with crispy wontons and pepitas in avocado-lime dressing.) This one has a little more “zip” and is a little less sweet. Note: Roots for the Home Team partners with youth garden programs in the Twin Cities to give multicultural teens the opportunity to develop business and entrepreneurial skills.
Photo: Bob King
In addition to introducing new foods, the Twins honored Legacy Brands that have been part of the ball park experience for ten years – The Loon Cafe, Murray’s (steak house) and Kramarczuk Sausage Company. We all got to enjoy the Loon Cafe’s chili, a classic Murray’s steak sandwich and a Kramarczuk sausage sampler.
Photo: Bob King
Chicken, Bacon and Waffle Cone – In a cone, but worthy of a stick.
Section 109 & 311 Grills
Put this one on a stick and you are immediately transported to the fried food decadence that is the Minnesota State Fair. It’s a combination of chicken tenders, thick bacon and maple syrup – served in a waffle cone. Rich, but very tasty. The BBRT tip: Make sure each bite you take includes a bit of chicken, a bit of bacon and a bit of waffle. It’s the combination that makes this work – kind of like a smooth 6-4-3 double play. Price: $10.50
Photo: Bob King
The Boomstick – A New Take on a Long-Standing Tradition
Section 127
Photo: Bob King
Nothing says a meal at the ballpark more than a hot dog – and the Twins are offering something that is, indeed, more than a hot dog. It’s the Boomstick – in honor of new power hitter Nelson “Boomstick” Cruz. (Cruz has hit 360 career boomers.)
This is an almost baseball bat-sized hot dog – two-feet long – smothered in chili, nacho cheese, grilled onions and jalapenos. A sunny day, a cold beer, a scorecard and a Boomstick and you are ready for some baseball! You mighty want to add some mustard for old times’ sake. Price: $27.00.
Soul Bowl – Create Your Own Version of Minnesota Soul
Section 120
Photo: Bob King
Chef Gerard Kass is putting a new spin on the soul food of his childhood – presenting it in a flavorful, healthy and eye-catching way. And, he’s even letting you personalize your Soul Food Experience. Create a combination that suits your soul, using such ingredients as: Shaggy Yellow Rice; JR Jong Jerk Chicken; Rick Ross Smoked Mushrooms; Sade Sweet Corn; Biggie BBQ Braised Beef; #MPLS Mac & Cheese; and Jill Scott Greens. Price: $10.00 – $14.00
Shareable Boards
Bat & Barrel
Barrio Taco Board
Photo: Bob King
Target Field’s Bat & Barrel is offering a trio of “shareable boards” to make your group’s ball park experience special. These boards are brought to your table, creating a meal you and your family and friends assemble to your own taste. They include:
Barrio Taco Board: 12 flour tortillas; Barbacoa Adobo Chicken; habanero pickled onions; chopped onions; lime wedges; cilantro; shredded lettuce; sour cream; Ancho salsa; avocado tomatillo salsa; quesa fresco. Price: $45.00
ROWDYDOW BBQ Board: Chopped smoked brisket; pulled smoked pork; 12 King’s Hawaiian rolls; homemade bourbon pickles; fired onions; cole slaw; slow-cooked pinto bean; and homemade BBQ sauce. Price: $42.00
Athena “It’s Greek To Me” Board: chicken souvlaki skewers; Htipita feta spread; Tzatziki yogurt blend; pepperoncini; Kalamata olives; cucumber; a variety of fruits and vegetables; pistachios; herbs; and pita bread. Price: $42.00
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Now, how about a few new items from other ball parks?
TOP NEW ITEM – THE “Fowl Pole” at Globe Life Park in Arlington (Rangers)
Texans take pride in doing things in a “big” way – and the New “Fowl Pole” sandwich is no exception. What we are talking about here is a is a two-pound (yes, I said/wrote two-pound) chicken tender (it take four or five chicken breasts rolled, baked and fried to make this poultry log). The treat is served on a bed of waffle fries, with a choice of sauces (barbecue, honey and ranch) Price $27.50. Photo: Delaware North.
MY FAVORITE NEW HOT DOG … and one honorable mention
Going Yard – Dodger Stadium (Dodgers)
The Dodgers have captured my heart and appetite with their new “Going Yard” offering – previously offered only during the post-season. This beauty has all the tastes I love – a 16 ½-inch jalapeno-cheddar sausage, topped with grilled onions, roasted corn, an avocado relish and sour cream.
Coney Dog Egg Roll – Comerica Park (Tigers), Honorable Mention
A new twist on an old ballpark favorite. The Tigers are offering a hot dog, inside an egg roll, topped with mustard and diced onions. Maybe add a little soy sauce?
Photo: Delaware North
A LITTLE SALAD PERHAPS – PNC Park (Pirates)
Photo: Aramark
A tasty salad – that is as pretty as a picture and combines sweet and tart: Red Quinoa, heart of palm, spinach, blueberries, cucumbers, carrots, sunflower seeds and balsamic dressing. Just $10, by the way.
How ABOUT DESSERT?
Funnel Cake Poutine – Rogers Centre (Blue Jays)
As sweet as it gets. Funnel cake fries, ice cream, chocolate, caramel and marshmallow.
Photo: Aramark
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THE MINNESOTA TWINS GATE 34 EXPERIENCE
This week, the Minnesota Twins are unveiling a new way to get into the ball park – “The Gate 34 Experience.” Focusing on one of Target Field’s busiest entrances (often referred to as the “front door” of the ball park), the improvements are aimed at enhancing accessibility and convenience for fans entering the park (for example, a new dedicated wheel chair lane and a canopy to shelter fans from the elements as security checks and ticket scanning are completed.)
But there is much more to the improvements, including elements designed to create not just an entrance, but an experience. There is a 5,100-square-foot open area that features a variety of outdoor games, as well as ever-changing, pop-up shopping for fans. If the media preview is any indication, on a given day fans in the area could find everything from cotton candy to cookies and blankets to bow ties. The days we visited the Gate 34 Experience, food vendors included Spinning Wild (cotton candy); Dearest Baker Macaroons; Thumbs Cookies; Hip Hop Gourmet Popcorn; Zamboni’s Pizza & Pub; Smack Shack (seafood); and the Breaking Bread Café. Retail vendors on hand included: Through Jimmy Eye’s; Faribault Woolen Mill; and artist Adam Turman.
Gate 34 Curator Mich Berthiaume noted that the vendors will change with each series, keeping the fan experience fresh. “We’re targeting Start Up Brands, Heritage Brands and Give-Back Brands.”
Pete Spike, General Manager of Delaware North Sports Service, Target Field, said the food offerings will also be diverse (and changing) – noting that the Gate 34 Experience will offer new opportunities for local vendors not in a position to commit to an 81-game Twins schedule, while also expanding food and shopping opportunities to fans.
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