Today (April 5), Baseball Roundtable again took part in what has become a new rite of spring for me – the Twins’ Annual Food and Beverage Preview. (Sadly, there was a two-year Covid-driven hiatus). Sponsored by the Minnesota Twins and Delaware North (the team’s exclusive food and beverage partner), this annual media event features a look at (and taste of) the upcoming season’s new Target Field food and beverage offerings. If I had to describe the event, it’s a bit like a State Fair Feast in a ball yard.
The Twins Just Keep Raising the Bar
When I first began attending MLB games, standard fare consisted of (not always piping-hot) hot dogs and (not always ice-cold) beer and soda. For those wanting to step outside the box, there were peanuts, popcorn and Cracker Jack® and, if you were really adventurous, ice cream (usually frozen malt cups with a wooden spoon after taste), licorice ropes or cotton candy. When pizza and burgers arrived on the scene, we all thought baseball’s culinary landscape was complete.
The 2022 Target Field Food and Beverage Preview – like those that went before it – brought home how wrong we were; and how committed the Twins are to continually raising the ballpark food and beverage bar.
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Concessions with Twin Cities Connections
The Twins and Delaware Food Service North are committed to bringing new concessions – with Twin Cities connections – to Target Field. Yes, you can still get the ballpark “traditionals,” but you can also enjoy unique taste treats from local businesses.
“We are looking to give fans a true taste of the Minneapolis-St. Paul region and be certain we have something for everyone,” Delaware N0rth onsite general manager Pete Spike told our tasting group.
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Now, I have neither the space, nor the time, to touch on all the new food and beverage items that were unveiled this afternoon, but I would like to share a comment or two on some of the new food items my taster/photographer (Bob King) and I found especially tasty, interesting or both. Also, at the end of this post, you will find descriptions of a handful of top new food items from other ballparks that I wish I could try. First, a few of the new Target Field offerings.
Hot Italian Grinder … from Upcycle Foods … Available at “Truly on Deck”
This was the number-one rated new concession item for both Taster Bob and me. Capicola, mortadella, ham, salami and provolone – with lettuce, tomato, red onion and zesty mayo – served on a fresh-baked pretzel bun (made with the spent grains that are a by-product of the beer-brewing process.) Side note: Upcycle Foods focuses on reducing food waste by using ingredients that might otherwise end up in the waste stream.
Lot of cheese and tender/moist meats in this sandwich, with a dense and tasty bun that held together well. Taster Bob noted “A great way to do something nice for the world – and for your taste buds.”
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The Legacy Salad … From Roots for the Home Team … Near Section 101
Number-Two on Bob’s list. Three on mine. Brown rice, edamame, pickled vegetables, sugar snap peas, bok choy, chicken (optional) with a Korean chili-mango vinaigrette. Crisp fresh ingredients, coupled with a chili-mango dressing that perfectly combined hot and sweet. Bob noted, “I wouldn’t normally expect to order a salad at the ballpark, but this one I would.” Side note: Roots for the Home Team focuses on serving the development of young people and serving youth-driven specialty salads with ingredients grown and harvested locally. A changing variety of youth-created and chef-mentored salads, usually at Target Field on weekends.
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Adobo Chicken Tacos … from La Tapatia … Near Section 109
Number-two on my list. Crisp, tasty Adobo Chicken Tacos, served street- or Cali-style in soft corn tortillas. A hand-held, authentic Mexican-street-food taste treat.
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Mac’s Hand-Battered Walleye Filet … from Mac’s Fish … Townball Tavern
Bob’s third favorite. Hand-battered walleye, with fries and a seal-salt and jalapeno-lime tartar sauce. Great walleye, properly breaded. Bob and I agreed that the spicy tartar sauce made this dish. It’s Minnesota, gotta luv walleye.
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Artisan Grilled Cheese … from the Food Building (Mpls.) … “The Market” near Section 126
This sandwich uses locally produced St. James (Tomme-style) cheese and Blue Earth American Brie, perfectly melted on a thick and hearty artisan bread. If you are into the distinctive flavors of artisan cheeses, this is for you. I loved it. Side note: The Food Building is home to Red Table Meat Company; Baker’s Field Flour and Bread; and the Alemar Cheese Company.
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The 2022 Ballpark Bloody Mary – Hrbek’s Pub
Target Field is known for launching signature Bloody Marys – like The Brunch Bloody Mary, The Bigger Better Burger Bloody Mary, The Triple Sausage Sampler Bloody Mary and the College Daze Bloody Mary (there was a slice of pizza in that one). This year. it’s The Ultimate Bloody Mary – featuring Cloverdale Bacon. This one has bacon, an olive, cheese, a pepper, a beef stick and a generous pour.
The Summer Bowl … from Soul Bowl … Section 112
New Soul Bowl offerings include The Henry Sandwich (barbeque- braised beef, cole slaw, potato chips and potato roll); Summer Bowl (barbeque-braised beef Cajun corn and The Return of Mac and Cheese). I sampled the Summer Bowl – a great combination of complimentary flavors.
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Chicken Tikka … Hot Indian … Section 122
Two new items for Hot Indian: Chicken Tikka (seasoned yogurt-marinated chicken breast, simmered in creamy tomato curry, served with brown rice, crispy pappadum, cilantro and HI Slaw) and Vegan Channa Masala (chickpeas and Indian seasonings in a mild curry, served with brown rice, crispy pappadum and HI Slaw). You can never go wrong with Hot Indian. The Chicken Tikka was delicious – both crisp and moist – and perfectly seasoned. A word to the wise. Go easy on the optional hot sauce. It is hot (but also tasty).
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The Market … Grab-and-Go at Target Field
Inside Gate Six this season, you will find “The Market” – a new convenient grab-and-go concession experience (including a walk-in beer cooler).
Family-Friendly Prices
In Sections 133 and 327, you will again find stands offering family-friendly prices on such ballpark favorites as hots dogs, soft pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, fountain sodas and canned beer – all under $5.
—AROUND BASEBALL—
Now, lets take a look at some new food items at other stadiums. Here you’ll find offerings ranging from a pulled pork sandwich topped with Reese’s (R) Peanut Butter Cups to a hot dog topped with pineapple and jalapenos to “Pickle Poutine.” (Not to mention the “Elvis Shake.”) Thanks Aramark for the photos.
Oakland Coliseum (A’s)
Flaming Hot Cheesesteak
Chopped steak, Flaming Hot Cheetos, chopped onions, and Cheez Whiz on a Hoagie.
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Citizens Bank Park (Phillies)
PBJ Burger
Special-blend Boardwalk Burger topped with peanut butter, jalapeño jelly, American cheese, and bacon on a brioche bun.
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Coors Field (Rockies)
Elvis Shake
Crème de banana, soft serve ice cream, peanut butter sauce, Cracker Jack, candied bacon.
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Fenway Park (Red Sox)
Jalapeño Cheetos Hot Dog
Kayem beef hot dog, semi-crushed Cheetos, nacho cheese, chopped bacon, jalapeños, and diced red onions.
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Kauffman Stadium (Royals)
BBQ Reese’s Sandwich
Pulled pork, Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce, REESE’S Peanut Butter Cups, and bacon bits.
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T-Mobile Park (Mariners)
“Holy Moly” Loaded Chips
Crunchy Kettle Chips topped with pulled pork, white queso cheese sauce, drizzled BBQ sauce, citrus coleslaw, and green onions.
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Minute Maid Park (Astros)
La Pina Dog
All beef hot dog, grilled and topped with fresh smoked pineapple, candied jalapeños, and teriyaki glaze.
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PNC Park (Pirates)
Burgh Katsu
Cucumber kimchi, mini pierogies, bread fried ham, and hoisin aioli on a toasted roll.
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Rogers Centre (Blue Jays)
Pickle Poutine
Fried pickle straws, peanut butter gravy, cheese curds, bacon bits, and fresh dill scallions.
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Citi Field (Mets)
Lil’ Chicken & Waffles
Fried chicken, waffles, lemon honey, and maple syrup.
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