Today (April 5), Baseball Roundtable again took part in what has become a new rite of spring for me \u2013 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\u2019s exclusive food and beverage partner), this annual media event features a look at (and taste of) the upcoming season\u2019s new Target Field food and beverage offerings. If I had to describe the event, it\u2019s a bit like a State Fair Feast<\/em> in a ball yard.<\/p>\n

The Twins Just Keep Raising the Bar<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 For those wanting to step outside the box, there were peanuts, popcorn and Cracker Jack\u00ae and, if you were really adventurous, ice cream (usually frozen malt cups with a wooden spoon after taste), licorice ropes or cotton candy.\u00a0 When pizza and burgers arrived on the scene, we all thought baseball\u2019s culinary landscape was complete. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The 2022 Target Field Food and Beverage Preview – like those that went before it –\u00a0 brought home how wrong we were; and how committed the Twins are to continually raising the ballpark food and beverage bar.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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Concessions with Twin Cities Connections<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Twins and Delaware Food Service North are committed to bringing new concessions \u2013 with Twin Cities connections<\/em> \u2013 to \u00a0Target Field. Yes, you can still get the ballpark “traditionals,” but you can also enjoy unique taste treats from local businesses.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe 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.<\/p>\n

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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\u00a0 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.\u00a0 First, a few of the new Target Field offerings.<\/p>\n

Hot Italian Grinder … from Upcycle Foods \u2026 Available at \u201cTruly on Deck\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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This was the number-one rated new concession item for both Taster Bob and me.\u00a0 Capicola, \u00a0mortadella, ham, salami and provolone \u2013 with lettuce, tomato, red onion and zesty mayo – \u00a0served on a fresh-baked pretzel bun (made with the spent grains that are a by-product of the beer-brewing process.) \u00a0Side note: Upcycle Foods focuses on reducing food waste by using ingredients that might otherwise end up in the waste stream.<\/em><\/p>\n

Lot of cheese and tender\/moist meats in this sandwich, with a dense and tasty bun that held together well.\u00a0 Taster Bob noted \u00a0\u201cA great way to do something nice for the world \u2013 and for your taste buds.\u201d<\/p>\n

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The Legacy Salad \u2026 From Roots for the Home Team \u2026 Near Section 101<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Number-Two on Bob\u2019s list. Three on mine. Brown rice, edamame, pickled vegetables, sugar snap peas, bok choy, chicken (optional) with a Korean chili-mango vinaigrette.\u00a0 Crisp fresh ingredients, coupled with a chili-mango dressing that perfectly combined hot and sweet.\u00a0 Bob noted, \u201cI wouldn\u2019t normally expect to order a salad at the ballpark, but this one I would.”\u00a0 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.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Adobo Chicken Tacos \u2026 from La Tapatia \u2026 Near Section 109<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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Mac\u2019s Hand-Battered Walleye Filet \u2026 from Mac\u2019s Fish \u2026 Townball Tavern<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Bob\u2019s third favorite. Hand-battered walleye, with fries and a seal-salt and jalapeno-lime tartar sauce. Great walleye, properly breaded.\u00a0 Bob and I agreed that the spicy tartar sauce made this dish.\u00a0 It’s Minnesota, gotta luv walleye.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

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Artisan Grilled Cheese \u2026 from the Food Building (Mpls.) \u2026\u00a0 \u201cThe Market\u201d near Section 126<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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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.\u00a0 I loved it.\u00a0 Side note: The Food Building is home to Red Table Meat Company; Baker\u2019s Field Flour and Bread; and the Alemar Cheese Company.<\/em><\/p>\n

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The 2022 Ballpark Bloody Mary \u2013 Hrbek’s Pub<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Target Field is known for launching signature Bloody Marys \u2013 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).\u00a0 This year. it\u2019s The Ultimate Bloody Mary \u2013 featuring Cloverdale Bacon.\u00a0 This one has bacon, an olive, cheese, a pepper, a beef stick and a generous pour.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Summer Bowl \u2026 from Soul Bowl \u2026 Section 112<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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New Soul Bowl offerings include The Henry Sandwich<\/em> (barbeque- braised beef, cole slaw, potato chips and potato roll); Summer Bowl<\/em> (barbeque-braised beef Cajun corn and The Return of Mac and Cheese). I sampled the Summer Bowl \u2013 a great combination of complimentary flavors.<\/p>\n

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Chicken Tikka \u2026 Hot Indian \u2026 Section 122<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Two new items for Hot Indian: Chicken Tikka<\/em> (seasoned yogurt-marinated chicken breast, simmered in creamy tomato curry, served with brown rice, crispy pappadum, cilantro and HI Slaw) and Vegan Channa Masala<\/em> (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 – \u00a0and perfectly seasoned. A word to the wise. Go easy on the optional hot sauce.\u00a0 It is hot<\/em> (but also tasty).<\/p>\n

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The Market … Grab-and-Go at Target Field<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Inside Gate Six this season, you will find “The Market” – a new convenient grab-and-go concession experience (including a walk-in beer cooler).<\/p>\n

Family-Friendly Prices<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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—AROUND BASEBALL—<\/span><\/h2>\n

Now, lets take a look at some new food items at other stadiums.\u00a0 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.”)\u00a0 Thanks Aramark for the photos.\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Oakland Coliseum (A\u2019s)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Flaming Hot Cheesesteak<\/span><\/h3>\n

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Chopped steak, Flaming Hot Cheetos, chopped onions, and Cheez Whiz on a Hoagie.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Citizens Bank Park (Phillies)<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

PBJ Burger<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

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\u00a0Special-blend Boardwalk Burger topped with peanut butter, jalape\u00f1o jelly, American cheese, and bacon on a brioche bun.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Coors Field (Rockies)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Elvis Shake<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

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Cr\u00e8me de banana, soft serve ice cream, peanut butter sauce, Cracker Jack,\u00a0 candied bacon.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Fenway Park (Red Sox)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Jalape\u00f1o Cheetos Hot Dog<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Kayem beef hot dog, semi-crushed Cheetos, nacho cheese, chopped bacon, jalape\u00f1os, and diced red onions.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Kauffman Stadium (Royals)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

BBQ Reese\u2019s Sandwich<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

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Pulled pork, Sweet Baby Ray\u2019s BBQ Sauce, REESE\u2019S Peanut Butter Cups, and bacon bits.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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T-Mobile Park (Mariners)<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n

“Holy Moly\u201d Loaded Chips<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

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Crunchy\u00a0Kettle Chips topped with pulled pork, white queso cheese sauce, drizzled BBQ sauce, citrus coleslaw, and green onions.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Minute Maid Park (Astros)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

La Pina Dog<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

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All beef hot dog, grilled and topped with fresh smoked pineapple, candied jalape\u00f1os, and teriyaki glaze.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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PNC Park (Pirates)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Burgh Katsu<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

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Cucumber kimchi, mini pierogies, bread fried ham, and hoisin aioli on a toasted roll.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

__________<\/p>\n

Rogers Centre (Blue Jays)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Pickle Poutine<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

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Fried pickle straws, peanut butter gravy, cheese curds, bacon bits, and fresh dill scallions.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

_________<\/p>\n

Citi Field (Mets)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Lil\u2019 Chicken & Waffles<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

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Fried chicken, waffles, lemon honey, and maple syrup.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

__________<\/p>\n

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<\/a>Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs.\u00a0 To see the full list, click\u00a0here.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT<\/h3>\n

Follow\/Like Baseball Roundtable’s Facebook Page\u00a0here<\/a>.\u00a0 More baseball commentary; blog post notifications; PRIZES.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); Negro Leagues Baseball Museum; The Baseball Reliquary.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Today (April 5), Baseball Roundtable again took part in what has become a new rite of spring for me \u2013 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\u2019s exclusive food and beverage partner), this annual media event features a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[9],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n