Grasshoppers, Cookie Dough Among New Hits on MLB Menus
In an era when ballparks are constantly trying to add new features and attractions, spicing up the menu can be an easy way to enhance the experience for spectators
By Noah Trister ••
With the Texas Rangers home opener just days away the team revealed new foods that will be available at Globe Life Park for the 2017 season.
The idea of serving edible grasshoppers at a baseball game isn't as crazy as it sounds.
The Seattle Mariners brought that curious offering to their ballpark this season, and although it might have seemed like a head scratcher to many fans and foodies, this crispy snack was more than just a quirky attention grabber.
"This is like an authentic local delicacy," said Diana Evans, a vice president of strategy and marketing for Centerplate, the Mariners' hospitality partner. "We're thrilled that people are excited about it."
The chapulines -- toasted grasshoppers with chili-lime salt seasoning -- arrived at Safeco Field this season courtesy of Poquitos, a Mexican restaurant in Seattle that serves them. For those fans who could wrap their minds (and mouths) around the idea of eating insects, the item proved quite popular, selling out during the opening home series.
Mercedes Owens - NBC 5 Sports
“Most Valuable Tamale” inspired by the TamArlington Dog. We supersized it and created a 24” Tamale Filled with the legendary Boomstick Hot Dog. Topped with Texas chili, nacho cheese and sour cream. Located at Texas 24" Stand in Section 29. $27.00
Mercedes Owens - NBC 5 Sports
“Most Valuable Tamale” inspired by the TamArlington Dog. We supersized it and created a 24” Tamale Filled with the legendary Boomstick Hot Dog. Topped with Texas chili, nacho cheese and sour cream. Located at Texas 24" Stand in Section 29. $27.00
Delaware North
The M.V.T. – “Most Valuable Tamale” is a 24” Tamale Filled with the legendary Boomstick Hot Dog. Topped with Texas Chili, Nacho Cheese and Sour Cream
Mercedes Owens - NBC 5 Sports
A Texas chili all beef hot dog topped with a sweet and spicy kimchi chili, fresh cilantro, Texas teriyaki sauce and crunchy Fritos Corn Chips. Located at The American Dog stands in Sections 22 and 48. $10.50
Deleware North
Fritos Kimchi Chili Dog - A Texas Chili all beef Hot Dog topped with a sweet and spicy kimchi chili, fresh cilantro, Texas teriyaki sauce and crunchy Fritos Corn Chips.
Mercedes Owens - NBC 5 Sports
Classic ballpark shredded brisket rolled into balls and dipped in funnel cake batter. Deep fried to golden perfection covered in powdered sugar giving it that snowball look. Located at State Fare stand at Section 141 $9.50
Delaware North Sports Service
Texas Snowballs – Classic ballpark shredded brisket rolled into balls and dipped in funnel cake batter. Deep fried to golden perfection covered in powdered sugar giving it that snowball look.
Mercedes Owens - NBC 5 Sports
A juicy all beef patty with a mound of smoked pulled pork on top covered in Sweet Baby Ray's signature BBQ sauce, picked red onions, cilantro and don't forget the crunchy layer of Nacho Cheese Corn Chips. Located at The American Dog stand in Section 48. $13
Mercedes Owens - NBC 5 Sports
A vegan spin on the classic Ballpark Nachos. Stacy's Pita Chips topped with cool chickpea hummus and fresh garlic basil tomato and country olive salad. Located at the Ballpark Vegan stand in Section 16 $10
Mercedes Owens - NBC 5 Sports
Black beans and spices rolled in masa and steamed to create a delicious and healthy vegan treat. Located at the Ballpark Vegan stand in Section 16 $10
In an era when ballparks are constantly trying to add new features and attractions, spicing up the menu can be an easy way to enhance the experience for spectators. There will always be room for hot dogs, popcorn and peanuts, but Seattle's experience with the chapulines shows how a creative new food offering can become the talk of baseball for a little while -- and any team can pull it off.
"Much like teams will use the offseason to make a big splash with a free agent signing or renovation ... from a food and beverage standpoint, we'll use the offseason to evaluate our menus and develop new offerings as well," said David Freireich, a spokesperson for Aramark, which provides food and beverage services at eight ballparks.
Although fancier food items can create some buzz at the ballpark, there are constraints. Fans do still want to watch the game, so a dish might not work if it's hard to eat or takes a long time to make.
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The chapulines, on the other hand, can be eaten like just another ballpark snack.
"Making sure that it's something that you can walk around with, making sure that you don't miss too much of the game while you're waiting for it -- and having it be both enjoyable and easy to eat," Evans said. "That is, right there, our sweet spot."
Here are some of the more exotic culinary offerings from around baseball this season:
