Ballpark Foodie

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Ballpark Foodie: What To Get During White Sox ‘Homecoming Weekend’

It hasn’t been a shabby year to be a White Sox fan. The team’s in 1st place, Chris Sale is undefeated (both as of 10:30 AM CT on May 19th), and the food is absolutely delicious. More on that shortly…

The White Sox are also celebrating the 25th anniversary of U.S. Cellular Field with an awesome “Homecoming Weekend” series against the reigning champion Kansas City Royals. If you attended the 10th Anniversary celebration of the 2005 World Series “Win or Die Trying” White Sox last year, then you know it will be a good time. Along with Fireworks Friday night and cool promotions all weekend, players of White Sox-past like CY Young winner Jack McDowell, 7-time All-Star outfielder Tim Raines, 2-time All-Star closer Roberto Hernandez, and Lance “One Dog” Johnson will all be in attendance.

So what will taste best with your South Side baseball, sunshine and temperatures in the mid-60s all weekend? I’ve made a few visits to the ballpark this season and these were some of the items on the concourse that I can’t wait to go back for.

Bacon Cheddar Pretzel Dog

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Pretty self-explanatory. A big Vienna Beef hot dog on a fresh pretzel bun, topped with nachos cheese and bacon pieces.

Found at the All-Star Stands along both foul lines and behind home plate. 

Tater Tachos

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Who doesn’t love tots? Topped with nacho cheese and jalapeno peppers. Can also be served in a souvenir green batting helmet.

Found in Sections 110 and 544.

Merkt’s Cheesy Beef Sandwich

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Merkt’s should have sold you by itself. Thin-sliced ribeye steak grilled and infused with the Merkt’s cheese, topped with Comiskey Pico.

Found at the Burger Barn stands in Sections 112 and 528.

Also found at theBurger Barn stands…

Bacon on a Stick + The Comiskey Burger

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As my friend Night Train Veeck once described it, here’s the #ProTip:

Step 1. Order both the double-thick maple bacon on a stick and the double-patty Comiskey burger (with Merkt’s cheddar and pico).

Step 2. Remove the stick from said bacon.

Step 3. Place double-thick maple bacon on the burger.

Step 4. Enjoy…and eat like nobody’s watching.

Other Delicious Items

Beggars Pizza – Section 163

  • Barbecue Chicken Pizza
  • Italian Beef Giardinara Pizza
  • Chicken Parm Sandwich
  • Fried Caprese Ravioli
  • Cheese-filled Breadsticks
  • Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie

Hooters Buffalo Chicken Sandwich – Section 156

  • Also wings available with medium, hot and honey Thai sause

35th Street Tacos – Section 127

Avacodo/Bacon Grilled Cheese – Sections 110 & 544

 

Cuban Sandwich – Along LF on 100-level and Club

Elotes & Tamales – Sections 104, 127, 142 and 529

 

Wow Bao – Section 158

 

Funnel Cake & Churros – Sections 110, 155 and 531

 

Grilled Hot Dogs, Polish Sausage and Brats – EVERYWHERE

 

…and gluten-free options. It’s cool. My my mom needs this guide. via the White Sox Website.

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Be sure to share your foodie photos at the ballpark or follow along for more on Facebook or Twitter. 

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Ballpark Foodie: Much More Than a ‘Sausage Race’ in Milwaukee

Saturday, I took the trip from Chicago up I-94 to take in some baseball, beer and delicious encased meats. Celebrating my dad’s birthday a little early, we made a day pairing the Lakefront Brewery with Milwaukee baseball. Very thankful the fine people at the Brewers shared this so I knew what to look forward to before getting to Miller Park.

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Getting to Miller Park early is a fun experience. There’s tailgating, bags, grilling and every Wisconsin team logo present. Even in 30 degree temps, there’s a pretty solid party raging. Under the dome is a different kind of party though, and way more than the mid-game Sausage Race that you’ve heard so much about…

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During batting practice, I took the opportunity to walk the 100-level concourse, engulfing myself in the smells of ‘Stormin Gorman’ pulled pork sandwiches, Banh Mi brats (with asian slaw and cilantro lime mayo), and assorted sugar-coated, roasted nuts.

On the 200-level, toward right field, I was directed to the “Brat Boys” concession stand where the real fun was…

The Wisconsin Dog

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With homemade beer jam, sauerkraut and a big pile of bacon.

 

The Jalapeno Popper

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Deep fried jalapeno peppers and nacho cheese.

If you crave something sweet, I highly recommend heading toward right field on the 100-level concourse and finding the bright green “Hoely Moley” Doughtnut + Frozen Custard Sandwich stand.

There are a litany of topping options, like pecan pie pieces, peanut butter, Nutella, and more. I went with the first choice on the board though.

The ‘Baby Spice’

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with cinnamon donut pieces, caramel and fudge.

Oh, and the game went 12 innings, Padres won 8-7, and Andy Grammar played a post-game concert!

Thank you for the good time, Milwaukee. I will certainly be back to explore some more this summer.

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For more, follow along on Facebook or Twitter. Be sure to subscribe to The Piffcast on iTunes too. 

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Ballpark Foodie: White Sox Unveil New Food Items for 2016 Season

As that new baseball season smell keeps fans anxiously waiting for Opening Day’s first pitch, baseball stadiums across the nation will be permeated with the unique smells of ballpark food. Sure, you can pickup your classic baseball hot dogs, pretzels and nachos, but why not indulge the foodie culture that the sport has come to identify itself with in recent years.

The Chicago White Sox have been especially keen on the tastebuds of their fan base. Double-thick maple bacon on a stick is staple for fans (and goes great on the Comiskey burgers grilled at the same stand). Thursday afternoon, the club rolled out their new concession items for the 2016 season at U.S. Cellular Field.

Photo credit: Chicago Tribune

Merkt’s Cheddar Beef Sandwich

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Thinly-sliced ribeye, grilled and tossed with Merkt’s cheese. Seved on a hoagie roll and topped with Chi-Town Pico.

 

Bacon Cheddar Pretzel Dog

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Vienna all-beef hot dog on a pretzel roll bun. Topped with nacho cheese and bacon. 

 

Tater Totchos

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Tater tots, available in a mini green betting helmet, topped with nacho cheese and jalapenos. 

 

New Beggars Pizza Options

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Barbecue Chicken – Thin crust with sweet BBQ sauce base, diced chicken and mozzarella.

Italian Beef and Giardiniera – Pretty self explanatory. 

 

Click here for concession location details and gluten free options (for those who need them). White Sox home opener is Friday, April 8th against the Cleveland Indians. Tickets available for the upcoming season here. 

I’ll be there April 9th to try everything out myself. Follow along on Twitter and Instagram. 

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Piffcast: The Fifth One – March Madness

This month, college hoops takes center stage. What better way to get you prepared for March Madness than talk to a pro that knows everything going into the tourney? Scott Phillips from NBC Sports and I talk about the elite teams, stars who should shine, the bubble teams, potential Cinderellas and more. (Interview starts at the 30:35 mark if you want to jump ahead)

TJ and I also get into some TV talk, the Ballpark Foodie series, and tease next week’s “Selection Monday” show for our TV Character Madness Tournament. We also introduce the Piffcast Cork Board for those of you who have a project, event or cause you’d like to promote. Listen to find out more about it.

Join the conversation by interacting with us on Facebook or Twitter!

 

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Ballpark Foodie: Hot Doug’s and Portillo’s Join Cubs at Spring Training

Whether you’re visiting Arizona for some Cactus League Spring Training baseball or a midwestern transplant just living in the area, you’ll get to taste some real Chicago delicacies at Sloan Park in Mesa, AZ. During their 15-game home exhibition schedule, the Chicago Cubs will feature sausages from Hot Doug’s and Italian beef from Portillo’s at their concessions like they do at Wrigley Field.

As many ‘encased meats’ enthusiasts know, Hot Doug’s owner Doug Sohn closed his fine Avondale gourmet sausage establishment back in 2014. However, Sohn has frequently brought Hot Doug’s back in pop-ups, on top of pizzas at Piece, and at a stand in the Wrigley Field bleachers.

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At Sloan Park, Hot Doug’s will rotate different selections that reflect the “favorites” from Wrigley. Up first starting Friday, will be the spicy polish and jalapeno-cheddar sausages that are named after Champ Summers and Steve Trachsel. The selections will change after every 5 games, so there will be 3 different pairings during Spring Training.

The Cubs’ newer Arizona facility has featured Italian beef in the past, but this time they have teamed up with Portillo’s because c’mon…it’s Portillo’s.

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There are two Portillo’s restaurants in Arizona already, Tempe and Scottsdale, and that reflects the Chicagoan presence living in the area. Now residence and tourists can get some more of a taste of Chicago while watching Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber jack home runs out of the desert.

If you attend Spring Training this year, please share your ballpark food porn pics with us on Facebook and Twitter!