Play ball! I watch a lot of baseball, and one of the standard shots is of fans in the stands enjoying tasty stadium fare. I admit that when I go to the park, I tend to stay pretty traditional: a hot dog and Cracker Jack is fine by me.* But that hardly reflects what's available at my beloved Wrigley Field, or other MLB parks.
As we enter the final month of the season, let's look at the fan favorites at the 13 most-attended ball parks.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers: Dodger Dog. A 10" hot dog that hangs out of the bun on both ends. Served with ketchup, mustard, onions and relish.
2. New York Yankees: Lobel's steak sandwich. Served on a bun, au jus. Yankee fans seem equal parts proud and outraged that their concession offerings are the most expensive in the MLB.
3. San Diego Padres: Quesobirria tacos. With braised short ribs instead of ground beef.
4. Philadelphia Phillies: Philly cheesesteak. Were you surprised?
5. New York Mets: Fuku chicken sandwich. A spicy chicken sandwich named for the restaurant where it originated.
6. Atlanta Braves: Cleanup Burger. A grilled hamburger topped with a fried egg and bacon and served between two waffles. (I admit I'm intrigued.)
7. Chicago Cubs: Buona Beef. Italian beef with hot giardiniera and dripping in au jus. I won't argue with anyone who makes this choice, because it's delicious. But be warned: it's awful messy. You'll need lots of napkins, and your jersey will likely never be the same, no matter how often you wash it.
8. San Francisco Giants: Burrito bowl. Fans report that it's hot in every way, made with fire-roasted salsa and jalapenos.
9. Boston Red Sox: Fenway Frank. Grilled and served on a bun just the way The Babe liked it, with mustard and relish.
10. Houston Astros: McRBI. (Love the name.) A smoked pork rib sandwich on an onion roll.
11. Los Angeles Angels: Chronic Tacos. Mashed potatoes and cheese, topped with lettuce and sour cream, served on a crispy shell.
12. Detroit Tigers: Gyros and/or Greek salad. It's a tie. Apparently it's custom for fans to order both and share.
13. Milwaukee Brewers: Bratchos. Tortilla chips topped with a chopped brat, cheese and sour cream.
Please join us for THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.
*Though when it comes to my beverages, I'm not so old school. Jimmy Buffett was a Cub fan, so it feels only right to raise a margarita in his honor.
