NEW YORK YANKEES Food & Drink Preview - What to Eat at Yankee Stadium

The New York Yankees invited the New York press to a sneak preview of their 2017 food and drink enhanced menus and unveiled new, exciting, and fan-friendly spaces and concession options which the franchise went to great lengths to point out will be available for all Yankees fans to enjoy throughout the 2017 season, beginning with the Yankees’ home opener on Monday, April 10 vs. the Tampa Bay Rays.

So it was appropriate that me - a stalwart Gotham-based food and drink writer and entertainment curator - along with Teri Lewkow, superior Yankee fan here and in Florida for Yankees’ spring training - headed to the Bronx with enthusiastic expectations to see and experience the “new” stadium - and to taste the Bronx Bombers’ heralded new menu.

 

More than one journalist asked - practically sang out to the executive chef, Matt Gibson about this not being “your father’s baseball menu of hot dogs and Cracker Jacks.” While Chef Matt politely repeated that those menu items remain readily available, I couldn’t disagree more. The new menu offers menu items and ingredients that our fathers -- and whoa - mothers (!) would readily recognize more than the fast-food junk that was served for too long. We love our New York food and drink artisans -- and aunts and uncles and…

So we’re really back to the future of food.

Yankee executive chef, Matt Gibson 

Chef Matt emphasized this point in fact, saying the “New menu is a ‘Back to Basics’ approach” to the food offerings. The chef and his team, along with their branded, signature food partners, are on deck now with the rest of the food world who have been paying homage to the ingredients. “We manipulate minimally,” Chef Matt explained to underscore the reverence for the ingredients.

Love this hashtag: YUM indeed! 

Then there was the pesky issue of affordability. I wasn’t the only one to have heard the oft-repeated phrase that the new stadium neglected the local fan base - a Bronx “cheer” in the no-win column - in favor of another kind of fan who favored the “fancy” new digs.

Maybe the Yankees front office got that message too.

The result is a decided and resounding two-thumbs up and a wave of happy “good things are gonna happen” this year.

The Yankees said “In a continuing effort to provide Yankees fans with an increased number of value-price single-game ticket options, the Yankees have introduced two new offers: the Pinstripe Pass ticket (starting at $15 for select games) and Grandstand Level ticket (starting at $10).

The Pinstripe Pass ticket is a general admission standing room only ticket which also includes one drink (choices include a 12 oz. domestic beer for those age 21 and over with valid ID, a Pepsi product or a bottle of Poland Spring water). Fans purchasing a Pinstripe Pass will be able to enjoy the game from non-assigned standing room locations throughout the Stadium or at any of the recently announced social gathering locations listed above. Pinstripe Pass quantities and prices will vary for each game. For more information regarding the Pinstripe Pass, please visit Yankees Pinstripe Pass Additionally, for every 2017 regular season home game, the Yankees will offer $10 Grandstand Tickets in select Grandstand locations.

With the introduction of these two new single-game ticket offers, an additional 200,000 single-game tickets priced at $15-or-less will be made available to fans for the 2017 regular season.

This change in ticketing really makes it affordable for fans and families to attend those happy day games that create memories...

The Yankees management team pointed out that they had conducted surveys. Seems fans, er, “guests,” didn’t mince their feedback when it came to the kind of food they wanted and the opportunity to watch the games for a cost that wouldn’t require a hedge fund bonus…

So, the new Yankee Stadium food, drink and family locations will be accessible and available to all fans regardless of their ticketed seats. Yeah!

New Family Friendly /Social Gathering Locations in Yankee Stadium for 2017 Season:

The strategy here is the Yankees realized that the fans want to bring the family, the kids, walk around. Umm that was always the idea but now we’re back to a turbo-charged experience that New Yorkers may take time to get but then when they do -- watch out. So realizing children and adults can get cranky sitting in the same spot for hours -- our attention spans are decidedly social-media short; therefore the new spaces in Yankee stadium are geared toward social gathering locations, including:






Sunrun Kids Clubhouse — Yankee Stadium’s first ever children’s zone — located on the 300 Level in right field. This deck has the soft floor of today’s playgrounds, lots of Yankee accessories such as baseball hat, bat for sliding/climbing, etc. along with those boardwalk-inspired head-in-the-image photo opp; a batting cage, and big screens for caregivers to watch the game while the kids work off the energy. Brilliant space! Be sure to check this out. The Sunrun Kids Clubhouse is Yankee Stadium’s first-ever children’s zone. Shaped like a mini-baseball field with a soft artificial surface, the 2,850-square-foot area is outfitted with Yankees-themed playground equipment, including oversized baseballs, bases and baseball cards, a 6-foot-high replica World Series trophy and interactive exhibits. Parents can join their children on the play area or choose to oversee them from a nearby dugout. On hot, sunny days, a retractable shade can be extended to cover the play area. And check this out: The Sunrun Kids Clubhouse also includes two family restrooms equipped with changing tables. Nursing mothers will have additional private space, including lounge chairs, a television and power outlets for those using electric breast pumps.
Thank you, Yankees, for creating the perfect space for the next generation of Yankee fans. 

Have fun climbing and crawling at the Kids Clubhouse

Batting cages at the Kids Clubhouse 

Masterpass Batter’s Eye Deck in center field, located on the 200 Level in center field with a clear, sweeping view of the entire Stadium, the Masterpass Batter’s Eye Deck has been expanded to 3,500 square feet and includes drink-rails overlooking the field. This outdoor gathering space will feature craft beers, cocktails and a large selection of food options.

Photo courtesy Olivia Cheng, Yankees, Legends Hospitality 

• Caramelized Onion French Dip Sandwich: Rotisserie-roasted shaved prime rib, caramelized onions, melted Swiss cheese on a seeded semolina roll, dipped in French onion soup 
• Double Cheeseburger: Two (2) 3oz Legends-blend burger patties, double American cheese, stadium-made pickles, red onion on a butter-toasted bun
• Smoked Turkey Legs: Giant hickory smoked turkey leg
• The Mutz: Hand-pulled mozzarella sandwiches with mixed vegetables * There is a wonderful narrative as part of this artisanal food maker. I watched owner and Mutz maker, Mike Cynamon knead his homemade cheese while tasting his salty, chewy delight. A Sheepshead Bay native who sounds like he’s out of Brooklyn Central Casting, he and The Mutz have enjoyed a starring role - on Taste of the Nation. You’ll love this Mutz-arella! And the video, here. 

                   

• Frank’s RedHot Terrace (overlooking the visitors bullpen), Toyota Terrace (overlooking the Yankees bullpen), are open-air social gathering areas on the 100 Level. Each terrace features its own specialty food and drink options. Drink-rail locations at the landings will have power/USB outlets. A result of this reconfiguration: there are no obstructed-view seats in the Bleachers.                                   

Powering Up for social media is a lot easier now at Yankee Stadium 

Perhaps understandably, the Press went crazy covering this feature. Don’t misunderstand - the Press have their own rather luxurious digs within the Stadium - however we all get how critical it is for today’s fans to power up with plenty of available outlets. After all, it’s no secret that everyone wants to “share” the experience on social media - and devices are power hungry.
Just like fans are food and drink “hungry.”

Food and Drink here features:

• Yankee Dingers: These are FANTASTIC! Grilled custom-ground hand-smashed mini-burgers with shaved white, caramelized onions and French’s yellow mustard placed on a steamed potato bun (at Frank’s Red Hot Terrace). Chef Matt noted that the sliders moment had passed so they knew they needed to do better. They succeeded. The burgers are juicy, seasoned, and topped with a high-end pickle -- and grilled right in front of you.          

Dingers are Delicious!

• Frank’s RedHot Chicken Diablo Sandwich: Grilled chicken breast, Frank's RedHot sauce, blue cheese (at Frank’s RedHot Terrace)
• Fresh Hot Baos (Chinese Buns) in four delicious varieties (at the Toyota Terrace) are incredibly delicious!! Do not miss eating these treats! Plus a vegetarian option.
• Hoisin Braised Pork Belly Bun: with cucumber, pickled carrot, lime cilantro crema, toasted sesame seeds
• Rotisserie Prime Rib of Beef Bun: with sautéed onions and bell peppers, white queso sauce, flaming Cheetos
• Charbroiled Chicken Bun: with marinated chicken, sriracha ranch dressing, crushed kettle chips



Photo courtesy of Olivia Cheng, Legends Hospitality, Yankees

• Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bun (Vegetarian): with celery slaw, creamy blue cheese. Maybe my favorite!         

AT&T Sports Lounge at Section 134 and Budweiser Party Decks on the 300 Level concourse. Located in Sections 311 and 328, Budweiser Party Decks feature shaded stand-alone bar areas serving beer, cocktails and food. Drink-rail and barstool seating provides fans a relaxed and casual setting from which to enjoy sweeping views of the field and game action. AT&T SPORTS LOUNGE featuring DirecTV service: The new AT&T Sports Lounge featuring DirecTV service at Section 134 on the Field Level includes a full bar with craft beers and cocktails. Tables, stools and large-screen televisions tuned to the Yankees broadcast and other live sporting events provide a sports-bar atmosphere on the Stadium’s main outdoor concourse in left field. Additionally, power/USB outlets are available for charging phones or tablets.            



Lobel’s - Section 134                                   
The newly constructed Lobel’s stand features their signature hallmark Lobel’s USDA Prime Steak Sandwich. Additionally, Lobel’s USDA Prime Steak-Topped Fries are being reintroduced this year, featuring strips of USDA prime strip steak served over deep-fried russet potato wedges and smothered in homemade gravy. All Lobel’s sandwiches are served on lightly toasted buns with premium-quality toppings. Tantalizing new hand-crafted menu selections include:

• Meatloaf Burger: Topped with crispy onions and cheddar cheese
• Hickory Molasses Glazed Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Leaf lettuce, vine ripe tomatoes, Bermuda onion, toasted brioche bun
• Steak and Potato Fries: Shaved prime steak, fried russet potatoes, sour cream, green onions, shredded cheddar and bacon                                           

MIGHTY QUINN’S (Section 132)
This is far and away THE best food menu I tasted. Everything is outstanding: seasoned, delicious, and transporting. New York’s Best BBQ - at the stadium? It’s a heavenly combination. Plus, they served up a S’mores Bread Pudding that was rather heavenly too -- Teri enjoyed a few servings of this confection.

The new Mighty Quinn's BBQ will feature fan-favorite items from their New York City-based restaurants. Their menu features only naturally raised, slow-smoked meats to give guests an authentic BBQ experience. Pair up any offering with one of their chef-driven side dishes and a cold beer and your Yankee stadium experience will get kicked up a notch. Exceptional food offerings include:

• Brontosaurus Rib: A full pound of tender beef on the bone, smoked for 16 hours
• Brisket Sandwich: Smoked for 20 hours and seasoned with a salt-and-pepper based rub
• Burnt End Sandwich: The caramelized ends of the brisket simmered in our house-made BBQ sauce
• Chicken Wings: Slow-smoked, fryer-finished, tossed in a chili-lime sauce and garnished with toasted sesame seeds, scallions and cilantro
• Pulled Pork Sandwich: Slow-smoked and seasoned with our house made pork rub, slaw and fresno chili served on a brioche bun.  This is truly excellent! 
• Dirty Fries: Fries topped with chopped burnt ends, a chili-lime sauce and red onions

Mighty Quinn's Chris and Misha - and Christos explain the art of BBQ

Mighty Quinn delicious BBQ menu 

AT BAREBURGER (Section 132):

Bareburger is known for its commitment to using fresh, organic, responsible and sustainable ingredients, free of pesticides and GMOs. Bareburger also aims to locally source their ingredients as much as possible. With choices ranging from bison to beef to turkey to vegan, Bareburger ensures there are food options for every fan here at Yankee Stadium. The satisfying burgers to be featured in this stand are:

• El Matador: Bison, pepper jack, pickled jalapeños, pico de gallo on a brioche bun. This was robust, delicious, seasoned. I highly recommend you try this -- many times. 
• The Standard: Organic beef, Colby cheese, dill pickles, special sauce on a brioche bun
• SoCal: Turkey burger with Colby cheese, pickled red onions, guacamole on a sprout bun
• Guadalupe (Vegan): Black bean burger, pickled red onions, spinach, guacamole, spicy pico de gallo, on a sprout bun. A little disappointing, according to our team. Maybe it was the day. But I like the ingredients, so try it out - let me know?

AT JERSEY MIKE’S (Sections 107, 223 and 314):

• Grilled fresh every time, Jersey Mike’s authentic cheese steaks are billed as “Hearty, with tender meat and melted cheese.”
• Jersey Mike’s Famous Philly - This Philly is the real deal. Grilled fresh to order with premium steak, peppers, onions, and melted white American cheese
• Chicken Philly Cheese Steak - Philly's sister sub, the Chicken Philly is grilled fresh to order with tender chicken, peppers, onions, and melted white American cheese

AT BEN & JERRY’S SCOOP SHOP (Sections 125 and 318): Flavors include: Vanilla, Chocolate, Cherry Garcia, Strawberry Cheesecake, Totally Baked, Frozen Flakes, Fruit Loot and Tonight Dough.

The food is good value, too. For example, the Bao Bun options are just $12 for three; and the Dingers are $16 for three. The Brontosaurus Rib is $38 but it’s for two people -- and you can jawbone this beauty for quite a few innings.

Plus there is a boatload of craft beer and fancy cocktails available.

Did You Say - BEVERAGE SPOTLIGHT FOR 2017 SEASON?

New York’s own Blue Point Brewing Company will be featured in various concession stands and bars throughout Yankee Stadium.



Ideal for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, SPLASH Premium Mixers is a new brand of cocktail mixers made from natural ingredients. SPLASH custom designed three original signature cocktails exclusively for the Yankees -- with baseball-friendly monikers — the "Grand Slam", "Big Apple" and "Triple Play" — in addition to providing their classic Margarita, Mojito, Cosmopolitan and Moscow Mule mixers. Each SPLASH flavor is designed to satisfy a sophisticated palate, while minimizing calories and -- drumroll please - unnecessary sugar! No more sugar rush in the seventh inning...

BEERS AVAILABLE AT YANKEE STADIUM IN 2017 INCLUDE:

Draft beers are plentiful - to say the least. You could do a pub tour with this list, including: Blue Moon, Blue Moon White IPA, Blue Moon Seasonal, Blue Point Mosaic, Blue Point Toasted Lager, Blue Point Hoptical Illusion, Bronx Banner Ale, Budweiser, Bud Light, Catskill Brewery Ball Lightning Pilsner, Chelsea Checker Cab, Coors Light, Corona Light, Goose Island, Goose Island 312, Goose Island Honkers Ale, Guinness, Heineken, Heineken Light, Kirin Ichiban, Leinenkugel, Miller Lite, Modelo, Newcastle, Old Blue Last, Shock Top, Stella Artois, Strongbow and Yuengling

Glass-bottled beers include: Blue Moon, Bud Light Lime, Bud Light Platinum, Coors Light, Corona, Corona Light, Dos Equis, Guinness Blonde, Heineken, Heineken Light, Hoegaarden, Miller Lite, O’Doul’s, Red Bridge, Stella Artois, Strongbow and Yuengling

Craft-Bottled Beers include: Blue Point Blueberry, Blue Point Mosaic, Blue Point Seasonal, Blue Point Toasted Lager, Goose Island IPA, Goose Island 312, Goose Island Honkers Ale, Kona Big Wave, Kona Longboard Lager, Southern Tier IPA, Southern Tier Porter, Southern Tier Tangiers

Can beers include: Beck’s, Bronx Banner Ale, Budweiser, Bud Light, Bud Lime-A-Rita, Bud Mango-Rita, Coors Light, Goose Island IPA, Heineken, Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite, Shock Top, Stella Artois, Warsteiner Pilsner, Warsteiner Pilsner Grapefruit

Plan your Menu
You will now have fun planning your food and drink menu just as much as your fantasy team! These new spaces and eats make the experience of being there unparalleled.

The menu for all fans will expand with an increased variety of delicious ballpark food and beverages as a result of the club’s ongoing efforts to improve the fan experience for every guest at Yankee Stadium.

Fans are encouraged to visit www.yankees.com/eats for a downloadable dining guide and full information on what Yankee Stadium menus have to offer.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.yankees.com, www.yankeesbeisbol.com, at the Yankee Stadium Ticket Office, via Ticketmaster phone at (877) 469-9849, Ticketmaster TTY at (800) 943-4327 and at all Ticket Offices located within Yankees Clubhouse Shops.
Fans with questions may call (212) YANKEES [926-5337] or email tickets@yankees.com.·

Cheers!