Michelle Rabinovich/The Hofstra Chronicle
With spring training just about to wrap up, and the World Baseball Classic over, baseball fans have been divided over the addition of the pitch clock, enlarged bases and the ban of the defensive shift. New York’s Yankee Stadium is going through some additional changes too, but to its menu to host fans.
“We got some great new partners; we have all of our existing previous vendors and we’ve done some upgrading to the menu,” said senior executive chef Matt Gibson. “We’re really excited to get this place back to a full capacity and have a great year.”
One of the things that Gibson stressed was bringing in local food as much as possible to the stadium, as New York City hosts people of countless backgrounds.
“We spent a lot of time in the off-season kind of dining around and keeping current with new concepts,” Gibson explained. “We’re all over the place … just making sure we’re well rounded and making sure that everyone that walks in the building can enjoy themselves.”
Bronx native and “Next Food Network Star” Season 14 winner Christian Petroni is bringing his twist to something that everyone loves: garlic bread.
“Garlic bread is just something that I’ve always loved, and I was always finding myself sort of tweaking it and reworking it and trying to make it better,” Petroni said. “I grew up coming [to Yankee Stadium]! I can’t believe I’m here, I can’t believe I have two concessions here and I’m very proud of my product!”
With that being said, fans can enjoy New York-esque chopped cheese or a spicy Asian fusion-style chicken, all housed in the same building on 161st street.
Gibson’s favorite dish that’s coming to fans this year is the No. 99 Burger, featuring two 4 oz. American Wagyu beef patties, American cheese and secret sauce. Note: the maximum amount of these burgers for sale will be exactly 99 at any given game.
“It’s not one of these behemoth burgers that you should get a free T-shirt for finishing it,” Gibson said. “[Fans] are gonna walk away happy with that burger.”
That famous burger, which will be offered exclusively at the home of the 27-time World Series champions, is made possible by Lobel’s, a meat shop that has been in New York City since 1840.
“We want to be able to offer the fans something that they can’t get any place else,” said Lobel’s co-owner Brian Lobel. “I’m hoping for the fans who don’t have access to such high quality products to be able to enjoy that experience in Yankee Stadium.”
All in all, it’s about the fan experience. From bacon on a stick to Grand Slam Shakes served in a souvenir Yankees cap, there will be something for any ticket holder to munch to watch nine innings go by.
Gibson’s final message to Yankee Stadium visitors?
“Please don’t leave hungry, and please enjoy.”
