Restaurant Review: It’s true: A hotdog at the Ballpark is better than steak at the Ritz!
Greetings, sports fans! From my earliest memory, baseball has been my favorite sport. Why? I used to watch the games with my grandmother on her color TV set. However, I longed to be at Wrigley Field….or the old Comiskey Park! I longed to be there and eat a Chicago Dog. Or a Frosty Malt. Or a churro! And to try my first ‘tall one’ (when I turned 21, of course…lol).
One secret I learned early was that no matter what the team was doing on the field, one of best experiences I could have at any ballpark was to try the local specialties offered at concessions stands.
Guaranteed Rate Field, Home of the White Sox, 333 W. 35th Street
Truly a ballpark of experiences (golf in the upper level, anyone?) the Chicago White Sox have truly put themselves out there as one of the most innovative food concessioners around.
What’s new for in 2024 … As reported by numerous Chicagomedia outletsthere are manynew selections this year. In Section 160, you can find White Sox Empanadas, a beef empanada with fire-roasted tomato salsa, or spinach empanadas served with cilantro lime crema. Go over to Sections 140, 163, 544 for their Crispy Chicken Sandwich a crispy breaded chicken breast topped with spicy creole sauce on a bakery fresh bun. Lots of my friends are talking about the health benefits they’re experiencing on their plant-based diet, and everyone’s marveling at the White Sox’ Impossible Hot Dog, a juicy, savory link, which , according to NBC5 Chicago, is made with plant-based ingredients “offering a similar sensory experience to traditional beef hot dogs. They’re in Section 155 and select stands. At the ChiSox Bar & Grill, new this year is the Smoke House Smash Burger isa single smash burger with house-smoked pulled pork, BBQ sauce, beer cheese and an onion ring.
Wash it all down with a Jack and Coke Float, giving new life and a boozy twist to vanilla ice cream topped with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and Coke. You can find these amazing concoctions in Sections 124, 144, 154, and 538 (let’s hear it for the upper decks!)Grill stands throughout the park will serve Impossible Burgers, touted as the “ultimate plant-based alternative burger with all the flavor and texture of real beef.”
Wrigley Field Home of the Chicago Cubs, 1060 W. Addison Street
What’s new for 2024: While not quite as exotic or adventurous as the White Sox offerings, the Cubs have definitely stepped up their food and beverage offerings with new partners like Hot Doug’s in the bleachers and Garrett’s Popcorn everywhere (Chicago Mix is to die for!) In 2024, Wrigley patrons can consume Chimichurri Tri-Tip Sandwich, an ancho-rubbed tri-tip steak, tangy chimichurri sauce, creamy horseradish sauce, charred red bell pepper rings and fresh arugula served on ciabatta bread. Platform 14 is the place to go for Chori-Soy and Roasted Corn Nachos isa vegan protein, with fire-roasted corn, jalapeños, onions and cilantro sautéed in a chorizo spice blend. Added to their growing collection of nacho specialties are the Braised Chicken Tinga Nachos, where tender chicken is cooked in a smoky tomato sauce with traditional Mexican spices. Chicken Quesadilla has Ancho-citrus chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, mild cheddar, and pickled jalapeños, all served in a soft flour tortilla with chipotle ranch dipping sauce.
For a souvenir and meal combined, I’m suggesting their Big Slugger Nachos, which comes with two pounds of tortilla chips, chili con carne, cheese, tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, black olives, scallions, cilantro, and sour cream in a Cubs helmet. (The chef notes that “sharing is optional” on other websites) Pair that with the Cubs’ 24-ounce bat full of beer.
Go Cubs!! Go White Sox!! Happy eating, EVERYONE …
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
