Monday, June 13, 2011

Take Me Out to the Ballgame – at Citi Field

I may no longer live in New York, but the Mets are still my favorite baseball team. I went to games regularly with my dad as a kid and then as an adult. Thanks to frequent trips to Shea Stadium with Grandpa, my daughter Sam is now even more dedicated to the team than I ever was. 

I was the first to admit that Shea Stadium had seen better days and was in need of renovation, but when it was completely torn down, there was a bit of sadness in our house (Sam  actually named her cat Shea to honor the ballpark’s memory).  She was out there at the first game of the new Citi Field. It took me a bit longer to approach this massive building that looked nothing like my beloved ballpark, but once I did I found a whole new world of going to the baseball game – one that fits nicely in the life of a spirits traveler.

Citi Field is a different planet from Shea Stadium inside and out. It holds nearly 42,000 fans (less people with more comfort); offers various levels of seating and service; and has more food and drink options than you can sample in an entire season. It’s the kind of place for family day or date night, even if every member of the group isn’t a big baseball fan.

I sat within the Delta Club area, with its own restaurant, bars and snack bars (or you can enjoy waiter service at your seat if you prefer). This is one ballpark where you don’t have to be a friend of a large conglomerate to get into a club.  You can treat yourself to a season or a day in the premier seats, which also include the Metropolitan Box, Champions Club and Caesars Club.

No matter where you sit at Citi Field you are assured a multitude of food and drink options.  In addition to the full service club restaurants (there are four), here are just a couple of places you can eat at: Blue Smoke barbecue; Box Frites French fries (the most amazing fries you've ever had); El Verano Taqueria; Catch of the Day; Daruma of Tokyo; Tai Pan Bakery; Kozy Shack Gluten Free; and Mama’s of Corona Italian. Don’t miss Keith’s Grill, where one of my favorite former Mets, Keith Hernandez, created the Brooklyn Burger. As for quenching your thirst, it’s no longer a choice of just regular or lite draft. You can now enjoy 26 selections at Big Apple Brews; Zachy’s Wine Bar; and a Rum Bar, in addition to an assortment of cocktails around the place.

New York Mets: The Complete Illustrated HistoryFor the 2011 season, Citi Field has brought in some really interesting menu changes, with a focus on the fresh. Some of the items the Delta Sky360 Restaurant added are a Farmer’s Market Timbale with Grilled Vegetables; Poached Shrimp Cocktail; Organic Roasted Chicken with Farmer’s Market New Potatoes; and a Nicoise Salad. At the Acela Club, you can now get Spiced Ahi Tuna, Moroccan Skirt Steak and Lemon Braised Artichokes with Veal Stuffing.

If you are looking for some easy eating ballpark fare with flare, check out Café Roma in Caesars Club, where Fried Pickles are served with a Remoulade Sauce; a Grilled Cheese Sandwich includes Beer Braised Short Rib; and Deep Fried Oreos (with vanilla ice cream) will satisfy all your comfort food needs.

One of my favorite things at the new park (in addition to the extra bathrooms) is the open-air food court area. Here, we were able to enjoy some cocktails and watch the game in a more casual area, where you can talk to your friends and feel like you are having an evening out if you aren’t an avid baseball fan.

I had to admit that I like the new definition of a ballpark built in the 21st century, especially since I’m not a hot dogs and beer gal.  Frozen Rum Drinks, Pulled Pork Sandwiches and Shake Shack, I can do that – especially on a day when the Mets win!

2 comments:

  1. This is one ballpark where you don’t have to be a friend of a large conglomerate to get into a club. You can treat yourself to a season or a day in the premier seats, which also include the Metropolitan Box, Champions Club and Caesars Club.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You can treat yourself to a season or a day in the premier seats, which also include the Metropolitan Box, Champions Club and Caesars Club.

    ReplyDelete