Scoreboard Gourmet

Scoreboard Gourmet is where sports and food meet

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"Pizza" in a Cone by Madison Square Garden

I love me some pizza. And I love me some butter. Yet the smell of these delicious foods do not connect in my brain. Why am I saying that? Because K! PizzaCone(325 Fifth Ave., Manhattan) smells like the concession line at a movie theatre (read: hot, fake butter; is it diacetyl?).

No matter. What deters some attracts others. Circle K Pizza Cone is nearly as busy as it's neighbor Kyochon (319 Fifth Ave., Manhattan). I'll get to that later.

Friendly PizzaCone employees tell me pepperoni is the favorite cone, but they have as many toppings as you could ever want. And by toppings of course I mean fillings. In terms of transportation (walking from Fifth Ave to the Garden), these things are ideal, not that I'm a big supporter of walking-and-eating but you do have to have it consumed before you enter MSG. I do not recommend attempting to sneak this product in in your pocket as it will undoubtedly be soggy by the time you get to your seat.

Best Korean Fried Chicken Near Madison Square Garden

Report to follow...enjoy this picture, which I took to remind me to tell you about the Rangers v Devils Viewing Party at Foxwoods. Yes, that's my reminder photo. Getting details on that now. You feeling teased?

Sports spatulas. They say Flexible I say Flimsy but haven't tested, just speculating

Available at Broadway Panhandler (65 E. 8th St., Mahattan). How should I categorize this post? BBQ? These ain't no grill tools. Hmm.

Mood Swing I Can't Let You Win, You Bring Me Up You Bring Me Down

I am amazed by the amount of spam that comes to this post. I've changed the title a few times since the original posting date, April 6, 2008. So, today, I'm doing the untimate anti-blog thing: creating an unsearchable, relatively meaningless title.

ORIGINAL POST STARTS HERE...Scoreboard Gourmet will be at Nationals Park in June which means we have to rely on the Washington Post's March reviews, for now.

Nancy Lewis, Walter Nicholls and Margaret Engel scoured the new Nationals Park during the exhibition game and opening day, trying dozens of items in search of appropriate deliciousness.

We found a few we're labeling Home Runs, plus some Runs, some Hits and, unfortunately, some Errors.

HOME RUN
Pulled pork sandwich $10.50
Pulled chicken sandwich $10.50
Smoked brisket sandwich $10.50
Red Hot & Blue
Left Field Food Court (Section 106)

HOME RUN
French fries $5
Nats Dogs and Taste of the Majors
Multiple locations, including Section 116 and Left Field Food Court (Section 106)

Premio sweet or hot sausage at MSG

Arizona Spring Training Super Day

Let's say you have only one day to spend in Arizona, or you just want to scout out as many teams (and ballparks) as you can in the least amount of time...Scoreboard Gourmet presents Arizona Spring Training Super Day (which is actually Phoenix Spring Training Super Day).

As you know, even including Tucson, which I'm not, Arizona Spring Training is way more convenient than Florida, for the teams and for fans. Once you're there. The ballparks are close enough that you can realistically hit more than one or two in one day.
Monday, March 15th is Super Day. The schedules are such that you can see *part of* five games:
1. Land before noon.
2. 10-min drive to Tempe Diablo Stadium, Dodgers at Angels . (1:05pm)
3. After about 1h of game watching, 25-min drive to Maryvale Ballpark, Indians at Brewers.
You can switch the order here, since these are both 1:05pm games not far from the airport, but that will mean more driving after this second game. SG created this Super Schedule based on efficiency of travel, and at least (but sometimes not much more than) 1h per game.
4. 30-min drive to Surprise Rec Campus , Giants at Rangers. (6:05pm)
5. 15-min drive to Peoria Sports Complex, Giants at Padres. (7:05pm)
6. 15-min drive to Camelback Ranch, Royals at White Sox. (7:05pm) 
Again, you can switch the order of the last two games.

The Cactus League themselves, regarding SG's Super Day, said, "It sounds like a perfect route. Good research! The Goodyear to Mesa leg will take the most time, but you should be fine (mid-day traffic will not be a problem at all)."

If you're not too tired or sick of driving, we need to push you to Pizzeria Bianco (623 East Adams St., Phoenix, AZ), arguably the country's best pizza.

THIS ITINERARY IS ONLY VALID ON MONDAY, MARCH 15th. And clearly is not for everyone.
You can check out Goodyear Ballpark, Giants at Indians, then Hohokam Stadium, Rangers at Cubs on Tuesday March 16th. Both are 1:05pm, but the ballparks are 45min apart. The only Phoenix ballpark you'll miss is Phoenix Municipal. Oh, and Scottsdale Stadium. But you'll have seen the Giants so you're only missing the A's. And, anyway, this is a Super Day, once you add on you're ouside of the spirit of the trip.
What's the only flaw? No overnight flights back to NYC.

Maui Wowi Hawaiian at Spring Training in Peoria

Maui Wowi Hawaiian is as close as you can get to going to Hawaii without hopping on a plane ...another plane, that is, assuming you flew to Phoenix to check out Mariners and/or Padres Spring Training. I love this photo. Thanks again to the Peoria Sports Complex.

Do You know what these people are standing in line for? Fresh Fruit Smoothies (Strawberry Banana, Passion Papaya, Mango Orange, Banana Banana, Pina Colada, Kiwi Lemon-Lime, Black Raspberry, Lemon Wave). And there's an "adult option" with every drink, which means liquor.
Maybe I should not have colored that smoothie flavor, but the color is called Banana! And maybe I should not include that entire list. Hmm. Maui Wowi also has Kona Coffee and Espresso.

Maui Wowi Hawaiian has more than 400 locations (franchises) plus about 800 under development. That's exciting. Know what else is exciting? The Root Beer Float stand on the left (that color is called Nutmeg, btw).

What did You eat at Arizona Spring Training? Email photos and/or leave comments. Oh, ScoreboardGourmet's Fans page. Forgot all about that. You can upload photos directly to that page.

Food Concessions at the Peoria Sports Complex; Padres, Mariners Spring Training

Thank you Thank you Thank you, Peoria Sports Complex for this excellent photo of Food Concessions at Padres / Mariners Spring Training in Arizona. I believe this is the Third Base side of the ballpark.
Click to enlarge the picture and if your work computer is as gigantic and fancy as mine you can eat your lunch beside the screen and feel like you're there. I'm doing that now. Ham and Swiss on Wheat with Mustard and Lettuce. And a Red Hook. Kidding. But desiring. 

What You Can Bring Into The Peoria Sports Complex (Mariners, Padres)

Coolers are prohibited from entering the stadium.
Backpacks, purses or bags must be no larger than 16”x16”x8”. All bags, purses, and diaper bags will be inspected before they are permitted into the stadium. This inspection includes any storage or pouch permanently connected to wheel chairs or baby strollers.

Paper lunch bags containing food may be brought into the stadium.
Sealed plastic water bottles or empty plastic water/sports bottles will be allowed, as will sealed single serving juice boxes, baby food and formula.

Peoria Stadium policy prohibits bringing any metal or glass containers for food or beverages into the stadium.
Thermos/canteen containers and similar items will not be allowed.
No beverages, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, other than non-carbonated, colorless water or boxed fruit juices will be allowed.

Food vouchers and bag lunches are available for groups or company outings. $5 Bag lunch, for example, includes a hot dog, bag of chips, canned soda, ketchup, mustard and napkin. SG lo+ves that.

Daily Food Promos in Peoria - Mariners, Padres Spring Training

Family 4 Pack - Mondays: Every Monday game you can get discounted family package that includes: 4 hot dogs, 4 small sodas, 4 bags of chips and 4 lawn tickets for $30. Prorated for families larger than 4.

$2 Dogs - Wednesdays: Every Wednesday game you can get standard ballpark hot dogs for $2 at main (Centerplate) concession stands. (Does not apply to the Ruthian hot dog or specialty vendors).

Padres & Mariners Spring Training in Peoria

The Peoria Sports Complex, spring training home of the Mariners and the Padres, believes they have the "most diverse food selections in the Cactus League." ScoreboardGourmet is one paycheck short of buying a ticket to Phoenix to investigate this claim. Specifically, they tell me their supersized Ruthian hot dog (thank you, Cook & Son Bats, for the photo) has been called the best hot dog in the league. I'm hungry, though maybe not for a half-pound-dog.

What You Can Eat At The Game in Peoria:

The Power Alley (third base concourse): barbeque, Greek gyros, teriyaki, frozen yogurt, kettle corn, fry bread, frozen daiquiris and specialty sausages.
Around the stadium: hot dogs, hamburgers, peanuts, popcorn, ice cream, nachos and pizza. And, sodas, water, lemonade, juice, margaritas, mixed drinks and a diverse selection of beer.
The outfield lawn area: baja fish tacos cooked fresh to order, tri-tip sandwiches and pulled pork.
Taste of the Cactus League (main concourse behind home plate): burgers, cheese steaks and wings representative of the different Cactus League teams.
The Kids Zone (first base concourse): discounted kids’ meal with choice of hot dog or peanut butter and jelly, chips and a small drink for just $3.50.

Peoria, Arizona Spring Training Food Map

This Peoria Sports Complex Spring Training Food Map is a pdf. That's your warning. If you can open it you will be very excited. I'm excited and I'm sitting at a dreary desk in a dreary cube on a dreary floor in a dreary building in midtown Manhattan (aka far from sun, far from Spring Training).

Homerun Ball Korean Candy

I love it when I find things that epitomize Scoreboard Gourmet. This is candy (chocolate in a sort of cookie/pastry) I saw on my way out of a market in K-town (aka Little Korea). I guess it's the chocolate that makes it a home run.

Another Home Run Ball is A-Rod's 500th. Last month it sold for $103,579 to an anonymous bidder. That's $1.92 for every person who was at the game. At Yankee Stadium you can get almost half a bottle of water for that price.

Royals Fan Hit By Hot Dog, Sues Team

Have to thank NY1's Pat Kiernan for bringing this story to my attention: Kansas man sues Royals over Sluggerrr's hot-dog toss.

As you will read, the plaintiff has had two surgeries since last September when a hot dog was "thrown directly" into his eye, NOT with one of those t-shirt guns fitted for hot dogs. We've discussed those here. We like them. But, in this case, the hot dog was hand thrown. Hmm. How hard could that have been? And if you're sitting six rows above the dugout shouldn't you always be aware of flying objects? Yes. Positive there are signs reminding you of that personal responsibility. And how do we know the surgeries are related to the incident. I've been to the doctor twice since last September. Dentist too. Maybe the Yankees should pay for that because the lasy playoff game I attended was Freezing and I had a cold in January.

Skyline Chili at Goodyear Ballpark for Reds Spring Training

Cincinnatians love Skyline Chili so it's no surprise they desire it in their Spring Training ballparks. What was once a treat in Florida is now a treat in Arizona. I have a photo that refuses to upload properly. Help. Have more to say but want to say it in pictures too.

Stadium Mustard at Indians / Reds Spring Training in Phoenix

Friday March 5th the Indians play the Reds in Phoenix at Goodyear Ballpark. It's the first Spring Training game, and the first time the Reds play in their new home. Pretty exciting, especially when you know there's Stadium Mustard to be had. Ohioans love their mustard. They demanded and the people of Goodyear complied. You can get spicy brown and blah yellow too, but why would you? I'm asking seriously - why would anyone choose any mustard over the good stuff?

Olympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies Menu, in the suites

I realize it's too late to do any good with the following information (because orders needed to be placed a month ago), but it's still interesting and worth sharing. And, you weren't attending the Opening Ceremonies anyway. Were you? Or the Closing. Didn't think so. 

CANADIAN WELCOME - $3875, Serves 12
PRE-SET SNACKS: Chocolate Drizzled Peanut Butter Pretzel Pralines, Maple Syrup Roasted Agassiz Hazelnuts with Sea Salt, House made Kettle Chips with Caramelized Onion Dip, Indian Candy (Honey and Sea Salt Cured Alderwood Smoked Northern Pacific Salmon strips), Red Pepper Hummus with toasted pita chips and fresh vegetables
PRE-EVENT RECEPTION: GATE OPENING: Cheese (fruit, berries, crackers, flatbreads and baguettes), Canadian Maple Margarita Shrimp “Lollipopettes”, Cortez Island Smoked Oysters and Boursin in Cherry Tomato, Pepper Crusted Albacore Tuna on Nori Crouton, Mini Compressed Melon Stick with Cilantro, Shooter of Local Carrots Ginger Juice with Tapioca Pearls, Mini Cones with Ojibwa Manomin (Wild Rice) Salad, Okanagan Cabernet Braised Beef Short Ribs and Local Goat’s Cheese “Poutine” (Pan fried Yukon potatoes topped with cabernet demi glaze braised beef short ribs topped with local goat’s cheese), Shredded Zucchini Pakoras with Mint Okanagan Pear Chutney, Fire Roasted Fanny Bay Oysters, Cabernet Roast Okanagan Pear Salad

NBA All-Star Game featuring Texas Fair Food

The NBA expects 90,000+ fan at the All Star Game tonight at Cowboys Stadium. Texas Fair food (corn dogs, turkey legs) for sale on concourse level.

McFadden's at CitiField

McFadden's Saloons is Opening its newest location at CitiField, Home of the NY Mets

Seeking Experienced Kitchen Manager 
See Craigslist Ad

This is going to be a very high volume and fast paced environment. Serious Applicants only.

More info as soon as I get it. Here's what MetsBlog has to say: McFadden’s has started construction on a bar that will be acceesable from the inside and outside of Citi Field, located on the corner beyond center field, off 126

Houston Astros Spring Training Tickets and Promos

Season-Ticket Holder Breakfast on March 3rd

Two for $26 - two Outfield Reserve seats, two hot dogs and two soft drinks
games this promo is available: March 8th, 17th, 26th, and April 1st

Dollar Dog Day - hot dogs for $1
games this promo is available: March 14th

Tickets: Astros website -or- call Ticketmaster 800-745-3000 -or- go to ticket office at Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee, Fl, 10am-4pm

$22 for Dugout Box
$20 for Outfield Box
$18 for Upper Reserved
$15 for Outfield Reserve
+$3 per ticket for Cardinals, Phillies, Yankees, Red Sox games.

PETA "Chicken" "Wing" Contest in Miami

If I ever see (well, hear) that Sarah McLachlan Animal Shelter commercial again, ever, it will be too soon. That song does not inspire me to rescue a pet; it enrages me, makes me want to slay things. It's like a chant or an incantation. In fact, it's the perfect song to use in a movie in which the main character was somehow hypnotized and every time he hears that song he goes out and kills people. No. Kills animals. That's perfect. The creators of the ad and Sarah McLachlan are actually creating a corps of animal killers yet they have the perfect alibi, no one will ever suspect them.

Anyway, just when I've had enough of animal rights, PETA tells me about something fantastic: Miami Dolphins running back and vegetarian Ricky Williams judged a pre Super Bowl Faux Chicken Wing Challenge at his restaurant, Proof (in the Z Ocean Hotel, 1437 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach).

Indiana Beer, not just Bud, Miller and Coors anymore

Jolene Ketzenberger of The Indianapolis Star introduces the world of Indiana microbrews. Can't say I agree with the suggestion of starting with wheat beers (if you've only ever had "Bud, Miller and Coors") but I do support the idea of trying something new.
Read the full story: Draft a winning Super Bowl party with Indiana beers

Sidebar: Beer pairings for your party
» Hot stuff: Balance the spiciness of buffalo wings with the maltiness of a pale ale.
» Lotsa toppings: An amber ale's hoppy, malty flavors pair well with pizza.
» Sweet treats: The roasted malts of porters and stouts go great with chocolate.

Where Colts / Saints Fans Should Watch the SuperBowl in NYC

We haven't talked about Urban Tailgate in many months. They're the guys who identify NYC bars for watching games.
Here are two bars they highlighted as Best For Colts / Saints fans:

KEATS BAR
Indianapolis Colts
842 2nd Avenue @ 45th St.
$2 Colt Blue Kamakazi Shots
$16 Domestic Buckets
$20 Open buffet 1 hour before game or during half time.

EAST VILLAGE TAVERN
New Orleans Saints
158 Avenue C @ 10th St.
25 cent wings
$2 Sliders
$4 Yuengling
$12 Buckets of Bud Light or PBR

Check out Urban Tailgate for more, like Where will the Coors Light Promo Girls be during the SuperBowl?
Lucky Strike, Monkey Room, Pipers Kilt, Patrick’s Bar, The Grizzly Pear, Glessons, Phoenix Park, East End Bar and Grill, Rathbones, and others, at varying times.

SuperBowl Pre-Commercial: Charles Barkley, Taco Bell, Poetry

Poet Charles Barkley promoting the Taco Bell NBA $5 Buck Box (read: Five Buck Buck Box). Pretty funny. Excited for the complete poem on Sunday. Scared to think all that *goodness* is only $5, plus health care.

Jonathan Vilma / Chinese Food / Brother Jimmy's

Here's a link to a PDF of an old Players Club magazine story about Jonathan Vilma. I don't want to talk about the SuperBowl because my box numbers are terrible. Actually, one of my numbers is a 7, but the other one is the dreaded 2. Obviously I'm aiming for early safety (Saints) and touchdown plus extra point (Colts). And by 'early' I mean no scoring after that. Or, two touchdowns sans extra points, or four field goals. Stop me.

So, Jonathan Vilma. He's an investor in Brother Jimmy's.

Everglades BBQ at the Super Bowl, and Pro Bowl, and Dolphins and Marlins Games

Everglades BBQ, as you can see by the photo taken by Steve Cahoon of Centerplate (who recently acquired Boston Culinary Group), is part of the pregame tailgate at Dolphins Stadium. 
In 2008 the concessionaire tried selling BBQ beef to Marlins fans, but it didn't work out because who wants cow when you can have pig! Chefs Dan Filarecki and Orlando Morales then created a pig-based-bbq menu and now there are Everglades BBQ stands and carts throughout the stadium. Yes SG should have mentioned this earlier in the season. Sorry. Next year you can check it out and let me know.

Everglades BBQ is now also in the BankAtlantic Center (Panthers), and the stadiums at Florida, Central Florida, Ole Miss (altered logo there, in place of the gator).

Outdoor Bar on Upper Level of Dolphins / SunLife Stadium

Still a LandShark swimming around the Sand Bar at Miami's football stadium. Why is the naming and renaming and renaming so entertaining to SG? Check out all those flags to the right, that's because this photo was taken before the ProBowl. Thanks again to Centerplate and Steve Cahoon for making me wish I had a plane ticket and a game ticket.