Spring Training & Teaser

Baseball Preview...
Baseball season quickly approaches, and GG is dusting off our big foam fingers, our ice cream Sunday hardhats, and of course our (now contraband) "Boston Sucks" tee-shirt. Spring cleaning seemed like a suitable springboard to commence discussion concerning concessions at the pride of the New York Parks Department, (and Shea also.)
Well kids, it ain't any cheaper this year.
However, such is the nature of a monopoly, and one can always invoke the rationalization that paying such usurious prices instills the customer with a proprietary stake allowing them to complain as much as they want about Jaret Wright. Or, one can take solace in the knowledge that after the third beer, these prices seem exponetially less offensive.
The concessions at Yankee Stadium are run by Centerplate and those at Shea are managed by Aramark. Centerplate focuses on sporting venues, convention centers, and parks, but you may recall the latter organization from the Lansing Correctional facility or one of the other 500 prisons worldwide serviced by Aramark. Regardless, neither organization seems to hold the blog in high regard as they both refused to return my phone calls concerning menus and pricing; so, the official report will have to wait until opening day.
Unofficially, we can reasonably place the price of the average (dependent on size and the 1980's nomenclature of "domestic" versus "imported") beer in both parks at Seven Dollars! There is no sticker shock as one expects no less, yet problems persist. Specifically, the beers that are peddled to sitting patrons are served in the trendy, hooligan proof plastic bottle! Unfortunately, said container does little to keep the already lukewarm beer cool. The discerning customer is left with two options. The first of which is simply to drink quickly; the second option is to purchase one's frosties at the concession stands ringing the concourse. Alas, if you choose the second option, be prepared to miss at least half of an inning, and to encounter a large, semi illiterate mulleted man, who will bump into you, and relocate that Bud onto your shirt. Personally, the last time I chose the choice, I missed two innings of a pinstripe rally against the dreaded Sux.
Likewise, be prepared to miss at least half of the game if you desire chicken fingers... I know, I know, what happened to my loving discourses on Foie-Gras?
Regardless, any visitor to any ballpark should avoid all food save Pretzels, Peanuts, Hot Dogs, and Cracker Jacks.)
(And yes, after the much bally-hooed hiatus, the Cracker Jack will continue to be a staple in both Gotham Parks!)
Yet, the chicken finger is a tasty, less processed caveat, and appealing in it's rarity! In Yankee Stadium, one must purchase these deceptively described digits from the Field Level Food Court, the outdoor Sidewalk Cafe, or one of the private clubs. Expect frequent backorders and the longest lines in the facility. Also, expect your date to be very happy when you bring them back, and finally, expect her to be completely clueless as to why you are unhappy about missing that Grand Slam!
Baseball Food will be analyzed in depth on April 1!

Rumor has it...
Cru's Shea Gallante is rapidly approaching "galley stage" (pun not intended) on a forthcoming cookbook. GG will pay full retail for the secret of those braised lamb cheek ravioli alone!