March Food Madness: The ultimate Citi Field food bracket

March Food Madness: The ultimate Citi Field food bracket

by Nick Giacone March 15, 2018 0 Comments

This week, Major League Baseball announced its first annual Food Fest, a two-day culinary event for baseball fans in New York. The fete will provide a Major League tasting menu that features one food item from each of the 30 professional ballparks. The event will take place April 20-21st, 11:00 AM-to-9:00 PM each day.

Score another great move for MLB. Ballpark food is essential to the fan experience. While the food may not be the primary draw, a stadium’s culinary experience is another way for a team to distinguish itself among baseball fans. The MLB Food Fest gives fans an opportunity to chow down on some ballpark food, while gaining some new perspective of other teams around the league.

Citi Field has decided to send the NY Deli pastrami sandwich as the dish that will represent Queens at the MLB Food Fest. It’s a classic no doubt, but is it the best dish that Citi Field has to offer? We need to figure this out.

It’s March, so let's settle this bracket style. It's time for some #MetsMadness, where we'll pit Citi Field classics against each other bracket style. We may not be able to alter the MLB Food Fest menu, but finding a favorite will get our mouths watering just in time for opening day.


The Shea Sixteen

#1 Shake Shack vs #16 Premio Sausage and Peppers

Winner: Shake Shack

Analysis: While sausage and peppers is a delicious pairing, with the added bonus of being fast and on the cheaper side, it can’t stand up to the burger titans. Shake Shack wins in a milkshake-induced landslide.

#8 Josh Capon’s Bash Burger vs #9 NY Deli Pastrami

Winner: NY Deli Pastrami

Analysis: Classic beats out modern here. At the end of the day, New Yorkers will want to go with what’s near and dear to their hearts, and that's a big stacks of salty meat.

#4 Arancini Bros vs. #13 El Verano Taqueria

Winner: Arancini Bros

Analysis: If you’ve had Arancini Bros before, you know this isn’t even close. If you haven’t had Arancini Bros before, you’re welcome in advance for helping you pick your Opening Day meal.

#5 Fuku vs. #12 Keith’s Grill

Winner: Keith’s Grill

Analysis: *UPSET ALERT*. Fuku is great, but hasn’t yet established itself as a household name at Citi. Plus, the Mex Burger at Keith’s Grill is so good it will have you stopping at the gift shop for new pants.

#2 Blue Smoke vs. #15 Nathan’s Hot Dogs

Winner: Blue Smoke

Analysis: This is closer than it seems. While getting a Nathan’s hot dog lobbed to you by a vendor might make you feel like you’re Juan Lagares (beer helps in this delusion as well), we’ll opt for some of the finest BBQ around.

#7 Box Frites vs. #10 Nicoletta

Winner: Box Frites

Analysis: Another close one. Box Frites ultimately wins out, as it has found its groove as being a step above the ballpark frank, and you can’t say no to their plethora of sauces.

#3 Pat LaFrieda’s Filet Mignon Sandwich vs. #14 Catch of the Day

Winner: Pat LaFrieda’s Filet Mignon Sandwich

Analysis: Did you really think seafood at a ballpark would give a Filet Mignon sandwich a run for its money?

#6 Mama’s of Corona vs. #11 Helmet Nachos

Winner: Mama’s

Analysis: Oh man, Mama’s delivers in a big way. Though you don’t get a commemorative helmet, the Italian sandwiches are amazing enough and will last you the entire game. Unless you're my editor, who somehow eats them in, like...seven bites.


The Elite Ate

#1 Shake Shack vs. #9 NY Deli Pastrami

Winner: Shake Shack

Analysis: Shake Shack stays true to its form as a fan favorite, knocking off our feature item at the MLB Food Fest.

#4 Arancini Bros vs. #12 Keith’s Grill

Winner: Arancini Bros

Analysis: Unlike a hot shot down the line in his playing days, these balls prove too much for Keith to handle. Keith has probably said something similar on air, but about a different topic. It's why we love him.

#2 Blue Smoke vs. #7 Box Frites

Winner: Box Frites

Analysis: Another big upset here. Box Frites edges out one of the favorites, as their gourmet dipping sauces and affordable dog/fries combo upend the savory barbecue sauces of Blue Smoke.

#3 Pat LaFrieda’s vs. #6 Mama’s

Winner: Mama’s

Analysis: It’s a shame these two sandwich Goliaths had to meet this early, but the edge goes to Mama’s. Their delicious Italian sandwiches are a true representation of New York, and were even offered as a wager in the 2015 NLCS.


The Flushing Four

#1 Shake Shack vs #4 Arancini Bros and #7 Box Frites vs #6 Mama’s.

Will Shake Shack remain the fan favorite? Can Box Frites shock the world? Find out next week as we break down the Final Four match ups. Don’t agree with the results? Say so in the comments.




Nick Giacone
Nick Giacone

Author

T7L contributing blogger - Follow Nick on Twitter




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