All-Star Eats

Few sports are associated with a specific food. Think about it: football is synonymous with tailgating and beer; soccer with beer; golf is golf and tennis is tennis; NASCAR is ear-deafening sound and…beer. But baseball—heck, it has an anthem glorifying peanuts and Cracker Jack. And hot dogs and America’s pastime go together like apple pie and ice cream. Dogs reign supreme at MLB stadiums, including Kauffman, which, according to concessions division manager for Aramark, Mike Ringler, sold 8,000 of them on opening day. But just like the slicked-up and JumboTronned stadiums of the 21st century, ballpark food has had an extreme makeover.

The K’s Outfield Experience and food concessions hit it out of the park with creative eats (lots of them familiar local names) that incorporate time-honored foods yet satisfy a modern fan’s taste for good grub. Bring your major-league appetite to the stadium, Royals fans—there’s a food frenzy of epic proportion awaiting you.

Here are some of our faves at the K…the options don’t end here, though. Next time you’re at the stadium, map out your own food tour. And when the game is over, make sure you’ve tucked a little nosh away for the victory ride to your home plate.

KC Cantina Taco Truck Fiesta Fish Tacos $9 Exalted by diehard dog-lovers as the ballpark’s new chow-down food, the trio of fish tacos served from a truck may be some of the best in town. Created by Kauffman and Arrowhead Executive Chef Erin Wishon, these flavor-bright and fresh beauties are devilishly addicting—especially with the two crunchy sweet churros that accompany the basket.
	Sausage Time Polish & Cracker Jack $11 Nestled in a plump poppy seed bun, a perfectly grilled polish sausage is piled with fragrant grilled kraut. Have it your way with a squeeze of spicy mustard or ketchup, but don’t forget the side of Cracker Jack.
Dugout Doghouse All-Star BBQ Dog $10 Topped with pulled pork, coleslaw, pickle slices and BBQ sauce, this dog isn’t for rookies in training. It’s a powerhouse meal that requires nothing more than a cold Pepsi and a crunchy snack chip.
	Boulevard Grill (Left Field) Buttermilk-fried Chicken Tenders and Boulevard Pale Ale $16.25 Ballpark food meets Grandma’s Sunday-best fried chicken in this mouthwatering item. Three freshly battered, dipped and fried white meat tenders—perfectly seasoned—are served up with crispy fries. Paired with KC’s favorite hometown brew, cold Boulevard Pale Ale, this combo runs the bases.
Topsy’s Cherry Limeade $5 This hometown thirst-quencher is like the little black dress of ballpark beverages—it goes with anything sweet or savory. Pair it with Topsy’s corn—classic butter, caramel, cinnamon or cheddar—for a food encounter of the KC kind.
	Sluggerrr’s Training Table Funnel Cake Fries and Sluggerrr’s Lunchbox $13.75 Forget the myth that stadium food is ultra-expensive: there’s plenty of value, especially when it comes to feeding the kids. Bases are loaded with Sluggerrr’s Lunch Box that has a choice of entrée, side and a drink packaged in a souvenir container. Throw in a bag of irresistible funnel fries (not pictured) for the ultimate Disneyland-at-the-ballpark experience.
Hot Corner Grill KC Ribeye Stack $10.75 This award-winning, KC-conceived sandwich was a fan favorite at Anaheim’s 2010 All-Star Game—and they furiously pump them out back home at the K. A seasoned ribeye topped with cheese, onion rings, bacon, sautéed ‘shrooms, tomato, BBQ sauce and pickle, it’s sammie nirvana. Warning: You may need a second set of hands to carry this monster back to your seat.
	Royals All-Star Barbecue Cheesy Corn Brisket-acho $9 ‘Cue at the K is old-school—smoked onsite by experienced pit masters like Keith Rogers who know their way around burnt ends and pulled pork. Enjoy the traditional BBQ dishes and sides, but save room for Chef Wishon’s crazy-good extreme nachos: tortilla chips with a dump-truck load of cheesy corn, baked beans, coleslaw and brisket drizzled with a silky-smooth house-made sauce.
Sheridan’s Frozen Custard Royal Turtle $6.75 Nothing says “take me out to the ballgame” like this duded-up sundae fit for royalty from KC’s best-selling frozen custard king. Vanilla custard, pecans, hot fudge, cherries—you may not want to wait for dessert with this bowl-licking-good combo. Make sure you tell your companions ahead of time: No sharing allowed.

photos: Brooke Vandever