Foodie Got Game

It used to be that stadium food meant a pretzel and a hot dog followed by a cup of luke warm beer. If you were lucky the food stand also had burgers and nachos. However all that is changing. Gourmet food is hitting the sports arenas and with it some pretty luxurious snacks.

This was the subject of Glenn Collins article in yesterday's New York Times Dining section. It seems that that New York City landmark, Madison Square Garden is kicking up its' fare to meet foodie standards. It makes sense. After all Manhattan is the gourmet capital of the world these days and why wouldn't a sports venue not get into the act too. There are lobster rolls along with brisket and and hard carved prime ribs along with other prime deli meats from the famed Carnegie deli. There will be two dozen high end specialty food stands in the Garden. Of course hot dogs still reign but they will be cheddar brats , made with high quality bratwurst braised in imported Dutch beer . Sauerkraut , also served, is made with a Riesling white wine.

Yankee Stadium has also undertaken this gourmet food idea. They have sliced steak carts that sell juicy steaks from the famed Lobels. Johnny Rockets is also there and baseball fans probably got a taste of that chain's heavenly onion rings and patty melts. The stadium also has Melissa's for fresh fruit (a welcome change from all that meat and grease ) as well as the Hard Rock Cafe. There are also Italian style stands to buy zeppoli and eggplant parmigiana. Yankee Stadium also offers private buffet areas where fans can eat in private but still enjoy the game from skyboxes.
These are membership only with expensive dues and entrance fees.

The days of just buying a dog or a pretzel at a game are over with. A new sports fan has emerged and that's one that is also a foodie.They want much more than sports fan s of previous eras. They want gourmet with that win.

Summer Indulgences

Even though the warm weather is here you can still indulge (although it is bikini season). Just like in the cooler months you can treat yourself to something wonderful and rich. Let's face it although it's just bordering on the first day of summer you're probably tired of all that grilled chicken with everything and meager watermelon slices.

Every roadside stand and beach hut has some great sandwiches right now. Don't think twice about a chili dog with extra onions and cheese. Have it with a big cup of beer. whether it be the alcoholic, birch or root kind.(and whatever kind you have make sure it has a big, foamy head).Another summertime treat is a fresh off the grill burger smothered in a good sharp cheddar with a few strips of bacon or even Canadian bacon. Lobster roll is another foodie gift to oneself. It's just a meal of pure indulgence with a wicked blend of lobster and mayo on a buttered hot dog bun. If you want a food that's somewhere in between then go for barbecued wings. Yes, the chicken is good for you however that calorie rich barbecue isn't.

If you're dying for something sweet, then get one of those coffees that's more of a dessert than a drink.Anyplace from Starbucks to Dunkin Donuts is serving them with a vengeance this summer .Opt for a chocolate one with a huge puff of whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Dunkin Donuts has its version of the famed frozen hot cocoa which tastes like a chocolate shake on steroids. Of course there's the old fashioned banana split that's easily made at home.Use flavor intense ice creams like vanilla, butter pecan, chocolate or strawberry and add two very ripe bananas. Finish up with your favorite topping and ,of course whipped cream. You can also make a luscious ice cream sundae too.

Even though this is the season for skinniness, treat yourself to some lush, calorie rich foods every now and then, It's fun and , yes, satisfying to sink your teeth into a juicy bacon cheese burger or an iced cream sundae. Forget that it's the start of bikini season. Treat yourself to something yummy!

Bunsatility

Everyone loves hamburger and hot dog buns. They;re softer chewier and somewhat sweeter than regular bread plus they're the perfect foil for grilled meat. However they;re also good for a variety of other sandwiches as well. To borrow a well known and well worn phrase - you have to think outside the bun.

Everyone loves a breakfast sandwich. You can use the hamburger ones to create your own Egg McMuffin, Its even better toasted. Another idea is using the hot dog ones and stuffing them with breakfast sausage links or bacon strips, scrambled eggs and cheese. It's' a fun way to start off the morning, Of course the buns are also good for that classic lobster roll. This is where a creamy lobster salad is made and then slathered all over a buttered and toasted bun. Another idea st taking Italian sausage or Philly cheese steaks as well. My favorite is pulled pork in a hamburger roll. This is known as a soak where my Dad was from and it's one of the best hot sandwiches around.

Since both hamburger and hot dog buns have a certain sweetness you can use them in bread pudding. They're also soft enough so you don't have any hard edges. Another idea is using them in English summer pudding. This recipe originally calls for brioche but you can use these in a pinch. Also both types of buns make excellent stuffing for turkey or even roast chicken.

Think outside the bun when it comes to hamburger and hot dog rolls. You can use them for any kind of sandwich. You can even have them in a dessert. They're not just for your average burgers and dogs.