Podcast Episode 112: The Joy of Ballpark Food
Bennet Jacobstein, author of The Joy of Ballpark Food: From Hot Dogs to Haute Cuisine, talks to us about what foodies can find at different baseball stadiums around the country.

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Bennet Jacobstein, author of Offer: 0692336540 The Joy of Ballpark Food: From Hot Dogs to Haute Cuisine, talks to us about what foodies can find at different baseball stadiums around the country.
- Hot dogs and sausages are not the same thing.
- The quality of ballpark food was elevated in the 90s as new stadiums were built and food television shows took off.
- Stadiums have highlighted regional foods.
- Gordon Biersch's founder Dan Gordon introduced garlic fries at Candlestick Park in 1994.
- The song "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" was written in 1908.
- The Yankees replaced Cracker Jacks at one point, but brought it back after a public outcry.
- Veggie Happy spearheaded the movement to get veggie dogs sold at ballpark stadiums.
- Andrew Zimmern has a stand in the Minnesota ballpark.
- Rocky Mountain Oysters are bull testicles.
- "The Big Six" are the food companies that service the major ballparks.
- As you go from ballpark to ballpark, try the hot dogs at each to see how they're done differently.
- Proceeds from Bennett's book go to Second Harvest Food Bank.
Food for Thought
- Q: In what year were Cracker Jacks first served at a baseball game?
- A: 1896 in Atlantic City.
Out of the Frying Pan
Here's what Bennet recommends you try at each ballpark:
- Yankees Stadium in New York City: Chicken and Waffles.
- Fenway Park in Boston: Lobster Roll and a cuban sandwich.
- Wrigley Field in Chicago: Chicago-style hot dog with Vienna beef.
- Turner Field in Atlanta: Boiled peanuts.
- Marlins Park in Miami: Cuban dishes.
- Safeco Field in Seattle: The Ivar's hot dog (with fish) and cream cheese hot dog.
- Nationals Park in Washington D.C.: A cauliflower hot dog and presidential cupcakes.
- Busch Stadium in St. Louis: The BBQ.
- Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles: Tommy Lasorda Spumoni ice cream.
- AT&T Park in San Francisco: Crab salad, lamb sausages, and Gordon Biersch garlic fries.
Published February 15th, 2016