Eating at Nationals Park

[ulrath]

In other words, if you want to drink to "I can't remember what happened in the third inning" levels

How did the Sports Bog get a hold of my opening day itinerary? Looking forward to the dogfish head offerings.

[Lydia R]

Last Saturday's final exhibition game was an excellent opportunity to scout the new Levy operation. Customer service is improved over last year. However, to the Levy manager in the dove gray suit: Cheer up! This isn't Disney, but please leave the backstage stuff backstage.

Beers: the touted new line-up is only available at the newly expanded Red Porch, not the Loft and nowhere near our seats. The four brews available on-tap Saturday were: Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA, Bell's Kalamazoo Stout, Southampton Triple Abby Style Ale Double White [Edited: Sorry, forgot this Belgian puckerer] and Harpoon UFO Hefeweizen.

[TedE]

Last Saturday's final exhibition game was an excellent opportunity to scout the new Levy operation. Customer service is improved over last year. However, to the Levy manager in the dove gray suit: Cheer up! This isn't Disney, but please leave the backstage stuff backstage.

Beers: the touted new line-up is only available at the newly expanded Red Porch, not the Loft and nowhere near our seats. The four brews available on-tap Saturday were: Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA, Bell's Kalamazoo Stout, Southampton Triple Abby Style Ale and Harpoon UFO Hefeweizen.

Bummer about the availability; would have hoped to see them at least in the Loft as well. Did you get a sense of what the "premium" offerings were in other parts of the park? I'm talking about the stand alone beer carts, not the regular concessions. They always had a few micros available.

And not bad news on the prices! $7.50 isn't terrible for a ballpark draft; were they 16 oz. pours?. Oberon in bottles only $0.50 more than Miller Lite! Of course I'm guessing that's for a standard 12 oz. bottle vs. 16 for the macro ...

[Lydia R]

Did you get a sense of what the "premium" offerings were in other parts of the park? I'm talking about the stand alone beer carts, not the regular concessions. They always had a few micros available.

We did a lap around the concourses and saw nothing different except for a few more Ben's outlets and the Cantina papered-over [no indication on the windows of what will fill that space]. Perhaps after Levy gets the premium areas running with the new menu they'll turn their focus onto the concourse offerings. Not sure on the pour size of the Porch drafts.

[u-bet!]

Bummer about the availability; would have hoped to see them at least in the Loft as well.

So get the good stuff at the Porch and then stroll on upstairs to the Loft. No big whoop.

[TedE]

So get the good stuff at the Porch and then stroll on upstairs to the Loft. No big whoop.

Have you seen the Loft on a busy day? That stroll could eat up a whole inning!

I usually only hit the Porch/Loft for a pre-game beer or as a first stop after coming through the gates and then head to our seats up in the 300s. Here's hoping the good stuff migrates skyward eventually.

[Lydia R]

I'm still smiling from yesterday's sweet game over St. Louis. As the season picks up, finally, I want to add a link to Nats320 -- A Washington Nationals Blog's report on dining at the Red Porch and their current beer line-up [New ones: Williamsburg Tavern Ale, Stone Arrogant Bastard Ale and holdovers: Harpoon UFO Hefeweizen and Southampton Double White Ale] . One of the bartenders noted that the plan is to change 'em up every home stand.

Here's their photo of the beer menu on the Nats320 site.

Yesterday I enjoyed the brown Williamsburg Tavern Ale though my +1 said it was reminicent of Thai Food [no wonder me like it]. My quibbles are minor: the beer price is up from Opening Week and they missed a great opportunity for a food/drink tie-in to Saturday's Hispanic Heritage Fest [maybe inside the clubs, no?].

And not bad news on the prices! $7.50 isn't terrible for a ballpark draft; were they 16 oz. pours?. Oberon in bottles only $0.50 more than Miller Lite! Of course I'm guessing that's for a standard 12 oz. bottle vs. 16 for the macro ...

From looking at the Fabri-Kal website it states that the GC16S cup has a flush fill capacity of just over 18 oz. Even at $8.50 I don't think it's terrible either, just a bummer they couldn't keep the season opening price - or stock lids for that long journey carrying two beers back.

[lperry]

We were there yesterday as well, cheering along with the other Plan B-ers. We walked around the entire park only to find closed concession stands in several places. Maybe five or six doors were shut, and the vendors who were open were doing a pretty hard sell trying to get people into their stalls. There was a new cart in the low 100s selling veggie wraps, but that's the only new one I saw. Lots of people in our section (204) brought their own food, and we bought the usual chicken, fries, and popcorn.

To be perfectly honest, if they want more of my money, those boys have got to start winning more games. Yesterday's match was the first time this year that I've seen them play consistently good baseball for all nine innings, and special kudos go to Shairon Martis who pitched a beautiful game. Here's hoping they keep it up, and I will definitely drink to that at the stadium!

[lwharter]

Does anyone know the story re: ability to bring food into the stadium like you could at RFK?

I'm a season ticket holder and regularly bring in my own food and bottled water as I refuse to pay their prices for sub-standard food. They will not allow you bring in any other beverages besides water. I sit in the Stars & Stripes club with my fare and one of their beers and am regularly asked where I got my sushi!

[u-bet!]

Tried a new offering at last night's game: The Pit at the Red Loft, which offers fresh pit beef or turkey sandwiches. They pull the hunks of meat off the charcoal grill, slice it as you watch, and pile the thick slices (and I do mean PILE) on a kaiser roll (the roll was fresh enough, but nothing special; about what you might expect from somewhat upscale modern day ballpark fare). The beef is topped with horseradish sauce, and the turkey is served with some kind of aioli (I forgot exactly what they called it) plus lettuce and tomato. You can add BBQ sauce at the condiment bar if you want. Sandwich & bag o' chips combo is $11.00. I had the beef and it was tender, a little bit smoky, and flavorful. They do give you a lot; there was a good couple of inches of meat on that bun.

P.S: Dogfish Head 90 Minute Ale has been rotated out of the draft beer selection at the Red Porch Bar.

[TinDC]

Tried a new offering at last night's game: The Pit at the Red Loft, which offers fresh pit beef or turkey sandwiches. They pull the hunks of meat off the charcoal grill, slice it as you watch, and pile the thick slices (and I do mean PILE) on a kaiser roll (the roll was fresh enough, but nothing special; about what you might expect from somewhat upscale modern day ballpark fare). The beef is topped with horseradish sauce, and the turkey is served with some kind of aioli (I forgot exactly what they called it) plus lettuce and tomato. You can add BBQ sauce at the condiment bar if you want. Sandwich & bag o' chips combo is $11.00. I had the beef and it was tender, a little bit smoky, and flavorful. They do give you a lot; there was a good couple of inches of meat on that bun.

P.S: Dogfish Head 90 Minute Ale has been rotated out of the draft beer selection at the Red Porch Bar.

Sounds much better than the remaining chicken fingers and fries I ate once my three year old was finished eating on Friday night. While waiting in line, I noticed they had a foot-long crab roll with a foot of Old Bay fries. $18. A lot of people seemed to be ordering this. I was too skeptical but admit that I was curious as to how it tastes.

[Lydia R]

P.S: Dogfish Head 90 Minute Ale has been rotated out of the draft beer selection at the Red Porch Bar.

Before Friday's 12-inning game, we spent 45 minutes at the Red Porch bar. About 60% of the would-be customers during that time were turned away empty handed.

Why? Either (1) no Dogfish or (2) half the beers on offer were "off-line" because the hot and humid weather exacerbated the existing tap issues [hmm, decreased performance when there's higher demand for good cold beer?]. The New Holland Golden Cap tap unexpectedly yielded darker and spicier brew than described on-line [was it correctly labeled?].

OK Levy Restaurants -- if you're disappointed by the revenue from Red Porch's niche beers it's because of your poor execution, not low market demand. The bar staff is really missing out on satisfying patrons and making better tips [win-win]. Oh, and DC really needs the tax money.

Perhaps because your firm is located in Chicago [nowhere near ocean beaches] contributes to a cultural disconnect. Washingtonians enjoy relative proximity to the Delmarva ocean beaches. As such, Dogfish Head is a local favorite.

I submit that one of the four Red Porch taps should rotate between different Dogfish brews exclusively.

Edited for clarity

[An Briosca Mor]

Sounds much better than the remaining chicken fingers and fries I ate once my three year old was finished eating on Friday night. While waiting in line, I noticed they had a foot-long crab roll with a foot of Old Bay fries. $18. A lot of people seemed to be ordering this. I was too skeptical but admit that I was curious as to how it tastes.

I got this sandwich (called "The Big Catch" or "Crab Louie") once. At $18, it's probably the most pricy thing in the plebian sections of the ballpark. The crab sandwich part of it was very good, but I won't be ordering it again, for two reasons. (1) Because I've never had a decent (i.e. twice fried and crisp, not once fried and limp) french fry in Nationals Park I asked for onion rings as a sub for the fries, which they granted with no problem. The onion rings would have been good, but they were stone cold. (2) That two-foot long narrow cardboard basket they serve the sandwich in made me feel like way too much of a fancy boy as I strolled through the park looking for a place to sit down and eat.

[lperry]

^ I hear you on the fries. There was one place on the third level by our seats that served crispy fries (I can't remember the name), and last night they were closed. So the trend continues with closing food vendors. I did see the Bavarian Nuts cart for the first time, although it could have been there before. They were selling very large bags of coated almonds, cashews, etc. The good news of the night is that the Nats held it together to win one!

[An Briosca Mor]

^ I hear you on the fries. There was one place on the third level by our seats that served crispy fries (I can't remember the name), and last night they were closed. So the trend continues with closing food vendors. I did see the Bavarian Nuts cart for the first time, although it could have been there before. They were selling very large bags of coated almonds, cashews, etc. The good news of the night is that the Nats held it together to win one!

Now that I think of it, the fries at Cantina Marina were actually pretty good - fairly crisp and nicely spiced. But that stand, which was next to Five Guys, is alas not back this year.

Where is the Bavarian Nuts cart located?

[u-bet!]

(1) Because I've never had a decent (i.e. twice fried and crisp, not once fried and limp) french fry in Nationals Park

Have you tried the Boardwalk Fries stand? I have not, but I expect they would be a cut above the regular Levy-run concessions. OTOH, I was severely disappointed in the garlic fries I got at the Taste of the Majors stand. These were nothing more that the standard soggy limp fries with some (presumably jarred) minced garlic dumped on top. l was expecting some special care would be taken with the preparation to set them apart from the fries served at the regular concessions, since the theme of this stand is to offer specialty items imported from other ballparks around the league. Boy, was I mistaken!

[lperry]

Where is the Bavarian Nuts cart located?

It was around 103-104, I think, because that's directly below us. There was also a guy with a big bag coming through the stands in 204/5. This is also a new trend - last year we never saw the vendors walking through our section.

Have you tried the Boardwalk Fries stand? I have not, but I expect they would be a cut above the regular Levy-run concessions.

Expect otherwise. Occasionally, you catch them right out of the fryer and they are good for the next ten minutes or so.

[sacrilicious]

Are there any vendors selling margaritas now that Cantina Marina is gone? I'm not expecting anything fabulous, just in the mood for something cold and citrus-y and non-beer for tonight's game vs. the Os.

I was a little surprised that the fancy $10 nachos from the Stars & Stripes club area were topped with a decently spicy chili. But for the most part I have given up on the ballpark food and usually just bring my own.

Then again, the Bavarian nut cart sounds semi-promising - I will try to find it tonight.

[hillvalley]

I know this is just plain old wrong to ask, but has anyone found anything that is not fattening to eat at the park? Other than sad looking salads at Red Porch, I haven't found anything.

Also, anyone know if the Kosher stand is around? It's not in the same place as last year.

[Lydia R]

Are there any vendors selling margaritas now that Cantina Marina is gone? I'm not expecting anything fabulous, just in the mood for something cold and citrus-y and non-beer for tonight's game vs. the Os.

The Red Porch has frozen "Margaritas" & Daiquiris served in ?bat? shaped containers. I haven't tried them (still focused on their beer), but here's a photo of the slushy machines on the Nats320 Blog.

Hillvalley>> there's more than just wraps at the cart lperry describes. They have cut veggies, hummus and salads

There was a new cart in the low 100s selling veggie wraps, but that's the only new one I saw.

I'll be at one of the interleague games this weekend - good times.

[u-bet!]

I know this is just plain old wrong to ask, but has anyone found anything that is not fattening to eat at the park? Other than sad looking salads at Red Porch, I haven't found anything.

I would recommend the turkey chili I got from the On the Fly cart outside the Half Street gate last season, but I haven't seen it so far this year.

[An Briosca Mor]

Have you tried the Boardwalk Fries stand? I have not, but I expect they would be a cut above the regular Levy-run concessions.

Actually, I did try Boardwalk Fries very early on in the 2008 season. Got fries there and went on to Ben's for a half smoke all the way. Must have been one of those Marlins games when the crowd was non-existent, even by first-year standards, for me to have been able to do that. Anyway, the Boardwalk Fries that night were actually okay, semi-crisp and tasty. Based on that experience, I went back to the Boardwalk Fries stand and tried again a couple of weeks later. That time the fries I was served were flaccid, cold and downright terrible. I haven't been back to that stand since.

[Mississippi Snopes]

I know this is just plain old wrong to ask, but has anyone found anything that is not fattening to eat at the park? Other than sad looking salads at Red Porch, I haven't found anything.

Also, anyone know if the Kosher stand is around? It's not in the same place as last year.

There is a new cart just added at about section 110 or so that has turkey and veggie wraps, fruit salad, hummus, and other healthy looking stuff. I saw the cart for the first time this past Sunday (May 24).

[csirwillis]

There is a new cart just added at about section 110 or so that has turkey and veggie wraps, fruit salad, hummus, and other healthy looking stuff. I saw the cart for the first time this past Sunday (May 24).

I went this past Sunday to the game..Grand Slam win. I knew I was going to get ballpark type of food but I eat at Ben's on U st all the time so I thought it would be kind of the same.. the chili was spicy but no flavor, cheese was frozen from the bag, and the smokie was burnt. Next time go to the next stand and get a sausage or go to the carts outside of the ballpark.. The food there was 100 times better last year.

[Kibbee Nayee]

I went this past Sunday to the game..Grand Slam win. I knew I was going to get ballpark type of food but I eat at Ben's on U st all the time so I thought it would be kind of the same.. the chili was spicy but no flavor, cheese was frozen from the bag, and the smokie was burnt. Next time go to the next stand and get a sausage or go to the carts outside of the ballpark.. The food there was 100 times better last year.

Have to agree. Last night, the Dogfish was available on tap at the Red Porch, but that was the highlight. The Mile High Nachos were gut busting but otherwise mediocre. I grabbed a couple of Maker's Marks (she wouldn't pour me a double, but gave me two singles) and then a Ben's Halfsmoke All-the-Way and nestled into the game....yes, the smokie is better on U St.

[sacrilicious]

There is a new cart just added at about section 110 or so that has turkey and veggie wraps, fruit salad, hummus, and other healthy looking stuff. I saw the cart for the first time this past Sunday (May 24).

I tried a veggie wrap from this cart (I think it's called "The Healthy Plate" or something similar). I believe it was grilled eggplant, zucchini, peppers, onions, and maybe feta in a spinach tortilla with a small amount of some kind of spread, which I'm guessing was supposed to sun dried tomato.

I couldn't identify any particular flavor because it was quite possibly the blandest wrap ever created, but it's a fair option if you're not in the mood for, or can't eat, traditional stadium greasebomb food. It would have been much improved with a more assertively seasoned spread. But I couldn't find any aioli packets in the condiment stands.

[Lydia R]

Thanks to Skipper over on Chowhound, there's news that the Shalom Group of Wheaton [owners of Max's and Shalom Market] have opened a kosher stand near section 143. Here's info from Richard Greenberg's article in last Thursday's Jewish Times:

On deck is Max's Kosher Cafe and Marketplace of Silver Spring, which is scheduled to operate a stand in section 143 on the main concourse level near the centerfield gate, according to Max's part-owner Larry Dekelbaum, who declared that he is "definitely" a Nats fan.

The concession, Dekelbaum said, will serve hot dogs, potato knishes, sausage, falafel and shwarma -- all under the supervision of the Vaad Harabanim Rabbinical Council of Greater Washington, known informally as the Vaad. Existing equipment will be used, but it will all be re-kashered, Dekelbaum reported, to ensure that those fans who so desire can enjoy a non-treif ballpark experience.

With the exception of Friday evening and Saturdays, the stand will be open for all home games, according to Nationals spokesperson Chartese Burnett.

ETA: Tonight, during the second inning, the Kosher Grill didn't have much of a line [compared with the epic 5 Guys line]. Got a shwarma and hotdog - both tasty & hot - a good way to break the food rut at the Park. They also have bottled water, soda and domestic beer [?? Miller Lite & Bud?].

There's a Teddy's BBQ tent nearby, maybe the next frontier.

[DanielK]

With the exception of Friday evening and Saturdays, the stand will be open for all home games

And hence, the critical reason why so many kosher restaurants fail in areas without HEAVY concentration of observant Jews - probably 40-50% of stadium business comes from Friday and Saturday games.

[lperry]

And hence, the critical reason why so many kosher restaurants fail in areas without HEAVY concentration of observant Jews - probably 40-50% of stadium business comes from Friday and Saturday games.

Or Red Sox games. Record crowd last night. Suffice it to say, it was not the stadium popcorn that left a bitter taste in my mouth.

[stickmoon]

Or Red Sox games. Record crowd last night. Suffice it to say, it was not the stadium popcorn that left a bitter taste in my mouth.

I stopped by the kosher stand in the 4th inning and it was already out of sausage. EvilKim got a falafal, which she said was alright, but the pita was flimsy.

[Keithstg]

Or Red Sox games. Record crowd last night. Suffice it to say, it was not the stadium popcorn that left a bitter taste in my mouth.

Indeed. Two more games in pink hat hell... Although I believe the food will be more plentiful today and tomorrow. Lots of stands ran out last night.

[u-bet!]

There's a Teddy's BBQ tent nearby, maybe the next frontier.

I tried it last night; had the pulled pork sandwich ($10.00, including a side of cole slaw which I dumped on top of the sandwich). It was OK - nice chunks of relatively tender pulled pork, but a little too vinegary for me, as I prefer my barbeque to be more smoky/sweet. In my estimation, the pit beef sandwich from The Pit at the Red Loft > the pulled pork from Teddy's BBQ. Service was quick, friendly and efficient.

By the way, did you know that they sell standing room tickets for $10.00? I showed up around 6:50 and got one of these at the ticket booth outside the center field gate. Along with the ticket, they give you a piece of paper listing about five or six designated standing areas throughout the park. Who knew?

[dcs]

By the way, did you know that they sell standing room tickets for $10.00? I showed up around 6:50 and got one of these at the ticket booth outside the center field gate. Along with the ticket, they give you a piece of paper listing about five or six designated standing areas throughout the park. Who knew?

Better yet, Grandstand tickets are available the day of the game for walk up sale at the Box Office for only $5, and you can stand in the same places rather than trudge all the way upstairs.

To keep this food related, has anyone tried the foot long Crab Louie?

[Demetrius]

Watched the Red Sox play another terrific game last night, and added Nationals Park to our list of baseball stadiums visited. Because we were in such terrific seats I only left the game once and purchased the hot, salted pretzels since most of the food offerings were way overpriced and didn't look too good.

On the flip side, it is a beautiful stadium and hope my beloved Red Sox make it down again next season!

[stickmoon]

I stopped by the kosher stand in the 4th inning and it was already out of sausage.

The kosher stand was better prepared last night. They still had sausages ($8) and knishes ($5) into the 7th inning. The sausage is a dollar more than at the other stands...to my taste it had more flavor, more spice, less moisture, and less snap. The peppers and onion added sweetness, but there weren't enough of them on mine. They were also pre-made, wrapped in aluminum foil, and held in a hot box. Overall it was tasty, but I prefer the other stands' sausages. But the knish was really good. The potato filling was soft and well-seasoned, and it had a nice crust.

[u-bet!]

Better yet, Grandstand tickets are available the day of the game for walk up sale at the Box Office for only $5.

Not when the Red Sox are in town and you show up 10 minutes before game time, they're not.

I forgot to mention that they had Dogfish Head 60 Minute at the Red Porch bar. But they ran out around the 5th inning.

[Lydia R]

I forgot to mention that they had Dogfish Head 60 Minute at the Red Porch bar. But they ran out around the 5th inning.

Today Red Porch had UFO, Dogfish 60 Minute, Woodchuck Amber Draft Cider and Blue Moon on draft. Maybe the Levy group is stepping away from the craft beers or just ran through more beer than expected during the Red Sox home stand.

The Red Porch is missing between 10-15 bar chairs. Perhaps if they're found, the FOH will chill-out on trying to turn the high tables so quickly [esp during the Wimbledon Men's Final].

At least Scott Olsen is off the DL and pitching well. Nyjer Morgan is an energetic addition to the team.

[Anna Phor]

I also had the pulled pork sandwich from Teddy's BBQ. It was meh ... the pork was a little fatty, the bun was stale, and there was no BBQ sauce in sight, BUT, they are also selling roasted corn on the cob, which is a great addition. One ear for $3.50.

[Lydia R]

I also had the pulled pork sandwich from Teddy's BBQ. It was meh

Looks like they're trying to add some buzz:

Food Network and Levy Grill Off!

We're grilling some great food at the Nats game! Join us as Levy Restaurants' Area Executive Chef Phil Bucco takes on Teddy Folkman, a finalist on The Next Food Network Star, in a Grill Off at Nationals Park on Sunday, July 19 from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm in the Right Field concourse (near Teddy's BBQ stand).

This grilling competition will be a great way to start off your Sunday before the Cubs and Nats take the field as these two chefs compete to create the most scrumptious ballpark fare.

The first 30 fans who arrive at the grilling station will be able to taste all of the fabulous food these two chefs cook up and 2 lucky fans will be selected as official judges to determine which chef has the top grilling skills! Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to cheer on your favorite chefs!

More information from the Nat's press release:

The chefs will each receive a basket of items they must incorporate into their dishes, and have access to a limited pantry. All items must be prepared on the state-of-the-art grills provided by Strosniders Hardware Stores, a Maryland-based company with stores in Bethesda, Potomac and Silver Spring. Chef Eddie Gilbert, also a finalist on The Next Food Network Star, will emcee the event, speaking with judges and taking questions from the crowd as the competition heats up. Each chef will have 45 minutes to prepare their dish before being judged on taste and originality. The judges panel will consist of The Washington Post Food Editor Joe Yonan, WTTG Sports Anchor Dave Ross, and two Nationals fans selected from the audience.

[Kibbee Nayee]

I dipped in and out of the Barbecue cook-off thing. It wasn't all that interesting, but they were hyping the Food Network star contestant and he was providing autographs at the end. I did have the Rough Rider, which was a big honking hunk of brined and smoked beef rib. I swear, there was a good 8 ounces of meat and 6 ounces of fat on the thing, and it was a gut bomb. The sauce was a bit cloying, and for $12, it was so-so.

Also had the Ben's half smoke "all the way" and the smokie was pretty good. But the bun fell apart and the chili was all over everything, so it is basically inedible in a ballpark setting. You have to be sitting at a table to handle this baby.

[Lydia R]

A sure sign of meteorological spring:

Flippin' Pizza is now the official pizza of the Nationals. They'll be taking over the former Papa John's locations in the Park. I need to try their pizza with a beer in the sunshine [now].

[Lydia R]

I need to try their pizza with a beer in the sunshine [now].

Today, 37,312 fans got their wish of a perfect spring day. The Nationals Park food/bev vendors got a not-so-soft opening in preparation for the season opener. Flippin' Pizza is truly available in one of two varieties, cheese or pepperoni, at $5 a slice [crispy, but bland].

The Red Porch (RP) now has 8 draft beer taps so there are more options. Currently two of the eight taps are used by Blue Moon. The seats are more comfortable than last year's stylish red model. The funniest thing was watching the Budweiser distributor staff squinting at the Miller supplied taps and condiment holders from outside the RP's aluminum fence. The not welcome change is the loss of the fence gate directly into the RP bar - now only accessible via the main Red Porch entrance.

An excellent summary of Levy's current offerings can be found on the Nats320Blog.

[Sthitch]

Based on the Nat's latest marketing strategy I wonder when the food service is going to include some cheesesteaks, roast pork sandwiches, and hoagies.

[MC Horoscope]

Based on the Nat's latest marketing strategy I wonder when the food service is going to include some cheesesteaks, roast pork sandwiches, and hoagies.

He he! (Actually, kinda sad! A fiasco on Monday.)

[sacrilicious]

I wonder when the food service is going to include some cheesesteaks, roast pork sandwiches, and hoagies.

The cheesesteak cart (not far from where we were sitting in 306) was hopping on Monday.

Monday did turn out to be a bit of a disaster, and I'm not even talking about the Nats' performance. A number of stands ran out of food or beer, and it seemed like half of the credit card machines were down. The only potential upside was that on the metro ride home, the drunk obnoxious Phillies fans seemed slightly less drunk and obnoxious than usual.

[Merry Mary]

I didn't see Max's Kosher Cafe and Marketplace on opening day, a friend and I were after their falafel. Was in section 143 last year, hope they will be there the rest of the season. I called the store just now and was told they would be to the left when you enter the main gate, and that is right where 143 is.

[hillvalley]

I didn't see Max's Kosher Cafe and Marketplace on opening day, a friend and I were after their falafel. Was in section 143 last year, hope they will be there the rest of the season. I called the store just now and was told they would be to the left when you enter the main gate, and that is right where 143 is.

This is just a guess but since Opening Day was during Passover I wonder if they waited to open until the second game.

[pidgey]

I'm hearing on the radio an advertisement for NJ's Pretzels, featuring the curly W pretzel and a gluten-free option. Looks like they have replaced Noah's Pretzels in the ballpark.

[hillvalley]

I ate tonight so you don't have to suffer. Do yourself a favor and avoid Teddy's BBQ. The BBQ pork sandwich ($10) was a decent amount of flavorless, dried pulled pork. The BBQ ribs ($12) turns out to be a Fred Flintstone sized rib with a decent amount of boiled and then grilled meat. You had to get through a lot of fat to get to the meat though. The nondescript BBQ sauce just added to sad meal. The surprising highlight, if you can call it that, was the grilled "in the husk" corn on the cob. I added the quotations because there was no husk in sight. But the corn was brushed with a nice amount of butter and had decent flavor for the middle of April.

Max's cart is across from Teddy's BBQ. It wasn't opened tonight because it's Shabbat but that's where I'm heading at the next game.

[DonRocks]

I'm witnessing a 10-run inning with 1 out in the 1st.

ETA - Don't go to Max's expecting Max's. $7 cash-only for pre-fried falafel balls pulled from a tray. Limited toppings. The pre-shredded shawarma meat looked pretty unappetizing.

But it was still better than waiting an unjustifiable 20 minutes in line at Five Guys (which I also did) for a completely dead, gray burger ($8).

Live on the (not very pretty) scene,

Rocks

Edited April 18, 2010 by DonRocks