The ballpark frank may be king of the diamond, but the unassuming nacho isn’t far behind it in popularity. In fact, ARAMARK, the award-winning food and hospitality partner at 11 Major League Baseball stadiums, expects to serve more than one million orders of nachos to hungry baseball fans during the 2012 season.

This year, the nacho enters Opening Day with a new look and greater fan appeal thanks to an “extreme nacho makeover,” courtesy of ARAMARK.  ARAMARK chefs spent the off season exploring new ingredient combinations and testing various recipes to come up with a roster of gourmet nachos that is sure to be a home run with fans.

The new-look nacho offers fans fire, ice, and everything in between. Whether it’s Fenway Park’s Kickin’ Chicken Nacho, a take on the spicy Buffalo wing; Angel Stadium’s ice-cold Arctic Nacho, topped with vanilla bean ice cream; or Citi Field’s Pastracho, with the New York deli staple, pastrami, piled high atop fresh fried corn tortilla chips, ARAMARK’s chefs overhauled the nacho to offer fans something different this season.

“Fans tell us it is important to stay true to the roots of baseball classics, but continue to offer a wide array of signature and distinctive menu options at each of our ballparks,” says Marc Bruno, president, ARAMARK sports and entertainment. “Our fans know best, which is why we spend every off season coming up with something new and unique to exceed their expectations.”

As baseball’s premier food and beverage provider, ARAMARK uses consumer insight and takes inspiration from local flavors when creating new menu items each season. Additionally, through its long-time partnership with the Culinary Institute of America, ARAMARK’s chefs are constantly learning and practicing their craft, to remain at the forefront of innovation.

“The tortilla chip is so versatile and provides a canvas for marrying unexpected ingredients and hometown flavors,” says Chris Culver, vice president of food and beverage, ARAMARK sports and entertainment.

“Our chefs had the opportunity to be really creative when making their ballpark’s signature nacho and we’re confident that our new roster of nachos will excite our guests and make their game day experience even more enjoyable.”

Here’s a look at ARAMARK’s signature nacho roster, by ballpark:

Angel Stadium

Created by Executive Chef Rick Wineman

  • Chicken Barbacoa Nachos: Chips topped with charro chili beans, chicken barbacoa, queso, pickled jalapeno, black bean relish with habanero, avocado sour cream, and mild salsa
  • Beef Barbacoa Nachos: Chips topped with charro chili beans, beef barbacoa, queso, pickled jalapeno, black bean relish with habanero, avocado sour cream, and mild salsa
  • Arctic Nachos: Crispy flour tortilla sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and topped with vanilla bean ice cream, Hershey’s syrup, and caramel sauce          

 

Citi Field

Created by Executive Chef Robert Flowers

  • Pastracho: Fresh fried corn tortilla chips topped with chopped NY pastrami, Swiss cheese sauce, sauerkraut, thousand island dressing, and sliced scallions    

 

Citizens Bank Park

Created by Senior Executive Chef Glenn Richmond

  • Ancho Pepper Braised Pork Nacho: Chips topped with ancho pepper braised pork, nacho cheese, fresh cut tomato salsa, fresh jalapeños, and sour cream
  • Barbecue Chicken Nachos: Chips topped with slow roasted chicken braised in barbecue sauce with nacho cheese, black beans, fresh cut tomato salsa, and sour cream

 

Coors Field

Created by Executive Chef Craig Luckmann

  • Colorado Queso: Fresh corn chips with spicy chorizo sausage covered with Monterrey jack and green chili cheese sauce topped with pico di gallo and sour cream
  • S'more Nacho: Fresh tortilla chips fried then coated in graham cracker crumbs and cinnamon. Topped with warm marshmallow fluff, drizzled in chocolate sauce, and finished with M&M minis and mini marshmallows

 

Fenway Park

Created by Senior Executive Chef Ron Abell

  • Kickin’ Chicken Nacho: Shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce over warmed corn chips with blue cheese dressing and blue cheese crumbles, served with a carrot and celery stick

 

Kauffman Stadium

Created by Executive Chef Erin Wishon

  • Cheesy Corn Brisket-acho: Chips topped with smoked brisket, baked beans, cheesy corn, and coleslaw drizzled with barbecue sauce

 

Minute Maid Park

Created by Executive Chef Jason Kohler

  • Barbecue Brisket Nacho: Tortilla chips topped with smoked, cubed brisket, nacho cheese, and corn salsa           

 

O.co Coliseum

Created by Executive Chef Rodney Nestegard

  • Cholula Kalua Nacho: Yellow corn tortilla chips topped with seasoned cheese sauce, fresh tomato salsa, avocado cream, and Cholula infused Kalua shredded pork

 

PNC Park

Created by Executive Chef Rich Montini

  • Bucco Nacho: Lime tortilla chips topped with ground beef, smoked jalapeño peach salsa, cilantro crème fraiche, and nacho cheese

 

Rogers Centre

Created by Executive Chef Dilup Attygalla

  • Big Smoke Jerk Chicken Nacho: Tri-colored tortilla chips topped with cheddar cheese sauce, smoked jerk chicken, pico de gallo, scallions, country slaw, and jerk-infused sour cream

 

Turner Field

Created by Senior Executive Chef Mike Pappas

  • Chili Cheese Pico Nachos: Santita chips, house made chili, shredded cheddar and Jack cheese, pico, jalapeños, sour cream, cilantro, and green onion
  • Sweet and Sour BBQ Carnita Nachos: Santita chips, house smoked pork, Sweet and Sour barbecue sauce, barbecue beans, shredded cheddar, green onion, bread, and butter pickles

 

Visit www.ballparkfoods.com for a look at the food and beverage programs available at each of ARAMARK’s ballparks this season.

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