I'm not a huge baseball fan. That is to say, I like our two bay area teams, the SF Giants and the Oakland A's, but I don't watch them on TV. For me, baseball has always seemed to move incredibly slow on TV. When attending a game, it's a completely different experience. Especially day games, where I always try to sit in the warm sunshine. In person, a baseball game is a multi-level engaging experience. You've got the crowds, which are normally friendly and not too wild. Good food and drink and in this day and age as you probably already know, cuisine has definitely evolved at the ball game. The thrill of seeing each player in person, versus on your TV screen. Of course, depending on where your seats are.
I had the good fortune to attend a Giants/Brewers game on a Saturday, a few weeks ago. I'd been given the tickets by Harry, our VP of Procurement, and boy, were they good tickets! Seven rows behind home plate, at AT&T Park (to see our great view close up, click on the above photo.) In case you haven't been there, this park is beautiful. Since it opened in 2000, I've attended numerous games and events there and have never failed to be impressed. It perches on the edge of San Francisco, between the city and the water, not too far from the Bay Bridge. Many seats in the ball park have views of the water, Bay Bridge and the Marina. It's quite easy to walk around the entire promenade level, which makes AT&T Park feel almost cozy.
Back to the food. Since we were seated in the coveted "club" section, we could order food and drink delivered right to our seats. Our seat-mate John, a loquacious fellow originally from Wisconsin, suggested we try the Sheboygan Bratwurst, served with grilled onion, sauerkraut and Dijon mustard. He swore it was the best thing on the menu. He and my friend (and co-worker) Debbie ordered the Sheboygan (I had a small taste) and Debbie completely agreed with him, the Sheboygan "was the bomb." I checked out the Sheboygan Bratwurst website and you can actually order a five pound box, which includes 20 brats, including 2-day shipping, for $31.46, or $1.57 a brat. Not bad for the tastiest "dog" in the park.
I went for the Philly Cheese Steak sandwich. It sounded good and tasted even better. The roll was nice and soft, the meat thinly shaved and lean. The cheese was definitely processed and melted, but it worked, with the onions and peppers. Best Philly I've ever had. And of course, we ordered the garlic fries to share. Aromatic and amazing as always. And ball parks nowadays offer an array of beverages, not just the standard beer anymore. California wines, margaritas, mixed drinks, just about anything you could think of. We were set without having to ever leave our seats!
And the final score?
The Giants lost to the Brewers, 5-8. But we didn't care that much, having spent a really nice day at a beautiful ball park in the sunshine, enjoying wonderful chow and good company.
Can't wait to go back!
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