The first time that Christian Petroni appeared on “Chopped”, the popular show on The Food Network, the Bronx native was being judged by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson. To prove how much he loved where he’s from, Petroni decided to reveal something to Samuelsson.
“I have the words “THE BRONX” tattooed inside my lip,” said Petroni. “I whipped out my lip and it said “THE BRONX” and that’s kind of where it all started.”
And now Petroni is also a celebrity chef and he joins Samuelsson on this year’s dining menu at Yankee Stadium.
At a media event on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium, Petroni unveiled his “Cheesy Garlic Bread” that will be available at sections 125 and 310 this season at Yankees home games. It’s comprised of seeded Bronx bastone, mozzarella, Pecorino Romano and Parmesan Reggiano, Scicilian oregano and served with an 8-hour marinara.
For Petroni, who grew up 15 minutes from Yankee Stadium, this is something special.
“It’s almost like a birthright when you grow up in the Bronx or you’re growing up in the city, going to a Yankees game is something so special,” said Petroni. “I’ve been crying for three weeks straight as I’m driving in and out of the stadium doing training with the team. I can’t believe this is even real life.”
For the second straight season, Samuelsson will have his “Streetbird” location in section 112 and it will feature “The Hot Bird Sandwich”, “Big Fly Chicken and Waffle” and “M’s Crispy Chicken Fingers.” Samuelsson first debuted “Freebird” in his adopted hometown of Harlem infusing old-school, hip-hop swagger and style into a friend chicken joint with his riffs on comfort food classis.
It was a no-brainer for Samuelsson to be a part of Yankee Stadium, where he brings his family to watch the Bronx Bombers.
“Yankee Stadium is known worldwide,” said Samuelsson. “For us to have our sandwich at Yankee Stadium is unbelievable. The Yankees call to work on a sandwich in the most iconic sports arena in the world…yes where do you sign?”
“What we love is sitting and watching the game and just eating and having fun. It’s about family and creating memories. It’s the total experience is what we’re here for.”
In addition to the offerings by Samuelsson and Petroni, other food items that will be on the 2023 Yankee Stadium menu include…
99 Burger (section 223)-Yankee Stadium will sell a maximum of 99 of these burgers each game. It has 2 4 oz. American Wagyu beef patties, New School American Cheese, caramelized onions, secret sauce, brioche bun, and dill pickles with lettuce and tomato available upon request.
FUKU (section 213)-O.G. Spicy Chicken Sando and Tenders with Waffle Fries.
CITY WINERY (SECTION 105)-City Winery Burger, Burrata Burger and Rotisserie Chicken.
BOBBY’S (BOBBY FLAY) BURGERS (SECTION 132)-Meatloaf Burger, USDA Prime Streak Sandwich, Steak Topped Fries, and Hickory Molasses Glazed Grilled Chicken Sandwich.
MAC TRUCK (SECTION 223)-Classic Mac & Cheese, Buffalo Mac & Cheese and Mexican Street Mac & Cheese.
YANKEE STADIUM GRAND SLAM SHAKES (sections 112, 125 and 324 shake stands)-Pinstripe Vanilla Shake, Chocolate Fudge Brownie Shake and Unicorn Shake.
The entire Yankee Stadium dining menu can be found at www.yankees.com/eats.
And it doesn’t matter if you’re sitting on the field level, terrace level, upper level or the bleachers because every ticket holder can enjoy all of the food offerings on the dining menu.
“Every fan that walks in the building has access and that’s important,” said Matt Gibson, Executive Chef at Yankee Stadium.
“We have a huge variety of new food concepts or tweaked internal concepts. We’re excited. The city is alive. The stadium is alive. Let’s get the fans back and enjoy the game.”
There was a time when enjoying a Yankees game included a hot dog, pretzel and beer or soda. But now, the food offerings for a Yankee fan at Yankee Stadium is off the charts with a diverse and delicious variety of items.
Play ball and bon appetit!