One of the highlights of each spring is the New at Citi event held by the Mets to showcase what fans can expect from Citi Field in terms of new experiences, giveaways, and, most importantly, food and drink. While there wasn’t a whole lot discussed in terms of giveaways or ballpark amenities that we didn’t already know, I did get to sneak a peek at some of the promotional items for the first half of the year.
As expected, the Bobby Valentine disguise kit was among the highlights. For an already mustachioed and glasses-wearing man, I fear it won’t fully hide my identity, however.
But let’s get to the food. All told, there were nearly 40 items making their debut at the New at Citi event this year, as can be viewed in this frankly overwhelming shot of them all.
A revamped beer list (including the long sought after Maine Lunch IPA), a partnership with Hendrick’s Gin and some new canned cocktails highlighted the drink selections, but the real star of the show was the food.
Mookie Wilson was on hand to introduce his new “Legacy Catering by Mookie Wilson and Family” presence in the Hudson Whiskey Club with his Smoked Pulled Chicken Sandwich. Mookie might be the happiest man in all of America, and his grin, friendliness, and passion for the food was evident, as was just how delicious the sandwich tasted.
A returning presence was that of Adam Richman, best known as the host of Man Vs. Food and the proprietor of “Adam Richman’s Burger Hall of Fame” in section 105. His new Caprese burger was a standout, made with a meatball mix patty, a basil aioli, fresh mozzarella, and heirloom tomatoes.
I’m always skeptical of a chopped cheese purchased outside of a bodega, but the “NY Chopped Cheese Patty” from Chef Kwame’s Patty Palace in section 415 was easily the most authentic tasting chopped cheese not purchased in a foil wrap.
I am similarly skeptical of ballparks trying to capitalize on viral trends, because they’re never done quite right. However, in the case of the 9-9-9 challenge, that’s probably a good thing for everyone involved. Nine mini hot dogs and nine four oz. beers is a far more responsible, safe, and non-day-ruining approach to the viral challenge. The best part of this is that because it is offered at the new Willets Point Brewery (formerly Mikkeler, formerly Ebbs), the beer won’t boil in the sun.
Also at Willets Point Brewery is maybe my second favorite bite I had all day: a reuben potato skin. Goodness gracious was this tasty.
The Wok n’ Roll egg rolls have been a hit for the past few seasons, and this year looks to have a whole slew of interesting combinations. The two that were available for trial were the Boston series’ clam chowder egg rolls and the new dessert offering, cookies and cream. The clam chowder was a surprise, both in terms of its flavor/consistency, and how well it worked. I was a skeptic going in, but it delivered. The cookies and cream was also delicious, but it will take a lot for a dessert egg roll to top the Italian rainbow cookie egg roll. It will always live in my heart.
The Mets’ hospitality department really leaned into the Apple theme this year, and bless them for it. In addition to a candied Home Run Apple (available at multiple locations), there were also Apple Pie Nachos from Dole Whip (Taste of the City), Shake Shack Home Run Apple pie shakes (Taste of the City), and mini-Home Run Apple pie cheesecakes from Pat LaFrieda’s Chop House in the Clover Club. If you’re willing to spend the dough to eat there, I also recommend the tomahawk steak, which was easily the best bite of the day, but one I’ll probably not eat during the season because I’ve got two kids entering college in the next decade.
Some other honorable mentions: the new Coca-Cola Food Truck had Tacos de Nopales, which is grilled cactus, and it was absolutely delicious. The Mister Met-shaped Whoopie Pie (various location) was so sweet I nearly passed out, but it was great. There’s a new French Dip stand (Section 132), and it was fantastically lean and the au jus was a surprising texture but really, really tasty. There’s also a new Roast Port sandwich (Section 105) that really hit the spot. The fried pickles and Oreo churros from the Metropolitan Fry Factory (Taste of the City) will be what my wife and daughter will delight in when we hit Citi later this year. The various pizza options were way better than ballpark pizza had any right being, especially the classic cheese from Napoli’s (Section 102).
And last but not least, if you hit a day game after a night out and need a classic hangover cure, there’s now a bacon, egg, and cheese from the Amazin’ Deli (Section 139). Call me when they add Taylor Ham.
Thanks as always to the Mets and Citi Field for hosting such an incredible day. I’m still full 48 hours later.