A Citi Field Food Tour

This is the inaugural post from our friend "Roach" . He will be posting here on occasion and here is what he had to say about the eats at Citi Field. Welcome Roach!
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If you’re looking to catch a David Wright home run…well, you’ve obviously going to have to wait it out like the rest of us. But, while you’re wandering the field level, take a walk beyond the outfield wall and sample what Mets.com describes as…attractions. More accurately, Tastes of the City, a collection of unique eateries at Citi Field showcasing some of the local favorites.

During the inaugural season at Citi, I decided to make it my personal mission to eat every item on the menu of these food attractions.

I failed. After July of last year I basically gave up and couldn’t keep up the pace. I think it may have been the drowning of sorrows during my few trips to Citi Field down the stretch that stole my taste for victory.

I did, however come up with some highlights. I visited - and conquered, what I considered to be the tastiest joints in Citi Field that also sell beer.

Blue Smoke

At the right time - and Blue Smoke can be the fastest tin bottle in the whole park park. The Big Apple Brews beer garden in center field gets most of the attention in this corner when it’s crowded and leaves the door wide open. That’s not why it may be my favorite, though. I like BBQ and Blue Smoke gets it done with ribs and pulled pork sandwiches. Both are excellent and the wings aren’t half bad. Like anything at a ballpark, it’s not cheap, but it’s well worth it. The fries are not advertised on the site, but they are the best in the stadium.

Shake Shack

I wasn’t impressed with the shack. It’s more of a dressed up concession stand than anything else. So if you want tomatoes on your burger, here you go.

Catch of the Day

While this is, by far, the most expensive port in Flushing. It’s also one of the more welcome additions to the new home of the Mets. The shrimp po’boy is more bread than anything else and not worth the price or mess. The Long Island clam chowder on the other hand is great. You wouldn’t think you could get decent soup at game, but they pull it off. The highlight of the menu here is the fried flounder sandwich. Super-fresh tasting and bigger than any burger you’ll get anywhere in the stadium. This may also be the best chance to grab a HR shot if it gets past the seated crowd and into the walkway. I saw one make it to the rail last season while I was on line.

Box Frites

It’s a bunch of spice shakers and sauces on fries. If you’re a vegetarian…have a ball.

Nonna Delia’s

I’ll admit that I only tried the pizza here but it was good. Large NY style slices, fresh toppings. It’s real pizza, not those personal pan things. I can only imagine the chicken roll will be on my list for opening day this year. I don’t know why you would want a pasta dish at Mets game in 2010. It seems out of place.

All of which brings me to the one taste of the culture at Citi Field that you have to try.

El Verano Taqueria

Tacos are champion. Not only is this the most unique taste of Citi Field, it’s it the least expensive. The sampler platter consists of one each of the steak, chicken and pork varieties along with an assortment of salsas. Of course, you have the chips and salsa to go along with the theme, Finally you have my personal favorite – corn on the cob. I piece of roasted corn covered in mayo and spices. If you’re into tackling the challenge of killing a menu, you can do it here…all for less than a po’boy.

The only reason to eat anything else at Citi Field is if you can’t make the walk from the Jackie Robinson Rotunda to the Shea Home Run Apple without stopping to fulfill a wiener fix. I don’t judge, but I assure you it’s worth fighting the urge.