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Ditch the Cracker JackApr 08, 2011 (Boston Herald - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Forget Fenway Franks. This year, you'll find fashionable pink-capped Sox fans sipping vodka cocktails while munching on sushi and lobster rolls. Red Sox ownership just completed a very public 10-year overhaul of Fenway Park that transformed the tiny 99-year-old landmark into something that almost resembles a glitzy and amenity-filled modern sports arena. They've also transformed the once-limited ballpark concessions to meet more sophisti-cated and wide-ranging modern tastes. New this year? How 'bout a full liquor license, chili dogs, double cheeseburgers, sushi from nearby Basho Japanese Brasserie and remodeled concourses with concession stands that serve yogurt, smoothies and hand-cut fresh fruit. "Food is one area where we get quite a bit of feedback from fans every year," Red Sox President and CEO Larry Lucchino said during a tour of refurbished Fenway Park. The tour finished with a visit to the "fish hut" in the shiny new home plate concourse and a chat with Fenway Park senior executive chef Ron Abell. The new concession stand serves fish and chips, shrimp sandwiches and fried clam sandwiches. "Boston's known for seafood," Abell said. "We have brand-new stars on the team. So we needed brand- new food, too." Abell has worked at such upscale eateries as Biba and Icarus, and was hired by concessionaire Aramark in 2006 to modernize the Fenway fare. Abell and executive chef Steve "Nookie" Postal (formerly of Oleana) introduced two new "signature" sandwiches this year: a Turkey Gobbler of fresh white meat, cranberry sauce and stuffing, and a Monster Roast Beef with caramelized onions, crispy fried onions, pickles and barbecue sauce. Enough to make you step up to the plate. [email protected] To see more of the Boston Herald or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.bostonherald.com. Copyright (c) 2011, Boston Herald Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com. |