Slows Yardbird sandwich/Food Network photo.
Foodies, tip your hat to Ford Field.
Unlike the other local sporting teams like the Red Wings, whose concessions stands are barely a notch above state fair quality, Ford Field is featuring food from some of the Detroit area's iconic restaurants.
Michael Martinez of the Detroit News reports that fans will be able to buy everything from the famous Yardbird, pulled chicken sandwich from Corktown's Slows Bar-B-Q, a gyro from Greektown staple Pegasus and a Dark n’ Stormy, a rum-based drink crafted by Sugar House, a Corktown cocktail lounge.
In addition to that, Eastern Market’s Russell Street Deli will peddle sandwiches and Corridor Sausage Co. Ann Arbor’s Zingerman’s bakehouse and creamery is offering gelato and treats, Martinez reports.
He writes:
These concessions and more are part of a deliberate effort to support local businesses and delve into the culture of the city and region, Lions officials say. That effort began last year when the team introduced Slows to club-level fans. They then added American Coney Island and a Sanders ice cream cart.
“We’re setting a standard,” said Joe Nader, executive chef with Levy Restaurants, Ford Field’s concessionaire. “Nowhere else in the city can you get a slice of Detroit like this.”
Other teams around the country like the Washington Nationals in D.C. have similar arrangements where iconic local restaurants like Ben's Chili Bowl (a favorite of Bill Cosby's) have concessions stands. Some of those restaurants pay a hefty price to set up shop inside the stadium.
The Tigers, Red Wings and Pistons have to get on board and stop peddling very mediocre -- at best -- fare.
And while the Lions are at, maybe they should find a way to peddle mustard from Charley Marcuse, the hot dog vendor who was just fired from Comerica Park. His product is no longer on the store shelf, but he's thinking of revamping the business.
Where better than Ford Field?
Now, if the Lions can only win this season.
The team opens the season today at home against the Minnesota Vikings at 1 p.m.
