Latest news with #SodexoLive!
Forbes
05-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
National Bank Open Expands With New Menu and Fan Upgrades
Canada's National Bank Open expanding and adding new culinary offerings. Canada's National Bank Open will shift to a 12-day Masters 1000 event this summer, and as Tennis Canada looks to make the third oldest tennis tournament in the world a true 'Tennis Playground,' part of that shift features a fresh approach to the fans. That means a new menu. Valérie Tétreault, Tennis Canada's tournament director, tells me that it made a lot of sense to look at 2025 as an opportunity to really step every element of the National Bank Open up a notch. 'It was important for as much of the things we're changing on the tennis side, the fans also felt that coming to the site things were changing for the off-court experience as well,' she says, 'and the best way to do that is through food.' The Tennis Playground focus is a play off Montreal's festival atmosphere throughout the summer, a mix of music and food. The Montreal IMG Stadium home of the National Bank Open—the tournament splits between Montreal and Toronto, with the ATP and WTA tourneys swapping sites each year—wants to embrace that feeling, signing a new hospitality contract for 2025 that brings in Sodexo Live! to handle most of the front-facing food and beverage service and allowing Traiteur Brera and Societe Traiteur to tackle some on-site restaurants, VIP spaces and staff and player dining. A full National Bank Open at IMG Stadium is part of the vibe in Montreal. 'We wanted to do a complete revamp,' Tétreault says about the culinary approach. 'Not one menu was going to stay the same this year. We want to become a true playground, not only for tennis fans but also for lovers of great flavors.' Tétreault says that each entity will concentrate on its own business line, bringing a level of focus to the event. 'From family weekend to championship weekend, the offerings need to please everyone, what they are looking for and their budget,' she says. 'We took a deeper dive into making sure we looked at every experience and made the most out of them while staying accessible.' Changes to the culinary offerings in Montreal include a new barbecue-focused area, a specialty cocktail and mocktail program, more accessible offerings and a new bistro with seating overlooking matches on Rogers Court. 'We didn't have that offering yet,' Tétreault says about a court that is accessible to any ticket holder. 'It has a view on the action right onto our second court. That is one that will be a big change for us.' Carmen Callo, Sodexo Live! senior vice president and corporate executive chef, tells me that when taking over a new program they start from the ground up, kicking up classic items while introducing new concepts. 'We try to make sure we have globally inspired foods complemented with really local flare, so they know they are in Montreal,' the chef tells me. He says they will have sustainable food choices, plant-based items, specialty diet-compliant options and will work with local vendors. 'We are working with new suppliers, new ingredients, new vendors,' he says. 'That is the fun part. Our chefs have been working on new recipes and new creations. It is best to start from a clean slate.' Revamping the IMG Stadium site in Montreal is a focus for Tennis Canada. The focus for the late July tournament will be on celebrating local cuisine while embracing a global audience in a summer environment. 'We want to be reflective of where we are at,' Callo says. 'We want to celebrate the local cuisine and local products, but we recognize we are going to have fans from all over, so want to take care of different palates and cuisines.' Chefs will also incorporate the freshest summer ingredients to elevate everything from sandwiches and salads to creating recipes that may come unique for the season. MORE: The Tennis Sunshine Double Requires Plenty Of Fan Food Across the site, Tétreault says a new mezzanine project that opened its lower-level space last year to house all player health needs will reveal the second level this year, moving the media center away from the center court. 'Everything is one place for media and creates this opportunity to give that prime spot back to the fans and create a better experience for them,' Tétreault says, adding that a current feasibility study is setting the stage for future infrastructure enhancements. 'That is something that is a big priority for us,' Tétreault says. 'We see many other 1000s right now upping their game. We know we need to follow suit. We feel like we are falling behind a little bit.' While Tétreault believes the at-capacity center court throughout the event and overall tournament experience brings a special vibe to Montreal, the facility itself is aging, and rain has recently wreaked havoc on the schedule. It's all something Tennis Canada is looking into right now, especially as the tournament expands into a 12-day, 96-player draw. MORE: Australian Open Food Scene Part Of Festival Atmosphere First, though, the fan experience changes with the culinary offerings and Sodexo Live!, which handles the food at Indian Wells, the Miami Open and Roland Garros, is ready to bring a fresh perspective. The final menu is still getting sorted, but already Callo says the barbecue concept that has the team smoking brisket and pulled pork on site with a range of signature sandwiches, the cocktail and mocktail program, new Mexican-inspired bowls topped with fresh salsas and guacamoles, and a seafood array with fish and chips and a New Orleans-inspired shrimp po' boy are all bringing a new level of intrigue. Being in Canada, you can also expect a fresh approach to poutine. 'I know it is all about the cheese curd, where you're sourcing that, double frying the fries and that brown gravy has to be spot on,' Callo says. 'I'm confident that not only will the tourists enjoy it, but the locals will enjoy it.' And that Montreal-style poutine will get topped with the smoked meats from on site, all part of creating a Tennis Playground in Montreal.
Forbes
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Here's What New On The Menu At The Ballpark For The 2025 MLB Season
The crack of the bat, the smell of fresh-cut grass, and the sight of loaded concession stands can only mean one thing: it's time for baseball. The 2025 MLB season is here, and it's off to an electric start. From Juan Soto swapping the Bronx for Queens, to the Dodgers' powerhouse lineup sparking chatter of a potential challenge to the 116-win record set by the 1906 Cubs and 2001 Mariners, this season promises to be pure cinema. Off the field, the 2024 MLB season recorded the largest attendance in seven years, with a total of 71,348,366 fans—an increase over the previous year. This surge in attendance is expected to have a major impact on ballpark concessions, with teams likely to see a rise in demand for both classic stadium snacks and new, dynamic menu items. In Seattle, Chef Craig McAlister, Executive Chef for Sodexo Live! at T-Mobile Park, is up for the task. 'Can't wait to get the new season started at T-Mobile Park, always known as one of the best venues for food in all of sports," he shared with Forbes. "For us, there's no offseason, and we've spent the last few months curating a menu that's got exciting additions but also features gameday favorites. Fans are in for a treat, as we help ensure every visit to T-Mobile Park is a memorable one.' Here are a few of the best new menu items to look out for in the 2025 MLB season that promise to make your ballpark experience even better. Crispy chicken parm sandwiches at Chase Field. Levy Chase Field's menu includes crispy chicken parm sandwiches, house-smoked BBQ loaded potatoes, and the classic Sonoran Dog. The latter features a footlong dog in a toasted bun, topped with ranch beans, bacon, pico de gallo, mustard, and mayo. For something extra lush, try the Filthy Mac Fries: Cajun crinkle-cut fries covered in white cheddar mac, cheddar cheese, pork belly bacon, cola BBQ sauce, slaw, crispy onions, and scallions. From the iconic warehouse to the rolling smoke down Eutaw Street, Oriole Park at Camden Yards is all about Baltimore's regional flavors. Crafted by Brick & Whistle Food Co., the Warehouse Burger stacks two beef patties with queso fundido, fried onions, pickle de gallo, and Whistle Sauce on a pretzel bun. Don't miss The [footlong] Chessie, a Chesapeake sausage smothered with crab dip, pickled corn, and fried green tomatoes. Add local pit beef, Maryland blue crab, and the Birdland Value Menu, and you've got a tasty tour of the city's best bites. Corn Street Tacos at Bleacher Bowls. Aramark Fenway Park is mixing things up this season with fresh additions to the menu. Warm up at the Soup Shack, where you'll find hearty clam chowder, broccoli cheddar, and lobster bisque served in bread bowls. For something satisfying, the Cowboy Up! Burger packs Wolverine Ground Beef, cheddar, bacon, brisket, onion rings, and barbecue sauce on a brioche roll. Fans looking for a lighter bite can enjoy the Street Tacos, featuring pork carnitas, mango salsa, and cilantro in a corn tortilla. The Cabot® Gourmet Grilled Cheese is a comforting classic, delivering premium cheese on sourdough with various fillings. Wrigley Field is rolling out more than just Chicago Dogs, peanuts, and Cracker Jack (which are still awesome menu staples!). Levy's chefs bring Chicago's diverse culinary influences to the ballpark with a rotating menu of chef-driven fare. For the opening homestand, try the Jibaritos, a Puerto Rican sandwich featuring crispy, fried plantains in place of bread, filled with roast beef, garlic butter, lettuce, tomato, and aioli. Later in April, fans can enjoy crispy Puffy Tacos with carne asada. The menu evolves throughout the season, with dishes like chicken & waffles, short rib sliders, lobster rolls, and sticky pork bao making an appearance. After turning heads with last season's campfire milkshake, Levy chefs are back with something sweet to mark the 125th season of White Sox baseball. The Celebration Cake Shake combines birthday cake ice cream with layers of confetti cake, pinwheel cookies, and a maraschino cherry on top. It's the perfect way to toast to the season. 50 West Soft Pretzel Double Cheeseburger Cincinnati Reds The Redlegs BBQ Walking Taco is a cool collaboration between Grippo's and Montgomery Inn, where Saratoga-style chips are topped with tender pulled pork, tangy BBQ sauce, and creamy coleslaw. The 50 West Soft Pretzel Double Cheeseburger uplifts the smash burger experience, stacking two patties, American cheese, and Funacho cheese, all cradled in a pretzel bun with crinkle-cut fries on the side. As the season progresses, the Suite Bridge Ice Cream Stand & Bar will offer a nostalgic treat with Rosie's Airstream serving up soft-serve ice cream, root beer floats, and a variety of sweet toppings. Alongside the ice cream trailer, the full-service bar will pour specialty cocktails, premium rotating bourbons, fine wines, craft beers, and more. Dessert Nachos at Section 134. Joni Schrantz Coors Field is introducing new takes on ballpark classics. The Wazee Burger tops a half-pound beef patty with cheddar cheese, bacon, boom boom sauce, lettuce, and tomato on a toasted potato bun. Pick up Wild Fries, tossed in seasoned salt with a dipping sauce. And for something sweet, the Dessert Nachos combine fried flour tortillas, cinnamon sugar, fresh berries, powdered sugar, and caramel drizzle, served with whipped cream. Chicken Waffle Sandwich. Aramark At the newly renamed Daikin Park, Marco's Pizza takes its place as the official pizza of the Houston Astros, joined by several yummy new offerings. The Chicken Waffle Sandwich brings together crispy fried chicken breast, pepper jack cheese, bacon onion jam, and honey chipotle aioli between two Belgian-style waffles. The Daddy Mac Dog layers a footlong Angus beef frank with chopped brisket, macaroni and cheese, barbecue sauce, and crispy dill pickle. The H-Town Hot Chicken Loaded Fries feature fried chicken bites tossed in H-Town Hot Sauce, finished with ranch, hot honey aioli, and green onions. Z Man Sandwich. Aramark After an exciting postseason run to the ALDS, Kauffman Stadium welcomes fans back with some tough choices. The Z Man Sandwich heaps slow-smoked beef brisket, smoked provolone, and crispy onion rings on a toasted kaiser roll from Joe's KC Bar-B-Que. The Sluggerrr Dog is a chorizo topped with Manchego cheese, tempura batter, Doritos® Cool Ranch® crust, and avocado aioli. The dessert crowd will enjoy the Blue Velvet Whoopie Pies with blue velvet cakes and vanilla fluff. Teriyaki Home Plate Platter at Dodger Stadium. Levy At Dodger Stadium, home of the defending World Series Champions, the menu reflects the blend of cultures in L.A. Highlights include the Chicken Katsu Club, where crispy chicken sits on Texas toast with kewpie mayo, avocado, arugula, tomato, and applewood smoked bacon—a sublime mix of Japanese and American flavors. For something shareable, the Teriyaki Home Run Platter is a spread of teriyaki-glazed chicken, steamed rice, veggie dumplings, spring rolls, and blistered shishito peppers. If you're in the mood for Mexican, the Smoked LA BBQ Platter delivers house-smoked al pastor ribs, chorizo links, pulled pork, chipotle cornbread, habanero baked beans, and pineapple salsa. At loanDepot Park, the menu embraces the vibrant spirit of South Florida with the Parrillada Board at the new Bullpen Bar & Grill. This mixed grill features spiced steak, chicken, and sausage, paired with smashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and house-made chimichurri rojo, chimichurri verde, and cilantro sauce. For a more classic bite, the Pull-Apart Steak Sliders come with provolone, roasted peppers, onions, and chili aioli on King's Hawaiian rolls, or go for some crispy Buffalo-style wings. 'Pulled' BBQ Jackfruit at Vegan City. Aramark Fresh off a trip to the NLCS, the Mets are adding some new flavors to the lineup at Citi Field. Cool off with the Queens Quencher, mixing Reyka Vodka, Fruitful® Blue Raspberry, lemonade, and a lemon-blueberry garnish. Seeking a plant-based option? The 'Pulled' BBQ Jackfruit features barbecue-braised jackfruit, coleslaw, and a vegan pretzel bun. And through May, fans can grab the Fiesta Burger at Adam Richman's Burger Hall of Fame, with a taco-spiced Pat LaFrieda patty, chipotle crema, guacamole, tortilla chips, and roasted salsa on a pan de agua roll. S'mores Quesadilla at Section 142. Aramark The Phillies are celebrating 40 years with Aramark by introducing some new eats at Citizens Bank Park. Kyle's Cutlets piles creamy burrata, crispy fried pepperoni, arugula, and hot honey on a Liscio's Bakery roll, with proceeds supporting Schwarber's Neighborhood Heroes. For dessert, try the Red Velvet Affogato, pairing red velvet cookies with vanilla ice cream and espresso, or the lavish S'mores Quesadilla; a crispy flour tortilla stuffed with Nutella, marshmallows, and graham cracker crumble, served with chocolate dipping sauce. Fried Almond Torte at the Cannonball Stand. Harrison Barden PNC Park's 2025 offerings are elevating the stadium experience with some irresistible options. Fried Almond Torte takes the familiar funnel cake and adds a twist, with a delicate raspberry sauce, creamy icing, and a satisfying crunch of burnt almonds. The Polish Cannonball delivers comfort with egg noodles, kielbasa, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, all drizzled with a zesty herb crema. Meanwhile, the Chipped Ham Empanada reinvents a local favorite by pairing smoky barbecue ham with tangy pickles and melted cheese inside a crisp, golden pastry. Miso Ramen from Rah Rah Ramen in Section 127. Aramark Rah Rah Ramen, located in Section 127, will offer a variety of flavorful ramen bowls, including the hearty Miso Ramen, with egg noodles, seared tofu, marinated bamboo, roasted corn, carrots, scallions, wood ear mushrooms, and bean sprouts in a miso broth. Another option, Shoyu Ramen, features egg noodles paired with roasted pork, bamboo, bean sprouts, scallions, wood ear mushrooms, and soy sauce tare. Additionally, the Launch Test Kitchen, located on the View Level, will invite guest chefs throughout the season to bring their culinary creativity to Oracle Park, presenting innovative food concepts inspired by San Francisco's renowned restaurant scene. This unique food experience will begin mid-season. Fans can savor the Ichi Wings, fashioned from Ichiro Suzuki's personal clubhouse recipe, Lil' Dumpers, steamed pork soup dumplings that pay tribute to Cal Raleigh's nickname, and the King's Court Turkey Leg, a hearty nod to Félix Hernández. Complementing these are well-known local options like Nakagawa Sushi, Sumo Dog, and Great State Burger, along with the popular Birthday Cakes & Blackberries ice cream from Salt & Straw. The ballpark also introduces fun creations like the Mariners-blue corndog, Ice Cream Nachos, and an interactive Slushie Wall. Plus, the expanded Value Menu offers 26 affordable options, including $8 beers and budget-friendly bites like Pocky Stix and Tostitos-n-Guac Snack Packs. Jake and Jake's Smoked Brisket Sandwich. Levy Nationals Park is taking a swing at what the team loves most. Levy chefs partnered with Nationals players and alums to recreate their favorite dishes for fans. One standout? The Jake and Jake's Smoked Brisket Sandwich, inspired by pitcher Jake Irvin and outfielder Jacob Young. It features slow-smoked brisket, pickled vegetables, and slaw on a warm onion roll. Then there's the Haute Dogs stand. Forget basic franks. The Nat's Dog is topped with homemade chili, tangy mustard drizzle, and slaw tossed in classic Mambo sauce, all on a buttery split-top bun.
New York Times
08-02-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Ranking the Super Bowl food options in New Orleans: Alligator, crawfish, po' boys and more
NEW ORLEANS — There is nothing quite like the cuisine in New Orleans — for my money, it's the best food city in the NFL. If I lived here (and I almost did a few years ago), I would need to buy looser jeans. The first time I came to New Orleans while I was in college, my roommate and I went to a restaurant owned by Archie Manning and tried turtle soup and alligator sliders for the first time. I love po' boys and etouffee and king cake and beignets and red beans and rice and and pralines and muffalettas and charbroiled oysters. If the last meal I ever had was at a crawfish boil, I would die a happy man. Advertisement (One New Orleans staple I don't recommend: Hand Grenades on Bourbon Street.) With that in mind, it was an easy choice to take part in the NFL's food and beverage preview ahead of Sunday's Super Bowl at the Superdome. The line to get into the stadium for this event was long, but it was worth the wait. Most of the reporters in attendance seemed to work in television — I am but a lowly writer, with a face for radio, who just wanted to eat some alligator. I waited for all of the TV people to get their B-roll from the sideline, and then we were escorted up to the private suite area where all of the food was on display. We were instructed to wait until every reporter — there were hundreds in attendance, I gather — had a chance to get photos and videos of the food on display. The menu for Sunday's game is significant and full of local flavor. Sodexo Live!, the longtime hospitality partner of the Superdome, has a huge staff of talented chefs — led by executive chef Lenny Martinsen — who helped to cultivate the cuisine that will be available at the game. Interestingly, Rams legend and New Orleans native Marshall Faulk (recently hired by the University of Colorado's Deion Sanders to be a position coach) was involved as the 'official flavor officer' for the game. Fun backstory: Faulk actually worked as a popcorn vendor at the stadium in his youth. He worked with Sodexo Live's culinary team to help curate and taste test the menu for the game. Some fast facts about what's being served (before I get into what really matters — how everything tastes): • 5,000-plus alligator sausages are expected to be sold on Sunday, as well as… • $6,500-plus pounds of shrimp just for po boys • 50,000-plus legally sourced baguettes • 150,000 nacho chips to be eaten • Half a ton of soft shell crabs will be cooked up • 12,000-plus local oysters were purchased • 50,000-plus cocktails will be stirred and served • 1.3 tons of short ribs prepped • 700,000-plus ounces of beer will be served Advertisement One piece of information they conveniently forgot to provide: How much each dish will cost. I don't endorse spending too much money at the game if you've already spent an arm and a leg on game tickets and getting here. Before I rank everything I tried on Monday, a couple notes: 1) Three signature alcoholic drinks were sampled, including a loaded spicy bloody mary, with vodka, bloody mary mix, olives, pepperoncini, spicy green beans, cheese, celery, bacon and spicy okra; 'Voodo Magic', with Don Juliio tequila, lime juice, jalapeno syrup, mango puree and 'black magic seasoning; and the 'Royal Carnival Queen', which had Crown Royal Apple, blackberry liquor, lemon juice and prosecco. All three will be available on Sunday, but I did not imbibe so I won't be reviewing those. 2) I did not get around to trying the Lobster Karaage sandwich but it did look delightful. Without further adieu, my rankings of all of the dishes, most of which will be available to everyone in attendance, though a few will only be available to those lucky enough to watch from a suite. 10. The Big Easy Hen of the Woods Bahn Mi What's in it: Beer battered hen of the woods, mushrooms, pickled veggies, cucumber, mushroom duxelle, remoulade, served on a french baguette Review: I took one bite of this and promptly threw it in the trash. I like bahn mi, and I love mushrooms, but something was just off about the flavors and consistency in this sandwich. It is a vegetarian option but I wouldn't spend money on this one. 9. Chicken and Sausage Gumbo What's in it: andouille sausage, chicken thigh meat, veggies, white rice Review: I ate a lot of gumbo in New Orleans this week. This would rank at the bottom of the list, frankly. It wasn't very well seasoned. 8. Softshell Crab Po' Boy What's in it: Whole soft-shell crab battered and fried, Frito Lay special spread, tomatoes, lettuce on soft french bread Review: I had very high hopes for this — especially after seeing the size of the crabs they were stuffing into these sandwiches. I admittedly didn't read what was in the sandwich other than the crab before biting into it — but I found the 'Frito Lay Special Spread' to be jarring. It didn't work, for me, with the crab — it kind of tasted like peanut butter. Swap out the frito sauce for something more traditional and it probably improves, though I'd expect this to be an expensive bite to eat at the stadium. Advertisement 7. Assorted Sushi Review: The sushi provided was courtesy of a local spot called Rock n' Sake, an establishment I've frequented many times over the years when visiting New Orleans. I only had a couple sushi rolls and they were somewhat underwhelming compared to eating at the actual restaurant. There was a salmon roll with a crab salad mixed in that overpowered the salmon. The shrimp tempura role with cream cheese and tuna on top was a little better. The sushi is only available to the fancy folks watching the game from suites anyway. 6. Seafood Nachos What's in it: Cajun blackened shrimp, nacho cheese sauce with crawfiish, homemade guac, fresh cilantro and pico de gallo on tortilla chips Review: I had high hopes for these (put crawfish on or in anything and I'm game) but they were a little disappointing. Not bad, just didn't meet expectations. I would've loved more crawfish in the queso — which had some kick — and the shrimp was fine. Good, not great — but hard to go wrong with nachos at a sporting event. 5. King Cake Review: I have a sweet tooth. It is a problem, so much so that my fiancée instructed me to make eating fewer sweets my New Year's resolution. It has been hard — but I have been (mostly) good so far. Let me tell you, looking at this table full of sweets (they called it a 'dessert charcuterie,' fancy), it was challenging to hold back. I compromised by getting a bite of a New Orleans staple (that I have a hard time turning down when it's in front of me anytime I come out to this beautiful city): King Cake. There were no tiny baby figurines in my slice (look it up, it's part of the tradition) but the cake was delightful. In my experience, it's hard to mess up King Cake. If you don't live in New Orleans, I recommend finding some online and ordering it wherever you are. It's worth it. Do it. Now. 4. Carved Tomahawk What's in it: Pan seared bone in prime ribeye, peppercorn demi, caramelized shallot butter Review: It would be difficult to mess up a tomahawk steak (unless you overcook it, I suppose). This was cooked perfectly to my liking (medium rare) and was buttery and delicious, topped with a roasted potato and string of asparagus. The one criticism: by the time it was served, the steak had already turned a bit too lukewarm for my liking. 3. Surf N Turf Po' Boy What's in it: Nine-hour smoked short rib with pull bone, five colossal shrimp, mornay sauce, remoulade sauce, dressed with tomatoes and lettuce on soft french bread Review: This was a pleasant surprise, and had flavors I didn't expect when I bit into it. I would describe it as a cheesesteak-esque with shrimp mixed in for an interesting texture. The mornay cheese sauce was perfection. (No, Philly folks, it's not better than the cheesesteak you can get back home. It's only different. Though it might be better than Pat's or Geno's, both overrated.) Advertisement 2. Fried Oyster Po' Boy What's in it: cornflake crusted fried oysters, thick-cut brown sugar glazed bacon, spicy mayo, tomatoes, lettuce, topped with chicharron and chive crumble on soft french bread Review: This was fantastic. If I hadn't eaten so much, I might've gone in for seconds. The oysters were coated in corn flakes (always a good call when frying up fish or meat), and the crunch chicharron was a nice touch, but the thick cut bacon was the star of the show. The flavors from it emanated through the sandwich and complemented everything else perfectly. 1. Alligator Sausage What's in it: Traditional New Orleans alligator sausage topped with crawfish etouffee on soft french bread served with chips Review: At one point, the lovely people running this event asked everyone to turn their attention to the front of the room to listen to their comments about their team and putting the event together. While all the other suckers diverted their attention, I made sure to get in line at the alligator sausage station — both because I'm obsessed with alligator sausage and because the sous chef at the station insisted the line was going to get very long, very fast. I'm glad I did it; it was amazing, one of the best bites of food I had anywhere, all weekend. The sausage was thick and the chef lathered each one to order with crawfish etouffee — a creole/cajun staple that typically consists of some sort of shellfish mixed into a thick, luscious sauce. It was messy (some of the sauce spilled onto my notebook) but worth it. The gator sausage tasted a bit like a spicy brat. Whether you get a gator sausage at the game or elsewhere in town (I recommend the gator po' boy at Cooter Brown's), try it the next time you come to New Orleans. (Top photo of fried oyster po' boy: Zack Rosenblatt / The Athletic)
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Taylor Swift's $2 Million Super Bowl Suite Comes With An Epic Menu
As the gear up for their third consecutive Super Bowl appearance, is expected to once again be in the stands, supporting her boyfriend, tight end . This time, the pop icon will be cheering from the heart of New Orleans, a city famous for its rich culinary scene. With a reported $2 million suite at Caesars Superdome, Taylor Swift and her guests will have access to an extravagant spread fit for football royalty. According to PEOPLE Magazine, hospitality group Sodexo Live! has collaborated with Caesars Superdome to craft an exclusive menu for Super Bowl LIX. Guests in premium suites like Swift's will be treated to an upscale selection, including sushi and sandwich platters, towering seafood displays, and tomahawk steaks emblazoned with the Super Bowl LIX logo. National executive chef Carmen Callo described the signature steak as both a "great photo op and delicious meal." "We want to bring to life the city, but also need to remember it's a football game," Sodexo Live!'s national executive chef Carmen Callo told the outlet of crafting the menu. "It's about marrying the cajun, the creole, the French, the southern… a global melting pot that makes New Orleans so special." With roughly 40% of the ingredients sourced from local suppliers, the numbers behind the operation are staggering. 5,000 alligator sausages, 6,500 pounds of shrimp, 12,000 oysters, and more than 50,000 Leidenheimer baguettes have been ordered in anticipation of the big game. But the luxury doesn't stop there. Even regular attendees at the Superdome will have access to an impressive array of Louisiana-inspired fare. Fans can indulge in three varieties of po' boys, alligator sausage on French bread, seafood nachos, and a decadent lobster karaage sandwich featuring a panko-coated butterflied lobster tail drizzled with lemon pepper sauce, butter lettuce, tomato, and remoulade sauce on a brioche bun. Additional highlights include a nine-hour smoked short rib, jambalaya, and Cajun beef brisket sandwiches, alongside stadium staples like hot dogs, pretzels, and nachos. If Swift decides to stray from her signature vodka cranberry, she'll have plenty of beverage options to choose from. The Super Bowl cocktail menu boasts a loaded spicy Bloody Mary garnished with olives, pepperoncini, spicy green beans, celery, cheese, bacon, and spicy okra. Another standout is the Black Magic cocktail, a bold mix of lime juice, jalapeño syrup, and mango purée, finished with a dehydrated lime wheel and black magic Cajun seasoning. Super Bowl LIX, the NFL's championship game for the 2024 season, is set to take place on February 9, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. This will mark the 11th time New Orleans has hosted the event, tying it for the most Super Bowls held in a single city. The highly anticipated matchup is a rematch of Super Bowl LVII, featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. Led by quarterback , the Chiefs are striving for an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl victory. Meanwhile, the Eagles, with Jalen Hurts at the helm, are determined to avenge their narrow 38-35 defeat in their previous championship meeting. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. EST, with the halftime show headlined by . This will be Kendrick's second Super Bowl performance, having previously taken the stage alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Mary J. Blige in 2022. As of February 5, 2025, sportsbooks have the Chiefs as slight favorites with a -1.5 point spread and an over/under set at 48.5 points, reflecting expectations for a competitive showdown. With two powerhouse teams battling for the prestigious Vince Lombardi Trophy, fans can expect an electrifying contest on football's biggest stage. The game will air on Fox and will stream on Tubi and NFL+.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Taylor Swift's Luxurious Super Bowl Suite Has A Mouthwatering Food Menu
Attending the Super Bowl in person is a dream for many football fans, but for a world-famous celebrity like Taylor Swift, it's a way to show support and appreciation for boyfriend Travis Kelce, tight end with the Kansas City Chiefs. According to a report from People, Swift and guests, like other big names attending the game, will be seated in their very own Super Bowl suite, which are luxury digs that can cost up to $1,950,000 to reserve. Along with comfortable accommodations, this year's Super Bowl suites also feature an expansive menu of gourmet eats courtesy of Sodexo Live!, a hospitality group catering to events and venues. While it's not entirely clear what Swift's specific menu will include, suites for this year's Super Bowl will be jam-packed with high-end foods, including tomahawk steaks, which, along with picanha, is one of the best cuts you can use for a caveman-style steak. These aren't just any tomahawks, however, as the bone of each steak will bear the Super Bowl LIX logo for an added bit of flair. Swift and co. will also be able to snack on sky-high seafood plates, sushi, and sandwich platters, along with other guests lucky (and wealthy) enough to snag a coveted Super Bowl suite. Read more: 6 Chefs Who Love Guy Fieri And 5 Who Can't Stand Him Speaking with People, Carmen Callo, national executive chef for Sodexo Live!, said that the goal of the Super Bowl LIX menu was to combine the typical game-day eats with classics of Louisiana cuisine. Accordingly, the chef hopes the selection represents "a global melting pot that makes New Orleans so special." Of course, a Louisiana-inspired menu must include po' boy sandwiches, and attendees of the Super Bowl can choose from three distinct styles. In addition to gulf shrimp, one of the sandwiches will also feature a short rib that's been smoked for nine hours to ensure the deepest possible flavor and most succulent texture. Other game-day sandwiches include Cajun-style beef brisket, jambalaya, and alligator sausage enveloped by two crusty slices of French bread. As for beverages, the spicy bloody Mary features an impressive selection of garnishes, including spicy okra, cheese, and bacon, among other additions. While some claim that Taylor Swift's preferred boozy beverage is a French blonde, it may be hard to pass up such a feat of cocktail engineering. Food and affection seem to go hand in hand in Taylor Swift's world. Just consider that the award-winning songwriter once baked cinnamon rolls for boyfriend Travis Kelce in anticipation of an upcoming game. In fact, Swift is known for wowing friends and loved ones with her baking and cooking skills, which makes sense when you consider that many people look at preparing meals for others as an act of love. It's hard to imagine anyone finding fault with this year's Super Bowl LIX suites spread, especially when you're celebrating such a special occasion as watching the person you love (hopefully) make their way to victory. Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs will be facing off against the Philadelphia Eagles, and if victorious, Kelce and the team will be the first in the history of the NFL to win three Super Bowl battles in three consecutive years. As for Swift's personal food philosophy, the singer believes in balance when it comes to healthy eating versus indulging. She's also said that she's a fan of comfort foods, as well as hearty offerings like burgers and fries, so it's likely that the selection at Super Bowl LIX will be to her liking. Read the original article on Mashed.
