San Francisco Giants fans will find new food selections at the concession stands when they head to Oracle Park for the home opener Friday, April 4, and the weekend stand against the Seattle Mariners.
The team’s culinary partner, Aramark, operates as the brand “Diamond 58,” in honor of the year the team started playing in San Francisco — which is why you’ll find the name prominently positioned around the ballpark. Aramark also runs the 58 Social restaurant in Willie Mays Plaza.
In this era of faster MLB games, it’s crucial to get to the ballpark early to avoid long lines for your old favorites — and those sure to become your new faves.
Here’s what Aramark has unveiled:
WHAT’S HOT (as in trendy)
The new Rah Rah Ramen comes in two versions, a Miso Ramen with seared tofu, lots of vegetables, egg noodles and an irresistible broth, and a Shoyu Ramen with pork chasu, egg noodles and veggies. We know Giants CEO Larry Baer can’t play menu favorites, but he’s feeling good about adding ramen to the lineup. On those chilly Oracle nights, “I think it’s going to be a big item,” he said.
WHAT’S HOT (as in spicy)
The OG Chicken Sando has been re-christened the Slaw Sandwich. Still fiery (it’s habanero-brined chicken), this season’s version from Momofuku chef David Chang’s Fuku team now features a spicy slaw with marinated Fresno chiles, miso scallion ranch dressing, pickles and a potato bun.
WHAT’S FILLING
The new Loaded Potato is a monster spud topped with … take a breath … smoked brisket, macaroni and cheese, chopped bacon, green onions, crispy onions, Boom Boom Sauce, Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce and sour cream.
WHAT’S FUN
Jumbo pretzels now come in S’Mores and Buffalo Ranch versions. At the team’s Heritage Nights, look for customized versions featuring new flavor combinations.
And Bat Day is back — sort of. The new Popcorn Bat is a collectible, 98-ounce branded souvenir.
WHAT’S NEW IN HOT DOGS
The Paradise Dog is wrapped in bacon and accompanied by pineapple salsa, caramelized onions and crispy strips of Spam. The Elote Dog is topped with creamy, roasted Mexican-style corn.
WHAT’S EXPERIMENTAL
Aramark will invite guest chefs and restaurateurs to Oracle to try out some new food concepts with fans. The Launch Test Kitchen will make its debut midseason on the View Level.
WHAT’S MAKING A COMEBACK
The popular Crazy Crab Sandwich, the Cha Cha Bowl and Baby Bull Carved Tri-Tip Sandwich will be back, the Giants and Aramark announced. And based on the long lines of customers every season for Alex Retodo’s booth, the Lumpia Company is sure to be back.
WHAT’S GREEN
On the Club Level, alcoholic drinks will be served in reusable cups that will be collected, sanitized and reused, ballpark officials say. Around the ballpark, compostable cups will replace plastic cups. The former is a collaboration with Vytal Global, the latter with EcoProducts.