Food at any modern ballpark in America has surely graduated from just peanuts and crackerjacks. With remarkable eateries like Flavien Trichery and the Acela Club, Citi Field is no exception to the rule.
Citi – with the help of New York Mets alumni Sid Fernandez, John Franco, Tom Seaver and Darryl Strawberry – hosted Teammates in the Kitchen at Citi Field’s Delta Sky 360 Club on September 22 to benefit the Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC) and the James Beard Foundation, which is dedicated to celebrating, nurturing and preserving America’s diverse culinary heritage and future. The intent of the evening was to draw attention to the local food industry, which is so much a part of the city’s multi-cultural and global identity.
“We celebrate American cuisine throughout the country but most especially in New York,” said Susan Ungaro, President of the James Beard Foundation. “The food experience at Citi Field has been elevated to a level that’s just incredible.”
Along with spending time with Mets heroes, those in attendance were able to sample the menus from eight of the New York City’s top chefs including Jay Lippin, head chef at Strawberry’s in Douglaston.
“We really love Queens and we are always happy to help out,” said Lippin, who served lamb sliders with feta cheese, tomato, cucumber, red onions and tzatziki.
Darryl Strawberry opened Strawberry’s Sports Grill in August and is thrilled with how the public has responded.
“People really love the atmosphere and have a great time there. That’s really what it’s all about,” said Strawberry. “People are always telling me how unbelievable the food is.”
“[Queens] is like my second home,” said John Franco, beloved former Mets closer who confessed his favorite restaurant is Parkside in Corona. “Anytime I can get involved with a good foundation to help the growth of the community and small businesses, you can sign me up.”
After a detailed tasting featuring lobster rolls from chef David Pasternack and spiced apple and hazelnut streusel parfaits from pastry chef George McKirdy from Astor Bake Shop in Astoria, a silent auction including signed jerseys, autographed balls and a spot at New York Mets Fantasy Camp in Florida helped raise money for both the QEDC and the James Beard Foundation.
Today, the James Beard Foundation administers a number of programs that include educational initiatives, food industry awards and scholarships to culinary schools. A performance space for visiting chefs is located in Greenwich Village.
For more information about the QEDC, visit www.discoverqueens.info. For more information about the James Beard Foundation, visit www.jamesbeard.org.
