Ballgame Bites
See how these epicurious stadium snacks stack up
By Phil West74 texashighways.com Photos: Eric W. PohlPLATES
away anytime soon, fans can also find
high-class dining to fuel them.Brisket Mac & Cheese Cone
AT&T Stadium, Arlington
Executive chef Tony Sinese and food and
beverage director George Wasai take a
from-scratch approach to feeding Dallas
Cowboys fans, even when pushing levels
of decadence. For this ultimate comfort
food dish, 16-hour house-smoked brisket
is layered with truffle oil-infused mac and
cheese, then nested in an egg-bread cone
and topped with jalapeños and barbecue
sauce. Though it is designed to eat on the
go, we wouldn’t take any chances scaling
the stadium’s steep steps. Sit and savor it.Carved Roast Beef Sandwich with
Wedge Slaw
NRG Stadium, Houston
This offering brings to mind the
atmosphere of a country club rather than
the raucous home of the Houston Texans
and Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.
But it’s best to place trust in James Beard
Award-winning chef Chris Shepherd,
who aimed to recreate an experience
from one of his lauded restaurants,
Georgia James. Beef from 44 Farms is
topped with horseradish cream, pickled
red onions, blue cheese, bacon, onion,
and tomato, with the wedge-salad-
inspired slaw adding a refined touch.Mole Fries
AT&T Center, San Antonio
While the restaurant Burgerteca may
be best known for its playful Mexican
interpretations of the hamburger, chef
Johnny Hernandez produces similar
culinary creativity with the sides.
The mole fries—akin to nachos—are
substantial enough to be considered a
whole meal. A layer of fries is heaped
with a complex mole sauce and
queso fresco. It’s almost too messy
to eat courtside at a Spurs game, but
it’s so good you’re likely to polish it
off before halftime’s over. Pair it with
a mangonada—a frozen drink with
tequila, fresh mango and cantaloupe, and
a straw covered in tamarind powder.R
oot, root, rooting for the home team works up a mighty hunger. At some
stadiums around the state, the snacks have become bigger, bolder, and
more ridiculous—take for example the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Park in
Arlington, which debuted a 2-pound chicken tender on its 2019 menu. But
some arenas attempt to make their offerings ambitious in a different way, even scor-
ing notable Texas chefs to create menu items. While hot dogs and nachos aren’t goingFROM LEFT: The
Brisket Mac & Cheese
Cone is sure to keep
Cowboys fans satiated
this season; cheer on
the Spurs while sipping
a mangonada.