Ballpark Digest is previewing what every MLB team is doing to begin the season, both on and off the field, as the 2019 season is underway. Up next: the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field.
It was a busy offseason at Wrigley Field, as the Cubs made extensive renovations to the historic ballpark while shaking up its food and drink offerings. To reflect the scope of the work that was done leading up to the team’s 2019 home schedule–which begins Monday afternoon–we are splitting our Wrigley Field preview into two separate stories. This story will focus on the food and drink items added to the ballpark by the Cubs and hospitality partner Levy, while a feature this afternoon by Ballpark Digest founder and publisher Kevin Reichard will detail the latest renovations to Wrigley Field.
Among the notable new food items introduced for 2019 is the Beer Can Chicken Sandwich (above), an item featuring beer-marinated chicken breast served with Dijonnaise, shredded lettuce, tomato, and bacon on a brioche bun. Several other sandwiches are being introduced as well, including the Italian Seasoned Chicken Sandwich–an Italian-seasoned grilled chicken topped with controne pepper, pesto aioli, lettuce and vine ripe tomatoes, served on a split top bun. A Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich blends Gruyere, Butterkäse, and cheddar cheese with tomato jam, while a Crispy Pork Sandwich tops crispy breaded pork strips with house-made pickles and onions, creamy Dijon, lettuce, and vine ripe tomatoes, all on a pretzel bun.
Another dish featuring pork is the Pork Tenders, which features crispy hand-breaded pork strips served with Japanese barbecue sauce and cabbage and carrot slaw. The Wrigley House Chips include ranch-seasoned chips that are made in-house, served with Buffalo ranch dipping sauce. Short Rib Disco Fries tops crispy fries with a slate that includes braised beef short rib, roasted garlic aioli, queso fresco, and green onions. Walking Taco is also joining the menu this season, while the Southwest Fiesta Specialty Hot Dog takes the traditional ballpark offering and tops it with chili lime crema, pico de gallo, tortilla strips, and house-made pickled peppers.
For a plant-based meat alternative, fans can seek out Wrigley Field’s new Impossible Burger. Wrigley Field’s Impossible Burger will include a plant-based meat alternative, topped with chipotle lime aioli, American cheese, lettuce, and tomato, served on a brioche bun.
On the beverage side, Wrigley Field will feature an expanded beer menu with an increased emphasis on local options. That includes the addition of more than a dozen new draft and packaged craft beer selections from breweries with Chicago and Midwest roots. Wine lovers will also find some distinct choices at the ballpark this season, thanks to an expanded partnership with Terlato Wines. Wine will be available by the bottle in a souvenir Cubs carafe, and fans will also be able to sample from a rotating slate of seasonal varietals.
Image courtesy Levy.
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