Big Name Chefs Now Making Food at NFL Stadiums

NFL stadium food is getting that old celebrity chef glamor as Aramark partners with chefs in Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Houston to serve up cheffed-up snacks to football fans. In Cleveland at FirstEnergy Stadium, they've got Chris Hodgson (Hodge's Cleveland) in addition to preexisting offerings from Jonathon Sawyer (Greenhouse Tavern), Michael Symon (B-Spot), and Rocco Whalen (Fahrenheit). Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia features Jose Garces (Amada), Peter McAndrews (Modo Mio), and Marc Vetri (Vetri). And in Houston at Reliant Stadium, there's Chris Shepherd (Underbelly) and Justin Turner (Bernie's Burger Bus).

As for the food itself, think dressed-up tailgating food with a lot of pork belly. For example, Chris Hodgson's Hodge Podge Dog features "Vienna all beef hot dog, Hodge's pulled pork, smashed tater tots, jalapeno slaw, barbecue sauce," while Marc Vetri is offering "North Philly Sausage Cheesesteak on a pretzel roll." Others will serve favorites from their restaurants, like Chris Shepherd's braised goat and dumplings. Below, a press release. Have a good NFL season, everybody.

ARAMARK SCORES A TOUCHDOWN WITH NEW LINEUP OF GRIDIRON EATS FOR 2013 FOOTBALL SEASON

New menus feature celebrity chefs, mouthwatering sandwiches and more

PHILADELPHIA, PA (September 5, 2013)— When NFL teams hit the field this fall, fans will find a slew of new menu items at the 11 stadiums where ARAMARK provides food and beverage services. Creations from celebrity chefs, gourmet sandwiches, and re-imagined hot dogs are just a few of the new additions that will greet them inside the stadium.

ARAMARK chefs took to their kitchens this off-season to create new menu items to further enrich the game day experience for NFL fans. In Philadelphia, Cleveland and Houston, that also meant standing elbow to elbow with some of the biggest names in food: Jose Garces, Marc Vetri, Peter McAndrews, Chris Hodgson, Chris Shepherd and Justin Turner. Each of these nationally recognized chefs will offer their delicious dishes at their hometown venue, joining the ranks of chefs Michael Symon (Cleveland), Rocco Whalen (Cleveland), Jonathon Sawyer (Cleveland) and Grady Spears (Houston).

Working with celebrity chefs is just one aspect of the off-season menu development for ARAMARK's culinary team. They also tap into current food trends, research local flavors and review fan feedback to ensure the menu offers something for everyone.

"Each new NFL season brings with it the opportunity for our culinary team to create new offerings to wow some of the hungriest fans in sports," said Marc Bruno, President, ARAMARK Sports and Entertainment. "Food and football go hand in hand, so we strive to create menus that make the stadium food experience as exciting as the game itself."

For a complete rundown of new items and offerings, please see ARAMARK's online football media kit on aramarkentertainment.com or follow along on Twitter, @ARAMARKsports.

Celebrity Chefs

Expanded partnerships with award-winning chefs in Cleveland, Philadelphia and Houston will offer a taste of assorted stadium-exclusive and popular restaurant menu items on the club level and/or in general concessions.

FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland Browns:
Chef Chris Hodgson's new "Hodge Podge Stadium Comfort Food" features the PBLT (pulled pork, bacon, tomato, shredded romaine, sriracha aioli.), Hodge Podge Dog (Vienna all beef hot dog, Hodge's pulled pork, smashed tater tots, jalapeno slaw, barbecue sauce), and Dawg Pound Tots (tater tots, pepper jack cheese, smoke house chili, chopped hot cherry peppers, green onion, crème fraiche). (club level)

Chef Jonathon Sawyer's "Sawyer's Street Frites" has added Crispy Chicken Wings Confit with Sweet & Spicy Peach Sauce. (club level)

Chef Michael Symon's "B-Spot" now features the Thin Lizzy Burger (with griddled onion, cheddar cheese, mayo and pickles), house made beef jerky with Michael's signature spicy spice blend, and loaded milkshakes. (club level)

Chef Rocco Whalen's "Rosie & Rocco's" will offer Rocco's Supreme Pizza, with pepperoni, sausage, roasted red peppers, banana peppers, marinara and mozzarella, and Sweet & Salty Candied Pistachios. (club level)

Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia Eagles:
Chef Jose Garces will feature Tacos de Pollo (chicken ropa vieja, queso fresco and crema) and Carnitas Tacos with pineapple jicama salsa, black beans and shaved radishes. (club level)

Chef Peter McAndrews is offering Brisket Sandwich (beef brisket, horseradish mayo, roasted tomatoes, pepperoncino, sharp provolone and fried egg) and Chicken Diavlo (spicy chicken breast, salami, roasted tomatoes, broccoli rabe, herb cheddar spread and sharp provolone). (club level) In general concessions, assorted signature items from his restaurant, "Paesano's," will be offered.

Chef Marc Vetri's Mortadella Hot Dog with spicy pickles and cabbage relish, and the North Philly Sausage Cheesesteak on a pretzel roll, will be available. (club level)

Reliant Stadium, Houston Texans:
Chef Chris Shepherd's "Underbelly" features Braised Goat and Dumplings, Butter Braised Bratwurst and caramelized onions on a pretzel bun, and Slow Roasted Pork Belly with a quick pickle garnish on an Asian steam bun. (club level)

Chef Justin Turner's "Bernie's Burger Bus" stand features an assortment of Chef Turner's signature gourmet burgers and hand cut fries. (general concessions)

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