Chomp takes on new meaning this season as the San Jose Sharks, SAP Center and their culinary partner, Aramark, unveil a new lineup of food choices for hockey fans.
There’s lots to sample. Good thing it’s a sport with two intermissions.
Joining all the popular, locally owned restaurants are several new Aramark concepts, including some featuring customization. “People like to build their own everything,” said Brian Tuscano, the Aramark general manager for SAP Center.
The Test Launch Kitchen, which features a rotating series of food trucks and their experimental dishes, will return. And the carving stations are back.
Here’s a sampling of new and returning eateries. For the full lineup, check the www.sapcenter.com/guestservices/arena-food-beverage page, which includes maps and details on vegan options:
Club 104: Tuscano discovered cookie nachos on TikTok and knew he wanted to riff on the concept for the Shark Tank. His over-the-top version starts with miniature chocolate chip cookies, then loads them up with ice cream and your choice of gummy goodies, candy ribbons, rock candy, chocolate pieces, mini-marshmallows, sprinkles and more. “It’s become the bestselling dessert on the Club Level,” he said.
Sin Bin: Customize your burgers (Swiss or cheddar? Tomatoes? What kind of bun?) at the kiosk, and your order goes directly to the cook. “We’re trying to do a lot of touchless interaction to keep everybody safe,” Tuscano said.
Top Taco: The customizable nachos here are loaded up in a big pizza box, which means easier sharing and no more awkward digging in a small container. This stand also offers beef tacos and spicy-but-not-too-spicy chicken tacos and serves them two at a time with chips and salsa. Concourse Level.
Nourish: Feel like taking a super-healthy meal back to your seat? You can build your own salads at this Aramark concept stand. Club Level.
John Dough: Another new customization concept from Aramark. You order a cheese or pepperoni pizza and then add toppings like fresh garlic after the pie is out of the oven.
Launch Test Kitchen: Local food trucks will create dishes for you to vote on with your orders. The winning dish may find a permanent spot on the SAP menu. Find this booth on the Concourse Level near Section 109.
The Shop by Chef Baca: Winner of a previous Launch Test Kitchen, chef Rodney Baca is featuring his house-brined pastrami sandwiches, BLTs and salads. Concourse Level.
Hula Truck: This Santa Clara-based vendor specializes in Pacific Island/NorCal fusion, with kalua pork, their BayRitto and Dole Whip on the menu. Concourse Level.
Sharks Boardwalk: This Aramark booth offers amusement park fare — hand-dipped corn dogs, candy apples, cotton candy, fried Oreos and milkshakes. Concourse Level.
Smoking Pig BBQ: Pitmaster Paul Reddick’s crew will serve brisket, pulled pork and chicken sandwiches, burnt ends and side dishes of macaroni and cheese, BBQ beans and coleslaw. Concourse Level.
Blue Line Pizza: This Bay Area-born pizzeria with a name that pays tribute to Chicago will serve both deep dish and thick crust pies. Concourse Level.
Tenders Love & Chicken: An Awesome Sauce Bar (with 10 choices) complements the chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches and fries sold at this stand. Concourse Level.
Sushi Confidential: Look for a variety of rolls — Cabo Conspiracy, California, Spicy Tuna — and poke tacos at this booth from restaurateur “Sushi Randy” Musterer. Concourse Level.
Konjoe Burger: Joey Camacho’s local enterprise, a Santa Clara fave, is back with burgers made with California-sourced beef, artisanal buns and local produce and topped with Konjoe sauce. Fries too.
Organic Coup: The nation’s first fast food to be certified 100 percent organic, this vendor is offering a fried chicken breast sandwich.
Source: www.mercurynews.com