With the Los Angeles Dodgers looking to return to the World Series and bring the franchise its first championship since 1988, the Dodger Stadium culinary team, led by executive chef Ryan Evans, has its sights on providing fans with a memorable dining experience, and then some.
“We want to make Dodger Stadium one of the best food destinations in all of MLB,” Evans said at the Dodgers’ annual First Look event. “I think we made great progress last year, and we’re continuing to develop our culinary program here.
“When you think of Dodger Stadium, you think of the Dodger Dog. But there’s so much more that we do here that we would like to showcase.”
Evans is entering his 10th season as an MLB chef, his third with the Dodgers, and second as their executive chef. He and his team visited local eateries to draw inspiration and gain an insight into what foodies crave.
“We want to compete with [restaurants in the area],” Evans said. “We want people to come here and be like, ‘Man, this is the best meal I’ve had all week.'”
Among the dishes Evans had on display and for sample included fan favorites from 2017, the Cheet-O-Lote, Lobster Roll and Chicken N’ Waffle Sammy. New additions include two types of chicken sandwiches, expanded vegetarian options, and more.
What Evans could not yet reveal were various specials that will be offered at Dodger Stadium throughout the season. “We’re going to have a lot of secret menus this year,” he said.
Additionally, fans will have access to the variety of new and specialty food items, regardless of where their seats are. “We’re really looking to expand our food program and make everything available to everybody,” Evans explained. “That’s a huge emphasis this year. There’s going to be a lot more things available to every guest.”
Veggie Burger
The Portobello Mushroom Burger will be available at Bud & Burgers stands, which adds a location on the Reserve Level this season. The original location down the left-field line on Field Level remains in place.
The burger features a Portobello mushroom, piqio pepper aioli, smoked gouda, arugula and is served on a brioche bun that’s delivered fresh from Bread Los Angeles in Montebello, Calif.
“We’re really trying to expand our vegetarian program, offer a lot more great items,” Evans said. “Not just tofu-based.”
Orange Chicken Basebowl
The basebowl stand at Dodger Stadium is an area Evans believes can be grown this season. The poke and chicken teriyaki offerings from last year return, and joining those is an orange chicken and steamed rice dish. While pictured with broccoli, a decision has not yet been made if that will be included.
“One of our major areas of opportunity is our basebowls stand. I think with proper advertising and proper social media, we can gain some more traction there,” Evans explained. “The dishes that were there are fantastic, and we’re adding to what’s already doing well.”
Pretzel Croissant Chicken Sandwich
One of two new chicken sandwich offerings, this version is served on a pretzel croissant bread that is made fresh and delivered daily.
The roasted chicken breast is topped with sundried tomato, herb ailoi, Swiss cheese and placed on a leaf of lettuce. It will be available at healthy carts locations on Field, Loge and Reserve levels.
Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, topped with jalapeño slaw, umami aioli and pickles is served on Texas toast. The sandwich is not spicy, but has a small bite to it courtesy of the buffalo sauce.
This will be available at a chicken stand that is new to the Reserve Level.
Tortas
What Evans is most excited by, the Dodgers will offer tortas in the variety of carne asada, pulled chicken, and nopales (vegetarian option). Each protein is served on telara, which made fresh and delivered daily to Dodger Stadium by La Princesa Bakery in Cudahy, Calif.
All tortas include refried beans, jalapeños, cilantro, crema and avocado. “I’ve been wanting tortas here since I was the exec sous (chef),” Evans said. “I think it’s a great sandwich that really represents L.A., Dodgers, and what we have available to us in this area. I think it’s going to be huge.”
Churro cake with ice cream dessert
For those with sweet tooth, Evans has put a twist on the traditional churro and coupled it with ice cream that also has a twist. A churro cake is accompanied by horchata ice cream that’s topped with Abuelita’s caramel and Abeulita’s chocolate shavings.
The savory dessert will be available at Trolley Treats locations.
L.A. On-deck Circle stands
The Dodgers plan to launch specials throughout the season out of these designated locations, which will also serve the aforementioned tortas.
“Every homestand you’re going to have four or five specials at this destination location,” Evans said.
High Protein option
In addition to the pretzel chicken croissant sandwiches being served out of healthy cart locations, the Dodgers are also introducing an inka blend quinoa zucchini that’s tossed in house made pesto, fresh corn, green onion, chickpeas, toasted pine nuts and lemon zest.
“We have a lot of green salads that are available as well, but we wanted something that’s more of a protein that’s not leafy green,” Evans explained.
Healthy carts are located on Field, Loge and Reserve levels.
