Hungry for hockey: Walleye unveil new menu items

10/11/2018
BY MARY BILYEU
BLADE FOOD EDITOR
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    The Chicago hot dog is one of multiple new menu items introduced as part of The Toledo Walleye's upcoming season.

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  • Toledo Walleye fans will get to face off against the team’s new menu items at the home opener Oct. 27 against the Fort Wayne Komets.

    “We have some fun stuff this year,” said Scott Fuernstein, catering general manager for the Huntington Center.

    The Fried Macaroni Burger ($8 at Frogtown Burger) is served on a pretzel bun and topped with creamy house-made Ranch dressing, pickles, and bacon macaroni and cheese bites. Andi Roman, communications and media director for the Walleye, said she would happily eat those tidbits all by themselves in their glorious, gooey goodness. (They’re not being sold separately.)

    For those seeking a snack, Cajun Tater Tots ($4 at the Swamp Dogs Grill) are crispy crunchy nuggets seasoned perfectly. “Those are so good,” said Ms. Roman. They’re great on their own, but certainly Ranch dip enhances them. Jon Drake, operations manager of the Huntington Center/SeaGate Convention Centre, assures fans that these aren’t too spicy: “We try to keep everyone’s palate happy.”

    The Greek Chicken Wrap ($6 at the Bait Shack) is a healthier option than some fan favorites, and was a huge hit at the media tasting event held Thursday (Ms. Roman called it “a festival” of flavor). Its ingredients — cucumber, red onions, Kalamata olives, and tender grilled chicken breast — are all in perfect proportion to one another in an easy-to-eat package.

    The staff “tried to stay away from things like lettuce that would make the sandwich soggy,” Mr. Drake said.

    Sofo Foods is serving an authentic Cuban Sandwich ($7.50 at the Sofo Foods Cart) filled with tender citrus-infused shredded pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, pressed to seal in all the deliciousness.

    Mr. Drake said that the Chicago Dog ($6 at the Swamp Dogs Grill) is “universally popular,” and the Walleye have retained all of its essential elements: vibrant neon relish, tomatoes, sport peppers, diced onions, a pickle spear, celery salt, and the requisite poppy seed bun. “You don’t mess with a Chicago dog,” he said.

    “They’ll come over here and defend their honor,” said Aaron LaFountain, general manager of the SeaGate Convention Centre/Huntington Center, not-quite-jokingly due to the respect that Chicagoans have for this classic.

    And finally, the Fluffernutter Sundae ($4.50 at T-Town Treats) is a sweet sensation, an homage to the favorite childhood sandwich. Take chocolate soft serve ice cream and top it with more chocolate (in syrup form), as well as peanut butter and marshmallow sauces.

    Sweet potato puffs are an unexpected garnish, and Ms. Roman offered an interesting perspective on them: “When you have ice cream in a cup, sometimes you miss the cone,” she said. The puffs offer just enough texture to be reminiscent of a cake cone, providing the complete experience.

    Mr. Drake invited all Walleye fans to “come early and enjoy a meal” before the game.

    Your only problem will be choosing what to eat, because everything is fabulous.

    There are no menu items in the penalty box this year. Every single one scored a goal.

    Contact Mary Bilyeu at 419-724-6155 or mbilyeu@theblade.com, and follow her at facebook.com/thebladefoodpage.