When it comes to ballpark food, the writer prefers to be frugal, often bringing in their own sandwiches rather than paying inflated prices for items inside the stadium. However, while attending the New York Mets home opener, they were surprised to see a sandwich priced at $40.55. The sandwich, known as the Surf and Turf, features six ounces of steak and four ounces of lobster salad, along with cheese and caramelized onions. Intrigued by the high price tag, the writer reached out to the Mets and was invited to try the sandwich for themselves to determine if it was worth the money.
The executive sous chef of Citi Field, Paul Horowitz, defended the high price of the Surf and Turf sandwich by emphasizing the quality of the ingredients. The sandwich includes six ounces of Pat LaFrieda filet mignon and four ounces of lobster salad smothered in Monterey jack cheese, sautéed onions, and beef au jus, served on a toasted French baguette. Horowitz explained that the portion size justifies the cost, comparing it to a lobster roll in Manhattan that costs close to $30 without the additional steak, cheese, and onions. He also pointed out that most other ballpark food options offer smaller portions of protein, making the Surf and Turf a unique and filling choice for those with big appetites.
While initially skeptical of the high price, the writer found the Surf and Turf sandwich to be a good value, considering its size and quality. Compared to other stadium food options, the sandwich could easily be split with a friend, making it a more affordable choice for a substantial meal. Despite still feeling hesitant to spend $40 on dinner at the game, the writer acknowledged that if they were feeling fancy and hungry, the Surf and Turf would be a worthwhile indulgence. Ultimately, the writer concluded that while they generally prefer more affordable ballpark bites, the quality and portion size of the sandwich justified its higher price.
In a world where ballpark food prices continue to rise, the $40 Surf and Turf sandwich at Citi Field may initially shock some customers. However, the justification provided by the executive sous chef and the writer’s positive experience trying the sandwich suggest that it could be worth the money for those looking for a more upscale dining option at the game. Whether someone chooses to indulge in the expensive sandwich or stick to more budget-friendly options, the variety of food choices available at Citi Field reflects a growing trend of heightened culinary experiences at sports venues. Ultimately, the decision to splurge on the Surf and Turf or stick to a more traditional ballpark snack comes down to personal preference and budget constraints.
