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Astros, Aramark offer healthy options with new food and beverage policy at Minute Maid Park

Chef Bryan Caswell continues partnership and contributes to fan-friendly initiatives

HOUSTON, TX - In an effort to provide Astros fans with healthier choices at the ballpark, the Houston Astros, along with ARAMARK and Chef Bryan Caswell, will introduce a variety of unique menu items and healthier fare to Minute Maid Park in 2012.

Last year, the Houston Astros and ARAMARK, a world-class leader in professional services and the Astros' food and beverage provider, partnered with Caswell, an award-winning chef and Houston native. Known for his expertly prepared seafood, the nationally acclaimed Caswell reflects the best of culinary sophistication.

ARAMARK strives to offer the highest quality food and beverage experience to all fans visiting Minute Maid Park and to provide a variety of items to satisfy everyone's tastes. This season, new offerings have been added to accommodate fans' choices and requests.

NEW THIS YEAR
Two new concepts, including Bryan Caswell's creations, will now be available for Club level customers at El Real Mexican (Section 215) and Bryan Caswell's Club Grille (Section 232). The Green Fork Garden Fresh Salads (Section 116) will also provide Astros fans with a healthier option. The salad station includes a variety of greens accompanied by over 30 different toppings, 10 dressings and multiple choices of protein. The recently added and fan-voted barbecue brisket nachos will also make their debut at Minute Maid Park this season. Tortilla chips topped with smoked, cubed brisket, nacho cheese and corn salsa will be a delightful addition with Southern flare.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE POLICY
Beginning this season, Astros fans are allowed to bring food and bottled water into Minute Maid Park for Houston Astros games. Guests may bring in a factory-sealed, clear plastic bottle of water, no larger than one liter. Fans can also bring in food that is contained in a clear, plastic bag, no larger than one gallon in size. One bottle and one bag per guest is approved.

FAN FAVORITES
Bryan Caswell's Little Big's pork and beef sliders (Section 110) and El Real's steak and chicken fajitas (Section 132) are back by popular demand this season, along with Prince's hamburgers. The barbecue brisket-loaded baked potatoes, ranked ninth on The Boston Globe's Unique Ballpark Menu Items list, will also make a comeback in 2012. Signature hot dogs such as the Extreme Chicago Dog, Cincinnati Cheese Coney Dog and the Ken Hoffman New York Dog return to their easily-accessible kiosks along the main concourse. Another favorite attraction is the Blue Bell Creamery ice cream stations, where Astros fans young and old can enjoy one of the oldest traditions of ice cream at the ballpark.

VEGETARIAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL
For vegetarian preferences, veggie dogs and burritos are now offered, along with the Green Fork salad options and a fresh fruit platter, whole fruit and Minute Maid fresh fruit smoothies throughout the ballpark. The Astros and ARAMARK also partnered on numerous environmental efforts as a part of the Astros Play Green campaign, such as recycling frying oil, using locally-grown ingredients, recycling cans, cardboard and bottles and working with Orbio Technologies to reduce the need for most daily-used cleaning products.

FAMILY AND FAN FRIENDLY
Along with several other fan-friendly initiatives announced by the Astros this year, the club and ARAMARK continue to offer kids meals, featuring hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, sandwiches, carrot sticks and several choices of beverage. Value meals (Sections 109, 156, 416) also feature a number of ballpark favorites paired with a Coca-Cola beverage for a great price.

 

 

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