The All-Star Game will take place in Philadelphia this summer -- a fitting location for the nation's 250th birthday. It's the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed, where the Liberty Bell rang, where the Constitution was first drafted and, maybe most importantly, a town where Americans have feasted on delicious food for decades.
So, in celebration of this year's Midsummer Classic, Aramark put together four unique, mouth-watering meals. The preliminary rounds are over -- the Declaration Dog and the Liberty Stack have been eliminated -- and the final choice is now between the Revolutionary Rib Melt and Betsy's Banana Ice Cream Sundae. Vote here to make your voice (and stomach) heard.
MLB was also lucky enough to be in town to see chef Rich Grab, director of culinary innovation at Aramark Sports and Entertainment, put together the four meals in person. He toured us through Reading Market Terminal, saying his inspiration for these dishes (and for many others) comes from Dinic's Roast Pork and Beef, Beiler's Doughnuts and many of the other shops in the iconic Philly food plaza.
"Our fans are coming in with a different level of expectation with all the great chefs in Philadelphia and all around the country," Grab said. "It's an experience, it's not just a game you come and watch. It's an all-day event you bring your friends and family to. No knock to the hot dog, but not everything's about hot dogs and nachos. We want to bring a bit of elevation to these dishes."
Here are descriptions of the two final ASG dishes below, with notes from Grab as he was making them.
The Revolutionary Rib Melt
Smoked short rib, aged provolone, charred onion jam, fried peppers and pickle butter on a pressed brioche roll with a side bowl of beef consume (for dripping).
"Right now, birria is having a moment," Grab said. "We thought it'd be kind of fun to braise the short rib in the same kind of flavor profile, pulling it just slightly."
Betsy’s Banana Ice Cream Sundae
Banana pudding with vanilla soft serve, topped with crushed vanilla wafers, peanut brittle, hot fudge, strawberry sauce and toasted marshmallow cloud. Red, white and blue sprinkles scattered throughout and, of course, served in an All-Star souvenir cap.
"We did a little nod to a banana pudding and a classic hot fudge sundae," Grab said. "Two American icons slapped together for a great dessert item at the park."
