There is nothing like the excitement of game day- the spectacle on the field, the roar of the crowd and of course the favor of a perfectly prepared sausage. Seems impossible to improve on that right? Well the folks at CenturyLink (formerly Qwest) Field have taken the experience down to a whole new level. Field Level dining during Sounders MLS games at CenturyLink is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Last week, we welcomed the folks from Food and Sports.com for a visit to enjoy the sights, sounds and true flavor of world class soccer. Check out the post and more great pictures here.

Happy 4th of July!

Food makes everything more fun, especially game day. Savory snacks like, hot dogs, nachos and a refreshing beer can be key components to a great day cheering on your team. But for folks with Celiac Disease, fun food can be a challenge. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 2 million people in the United States have Celiac Disease, or about 1 in 133 people. Last year, we added gluten-free snacks and beer to all sports venues to accommodate guests that follow a wheat- and gluten-free diet, and the response was tremendous. This year we expanded our menus to make sure gluten-intolerant guests can enjoy traditional game day favorites and more great snack items. The new expanded gluten-free options include:

• Hot Dog – Certified gluten-free hot dog, Kinnikinnick bun, Heinz ketchup and French’s mustard
• Chili Cheese Dog – Certified gluten-free hot dog, Kinnikinnick bun, Ghel’s chili sauce and cheese
• Nachos – Mission tortilla chips, Ghel’s cheese, Embasa jalapeños
• Loaded Nachos – Mission tortilla chips, Ghel’s chili sauce and cheese, LaVictoria Alamo salsa, Embasa jalapeños
• Red Bridge Beer – Gluten-free beer made without wheat or barley
• Taste Good Tortilla Chips – Olive, sweet potato flavored tortilla chips
• Classic Snacks Gluten-Free Carmel & Cheddar Popcorn Mix
• Eden Organic Pumpkin Seeds
• Eden Organic Berry Mix
• Larabars – Cherry pie flavor gluten-free fruit and nut bar
• NuGO Free Dark Chocolate Bar – NuGO FREE bars are gluten, soy, and dairy free, certified OU Pareve, and made with real dark chocolate
• Skittles
• Classic Snacks Gummy Bears

The ballparks and stadiums that will debut these new offerings include Chase Field in Phoenix, Nationals Park in Washington, DC, PNC Park in Pittsburgh, US Cellular Field in Chicago, Qwest Field in Seattle, Rio Tinto Stadium in Salt Lake City and Toyota Park in Chicago.

So dig in to some seriously tasty gluten-free options this season!

There is always a lot of “I do-ing” around the country in June. Flower orders flood the local florists, bridesmaid dresses fly off the racks and grounds crews are busy dragging the infield before the reception…wait what?!

In pursuit of the ultimate wedding day some couples find inspiration in the great American pastime. Sure it’s an unconventional location, but what could be a more appropriate setting for such a special day than fields of perfectly manicured green grass, summer sunshine and the beauty of a Major League ballpark?! We often host weddings, receptions and all kinds of great family events at our ballparks around the country and we’ve seen it all- bridal parties sporting team jerseys, receptions decked out in team colors, you name it. But some couples just enjoy having a traditionally themed wedding in an incredible location. Getting married at home plate? Now that’s a memorable day!

From arenas around the world to fine dining by candlelight, where there is a need for great food and warm hospitality, we are there! New to the Levy family this summer is Oak Street Food + Drink, Chicago’s most fabulous beachside oasis.

There is nothing like the “third coast” and when the weather is warm, summer in Chicago can’t be beat. What could be better than a refreshing cocktail and a savory snack while enjoying a beautiful view of the sand and surf? Oak Street Beach serves up resort-inspired cocktails like the Little Bee Margarita, made with Jose Cuervo, lime juice and Belfry Farms honey. Menu highlights include the Aerial Tuna Burger made with hand-cut Ahi tuna stacked with guacamole, cilantro, lettuce, tomato and tortilla chips, Chowder of the day and the Taco Stand, serving up three tacos stuffed with any featured filling, such as Grilled Fish Veracruz, Chipotle Shrimp, Seared Tuna, Grilled Chicken, Steak or Black Beans & Corn. I’ll take one of each please!

If you can’t get out of town for beachside break, take a moment or two to relax and unwind with a tasty drink and a good nosh. A little respite is just what the doctor ordered after a long winter. Cheers!

Game 1 of the NBA finals between the Miami Heat and the Dallas Mavericks garnered the highest playoff ratings since 2004! NBA fever is clearly sweeping the nation, but did you know that seven out of the eight teams in the NBA semifinals were also Levy locations? This week as the Heat and the Mavs continue to battle it out, Levy teams at both arenas will also be hard at work serving up some champion worthy food for ravenous basketball fans.

Only time will tell if the Heat can stay “White Hot”

Memorial Day weekend has become a time for us to gather with family and friends and enjoy backyard BBQs and casual cookouts. Though nothing beats a perfectly grilled burger and a cold brew, it’s also fun to try something different to surprise your guests. Next time you have friends over, why don’t you add a few new characters to the guest list, like…

Dirty Shirley – Bridge Bar’s favorite regular

A fun cocktail is a good start to any party. Next time why not invite Dirty Shirley to your party?! Cherries are the perfect combination of tart and sweet, making this one-of-a-kind cocktail a crowd pleaser.

Mr. Clam Bake

Usually, he’s all shut up in a corner, but turn up the heat, take him to a party and boy does he open up! If you can get your hands on some great fresh seafood, a Clam Bake is a blast. Simple, savory and easy to assemble, try this at your next shindig – (or better yet, head to Fulton on the River in Chicago this June!)

Dirty Shirley Pitcher for 4

Ingredients:

• 6 each – brandied cherries (maraschinos will do in a pinch)
• 4 each – lemon wedges
• 8 large – leaves fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon – sugar
• 6 oz – lemon flavored vodka
• 6 oz – pomegranate juice
• 8 oz – club soda
• Ice

Chef’s Notes:

In a large pitcher or carafe, muddle the cherries, basil, and sugar until the basil is broken and fragrant. Add enough ice to fill the pitcher ¾ full. Pour in the vodka, pomegranate juice and club soda; stir to combine all of the ingredients.

Fill your preferred glass with ice and pour the cocktail over ice, garnish with a fresh lemon wedge. Bottoms up!

Clam bake for 4 people

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon – water
• 1 tablespoon – Old Bay seasoning
• 2 teaspoons – lobster base
• 8 oz – clam juice
• 1 teaspoon – salt
• 10 each – Manila clam
• 5 each – Top neck clam
• 5 each – Little neck clam
• 6 each – shrimp
• ½ pound – spicy Italian sausage, cooked   
• ¼ pound – mussels
• ¼ pound – red potato, cooked, cut into ½ inch cubes
• 1 ear – corn on the cob, cut into 2 inch sections
• 4 tablespoons – butter
• ¼  cup – parsley, chopped

Chef’s Notes:

In a large pot, bring the water to a boil and add the old bay seasoning, lobster base, clam juice and salt. Once the combined ingredients return to a boil add the clams, shrimp, Italian sausage, mussels, potatoes and corn to the pot.

Once the clams open wide, drain the broth from the pot reserving while 2 cups of broth to make the sauce.

In a medium sauce pot, bring the reserved broth to a boil and whisk in the butter and parsley.

Serve the “Clam Bake” in bowls and pour the sauce over each bowl. Enjoy!