Trash Pandas cookin’ up some good eatin’

MADISON — Peanuts. Popcorn. Hot dogs.

These have been staples for fans at the ol’ ballgame for decades.

But, leave it to the Rocket City Trash Pandas to bring their own touch to ballpark fare.

“The inspiration for this year’s menu was to add more tasty, affordable options for everyone while keeping the southern cuisine that fans enjoyed last year,” said Garien Shelby, the team’s food and beverage director. “Our goal is that when fans come to Toyota Field, they can enjoy unique items that fit their taste.”

Unique may be putting it mildly. Check out this culinary lineup:

• Rocket City Chicken Fries: Crispy classic-cut French fries topped with hot chicken, fried jalapeño caps, and our homemade macaroni and cheese. Served out of Gravity Grille.
• Pig Out Sandwich: Smoked bologna, pulled pork, barbecue Conecuh sausage, bacon, barbecue sauce, and cheese on a brioche bun. Served out of Gravity Grille.
• Philly Cheesesteak: Sliced sirloin steak, roasted pepper and onion blend, and queso blanco on a hoagie roll. Served out of Dumpster Dive.
• Buffalo Chicken Philly: Pulled chicken, garlic buffalo sauce, ranch drizzle, blue cheese crumbles, roasted pepper and onion blend, sliced green onions, and queso blanco on a hoagie roll. Served at Swifty’s.
• Chopped Cheese Sandwich: Chopped Conecuh sausage, seasoned burger patty, caramelized onions, and jalapeno pimento cheese on a pretzel bun. Served at Swifty’s.
• BBQ Chicken Tacos: Pulled chicken, pickled red onion and jalapeño, Alabama white sauce, and queso fresco on flour tortillas. Served out of The Bullpen Bar.
• BBQ Pork Tacos: Smoked pulled pork, Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce, pickled jalapeño, and pineapple relish on flour tortillas. Served out of The Bullpen Bar.
• BBQ Chicken Sandwich: Pulled chicken and Alabama white sauce on a brioche bun. Served at Swifty’s.
• BBQ Pork Sandwich: Smoked pulled pork and Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce on a brioche bun. Served at Swifty’s.
• Meatball Hero: Two-ounce Italian meatballs, marinara, and provolone on a hoagie roll. Served at All-Stars.
• Pizza: House-made cheese and pepperoni pizza by the slice, with a gluten free crust available by request. Available at All-Stars.
• Chopped Brisket Sandwich: Chopped smoked brisket and Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce on a brioche bun. Served at Swifty’s.
• Bavarian Pretzel Charcuterie: Large Bavarian pretzel with beer brined bratwurst, smoked Conecuh sausage, steak and onion cheese, smoked gouda, brown mustard, peach preserves, and crackers. Available for fans on the Suite level.

Rocket City is adding some punch to its beverage roster, as well.

Making its debut is the Corked Bat, a wine bar on the third base concourse with a selection of seasonal wines. At The Corked Bat, fans will be able to purchase wine by the glass, or even by the bottle to take with them to their seat. Charcuterie options will also be available.

On Friday nights, with the Trash Pandas wearing their new Halo Blue uniforms, fans can enjoy Halo Blue draft beer, a signature blue cocktail and berry blue lemonade.

The team is continuing the fan-favorite Eat Your Opponent Dogs, with each hot dog dedicated to the local flavor of the Trash Pandas’ seven Southern League opponents.

With the Chattanooga Lookouts in town to open the season, the Trash Pandas will serve up “Lookout, it’s Hot Dog” – a Conecuh hot dog marinated in chilis topped with Jack Daniels Pickles, sweet vinegar slaw, and fresh diced tomato.

For the Biloxi Shuckers series, it’s a “Shucked Po Boy” – a Conecuh hot dog featuring remoulade, oysters, shredded lettuce, and diced tomato.