The Chicago White Sox just raised the bar for ballpark food

The Chicago White Sox pulled out all the stops, teasing their newest menu items for the 2019 season.

We did it, y’all. We made it through another winter. Spring Training is wrapping up and MLB Opening Day is so close we can taste it. Literally.

Mark Carman and Ashley Young visited Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago to try out the latest concessions being offered by the White Sox. From vegetarian options to fresh takes on the classics, they reviewed the best of what’s being served this season.

Boozy hot chocolate

Jim Beam, Patron XO and Monin toasted marshmallow syrup

Ashley: Our tasting took place on a cold, rainy Chicago afternoon. This boozy hot chocolate warmed us right up. Yes, in a perfect world, you’re watching baseball with a cold beer in your hand. But in many cities, opening day kicks off a series of chilly early season games. For fans who find themselves attending a game in winter layers, this drink is the move.

Mark: Even in the dead of summer, a play worth considering.

Buffalo chicken fries

French fries covered and smothered with shredded chicken, hot Buffalo sauce, creamy ranch and crumbled bleu cheese

Ashley: “Covered AND smothered” indeed. For anyone wanting to elevate their fry game, this mountain of calories is a treat and a half. The spicy buffalo chicken packed a punch. Messy, but delicious.

Mark: Must like blue cheese.

Caprese Sandwich

Soft Buffalo mozzarella cheese, crisp slices of tomatoes and fresh basil leaves are piled on a ciabatta roll then topped with sweet balsamic glaze

Ashley: This sandwich is a nice break from your typical greasy ballpark food.  Who can say no to a big ol’ hunk of fresh mozzarella?

Mark: Perhaps will be more popular in the box seats than the bleachers.

Dessert Sweet Potato Fries

French fries covered and smothered with powdered sugar, chopped pecans and whipped cream, then drizzled with chocolate sauce and Nutella

Ashley: I’ll admit I was skeptical sweet potatoes would satisfy my aggressive sweet tooth. Vegetables for dessert? Eh, pass. While this combination was certainly tasty, I don’t think I’d order it in lieu of an ice cream cone. Sometimes you just have to stick with the classics.

Mark: This order is best consumed immediately to maintain fry integrity.

Nashville hot chicken

Juicy, breaded chicken breast is dunked in a house-made Nashville hot sauce then served with cole slaw and crisp pickles on a soft brioche bun.

Ashley: I know I just said you have to stick with the classics- but this sandwich is an exception to the rule. Ignore my advice and order this juicy, chicken sammie.

Mark: It comes with a certain sweetness that will make you smile.

Antique Taco

“The Air Stream” — slow-smoked brisket, tres queso, grilled onions, beware sauce, cilantro and lime

Ashley: I’m just going to come right out and say it. This taco was hands down the best of the bunch. It was phenomenal. The brisket was juicy and flavorful, and the spicy beware sauce had me questioning my loyalty to hot dogs at ball games.

Mark: Always a good choice to support a local establishment. Southside loyalty.

Bacon Popcorn

Freshly popped corn covered with sea salt, cracked pepper, grated parmesan cheese and bacon crumbles

Ashley: To be perfectly honest, I was sold at bacon. “Popcorn” was simply an added bonus. They pop the kernels in bacon fat, which gave it a subtle flavor. Dusted in salt, pepper and grated parmesan, I could totally see myself snacking on a bucket of this early in the 3rd.

Mark: Did I mention there is real bacon in the popcorn?

Bang Bang Chicken Salad

Popcorn chicken tossed in Bang Bang sauce and served on Napa cabbage chopped salad with a soy ginger vinaigrette dressing

Ashley: I loved the contrast of the sweet ginger dressing and the Bang Bang sauce.

Mark: Sometimes you gotta go salad. Maybe a midweek day game option if you have dinner plans. This one tastes good and leaves room for the main event.

Elote Nuggets

A basket of corn fritters covered with a creamy cilantro lime aioli, queso cotija and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper

Ashley: Don’t miss out on the elote nuggets! This crunchy concession is my sleeper pick for best snack of the day.

Mark: Great sauce, great bite, great fun at the ole ballpark.

Impossible Asian Appetizer Duo

Pan-fried pot stickers with ginger, scallions, cabbage and sesame with soy chili dipping sauce

Ashley: Vegetarian friends, this one is for you. Meat lovers, go ahead and try to find something wrong with it. YOU CAN’T. Crispy, pot stickers are a bold baseball choice but I’m a fan.

Mark: You don’t need to know what’s in there. Just eat away.

Triple Play Burger

Angus beef patty, fried bologna and bacon topped with a secret sauce and cheddar cheese on a brioche bun

Ashley: Confession: I don’t think I’ve ever had bologna. So diving into this burger topped with  fried bologna… what a power move. It added an unsuspecting, but definitely delicious crunch.

Mark: If heart disease is not a concern eat 3 of these.

Favorite item of the day

Ashley: I have to go with the taco. It was delicious. I’m a classic- go to the game, get a hot dog. But this taco… I was a big fan. By far my favorite.

Mark: I literally loved everything but I think if you’re coming, you got to go with the bacon popcorn. Flat out delicious.

While we thoroughly enjoyed these items, the menu was not enough to lure Manny Machado to the South Side. Luckily, Sox fans have plenty of options to eat their feelings this season as they grieve Machado’s west coast contract.