Target Field to feature wide-ranging fare
Two permanent restaurants to be among ballpark options
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Twins are set to open Target Field on April 12 when they host the Boston Red Sox, and they'll provide fans with a wide variety of food options at the new ballpark.
On Thursday, the Twins and Delaware North Sportservice announced the themes and menu highlights for the general concession areas at Target Field. The food options at Target Field will range from the classic ballpark fare of hot dogs and peanuts to Minnesota-inspired signature items such as the steak sandwich from famed Murray's steakhouse, which the club unveiled last month. Among other new offerings at the new ballpark will be a stand called "State Fair Classics," featuring walleye-on-a-stick and cheese curds, and two full-service restaurants where fans can dine while at the ballpark. "The variety and quality of the concessions at Target Field will provide our fans with the very best in ballpark dining," Twins president Dave. St. Peter said in a statement. "The food at Target Field will be a huge part of the outdoor baseball experience by celebrating the region's culture and baseball heritage, including some favorite Twins players over the years." There will be nine different themes for the permanent concession stands at Target Field, three of which pay tribute to Twins greats. It includes Frankie V's Italian in honor of pitcher Frank Viola, Halsey's Sausage Haus for broadcaster Halsey Hall and Senor Smoke's for pitcher Juan Berenguer. Here is a complete list of the nine themed concession stands and a sample of what each will serve: Mill City Grill -- the signature Murray's Steak Sandwich and walleye fingers Hennepin Grille -- burgers, hot dogs, fries, chicken tenders Frankie V's Italian -- a variety of pizza, calzones, and an Italian chopped salad North Shore Creamery -- soft-serve sundaes, Twins helmet sundaes Halsey's Sausage Haus -- Italian and Polish sausage and jumbo hot dogs Señor Smoke's -- features food from Berenguer's home country of Panama, including empanadas and other regional favorites such as nachos, burritos and tacos Taste of Twins Territory -- beer-steamed brats, jumbo hot dogs and pretzels State Fair Classics -- Walleye on-a-stick, pork chop on-a-stick and cheese curds Twins Brews -- craft and premium selections from Minnesota breweries There will be portable concession carts in addition to the permanent stands, but the concepts for those are still being developed. As for the two full-service restaurants, the team announced some of the food that will be offered at those as well. Hrbek's, the restaurant of former Twins first baseman Kent Hrbek, is located behind home plate on the main concourse and will be open prior to and during all home games. It will feature pub fare including the Rex Burger, a half-pound, all-beef burger stuffed with caramelized onions and pepper jack cheese on a brioche roll, and Bloomington onion rings, sweet yellow onions that are seasoned, breaded, crispy-fried and served with a tangy campfire and ranch dipping sauce. The second restaurant in the park is the Town Ball Tavern, which is located behind the left-field foul pole on the Club Level. The tavern will celebrate Minnesota's strong amateur baseball tradition and will feature classic fare from the state. That includes Target Field's own Juicy Lucy, with the cheese inside the burger, and a walleye sandwich. Complete menus have not yet been finalized for all of the concession stands and restaurants, so more announcements are expected in the coming weeks. The Twins and Sportservice are working on a Web site, www.TasteOfTwinsTerritory.com, to allow fans to learn more about the upcoming announcements and all of Target Field's food offerings. "We are continuing to tweak and finalize the menus for all of our concession offerings and restaurants," Pete Spike, general manager for Sportservice, said in the release. "There will be more exciting food announcements as we get closer and closer to Opening Day."Kelly Thesier is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.



