When San Francisco Giants fans head to Oracle Park this season, they’ll find new faces on the field and new food selections at the concession stands. As with last season, the faster MLB games mean it’s crucial to get to the ballpark early to avoid long lines for your old favorites — and those sure to become your new faves.
The team’s new culinary partner, Aramark, will operate as the brand “Diamond 58,” in honor of the year the team started playing in San Francisco. You’ll find the name prominently positioned around Oracle. And the Public House restaurant right outside the ballpark in Willie Mays Plaza has been re-christened 58 Social.
Here are some of the highlights:
FUKU BY CHEF CHANG: After introducing his spicy chicken sandwiches to fans at Yankee Stadium, Camden Yards and other ballparks, chef David Chang of Momofuku fame has brought his “Fuku” concept to the West Coast. His OG Chicken Sando is a habanero-brined chicken breast that’s fried and served on a potato roll with pickles and his own Fuku mayo. The booths also serve Jumbo Tenders with Waffle Fries and Impossible Nuggies. (Sold in Sections 110 and 209)
THE NEW CRAB DISH: It’s not opening day without a new take on Dungeness crab. This year, Cove Crab Noodles — green tea soba noodles with crab, shiitake mushrooms, cilantro and a spicy chile crunch — will join the lineup of crab sandwiches, crab-topped waffle fries, crab salads and bay shrimp and drab sandwiches. (Section 142)
RINGS AND BURGERS: Onion rings are getting the nacho treatment this season, with toppings of cotija cheese, jalapeno and cilantro; “boom boom sauce” comes on the side. A new Bacon Cheeseburger features double patties on a brioche bun. (Sections 209, 222 and the Blue Shield Field Club Lounge)
WAFFLE MITT SUNDAE: This cute dessert addition, served in a souvenir baseball cap cup, tops vanilla ice cream and Oreos with a freshly made waffle shaped like a mitt. (Section 126)
ORANGE SPLASH: That’s the name of the new signature, fruit-forward cocktail. The Orange Splash is made with Hornitos Reposado, orange liqueur, orange juice, lemon-lime soda and a squeeze of lime and orange, and it’s served in a Giants souvenir baseball cup. (Sections 115, 220 and the Blue Shield Field Club Lounge)
GRAB AND GO: Want to avoid those lines and get back to the action? Diamond 58 is planning a big presence for these casual stands. Look for two locations for the opening of the season, with a total of 10 planned throughout the ballpark.