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The Nationals are opening their redesigned scoreboard walk in center field tonight, with a handful of concession options from Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group. They opened up the area to the media this afternoon, and I spun through there with a few reporters to try it out. Here's my quick synopsis:
* I'd had Shake Shack once in New York, and it's better than I remember. The burgers were good - I think I still prefer Five Guys, but they're comparable - and the shakes were definitely the highlight. They also have mushroom burgers, if you're looking for a veggie option, and Chicago dogs, which should be a nice touch.
* The flank steak tacos at El Verano Taqueria were quite tasty - the meat was nicely charred, but not overdone, and they had a couple good salsa options.
* Box Frites - which has several different kinds of french fries with different dipping sauces - was the highlight for me. I didn't get a chance to try the sauces, but I enjoyed the garlic parmesan fries; they reminded me of the ones at San Francisco's AT&T Park, and they weren't so garlicky that you'd need a section to yourself the rest of the night.
* I only had a little of the pulled pork at Blue Smoke BBQ (I didn't trust myself with ribs and a dress shirt), but the pork went well with a sweet barbeque sauce.
They've also got a new seating area with couches and a TV to watch the game behind the scoreboard. Obviously, you don't come to the game to watch it on TV, but while you're eating, it's a nice place to sit.
So there's my quick rundown - like with everything else I write, it's not in the same league as how Chico Harlan would do it, but hopefully it gives you some idea of what's new in center field. Most of the food is pricey, but not out of the normal realm of upscale food prices at ballparks. Once you get a chance to try it, let me know what you think.
