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Best Ballpark Eats? Take it to the Bank

It's the calm before the storm. Citizens Bank Park is quiet, other than the thuds caused by Ryan Howard's batting practice home runs.

The fans wait patiently and talk baseball when suddenly, the aroma hits them: The steam begins to pour out from Ashburn Alley as the first steaks, ribs, and Schmitters hit the grill. The scent cruelly makes its way toward the eager fans stuck at the outfield entrance. The debate begins -- wait in the outfield seats for the chance at a batting practice home run ball or grab a "wiz wit" and crab fries? Finally, the clock hits 4:30 p.m. Ashburn Alley is open for business and fans flock to their favorite eateries.

This season, Citizens Bank Park was awarded "Best Ballpark Eats" by the Food Network in a viewer's choice poll. Philadelphia bested the competition at Oriole Park at Camden Yards (known for the great Boog's Barbecue on Eutaw Street), San Francisco's AT&T Park and Safeco Field in Seattle.

Aramark division manager for concessions Kevin Tedesco, holding the award (a silver slice of cake), said he attributes receiving the Food Network honors not to a single food item, but to the number of appetizing options from foul pole to foul pole. The crowning jewel of food at the ballpark is Ashburn Alley, named for late Hall of Fame centerfielder and broadcaster Richie Ashburn.

Starting in foul territory near the left field entrance, fans can enjoy a Schmitter sandwich made popular at McNally's Tavern in Chestnut Hill. Served on a Kaiser roll, the Schmitter features steak, fried onions, tomatoes, grilled salami, "special sauce," and three layers of cheese. Warning: The Schmitter is not for the faint of heart.

The left field section of Ashburn Alley is anchored by the establishment of Ashburn's longtime friend and broadcasting partner Harry Kalas -- namesake of Harry the K's Broadcast Bar and Grille. The two-level restaurant features a sit-down eatery on the main concourse level with views of the field from every seat. The walls pay tribute to the legendary voice of the Phillies and serve as a nostalgic conversation piece for fans of all ages. The bar area atop the scoreboard porch offers fans in those sections a $10 voucher for food throughout the ballpark. Harry the K's offers an eclectic array of food from buffalo wings and burgers to grilled filet mignon and balsamic glazed chicken.

As fans continue their stroll through Ashburn Alley, they can stop off for a sandwich from Planet Hoagie or a slice from Peace A Pizza. Fans looking for a bite of Philadelphia flavor have their choice of a cheesesteak from Rick's or Tony Luke's (both lines are equally long).

"You can't like a Tony Luke's better at their place than here. They're the exact same sandwich," Tedesco said.

His point: At Citizens Bank Park, each food item brought from an outside location uses the exact same ingredients and preparation techniques as if it was being made at its original restaurant.

"We get about eight to 10 bread deliveries a day," Tedesco said.

"Rick's gets their bread, Tony Luke's gets theirs, Peace A Pizza gets theirs."

Having food that tastes every bit as good as what people expect outside the park was a major concern for the Phillies and Aramark when plans for the new stadium were first being discussed in 2001.

After walking past the rival cheesesteak shops and stopping to give the opponent's bullpen a heckle or two, fans will find two more staples of the ballpark. Ashburn Alley features famous Chickie's and Pete's Crab Fries. Every night, fans weave in and out of the crab fries line waiting for the spicy summer treat as their zesty scent fills the sections above. Crab fries are not a new experience for Phillies fans, as they were a mainstay at Veterans Stadium for years.

Ashburn Alley comes to an end at the wildly popular Bull's BBQ. Operated by former Phillie star Greg "The Bull" Luzinski, Bull's menu features a Bull Dog (an oversized Kielbasa), pulled pork or beef, ribs and turkey legs. The food is prepared in an oversize barbecue in front of fans. After wiping the barbecue sauce off their faces, fans line up to get an autograph and take a picture with the Bull himself.

"I enjoy it," Luzinski said as workers prepared for the pre-game rush. "A lot of people remember 1980 (the year the Phillies won their only World Series championship) and they can tell their kids, 'That's the guy I pulled for.' "

Ashburn Alley is more than a place to grab dinner, it's an experience. Fans flock to the alley from the time the ballpark opens until the final out is recorded. Standing-room counters and tables throughout offer fans a place to eat while they watch watch batting practice, activity in the bullpen, or the game from the great lower level view found in Ashburn Alley. The only thing missing from the alley are signs saying "Watch out for Ryan Howard home run balls." The Phillies slugger hit a 505-foot blast this season that landed among the fans waiting to eat.

A more exclusive eating atmosphere at Citizens Bank Park fills the Diamond Club and Hall of Fame Club. The Diamond Club offers an upscale, full-service, sit-down dining experience with new menu items added for each series. The Hall of Fame Club offers typical ballpark eats at the Baker Bowl Bistro, Recreation Park, and Shibe Park Eatery. In addition, fans have access to waiters and waitresses serving exclusive menu items which change throughout the season.

The Diamond and Hall of Fame clubs, along with Ashburn Alley, may set Citizens Bank Park apart from its national competition, but fans still rely on their traditional ballpark favorites. Hot dogs still rule. Aramark estimates more than 15,000 hot dogs were sold on opening day this year, compared with an estimated 5,000 cheesesteaks. This year the Phillies have seven "Dollar Dog" dates, at which they have sold more than 73,000 Hatfield classics in a single night.

The TV network viewer's choice award won by Citizen's Bank Park may serve as a vote of confidence for those at Aramark, but Tedesco said the company isn't about to relax.

"We are always looking at new possibilities and new locations in the ballpark," he said.

Tedesco said the Phillies and Aramark were up on the rooftop level recently, measuring locations to add concessions for fans sitting in the rooftop bleachers.

Fans may not be pleased with a lackluster record or inactivity on the trade wires, but they'll at least be playing general manager from their seats on a full stomach. Besides, it's harder to boo when your mouth is full.