Take Me Out to the Ballpark, San Francisco style

Staci Slaughter, Giants VP of Communications addresses members of the press and guests
at the 2010 Giants Media Open House at AT&T Park (Ryan Leong/Examiner.com)

SAN FRANCISCO -- Baseball season is right around the corner and as a friendly reminder, the Giants held their annual open house on March 31 to explain their promotions and special events for 2010.

The highlight of the day was getting to sample some of the new food items.  Because this is the Bay Area and not Milwaukee, it's not enough to just get a hot dog, or a cheeseburger to go with an adult beverage of your choice.  No, this is San Francisco, a world class city filled with diverse cultures and food to go with it!

To prove that point, the Giants distributed a press kit and the food menu for all the concessions was four pages!

This is a far cry from the days at Candlestick when Harry M. Stevens served only hot dogs, polish sausage (the kind that gave you free gas), cheeseburgers, hamburgers, hot chocolate (always a big seller on those frosty 'Stick night games), coffee, soda, and of course, beer.

Last year, the popular item was the Crazy crab sandwich which wasn't available today.  In its place at the Edsel Ford Fong concession stand was new Asian themed street food.  Grilled kabobs such as ground lamb or steak folded into warm Naan bread topped with cucumber yogurt sauce...yummy!

Another item for sophisticated Giants fans is the sushi bar located on the club level featuring freshly made sushi to order and offered in convenient grab and go packages.

Saag's, which is known for their sausages, will have a deli kiosk on the first base side of the promenade level.

Everybody loves taters, whether it's the batter who hits one deep into McCovey Cove or the fan who can build their own baked potato bar featuring extra large Idaho Russets located next to the Carvery at Club King.

Of course, the Giants are cognizant of the struggling economy and have offered two value meals for all of us on a budget.   The kids value menu is $ 5.00 and includes a hot dog, juice box, fruit bar, and a toy.

One of many Value Meal packages includes a hot dog, bag of peanuts, and a soda for $ 6.25. 

In 2009, the Giants created the first Green Garlic Fries stand, located on the promenade level.  This season, they've added another Green Garlic Fries stand on the View level.

What makes them "green"?   Gas consumption on the fryers has been reduced by 32 percent by the upgrades. An improved cooler system saves up to 35 percent more energy.  New light fixtures at the stand help conserve 36 percent more electricity, and the bright green paint that adorns the exterior of the outlet is made up of 100 percent biodegradable products.

Unfortunately the fries themselves aren't green but they could be with some food dye.  Wouldn't that be cool?