Grocer Allows No Groceries

[astrojo]

But he does sell seats for a buck

[Sphinx Drummond]

I have never appreciated the no food in policy, in fact I hate it. It's all about making more money from a captive audience. I understand the business side and how much revenue is generated by food concessions but I also understand the good will generated by allowing people to bring in snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. A balancing act that every team in MLB manages but our beloved Astros wont fucking attempt.   I've gone to other ballparks and benefited from their food in policies, which enhanced the overall experience and made me feel more like a baseball fan and less like a stupid captive consumer.

Gardner is always quick to redirect the issue with subterfuge about cheaper tickets. But what sets off the bullshit alarm is the $1.00 ticket justification. You are going to spend at least $4 to $6 per person, if not more, on concessions once inside. I can't imagine taking my two nephews to a game and only allowing them to drink water out of a fountain on the concourse after spending only $2.00 on their tickets. They would resent that and hold it against me and not Gardner. Boo Gardner.

"And also, we always say that baseball’s an eating sport.  You know it kind of moves along slow . . .  But you can visit, you can knit, you can go up and get something to eat, so it’s great for that.” - P. Gardner

[AppyAstros]

It's policy reaches down to Greeneville (which is owned by the Astros).  Their concessions are higher than any other park in the league and they have a no outside food policy.  With a county unemployment rate of 15.3% that is going to hurt attendance much more than ticket prices.

[Houston]

I was both stunned and pleased at my first visit to the ballpark in Baltimore. There were food vendors on the sidewalks leading up the stadium and you could bring any of the food into the stadium, as long as it wasn't in coolers. The hot dogs, peanuts, drinks, etc. outside were less than half of the prices inside.

It was a far cry from my previous visit to Minute Maid where my daughter was forced to throw away a bottle of water she had as she was walking in.

[hostros7]

I really don't take issue with the prohibition of outside food being brought into the ballpark.  It's Drayton's show and, if he thinks he'll make more money through the concessions while perhaps deterring some from coming to the park, that's his prerogative.  Cue paula abdul.

I do think it's bullshit not to allow fans to bring in one or 2 sealed bottles of water.  No one *needs* to eat over the length of the duration of a baseball game if you get something prior but forcing people to pay $3-4 dollars or whatever it is for a bottle of dasani is pretty shitty.

[Andyzipp]

I really don't take issue with the prohibition of outside food being brought into the ballpark.  It's Drayton's show and, if he thinks he'll make more money through the concessions while perhaps deterring some from coming to the park, that's his prerogative.  Cue paula abdul.

I hate that I'm about to respond to this.  But queueing Bobby Brown would be more accurate.

[BudGirl]

I really don't take issue with the prohibition of outside food being brought into the ballpark.  It's Drayton's show and, if he thinks he'll make more money through the concessions while perhaps deterring some from coming to the park, that's his prerogative.  Cue paula abdul.

I do think it's bullshit not to allow fans to bring in one or 2 sealed bottles of water.  No one *needs* to eat over the length of the duration of a baseball game if you get something prior but forcing people to pay $3-4 dollars or whatever it is for a bottle of dasani is pretty shitty.

you can bring in an empty plastic bottle, without a label. you can then fill the bottle at one of the 4-5 water fountains in the park.  at least you could last year.

[ferret]

Gardner also noted that the Astros’ relationship with Aramark, which operates concessions and/or premium food services at 13 MLB parks, including Minute Maid, “is predicated on their exclusivity on food and beverage.”

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/6466064.html

ARAMARK (press release) manages professional services at 15 Major League Baseball stadiums --
Atlanta's Turner Field, **
Anaheim's Angel Stadium, *
Baltimore’s Oriole Park at Camden Yards,*
Boston's Fenway Park, *
Denver’s Coors Field, **
Houston’s Minute Maid Park,
Kansas City’s Kauffman Stadium, **
Minneapolis’ Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, **
New York's Shea Stadium, **
Oakland’s McAfee Coliseum, **
Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park, *
Pittsburgh's PNC Park at North Shore, **
San Diego’s Petco Park, **
Seattle’s Safeco Field **
Washington, DC’s RFK Stadium. **

USA Today
* 21 Teams that allow some outside food and water:
Arizona Diamondbacks;
Atlanta Braves;
Chicago Cubs;
Chicago White Sox;
Cleveland Indians;
Colorado Rockies;
Detroit Tigers;
Kansas City Royals;
Los Angeles Dodgers;
Milwaukee Brewers;
Minnesota Twins;
New York Mets;
Oakland A's;
Pittsburgh Pirates;
San Diego Padres;
San Francisco Giants;
Seattle Mariners;
Tampa Bay Rays;
Texas Rangers;
Toronto Blue Jays;
Washington Nationals

* 8 Teams that allow water:
Baltimore Orioles;
Boston Red Sox;
Cincinnati Reds;
Florida Marlins;
Los Angeles Angels;
New York Yankees;
Philadelphia Phillies;
St. Louis Cardinals

* No outside food or drink: Houston Astros
http://blogs.usatoday.com/gameon/2009/05/want-to-bring-your-own-food-byof-to-mlb-game-.html

[Limey]

It wouldn't be so bad if the food didn't suck.  I have Club seats, and the menu is shit from top to bottom, and only Bud, Miller or Coors on the beer front.  If you want a Shiner, you have to go and queue up with all the people who now migrate up from steerage field box level.  A plain, short (shit) hotdog is $5.  No chili, no cheese, no relish, no onions and only mustard/ketchup if manage to get lucky and the delivery dude has some.  Five.  Bucks.

I have actually been to a couple of games this year where I haven't eaten or drank a thing inside the park.  Not because I can't afford it, but because I won't pay that much for that shit.

[Navin R Johnson]

Drayton should start selling reusable Astros branded Feed bags.   Like those reusable bags they are selling at grocery stores these days.     Sell the from the shed for 19.99, then allow people to bring in 2 food items and up to 24 OZ's of water.  

I am in the camp, allow water, but the other stuff no thanks.    

[BudGirl]

I have actually been to a couple of games this year where I haven't eaten or drank a thing inside the park.  Not because I can't afford it, but because I won't pay that much for that shit.

I went all of last season without purchasing a single concession.  Now, I don't miss it at all.  In fact, I rarely purchase anything.  Plus, it saves me money, and I eat better than Aramark shit.

[hostros7]

Can't you get more extensive beer variety at the cantina-ish spot around aisle 230 or so? Not that I would appreciate having to walk all the way around, but I most often sit in 225.  In general, the $7 or so they charge for beer water is a fucking joke on par with the aforementioned $5 hot dogs.   I'm all about a business turning a profit, but their margins on those products are ludicrous, even after their G&A costs.  

[Limey]

Can't you get more extensive beer variety at the cantina-ish spot around aisle 230 or so? Not that I would appreciate having to walk all the way around, but I most often sit in 225.  In general, the $7 or so they charge for beer water is a fucking joke on par with the aforementioned $5 hot dogs.   I'm all about a business turning a profit, but their margins on those products are ludicrous, even after their G&A costs.  

AFAIK, the cantina near 230 is the only place in the club to get Shiner.  It's $9 for a 16 ouncer.

And like BG said, Aramark shit isn't worth paying for when you're not being ripped off.

[Navin R Johnson]

they got 3.50 drafts of domestic stuff in the 5-7 grille during the game.

[Astroholic]

The comments section on the chron is blowing up over this.  Drayton, you listen to the fans boo Jimy/Gar..So will you listen now?

Doubt it.  He's a bidnezman.

[Taras Bulba]

I'm pretty sure that Aramark had the contract at the dome when I was a kid.  It sucked then, too.  I think the company has a long, proud, and highly profitable record of serving suck to the masses.  You can hang your hat on that kind of thing.

[ybbodeus]

The system is breaking down.

[Astroholic]

Problem I have with all of this is that Pam/Drayton are out and out lying to the fans.  They state that the Aramark contract won't allow food or bev, yet several other parks use Aramark and they allow food and drink.  In it for the $$$ and only the $$$.  No way to run a baseball team.  

I use to think Drayton was a good owner whom cared about winning most of all.  Things keep happening to prove this wrong.

[Astroholic]

The system is breaking down.

Pam!!!  Is that you?

[BudGirl]

Problem I have with all of this is that Pam/Drayton are out and out lying to the fans.  They state that the Aramark contract won't allow food or bev, yet several other parks use Aramark and they allow food and drink.  In it for the $$$ and only the $$$.  No way to run a baseball team. 

I use to think Drayton was a good owner whom cared about winning most of all.  Things keep happening to prove this wrong.

It probably depends on their contract with Aramark.  The contract the other parks have may allow for it. 

[Lurch]

They state that the Aramark contract won't allow food or bev, yet several other parks use Aramark and they allow food and drink.  

You see the problem here, right?

[Astroholic]

It probably depends on their contract with Aramark.  The contract the other parks have may allow for it. 

Yep I get that, just sounds like to me that they were looking for an out.

[Astroholic]

You see the problem here, right?

Yes.

[Andyzipp]

Problem I have with all of this is that Pam/Drayton are out and out lying to the fans.  They state that the Aramark contract won't allow food or bev, yet several other parks use Aramark and they allow food and drink.  In it for the $$$ and only the $$$.  No way to run a baseball team. 

I use to think Drayton was a good owner whom cared about winning most of all.  Things keep happening to prove this wrong.

Just because Aramark's contract with the 15 other teams they serve allows outside food/beverage doesn't mean the contract with the Astros allows it.  It's not like Aramark has one contract that they use for every stadium.

Doesn't mean Houston didn't negotiate it that way, but it's highly likely that each contract has unique language in it.  And likely, Drayton gets a slightly larger cut for not allowing the outside stuff.

[Lurch]

Problem I have with all of this is that Pam/Drayton are out and out lying to the fans.  They state that the Aramark contract won't allow food or bev, yet several other parks use Aramark and they allow food and drink.  In it for the $$$ and only the $$$.  No way to run a baseball team.  

I use to think Drayton was a good owner whom cared about winning most of all.  Things keep happening to prove this wrong.

Wait, is this all sarcasm?  In that case, nice work.  Thought I was on Chron for a minute there.

[Astroholic]

Just because Aramark's contract with the 15 other teams they serve allows outside food/beverage doesn't mean the contract with the Astros allows it.  It's not like Aramark has one contract that they use for every stadium.

Doesn't mean Houston didn't negotiate it that way, but it's highly likely that each contract has unique language in it.  And likely, Drayton gets a slightly larger cut for not allowing the outside stuff.

I agree and understand this.  But it sounded like to me they were trying put the blame all on Aramark.  Not the case.

[Astroholic]

Wait, is this all sarcasm?  In that case, nice work.  Thought I was on Chron for a minute there.

Bushneck Lackey!

[Noe in Austin]

The other distractor is that the Astros claim that they do not have high ticket prices like other parks around the league in order to mitigate allowances for BYOF - bring your own food.  I'm not sure about the correlation though, seems to be a stretch.  But if they say to me "You can have 20 dollar tickets and bring your own food or 10 dollar tickets and buy from us", then my answer is Option 2.

[matadorph]

Aramark blows in every way. And this is suddenly news? Like Taras, it's been this way for as long as I can remember being an Astros fan.

Sure, I hate the pricing scheme and outside food policy, but I also hate drivers who talk on their cell phones, drive real slow, and generally just get in my way.

[matadorph]

I'm calling bullshit on this:

Banning outside food at Astros games “has been kind of a tradition in Houston,” said Astros owner Drayton McLane, who purchased the team in 1992.

Whenever a reporter snips a quote selectively as David Barron did here, you can almost be certain that he's purposefully distorting a quote to fit an agenda. If Drayton had said that, Barron would've quoted him in full context. However, it sounds so much better to characterize Drayton's comments by saying "banning outside food" than, say, "eating ballpark dogs and peanuts", which I'd bet is closer to what Drayton actually said.

Drayton is not stupid. This smacks me as another smear job by the Chronicle.

[HudsonHawk]

Aramark blows in every way. And this is suddenly news? Like Taras, it's been this way for as long as I can remember being an Astros fan.

Don't know about the days of Taras's youth, but as long as I remember, Harry M. Stevens had the concessions at the Dome...until they were bought by Aramark, but that was only right before the Astros moved out, IIRC.

[BUWebguy]

I grew up assuming you couldn't take food into any stadium, any league, any level. When I first went to another park (a Rangers game, in college), I was stunned.

[Ty in Tampa]

The first MLB game I went to outside of Houston was ATL in the early 80's. I was amazed at all the food people were bringing in. Since they began allowing outside food into the Trop when Sternberg bought the Rays, I make it a point to stop by my favorite Cuban sandwich place on the way.

[HudsonHawk]

Since they began allowing outside food into the Trop when Sternberg bought the Rays, I make it a point to stop by my favorite Cuban sandwich place on the way.

The Silver Ring?

[Ty in Tampa]

The Silver Ring?

No, that's long gone. I usually stop at La Teresita before the game, or if I am already in St. Pete, Cuban Delight Cafe or The Floridian if I'm at the beach.

[HudsonHawk]

No, that's long gone. I usually stop at La Teresita before the game, or if I am already in St. Pete, Cuban Delight Cafe or The Floridian if I'm at the beach.

You mean the original in Ybor is gone?  I thought they kept that but got rid of the chain locations.  Well damn.  I miss La Segunda Bakery as well.

[Ty in Tampa]

Yeah, they tried to open another one a while back but it didn't work.

I like my Cuban sandwich pressed, mustard, mayo only. No lettuce or tomato. The place I loved was the Howard Ave. Market. Just a small convenience store on south Howard. Fresh bread everyday and the cook put a thin spread of butter on the outside before he pressed it. Unfortunately, the place ended up being in what's now "SoHo" which means everything good has gone away and it's all just pretension. It's a 'gourmet' pizza place now.

[HudsonHawk]

Yeah, they tried to open another one a while back but it didn't work.

I like my Cuban sandwich pressed, mustard, mayo only. No lettuce or tomato. The place I loved was the Howard Ave. Market. Just a small convenience store on south Howard. Fresh bread everyday and the cook put a thin spread of butter on the outside before he pressed it. Unfortunately, the place ended up being in what's now "SoHo" which means everything good has gone away and it's all just pretension. It's a 'gourmet' pizza place now.

Mayo?

[Ty in Tampa]

Mayo?

Yep. The first one I ever had was at the Silver Ring. They asked me what I wanted on it and I asked, "What's usually on it?" They said, pickles, mustard and mayonnaise. That's the way I've had them ever since.

[HudsonHawk]

Yep. The first one I ever had was at the Silver Ring. They asked me what I wanted on it and I asked, "What's usually on it?" They said, pickles, mustard and mayonnaise. That's the way I've had them ever since.

Butter and mustard are the traditional condiments, but whatever you like.

[Arky Vaughan]

Speaking of setting off the BS meter:

"Purchasing food in the ballpark is a choice, and we strive to provide great quality and competitive prices."

Really, Pam? Great quality and competitive prices compared with what? Movie theaters? Airports? Those are about the only other places in town where you can sell food that sucks so bad for such ridiculous prices.

[BudGirl]

and last i checked, you could take food into the airport.

[Limey]

they got 3.50 drafts of domestic stuff in the 5-7 grille during the game.

Domestic doesn't include Shiner.  Yes, I've had this debate with many, many beer vendors in the past.

[Reuben]

Yep. The first one I ever had was at the Silver Ring. They asked me what I wanted on it and I asked, "What's usually on it?" They said, pickles, mustard and mayonnaise. That's the way I've had them ever since.

I like 'em with mayo too.

[HudsonHawk]

I like 'em with mayo too.

Blasphemer

[Dark Star]

I don't like the idea of being 'captive' to a company which serves plasticated food at usurous rates; but of course no one is making me go to the park, or buy Aramark's crap.  But if Ms. Gardner thinks the average middle class fan with a wife and two or three kids is distracted by advertisements for cheap seats when considering a family outing to the ballpark, and doesn't take into account the exhorbitant prices he knows he'll have to pay for concessions (more like $10-15 per person than $4-6, in my experience), too, then she is not as savvy as I think she is.

Also, the no food/drink in policy may have been in place in Houston for awhile, but it was not always so.  My parents used to bring me and all my brothers to the park five-six times a year, pay to park and $1 apiece for bleacher seats.  Meantime, my mom would've packed a picnic basket with sandwiches and chips and the like, which she carried right on in to the park.  We bought drinks there, one each for the day, but that was it.  This went on well into the 1970s, at least.

[jaklewein]

Doesn't anyone tailgate before baseball games?  My friends and I show up a couple hours before first pitch.  We break out some fold up chairs and the grill in the parking lot.  We usually have the radio on and listen to one of the early games if available.   We cook our own hotdogs and brauts...and drink our own cold beer.  I never have to eat once inside the park, but I can't lie, I usually find away to buy another beer or two.  Still, tailgating is cheap and fun at the same time.

[Bench]

and last i checked, you could take food into the airport.

When was the last time you checked?  Eight years ago?

[Limey]

When was the last time you checked?  Eight years ago?

I had toothpaste confiscated once because, despite being a near-empty tube, the tube said 4oz on it and I'm only allowed 3.2oz.  "But there's no way there's more than 1oz in that tube," said I.  "The tube says 4oz," monotoned the TSA nazi.  We went back and forth for about 5 minutes, with the same response from the nazi every time.

[HudsonHawk]

When was the last time you checked?  Eight years ago?

I take food into the airport all the time.  Even through security.  I've taken Cuban sandwiches several times.

[Bench]

I take food into the airport all the time.  Even through security.  I've taken Cuban sandwiches several times.

Oooh.  A terrorist and a commie.

[Dark Star]

I had toothpaste confiscated once because, despite being a near-empty tube, the tube said 4oz on it and I'm only allowed 3.2oz.  "But there's no way there's more than 1oz in that tube," said I.  "The tube says 4oz," monotoned the TSA nazi.  We went back and forth for about 5 minutes, with the same response from the nazi every time.

They were afraid you were going to break down the cockpit door and subdue the pilots with minty-fresh Crest.  Damn troublemaker.

[HudsonHawk]

Oooh.  A terrorist and a commie.

But unlike our surrender-monkey Euro friend, I speak with a 'Merican accent, which means I get to carry cigars, cutters, lighters, sandwiches (with and without mayo), jello, whisky, and pretty much anything I want through, while that sorry bastard gets busted for a half-empty tube of Colgate.

Ha-Ha!

[Limey]

They were afraid you were going to break down the cockpit door and subdue the pilots with minty-fresh Crest.  Damn troublemaker.

Maybe she was just confused by an Englishman with dental hygiene products.

[HudsonHawk]

They were afraid you were going to break down the cockpit door and subdue the pilots with minty-fresh Crest.  Damn troublemaker.

Or perhaps they just thought "British....toothpaste...something's not right here..."

[Jacksonian]

I had toothpaste confiscated once because, despite being a near-empty tube, the tube said 4oz on it and I'm only allowed 3.2oz.  "But there's no way there's more than 1oz in that tube," said I.  "The tube says 4oz," monotoned the TSA nazi.  We went back and forth for about 5 minutes, with the same response from the nazi every time.

Well I couldn't blame him.  I've seen License to Kill.  I know what you people can do with a tube of "toothpaste."

[Ty in Tampa]

We went back and forth for about 5 minutes, with the same response from the nazi every time.

So you're the guy that was in front of me.

[BudGirl]

When was the last time you checked?  Eight years ago?

March, funny boy.  The "terror level" may cause for a tighter restriction, but I've had no problem since then.  Which is good because the pastries i brought back from Boston and the bagels from New York were great in Texas.

[Arky Vaughan]

I had toothpaste confiscated once because, despite being a near-empty tube, the tube said 4oz on it and I'm only allowed 3.2oz.  "But there's no way there's more than 1oz in that tube," said I.  "The tube says 4oz," monotoned the TSA nazi.  We went back and forth for about 5 minutes, with the same response from the nazi every time.

They're just trying to keep us safe.

[Arky Vaughan]

March, funny boy.  The "terror level" may cause for a tighter restriction, but I've had no problem since then.  Which is good because the pastries i brought back from Boston and the bagels from New York were great in Texas.

And you can wash them down with a hearty swig from the public water fountain unless you're willing to shell out ballpark-type prices for a bottle of water, a Coke, a beer, etc.

[Dark Star]

March, funny boy.  The "terror level" may cause for a tighter restriction, but I've had no problem since then.  Which is good because the pastries i brought back from Boston and the bagels from New York were great in Texas.

I'm still waiting for you or your mom or somebody to make me kolaches.  Not the crap they sell in donut stores, with sausage in them.  The real kind, with nuts or poppy seeds or fruit.

[HudsonHawk]

March, funny boy.  The "terror level" may cause for a tighter restriction, but I've had no problem since then.  Which is good because the pastries i brought back from Boston and the bagels from New York were great in Texas.

I've never had a problem bringing food into the airport.  They look at me funny when I put a big loaf of bread in the x-ray cart though.  I once put a loaf of Cuban bread up on the belt (and if you don't know, a full loaf of Cuban bread is like 4 ft long) and the conversation went like this:

Security:  What is that?

Me:  A loaf of bread.

Security:  That's what it looks like.

I was so tempted to say "nothing gets by you Matlock", but didn't want to miss my flight.

[HudsonHawk]

I'm still waiting for you or your mom or somebody to make me kolaches.  Not the crap they sell in donut stores, with sausage in them.  The real kind, with nuts or poppy seeds or fruit.

There's a kolache place on Hwy 77 just north of Columbus.  Best.  Kolaches.  Ever.

[Arky Vaughan]

I've never had a problem bringing food into the airport.  They look at me funny when I put a big loaf of bread in the x-ray cart though.  I once put a loaf of Cuban bread up on the belt (and if you don't know, a full loaf of Cuban bread is like 4 ft long) and the conversation went like this:

Security:  What is that?

Me:  A loaf of bread.

Security:  That's what it looks like.

I was so tempted to say "nothing gets by you Matlock", but didn't want to miss my flight.

I would've paid $50 to see that.

[Arky Vaughan]

There's a kolache place on Hwy 77 just north of Columbus.  Best.  Kolaches.  Ever.

77 or 71? In Ellinger?

[HudsonHawk]

77 or 71? In Ellinger?

Well hell, now I don't know.  Which Hwy runs north from Columbus towards Austin?

[BudGirl]

I'm still waiting for you or your mom or somebody to make me kolaches.  Not the crap they sell in donut stores, with sausage in them.  The real kind, with nuts or poppy seeds or fruit.

Seems I have a list of guys from here that want me to make them something.  How lucky am I?

I do agree that pigs-in-a-blanket are not kolaches.  I don't make kolaches.  My Aunt Jane does though.  You should see the fight at Christmas when she brings those.  I do have some poppyseed at home that i could try and attempt to make them.  But I don't have the recipe for her filling.

[BudGirl]

Well hell, now I don't know.  Which Hwy runs north from Columbus towards Austin?

71

[HudsonHawk]

71

THAT'S it.

[Dark Star]

I've never had a problem bringing food into the airport.  They look at me funny when I put a big loaf of bread in the x-ray cart though.  I once put a loaf of Cuban bread up on the belt (and if you don't know, a full loaf of Cuban bread is like 4 ft long) and the conversation went like this:

Security:  What is that?

Me:  A loaf of bread.

Security:  That's what it looks like.

I was so tempted to say "nothing gets by you Matlock", but didn't want to miss my flight.

Generation Z-ers think the security guy's query of you qualifies for something called "Here's Your Sign", whatever that means.  Of course, anyone over the age of 35 with any sense knows it is actually a prospective entry in the next "Don Martin's Snappy Answers To Stupid Questions" installment.

[HudsonHawk]

Seems I have a list of guys from here that want me to make them something.  How lucky am I?

And unlike most of these limp dicks around here, *I've* actually been the recipient of your bakery creations. 

Ha-Ha!!

[Arky Vaughan]

Seems I have a list of guys from here that want me to make them something.  How lucky am I?

I do agree that pigs-in-a-blanket are not kolaches.  I don't make kolaches.  My Aunt Jane does though.  You should see the fight at Christmas when she brings those.  I do have some poppyseed at home that i could try and attempt to make them.  But I don't have the recipe for her filling.

What does one need to do to be added to the list?

[Arky Vaughan]

And unlike most of these limp dicks around here, *I've* actually been the recipient of your bakery creations. 

Ha-Ha!!

Didn't she bring baked goods after the golf outing?

[Dark Star]

THAT'S it.

God said, "Where did you buy that pastry, son?"
And I said, "Out on Highway 71."

[Astroholic]

There's a kolache place on Hwy 77 just north of Columbus.  Best.  Kolaches.  Ever.

Weikel’s Bakery?



http://www.weikels.com/

[HudsonHawk]

What does one need to do to be added to the list?

It's illegal in 26 states.

[BudGirl]

Didn't she bring baked goods after the golf outing?

Yes, I did.  But I made the peanut butter cookies because I know they are HH's favorite.

[BudGirl]

It's illegal in 26 states.

but fun in all 50

[BizidyDizidy]

Hruskas?

[HudsonHawk]

Weikel’s Bakery?

Hell, I can't even remember which road it's on, you expect me to remember the name?  All I know is I always pass it, then have to stop and turnaround.  It's on the right hand side of the road as you head north.

[HudsonHawk]

Hruskas?

That may be it.  They have a sauerkraut and pan sausage one that is fantastic.  And I don't like sauerkraut.

[HudsonHawk]

Yes, I did.  But I made the peanut butter cookies because I know they are HH's favorite.

That's the ticket.

[BizidyDizidy]

Its a good spot (its in a service station but has a huge selection of kolaches) - the poppyseed is good, but very sweet. I have to confess I am partial to the pan sausage ones as well.

[Astroholic]

Hell, I can't even remember which road it's on, you expect me to remember the name?  All I know is I always pass it, then have to stop and turnaround.  It's on the right hand side of the road as you head north.

I think that is hruskas.
http://hruskas-bakery.com/news.htm


Both really good and both within a few miles of each other.  WhoWhudAThunkIt?

[Arky Vaughan]

Hruskas?

That's the one I'm thinking of.

[HudsonHawk]

Its a good spot (its in a service station but has a huge selection of kolaches) - the poppyseed is good, but very sweet. I have to confess I am partial to the pan sausage ones as well.

Yeah, I guess the savory ones aren't really "kolaches", per se, but they're damn good.  The sweet kolaches are good too.

[JimR]

Yes, I did.  But I made the peanut butter cookies because I know they are HH's favorite.

no, they are MY favorite.

[BudGirl]

no, they are MY favorite.

When you come to the sns game in July, I will bake some just for you.  Oh wait, you aren't coming.

[HudsonHawk]

no, they are MY favorite.

For me, there are peanut butter cookies, then there are every other kind of cookie.  Home-made fig newtons would be a distant second. 

[toddthebod]

The food issue is a bigger problem if you have dietary restrictions like myself.  I only eat Kosher food.  Since (outside of candy, peanuts, beer, and soda) there is no kosher food at MMP, it really sucks not being able to bring food into the park.  We tried explaining this once to the security guards, but they didn't really give a shit.

I remember sneaking kosher hot dogs into the dome once in a game against the Dodgers (Fernando was pitching -- I think it was his rookie year but I can't exactly remember).  Being able to eat hot dogs at the game (even cold hot dogs) was an awesome experience for me.

One of the great things about going to see the Astros in NY is that there is Kosher food in the NY stadiums.  

[JimR]

For me, there are peanut butter cookies, then there are every other kind of cookie.  Home-made fig newtons would be a distant second. 

i really have no second favorite.

[Ty in Tampa]

I've had BudGirl's baked goods before.

There, I said it.

[JackAstro]

For me, there are peanut butter cookies, then there are every other kind of cookie.  Home-made fig newtons would be a distant second. 

You know what kicks all kinds of ass? Putting copious amounts of peanut butter on a peanut butter cookie.

[Astroholic]

That's the one I'm thinking of.

The Prasek's Jerky you can get there is outstanding as well. Of coarse, you can get Prasek's in many places now.

http://www.praseks.com/about.htm

[Limey]

You know what kicks builds all kinds of ass? Putting copious amounts of peanut butter on a peanut butter cookie.

FIFY

[Noe in Austin]

The food issue is a bigger problem if you have dietary restrictions like myself.  I only eat Kosher food.  Since (outside of candy, peanuts, beer, and soda) there is no kosher food at MMP, it really sucks not being able to bring food into the park.  We tried explaining this once to the security guards, but they didn't really give a shit.

I remember sneaking kosher hot dogs into the dome once in a game against the Dodgers (Fernando was pitching -- I think it was his rookie year but I can't exactly remember).  Being able to eat hot dogs at the game (even cold hot dogs) was an awesome experience for me.

One of the great things about going to see the Astros in NY is that there is Kosher food in the NY stadiums.  

Dietary restrictions is a fine example of how McLane would listen to a customer.  The VOC card is a big one to play with McLane.  It's the only way to bypass Pam.

[HudsonHawk]

The food issue is a bigger problem if you have dietary restrictions like myself.  I only eat Kosher food.  Since (outside of candy, peanuts, beer, and soda) there is no kosher food at MMP, it really sucks not being able to bring food into the park.  We tried explaining this once to the security guards, but they didn't really give a shit.

I remember sneaking kosher hot dogs into the dome once in a game against the Dodgers (Fernando was pitching -- I think it was his rookie year but I can't exactly remember).  Being able to eat hot dogs at the game (even cold hot dogs) was an awesome experience for me.

One of the great things about going to see the Astros in NY is that there is Kosher food in the NY stadiums.  

I could have sworn there were Kosher food available at MMPUS, but only in like one or two small areas.  But I'm not sure.

And speaking of kosher food, are pretzels kosher?  Because the thought of not getting hot pretzel with salt and mustard is worse than not getting a dog.

[austro]

God said, "Where did you buy that pastry, son?"
And I said, "Out on Highway 71."

Yes, I think that kind of thing can be quite easily done.

[DVauthrin]

It wouldn't be so bad if the food didn't suck.  I have Club seats, and the menu is shit from top to bottom, and only Bud, Miller or Coors on the beer front.  If you want a Shiner, you have to go and queue up with all the people who now migrate up from steerage field box level.  A plain, short (shit) hotdog is $5.  No chili, no cheese, no relish, no onions and only mustard/ketchup if manage to get lucky and the delivery dude has some.  Five.  Bucks.

I have actually been to a couple of games this year where I haven't eaten or drank a thing inside the park.  Not because I can't afford it, but because I won't pay that much for that shit.

Agreed.   I avoid buying stadium food like the plague for those very reasons.   Either I'll eat before the game or afterwards.    I remember the hot dog you ordered when we sat in your club level seats earlier this season.   It was exactly as you described it above.

[DVauthrin]

When you come to the sns game in July, I will bake some just for you.  Oh wait, you aren't coming.

Sounds like those of us who haven't tried your cookies are missing out on greatness.

[VirtualBob]

I had toothpaste confiscated once because, despite being a near-empty tube, the tube said 4oz on it and I'm only allowed 3.2oz.  "But there's no way there's more than 1oz in that tube," said I.  "The tube says 4oz," monotoned the TSA nazi.  We went back and forth for about 5 minutes, with the same response from the nazi every time.

I was nailed on this technicality, too.  If you look it up, it says that your liquid or gel has to be in a container with a maximum capacity of 3.2 ounces.  You can have a gallon of the stuff in the contsainer if you can make it fit.

[VirtualBob]

Weikel’s Bakery?



http://www.weikels.com/

Not!

[HudsonHawk]

Sounds like those of us who haven't tried your cookies are missing out on greatness.

Let's just say...until you've tasted BudGirl's cookies, you can't call yourself a real man.

[Astroholic]

Not!

Not What? 

[VirtualBob]

Not What? 

Not consistent with

  a good kolache place.

[Astroholic]

Not consistent with

Oh.  Okay. Was good to very good last time I was in there. 

[VirtualBob]

Oh.  Okay. Was good to very good last time I was in there. 

Not bad as a bakery, but their Kolache are just strange ... if you have not had a really good one (like the old downtown bakery in West, for instance, or Hruska's (which is probably the bakery that got this thread started), then you might enjoy them, but don't make them your standard.

[MusicMan]

Let's just say...until you've tasted BudGirl's cookies, you can't call yourself a real man.

BudGirl's cookies bring all the boys to the yard...

[Navin R Johnson]

Anyone catch this quote from the article in the Chron.

Mariners spokeswoman Rebecca Hale. “I’ve seen people come through turnstiles with stacks of pizza boxes, and once I saw several college-age boys carrying a six-foot sub sandwich through the gate.”

How craptastic would it be to sit next to the guy with boxes of pizza, dripping shit all over the place.    How about sitting next to the college kids wielding a 72 inch sub sandwich?

With seats as close as they are and the complete lack of common sense and courtesy of most people, I am 100% against allowing people to bring food in.    Unless it is really limited as what you can bring.   Letting the rubes bring anything they want is asking for trouble.

[Astroholic]

Not bad as a bakery, but their Kolache are just strange ... if you have not had a really good one (like the old downtown bakery in West, for instance, or Hruska's (which is probably the bakery that got this thread started), then you might enjoy them, but don't make them your standard.

Cool.  Admit that Hruska's are better.

[astrojo]

Well this could certainly drive the concession prices up even higher.

[Waldo]

How does Hruska's compare to the Czech Stop in West?

[Sphinx Drummond]

How does Hruska's compare to the Czech Stop in West?

I used to think they were about the same, quality wise. But after the 05 World Series, the Czech Stop put a picture of hometown World Series hero, Scott Posedick, behind the cash register. Since then their's leave a bad taste in my mouth.

[VirtualBob]

How does Hruska's compare to the Czech Stop in West?

Hint about Czech Stop ... Don't stop!  This place is only aimed at out-of-towners with too few consonanants in their last names.  Head east 3 miles to downtown West and try the bakery on the square.  (Or if you are starting in Houston or Austin, just go to Hruska's.  Another possibility would be the Kolache Shoppe (I think that is the too-cute name) in Caldwell.  It used to be on the square there, but I think they may have moved out to either 21 west or 36 south (near the intersection of the two).

[BudGirl]

Hint about Czech Stop ... Don't stop!  This place is only aimed at out-of-towners with too few consonanants in their last names.  Head east 3 miles to downtown West and try the bakery on the square.  (Or if you are starting in Houston or Austin, just go to Hruska's.  Another possibility would be the Kolache Shoppe (I think that is the too-cute name) in Caldwell.  It used to be on the square there, but I think they may have moved out to either 21 west or 36 south (near the intersection of the two).

thankfully, my sister stops at the one in caldwell on their way into SA from college station frequently.

[94CougarGrad]

Beg pardon for digging up a thread that ain't been posted on in 4 days, but I wanted to comment on how strange it feels to be packing a few sacks of sandwiches, chips, and drinks to take into the Ballpark tonight to see the Astros. I sure ain't in Houston anymore, Toto.

[JackAstro]

Beg pardon for digging up a thread that ain't been posted on in 4 days...

Homer has no idea what you're talking about.

[Gizzmonic]

Homer has no idea what you're talking about.

Hey, homer managed to resurrect Alkie.  But what could you possibly resurrect from 4 days ago?  Hmm, let me think...well, I had a decent burger for lunch 4 days ago.  I wouldn't mind seeing that again.

[das]

I was both stunned and pleased at my first visit to the ballpark in Baltimore. There were food vendors on the sidewalks leading up the stadium and you could bring any of the food into the stadium, as long as it wasn't in coolers. The hot dogs, peanuts, drinks, etc. outside were less than half of the prices inside.

It was a far cry from my previous visit to Minute Maid where my daughter was forced to throw away a bottle of water she had as she was walking in.

I'm way late to the convo.  Before National League ball came back to town, I used to go to 4 or 5 Orioles games per year.  Usually, I'd stop by KFC or Popeyes on the way and get a bucket of chicken and biscuits and get sodas and peanuts as you walked into the stadium.  Every time, people around me would exclaim, "man, I wish i would have thought of that!!!".  Nationals Park is the same except you have to stuff the goods into a soft-sided cooler and you can olny bring in water, no soda.  Good, cheap eats for a family day at the park.

[Astroholic]

I'm way late to the convo.  Before National League ball came back to town, I used to go to 4 or 5 Orioles games per year.  Usually, I'd stop by KFC or Popeyes on the way and get a bucket of chicken and biscuits and get sodas and peanuts as you walked into the stadium.  Every time, people around me would exclaim, "man, I wish i would have thought of that!!!".  Nationals Park is the same except you have to stuff the goods into a soft-sided cooler and you can olny bring in water, no soda.  Good, cheap eats for a family day at the park.

Went to the beach last weekend.  Stopped at KFC to get a bucket of chicken.  20 "Pieces" for $32 bucks.   Prices that would make Drayton proud. 

[94CougarGrad]

Went to the beach last weekend.  Stopped at KFC to get a bucket of chicken.  20 "Pieces" for $32 bucks.   Prices that would make Drayton proud. 

That's why we go to Church's. If you get there right when they open, the chicken hasn't been sitting for eons, and the prices are better. It's the only time we eat Church's chicken.

[JaneDoe]

Popeye's extra spicy is my fav.  But their slaw sucks.

[94CougarGrad]

Popeye's extra spicy is my fav.  But their slaw sucks.

I agree on both accounts. I miss not having a Popeye's within ten minutes of wherever I drive like I did in Houston.

[Navin R Johnson]

Frenchy's > popeyes > kfc

[Bench]

Frenchy's > popeyes > kfc

So true, but popeyes still kicks ass.  Their red beans and rice is the only fast food I actually enjoy.  It's total shit, but I love it.

[chuck]

Henderson's Chicken Shack > others

[das]

So true, but popeyes still kicks ass.  Their red beans and rice is the only fast food I actually enjoy.  It's total shit, but I love it.

That settles it.  Popeye's it is for lunch.  Spicey 3 piece, side of red beans and rice (the ultimate comfort food), side of mashed potatoes and gravey and a side of greens.  I'd hate to be the person runing behind me at the track this evening...

[Fredia]

on the food sucking front.. my daughters college at the time had aramark as the food  supply people. they where so bad that nsu was able to break the contract and bring in a new company..
and not they search your purses too.. so i guess they would take all the ho hos ding dongs and other such banned substances

[Ron Brand]

I had KFC in Texarkana. You are all much better off.

[HudsonHawk]

That settles it.  Popeye's it is for lunch.  Spicey 3 piece, side of red beans and rice (the ultimate comfort food), side of mashed potatoes and gravey and a side of greens.  I'd hate to be the person runing behind me at the track this evening...

I guess I'm the only one around here who can't stand red beans and rice.  Lima beans and rice, on the other hand, is/are my favorite dish in the entire world.

[Ron Brand]

Are you from NE Texas?

[Lurch]

I guess I'm the only one around here who can't stand red beans and rice.  Lima beans and rice, on the other hand, is/are my favorite dish in the entire world.

What was that?  Sorry my mind wandered about halfway through.

[HudsonHawk]

Are you from NE Texas?

Nope.  I'm from the South.  Would that explain it?

[HudsonHawk]

What was that?  Sorry my mind wandered about halfway through.

Great.  I've now been busted for trying to access a NSFW site. 

[Andyzipp]

What was that?  Sorry my mind wandered about halfway through.

So did I.

The NY Post should not be safe for work...but it probably is.

[Ron Brand]

Probably. I've never even thought of lima beans and rice prepared that way, so I was genuinely curious where it came from. Sounds good though.

[HudsonHawk]

Probably. I've never even thought of lima beans and rice prepared that way, so I was genuinely curious where it came from. Sounds good though.

Lima beans, slow-cooked with a ham hock, served over rice with vinegar-soaked onions and a side of cornbread.  That's high cotton, let me tell you.

[Mr. Happy]

Lima beans are okay, but long live red beans and rice, served with hot sausage and a piece of HH's cornbread. Mmm mmm good.

[matadorph]

So did I.

The NY Post should not be safe for work...but it probably is.

You forgot the obligatory fify.

Lurch must've had a three-martini lunch because I can't imagine how he went straight from "lima beans" to Mrs. Jose Lima without passing through Adriannatown first.