Tonight the puck drops for real for the first time this season at the Bridgestone Arena as the Nashville Predators start their 2014-15 run for the Stanley Cup. Like the team, loaded up with free agent players and only the second new head coach in their history, the dining staff at the 'Stone has also refreshed their menus with some new options.
Probably the most notable change is the departure of the Food Network-branded booth on the main concourse after the venue's contract with the network expired. It has been replaced with a Mexican-themed stand called Ole Mole, which will serve a variety of street-taco styled items including Mole Chicken, Smoked Brisket and Pork Carnitas plus Burrito Bowls and a heaping platter of nachos. The popular buffalo chicken mac 'n' cheese from the FN booth has been replaced (at least calorically) by a decadent Hat Trick Triple Pork Mac 'n' Cheese with barbecue pork shoulder, jalapeño bacon and fried pork rinds. Ay caramba!
Hockey fans who enjoyed the made-to-order burger bar on the Club level will now have the option of ordering a single, double or triple burger made with 4-ounce patties and garnished with a skewer of thick-sliced bacon.
That jalapeño bacon makes another appearance as part of a grilled cheese on the top level of the arena.
Fans clamored for something Southern and traditional, so the food management answered with a fried catfish basket they are calling "Tennessee Shark." Keeping with the team's colors, the fish dish is served with a special golden tartar sauce. A fan vote also led to the addition of a new version of the Hot Chicken Sandwich, with a boneless breast replacing last year's bone-in version for greater portability.
While it's not exactly health food, it's always nice to see the arena management make the effort to freshen their food offerings and improve the fan experience. Hopefully, the new Preds players and coach will also turn up the heat after last season's disappointing record.
