Chase Center culinary director Kristela Nazario-Mendoza and her kitchen team from Bon Appetit — the arena’s culinary partner– have a tall order to fill every time the Golden State Warriors take the court. They and their restaurant partners need to feed up to 18,000 fans during a fast-paced NBA game.
Chase Center culinary director Kristela Nazario-Mendoza aims to elevate arena food with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. (Photo courtesy of Chase Center)
Now in her second season with the San Francisco arena, Nazario-Mendoza brings a global resume and local cred to the role. Her goal from the beginning: ‘Let’s do arena food, but let’s elevate it.” All produce is sourced from within 150 miles of the arena, and all fish comes from within 500 miles.
If you’re a basketball fan who’s a foodie, you’d be smart to arrive when the doors open so you can head to these counters and get your order before the opening tip-off. If you’re at Chase for a concert, you’ll find a number of these booths open. And keep an eye on the arena’s Instagram account for specials.
Here’s a roundup of new concepts open to all ticket holders this season, plus some new dishes featured at existing stands. If you’re reserving suites or lounges, you’ll have multiple menus from which to choose.
Bayview Burgers: The newest burger concept to debut at Chase, this eatery already boasts an arena bestseller. The Double Dub features a soft pretzel bun from Nisi’s Craft Bakery that stands up to the heft of two grass-fed Angus patties, two slices of aged cheddar, housemade pickles, bacon onion jam, sun-dried tomato aioli and other fixings. Check out the garlic fries here too, crispy on the outside, soft inside and served with an herb garlic aioli. “They are not for date night or the faint of heart,” Nazario-Mendoza says. (Located at Portals 3, 18, 23, 45)
Backboard Burritos: A Loaded Birria Quesadilla with a cup of consomme at a basketball arena? Yep, and the chuck roast for this trendy taqueria favorite is simmered for 18 hours. Birria also can be loaded into a burrito or bowl, as can the Adobo Garlic Chicken and the Pork Chile Verde at this new booth. Flan is the dessert offering. (Portal 10)
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Taste Maker Portable Eatery: Buy your meal here and you’ll be helping a fledgling eatery get off the ground. It’s all part of Chase Center’s outreach and education effort that focuses on diverse small businesses. This season’s offerings are Prawn or Chicken Skewers with Sambal Belacan Sauce from Dabao Singapore Street Food, Fried Fish Sandwich from Auntie April’s, Plant-Based Pupusas from Nixita Foods and Hearts of Palm Salad from Vegan Hood Chefs. (Portal 48)
The Green House: This stand, one of the first plant-based eateries in the NBA, has put seven new offerings on the menu, including a Chipotle Plant-Based Burger spiced with cumin and topped with sliced avocado; Vegan Loca Nachos with Pickled Jalapenos; Jackfruit BBQ Sandwich; Sweet Sydney’s Blondie and Lemon Bars; and a Slushie Butterfly Pea in a souvenir cup that lights up. Fans of the Mushroom Banh Mi will see that sandwich making a return appearance. (Portal 57)
At the Backboard Burritos booth, the new Loaded Birria Quesadilla is made with chuck roast simmered for 18 hours and served with the obligatory consomme for dipping. (Photo courtesy of Chase Center)
City Bistro: Joining the lineup of bratwurst, hot dogs and chicken tenders at these stands is a new offering, Loaded Chicken Tinga Nachos, and the dish is already a bestseller. The nachos are topped with pickled jalapenos, pico de gallo, lime crema and cilantro. (Portals 5, 10, 17, 22, 33, 43, 51, 57)
La Cocina: At this new concept, look for Pork or Beef Arepas from Andina, Zucchini and Cheese Pupusas from Estrellita’s Snacks, Fried Fish Tacos from Mi Morena and Loaded Fries from Mixiote. (Portal 3)
Room for Dessert: New at this booth is the Dubs All Day Sundae of caramel- and chocolate-sauced ice cream served with an unbelievable array of toppings — bruleed banana, doughnut crumbles, cotton candy, sprinkles. sugar lollipop and whipped cream. It’s available in a souvenir half-basketball bowl that sports a GSW logo. There’s also a new sweet-and-savory Fried Chicken Donut Sandwich and an Mmmmm Cookie with chocolate chips and blue M & M’s. (Portal 14)
Tony G’s Slice House: The Bon Appetit team makes the dough and sauces to Bay Area pizza king Tony Gemignani’s specifications. On the menu are pepperoni and cheese slices, plus a rotating vegetarian one. (Portals 5, 10, 15, 21, 51)
Old Skool Portable: More comfort food this season. Look for Beef Short Rib Sliders and Beef Short Rib Mac n Cheese. (Portal 30)
