Shark bites
Smoking Pig, Opa! and Sushi Confidential have joined the SAP Center food lineup
Chomp has taken on new meaning this season as the San Jose Sharks, SAP Center and their culinary partner, Aramark, unveiled a new lineup of food choices for hockey fans.
There’s lots to sample. Good thing it’s a sport with two intermissions.
Three popular, locally owned restaurants — Smoking Pig BBQ, Opa! and Sushi Confidential — have joined the selections on the SAP Concourse Level, along with several other fan favorites. The Test Launch Kitchen, which features a rotating series of experimental dishes, is back. And the Alaska Airlines Club Level is offering an Italiano Mercado, with options from nearby Little Italy, and On the Road, themed food and drinks to match the city of the Sharks’ opponent that day.
Here’s a rundown of what to eat where.
SMOKING PIG BBQ »
Pitmaster Paul Reddick’s crew is serving slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork and chicken sandwiches, burnt ends and side dishes of macaroni and cheese, barbecue beans and coleslaw.
SUSHI CONFIDENTIAL »
Look for a variety of rolls — Cabo Conspiracy, California, spicy tuna — and poke tacos, plus a new Sharks-inspired roll, at this booth from restaurateur “Sushi Randy” Musterer.
OPA! AND TAC-OH! »
Greek or Mexican? There are gyro and chicken pitas, fries and Greek salads at the former. At the latter, choose from chicken tinga, carne asada and crispy avocado tacos, nachos and grilled corn with cotija cheese. Owner Molly Adams’ restaurant concepts are both rooted in the South Bay.
HULA TRUCK »
This San Jose-based vendor specializes in Pacific Island-NorCal fusion, with kalua pork, its BayRitto and Dole Whip on the menu.
TENDERS LOVE & CHICKEN »
An Awesome Sauce Bar complements the chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches and fries sold at this stand.
ESTRELLA JALISCO COCINA »
This taqueria offers giant tacos, quesadillas, churros and handmade tamales.
SHARKS BOARDWALK »
This booth serves up amusement park fare, like hand-dipped corn dogs, candy apples, cotton candy, fried Oreos and milkshakes.
LAUNCH TEST KITCHEN »
Aramark chefs and local food trucks have been creating dishes for fans to vote on with their orders. The winning dish may find a permanent spot on the SAP menu. Find this booth on Concourse Level near Section 109.
Among them: I Love Cheesesteak (Tuesday-Nov. 23); Waffle Roost (Nov. 27Dec. 22); The Shop by Chef Baca (Dec. 27-Jan. 9); 333 Truck (Feb. 1-March 5); and Fish Taco Wabo (March 7-April 4).
MERCADO ITALIANO »
Restaurant specialties and sweets from Little Italy, located near SAP Center, are available this season on the Alaska Airlines Club Level.
ON THE ROAD »
Who doesn’t love regional food? This stand, also on the Alaska Airlines Club Level, features dishes and cocktails representing the cities of the Sharks’ visiting opponents. (We could go for Ethel M Chocolates when the Las Vegas Golden Knights are next in town.)