miami dog from downtown dogs
With the NBA season opener being this week, the American Airlines Arena recently invited Miami Culinary Tours to a pre-season game to sample some of the food being offered at the Heat’s home court. To say that the food vendors at the AAA have gotten better in the past few years is an understatement. It would be more correct to say that the food has improved ten fold in what seems to be just one season. The days of standard concession stand hotdogs and chicken fingers are gone, and this season welcomes some local favorites to replace the substandard food of the past.
croquetesa burger by pincho factory
One of my personal favorites, Pincho Factory, can now be found in the arena. A few years back, it would have been nothing but a dream and hope to watch the Miami Heat win basketball games while munching on a Pincho Burger with perfect French fries. This dream has now become a reality, because this new addition to the AAA serves most of its restaurant mainstays, such as the Pinchos and Fritanga Burger. Such is the case with Latin Flavor Zone, which features the Cuban Sandwich from none other than Little Bread Cuban sandwich. If the Cuban sandwich isn’t enough, go for one of the Medianoche Croquetas, which offer the taste of the namesake sandwich with flavor profiles coming from pork, swizz, pickles, mustard, and sweet bread.
If Asian is more your style, go for the sushi coming from none other than Sushi Maki. Yes, we said sushi. The American Airlines Arena is now redefining what should be considered stadium food by offering flavors to cater to everyone’s needs. Items from fresh sashimi to dim sum are available, giving attendees a taste of authentic asian flare.
pork belly and creamed cornbread from flagship lounge
chicken and waffles from chicken ciao
American comfort food is also available, and you’d be remiss to not try the Chicken and Waffles at least one time this season. The chicken is battered for 24 hours in buttermilk and served with waffle fries, given you a slight variation on chicken tenders and fries that are a favorite for many attendees. Wash it down with the new selection of craft beer, including local favorites from Funky Buddha and other similar breweries. Lastly, leave room for dessert, which is decadence in all its glory. Items from carrotcake, to caramel brownies, to triple chocolate cake make up the options. You really cannot go wrong, unless you end up skimping dessert. With all the new food options, we’re definitely going to be finding ourselves at the stadium more often.
By MCT blogger, Santiago Cardona
