I’m going to be honest. I live for food. Yes, I care about my wife and kids; I love them. But, I live for food. I suffer through podcasts with hosts who presumably can’t read an ad, because I want to know where the newest spots offering the most innovative cuisine can be found. You’ll then understand why I – along with the entire CB staff – were disappointed to have missed out on sampling the newest Aramark fare coming to Citizens Bank Park. Fear not, I’ve got your back. While I can’t deliver a firsthand account of the molecular composition of Questlove’s vegetarian cheesesteak, I’ll do my darnedest to get you as close to the food without getting your face wet. Try not to slobber on your screen, I beg you.

With McFadden’s Bar now gone (RIP), Pass and Stow – named after Philadelphia foundry John Pass and John Stow who recast the Liberty Bell in 1753 – gets the nod as the must-visit destination prior to Phillies games. Not only does Pass and Stow feature a great indoor venue, it has a phenomenal outdoor offering in the form of a biergarten Goose Island at the Park and a Foundry’s Brick Oven Pizza.

Now for the food:

Tandoori Chicken Wings

chicken wings citizens bank park

These dry-rub, yogurt-marinated wings are tossed in tamarind, Kashmiri chili pepper, and scallions. Maybe you hit the tailgate a bit too hard before watching Harper, Hoskins, and Realmuto go back-to-back-to-back. Perhaps you suffer from seasonal allergies. These wings should give a nice kick, while the yogurt marinade will likely dull any harshness the 1,000-2,000 Scoville unit-rated Kashmiri peppers might provide. For reference, Kashmiris are around the same heat level as a poblano pepper, roughly eight times milder than a hot jalapeño. You can find the wings at the aforementioned Pass and Stowe and Harry the K’s.

Vegan Lettuce Wraps

lettuce wraps citizens bank park

I’m not going to feign excitement for this one. Would I try it? Sure, if someone else is footing the bill. For the vegan friend who’s tried for years to guilt you away from Baconators with pictures of slaughtered animals looking for an option, Harry the K’s is going to offer these lettuce wraps with curried cauliflower, fried chickpeas, and coconut milk. Actually, I might try these.

House-made Kielbasa Sandwich

kielbasa citizens bank park

Hubba hubba. Come to papa. I’m here for this. Every. Freaking. Bite. This house-made kielbasa sandwich found at Pass and Stow is topped with arugula, pickled mustard seeds, and cornichons. “Russ, what in the name of toppings is a cornichon?” you ask. A cornichon is a pinky-sized French cucumber that punches you in the face with a sharp vinegar fist. Do I like dill pickles? No. What kind of swine do you think I am? But the cornichon is a delight. It’s a small package that’ll pop you in the tastebuds. It’s like the Napoleon of pickles, minus the charge of treason and papal discord.

Hot Chicken Sandwich

hot chicken sandwich citizens bank park

Sweet mother of poultry. They start with a Martin’s Potato Roll. It’s a great start. They then dredge a cutlet of chicken in a Nashville-inspired spice mixture, cover it in dill pickle slices, and tuck that sweet, sweet piece of chicken in with an herb-filled coleslaw and that beautiful, aioli-coated potato bun. I just licked my screen. Please don’t tell. You’ll find me at Pass and Stow camping out for this bit of perfection on Opening Day and every day after that.

Cheesy Bacon Topped Tots

bacon tots citizens bank park

This is a pretty standard offering, albeit a delicious one. These tater tots are covered in an American cheese sauce, bacon, cheddar jack cheese, and diced scallions. It’s a must-have and I will judge you if you don’t eat at least two portions at a game this summer. You’ll have to venture to Section 147 to find them.

Doughnut Burger

doughnut burger

I’m torn on this one. I get the mix of sweet and salty. There’s a delicate balance a chef needs to maintain if spicy is introduced. Here we find a bacon cheeseburger with a spicy cherry pepper jam – perhaps akin to that found at Shake Shack – packed between a halved Boardwalk Eats glazed doughnut. I’ll try it. You’ll cave. We’ll tell this tale to our grandchildren. I compliment the food team at Citizens Bank Park for taking risks.

Questlove’s Vegetarian Cheesesteak

I’ll give it to Questlove: this is creative. His vegetarian cheesesteak uses Impossible 2.0 meat – a plant-based alternative that can be grilled or smashed into burgers and sloppy joes alike – which has been heralded as a legitimate beef substitute. This cheesesteak is topped with a tasty cheese sauce and pepper spread. You can find this mysterious hybrid in Sections 108 and 120.