This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Soccer fans can now enjoy the taste of buffalo wings at the Real Salt Lake stadium without the saucy mess.
That's because a spicy buffalo chicken sandwich, the creation of Andrea Shelley of Draper, won the team's first "Fan Food Challenge" on Saturday. I helped judge the contest along with Real Chef Nathan Diogo and marketing director, Davy Ratchford.
Shelley's sandwich will now be featured on the concession stand menu for the rest of the 2011 season. It starts with chunks of chicken breast, marinated in a buffalo sauce, and then grilled. It is served in a hoagie-type bun with blue cheese, tomatoes and lettuce.
Shelley, an avid cook who gives culinary lessons to neighbors about once a month, was one of about 80 fans who submit their best concession stand recipe for the contest. Three finalists were selected and the recipes were judged on taste, presentation and ease of eating at the stadium.
The other finalists in the contest were a potato skin popper — hash browns and bacon wrapped in a tortilla; and a grilled Cuban sandwich, which was filled with pork, ham, cheese and a pickle. The popper would have made a great breakfast item with scrambled eggs and the Cuban sandwich was delicious, but a little messy to eat in the stadium seats.
Fans who want to try Shelley's creation can find it in the Twin Peak's grill on the north end of the stadium beginning with the next home game on April 13.