When it comes to snacks at the ballpark, I’m very budget-conscious. Whenever I go to watch a baseball game, my first stop is always at a deli to grab a sandwich to bring into the stadium. If I’m going to pay extra for something, I’d rather spend $15 on a beer than $7 on a hot dog.
However, during the New York Mets home opener last month, as I was enjoying my chicken cutlet hero, I noticed something that grabbed my attention: a stand was promoting a sandwich loaded with steak and lobster.
It wasn’t the ingredients that caught my eye, but the sandwich’s hefty price tag of $40.55.
Sure, I know Citi Field is famous for its food. With a Shake Shack inside and numerous food options covering all tastes, it’s a paradise for food lovers in Flushing, Queens.
But $40 for a sandwich? Really?
I contacted the Mets about the pricey Surf and Turf sandwich, and they kindly invited me to the ballpark to try it out and see if it’s worth the money.
Paul Horowitz, the executive sous chef at Citi Field, acknowledged that some customers might find the price shocking at first glance. The sandwich features six ounces of Pat LaFrieda filet mignon, four ounces of lobster salad, Monterey jack cheese, sautéed onions, and beef au jus, all served on a toasted French baguette.
According to him, you get what you pay for.
“We do a lot of tastings in the offseason,” Horowitz tells CNBC Make It. “We won’t set the cost of any item unless we’ve decided the portion is worth it.”
Sitting in front of the massive sandwich, I had to agree. In Midtown Manhattan, where CNBC Make It’s offices are located, a lobster roll alone can cost close to $30. And that’s without the steak, cheese, and onions.
“If you go to a stand or a fast casual restaurant, you’ll get a quarter-pounder burger,” Horowitz says. “Here, you’re getting 10 ounces of protein.”
As I savored the Surf and Turf, I realized I might not be as stingy as I thought. It’s not about spending a lot, but rather about feeling like I got value for my money. Considering this sandwich is easily shareable with a friend, it’s actually a good deal.
Still, $40 is more than I’d prefer to spend on dinner at the game. If I’m going to splurge that much, I’d rather have two beers and a corn dog instead.
But on those occasions when I feel like treating myself and have a hearty appetite, I’ll make my way over to the right field concourse and order the Surf and Turf, knowing I’ll get my money’s worth.
