Mary J. Blige, Wiz Khalifa, Peter Frampton, Luke Bryan, and KISS are just a few of the acts that will soon take the stage at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, which earlier this summer received a string of improvements, including a new sound system, four LED screens, a more streamlined parking plan, renovated bathrooms, and sustainable practices.
Perhaps most notable beyond the headliners, though, is the equally eclectic lineup of dining options. Sugarfire Smoke House is representing the local scene with award-winning barbecue, as well as popular starters and sides. California Pizza Kitchen offers another familiar name, and Truly Twisted serves up ice creams, floats, and booze-laden desserts. Top Chef’s Fabio Viviani has also overhauled the menu for the VIP Club. And, like the music lineup, some of the new concessions are bringing their own dose of star power. Here are five worth checking out.
1. Art Bird: Chef Art Smith and restaurateur Joe Germanotta (Lady Gaga’s father) serve up soul food. The “mix box” contains pieces of fried chicken breast with coleslaw, along with a cheddar buttermilk biscuit, pimento cheese spread, and jam. The biscuits can be ordered separately, and there’s a mac and cheese with cheddar, provolone, and Parmesan sauce.
2. Questlove’s Cheesesteak: The Roots' drummer worked with Impossible Foods to create his plant-based take on the Philly cheesesteak sandwich, which debuted in March at the Philadelphia Phillies’ season opener. The “meat” is served along with onions, a pepper relish, and white cheese sauce on a white hoagie. It’s hard to believe that what you’re tasting is completely meat-free.
3. Trejo’s Tacos: Actor Danny Trejo’s taco joint has received acclaim from a long list of dining critics, including the late Anthony Bourdain. Los Angeles Magazine even ranked the popular street tacos. Among the options in St. Louis are such essentials as steak asada and grilled chicken, as well as the vegetarian-friendly mushroom asada.
4. Dog Haus: The nationwide chain specializes in craft hot dogs. Partners Hagop Giragossian, Quasim Riaz, and Andre Vener started the restaurant in Pasadena, California, in 2010—and its popularity has since skyrocketed, with locations from coast to coast. The menu includes such creative options as the Reservoir Hog (Polish kielbasa with chili, slaw, and mustard) and the Tijuana Street Fight (a bacon-wrapped hot dog with corn, cotija cheese, and chipotle aioli). Dog Haus uses Hawaiian buns, which provide essential support for the toppings and sauce. And the chili cheese tots are a hearty side.
5. Sean Kenyon's Cocktails: The former American Bartender of the Year created the cocktail program at all of Live Nation's venues. The options include the Garden Party, made with Aviation gin, cucumber, basil and lime, and a strawberry ginger lemonade, served with your choice of liquor inside a cocktail shaker, which you can take home as a souvenir. Among the other branded souvenir containers: a Bacardi tin cup printed with retro advertising campaigns and a lemon-shaped Smirnoff cup.
Also noteworthy among the amphitheater's drink options is the addition of two “beer garages”—essentially, stalls with refrigerators stocked with beers.
All of the new drink and dining additions have allowed the venue to “run the gamut on food service,” says Michelle Baker of Legends, which manages food and drink services nationwide for venue promoter/operator Live Nation. “If you just want hot dogs, nachos and pretzels, you're going to get it, and you're going to get it done very well. But if you want to elevate your experience and you want some brand recognized names, we also have those.”
The best way to check out all the new options? Arrive early. General manager Frank LoPresti notes, “Typically, we open our gates 90 minutes prior to the first act."
