So let me ask you a question – what do you expect to find at an arena concession?
After going through two generations of hockey players and visiting countless arenas my recollection of arena food is fast, usually from frozen, greasy and hot – if you’re lucky.
Well, Oilfields Arena in Black Diamond decided to do something about that and the latest contract for their concession has been awarded to Ginni’s Kitchen a local caterer.
Last week Ginni invited the Gazette to lunch and a chance to sample her idea of concession food.
Our Publisher, Tanya Thibodeau, joined none other than John Gilchrist, Food Critic for CBC Radio for lunch and by all accounts what a lunch experience it was.
John Gilchrist emailed us a summary of his thoughts:
We’re too used to bad food and insipid coffee at hockey rinks and soccer domes. But Ginni and Dale Kelley have taken it up a notch with their unique blend of Indian dishes and Canadian fast food favourites. The burgers are fresh, the pot pie is rich and creamy and the fries are among the best I’ve had anywhere, especially with Ginni’s chile-tomato chutney. – John Gilchrist CBC Radio Restaurant Reviewer
Tanya had similar comments to make:
“Chicken pot pie, simosas, pizza spring rolls, burgers and awesome fries.
A bit of heat to some items, but despite not being a personal fan of heat I can’t deny the full flavours.”
Sounds like I missed a real treat but that’s fine I don’t need a hockey game to send me to the arena for lunch or supper or even a weekend breakfast!
Ginni’s will be open from noon till 8:00pm Monday to Friday and from 8:00am to 8:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Ginni’s website (www.ginniskitchen,com) sums it all up nicely:
Ginni’s Kitchen is a family friendly Concession Cafe in the Oilfields Arena, Black Diamond, Alberta. It’s not the ‘normal’ concession at the Arena, as Ginni makes everything on the menu from scratch, using the best local and fresh ingredients available.
We create fresh homemade meals for the young Athletes and their families who visit and frequent the arena. We even have take-home meals for the Hockey moms as well as frozen foods to help out when time is of the essence.
Ginni is a Food Blogger, Author and Culinary Instructor who ventured into the Food industry with this unique concept, as she loves feeding everyone!
Stop by and sample this delicious food – you don’t have to be attending an event at the arena: it’s open to everyone.
She is also available for catering and the arena can be rented as a venue during the off season.