We tried the Pirates' special yinzer menu
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The Polish Cannonballs are a home run! Photo: Ryan Deto/Axios
The Pirates might stink, but at least PNC Park is getting creative with its food offerings.
The intrigue: The Pirates' longtime food vendor, Aramark, introduced new treats this season that pay homage to some Pittsburgh classics, like ham barbecue and Polish haluski.
- We tried some of them so you don't have to.
Do: Polish Cannonballs
Dig in: Deep-fried croquettes of egg noodles, kielbasa, cabbage, bacon and cheddar cheese, and served with an herb crema dip.
The verdict: An inventive and delicious way to enjoy haluski, the Polish dish served at scores of Pittsburgh gatherings. Adds a needed crunch that haluski lacks. The crema dip provides freshness.
Don't: Chipped ham empanadas
Dig in: Fried pastries filled with chipped chopped ham, cheddar cheese and pickles, and served with a sweet, ketchupy barbecue sauce.
The verdict: Slimy ham that is overpowered by pickle flavor. The dough crisps up nicely, but it needs something sharper to cut through the richness of the ham and the salty brine. The sauce is too sweet and needs some more spice.
💠Ryan's thought bubble: I love chipped chopped ham, but it belongs on a sandwich with some yellow mustard and American cheese.
If you go: These special Pittsburgh-themed items (including a fried almond torte dessert) can be found at the Cannonball Stand in Section 146 beyond right field at PNC Park.