When he isn’t crushing baseballs or adopting the guise of an “approach coach” named Donnie Stevenson, Pete Alonso is a connoisseur of delicious hamburgers.
Alonso recently partnered with the culinary geniuses at Citi Field to create Alonso’s Arctic Grill, an eatery located near the Shea Bridge in the 102 section of the ballpark.
The grill’s signature item is the “Polar Burger,” a behemoth of a sandwich consisting of a Pat LaFrieda black truffle blended burger patty, NY Maple spiced caramelized onions, smoked gouda cheese, and lettuce & tomato on a brioche bun.
How does this burger compare to the other delectable food items at Citi Field? I recently gave one a try, and was pleased with the experience. Below is my full assessment of the burger, from its overall taste to worthwhile alternatives.
The Taste
Your appreciation of the Polar Burger will largely depend on your feelings toward caramelized onions. Though the sweetness of the onions counterbalances the umami flavor of the beef patty, some will find the taste overpowering.
As for the beef itself, the black truffle lends a peppery taste that many will appreciate. This burger is anything but bland, and its various components work together to pack a powerful punch.
Of course, no burger would be complete without a sturdy bun to hold it all together. The Arctic Grill eschews a traditional sesame seed bun for toasted brioche. It’s a soft, buttery bread that gives an otherwise unsubtle burger a delicate touch.
This is a messy burger, so you’ll need to grab some napkins from the Arctic Grill before you return to your seat. But if you’re not turned off by the overflowing juices, you’ll be rewarded with a succulent, wholly satisfying meal.
How It Compares
My favorite Citi Field food item is the Shack Stack: a combination of a mushroom burger and a classic Shake Shack cheeseburger. The Polar Burger lacks the Stack’s gooey cheesiness, but it’s a viable alternative if you have an aversion to mushrooms. The Polar Burger is also much bolder in flavor than the basic Nathan’s hamburgers you can buy throughout the park.
Fans of Pat LaFrieda steak sandwiches will be equally tantalized by the Polar Burger; both items are characterized by tender beef and copious caramelized onions.
A Healthy Alternative
If you’re watching your waistline, you may be shocked to learn that the Polar Burger contains a whopping 1,410 calories. Fortunately, Alonso’s Arctic Grill also offers a Beyond Burger option for slightly cheaper. Check your concerns about taste at the door — even the most discerning palate will only detect a subtle difference between the Polar Burger and its plant-based facsimile. An added bonus is that the Beyond Burger has nearly 800 fewer calories than the Polar Burger.
Searle’s Final Say
Experimenting with new food items is an underrated part of the ballpark experience. Citi Field offers a vast array of delicious options, and the Polar Burger is no exception. Overall, this is yet another home run for Pete Alonso.
