A Slam Dunk for Foodies

Forget peanuts and crackerjacks, the Suns are now serving locavore favs such as Phoenix's-own Schreiner's Sausage

As we celebrate the Phoenix Suns’ victory last night over the hated LA Lakers and get ready for tonight’s matchup with the Denver Nuggets, we have some fun foodie news about US Airways Center. Yes, you read that correctly, the super-corporate food stands inside the Suns’ arena have gone foodie, even embracing the locavore movement. Well, sort of.

Since opening in Downtown Phoenix in 1992, the former America West Arena has been home to some amazing memories for Suns fans. (As well as some incredible heartbreak; we’re looking at you, John F’ing Paxon.) That said, even the most ardent Suns fan would be hard pressed to get fired up for the overpriced, corporate cookie-cutter food served inside the Purple Palace. However, we’re happy to report that, Levy Restaurants, the official corporate monopoly restaurant partner at US Airways Center, has heard our grumbling stomachs and has upgraded several of the food offerings for the 2010-11 season.

Truth be told, USAC’s culinary makeover started about five years back as the team completed a $70M wall-to-wall upgrade of the arena—although most of the effort on the culinary side went into improving the offerings in the big-ticket suites and private clubs. (Remember the team’s ill-fated attempt at a sit-down Italian restaurant named il Palazzetto? Us neither.) More recently, the team invited several smaller chains, such as Valley-based Samurai Sam’s, Great Steak and Berto’s Gelato (served in ZZ’s To Go), to help spice up the mostly-dreary mix of bland national food stands.

And now comes word that the arena’s executive chef, Stephen Tilder, is incorporating foodie favs such as Niman Ranch, whose all-natural sausages and meats will now be available at the G’rilla Dogs stand. Meanwhile, if you spring for a seat inside the suites, Lexus Club and Courtside Club, you’ll be able to savor top local food purveyors, such as sausages from the 55-year-old Phoenix gem, Schriener’s Fine Sausage. Not to mention, Black Mesa Ranch Goat Cheese from Snowflake, AZ; English cucumbers, tomatoes and squash from Euro Fresh Farms in Wilcox, AZ; all-natural chicken from Red Bird Farms in Phoenix; and pickles, relish and sport peppers from Klein’s Pickle Company in Phoenix. In other words, it sounds like this could be the Suns tastiest season yet.

Fresh Break: 201 E. Jefferson St.