Looking again at the food offerings at Spartan Stadium, we at TOSSS need your help. We've lamented over the last few months about the loss of Pancheros, and a commenter brought up the fact that the Coney Island is also gone. The new Maria's Tacos got poor reviews, so now what?
We're looking for great food at Spartan Stadium for an upcoming Final Four Friday, and we would love to hear your thoughts ahead of time. We need the stand and it's location, and your favorite item from that stand. Tell us why it's good, the price, etc. We'll narrow it down to the top four and then feature those one of these Fridays.
Please leave your thoughts here in the comments or email us at tosss.1855@gmail.com.
Showing posts with label Panchero's. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Panchero's. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
A New Victory Burrito?
Along with the opening of Spartan Stadium for the year came the opening of it's new concessions, and TOSSS asked frequent reader Tom Edwards to try out a burrito from Maria's Tacos. We're looking for a contender for the "Victory Burrito", a pretty high standard currently held by Pancheros. Here are his thoughts:
So, it looks like the search for a Victory Burrito in Spartan Stadium may be continuing. Our suggestion for now may be to visit Pancheros on Grand River before the game, and bring a burrito with you over to the game. Perhaps though, Maria's Tacos suffered some first game jitters, and they will be putting out a better product in future weeks.
If you are still brave enough for a try next weekend, Mr. Edwards took note of some options:
If you try one of these out next weekend, or already have, please let us know what you think!
It was a beautiful day for football at Spartan Stadium. The sun was shining, the air was warm, and the Spartans were up 28 points at halftime. So it was time to try out the new Mexican option at the stadium. First off, the option resides behind the south endzone, so I had to make the long journey from section six. This takes a while during the halftime rush. When I reached the stand I saw that I could immediately place my order. I should have taken this as a bad sign as everywhere else had long lines. However I took my beef burrito and drink and booked back to my seat only to emerge into the stands right as kick off occurred.
I sit down ready to enjoy my meal and the rest of the game. I then opened up the foil wrapping and was confronted with a yellow mass of food. It was not a trick of the bright sunlight overheard, nor was it even a yellow corn tortilla, it was a burrito positively bathing in grease. To add insult to injury, the burrito was obviously not loaded evenly consisting of a very skinny end and a very fat end. This forced me to take several bites of tortilla before even getting to the main part of the burrito. When I actually I found that the burrito consisted of five ingredients: a flour tortilla, ground beef, shredded taco cheese, red beans that appeared to have disintegrated to a paste, and copious amounts of grease. Before I comment further it is useful to look at the origins of Maria's Tacos. Going to the Maria's Tacos website yielded this interesting paragraph on its founding:
"In 1997 on the campus of Michigan State University, two friends Ruben De Los Rios and James Espinoza, began selling burritos every Sunday to the poor and hungry students of Rather Hall Dormitory. What began as a hobby and service to fellow students soon turned into an expanding business as customers lined up in Rather hall, establishing Maria's Tacos. When Michigan State University student organizations caught word of Maria's Tacos, the duo began catering for ethnic events and the operation was then in full swing!"Yes, it was founded in a dorm room in the Brody Complex, and it tastes like it too. The cheese is of low quality, the beef is of low quality and obviously the only seasoning used are those packets of taco mix that you buy at the store. So basically this was a meal that could have been cooked up in any dorm room on a hot plate. The only difference is that I know that in the directions of those little packets of taco mix they instruct you to drain the grease before serving the meat.
Zero out of five stars
--
So, it looks like the search for a Victory Burrito in Spartan Stadium may be continuing. Our suggestion for now may be to visit Pancheros on Grand River before the game, and bring a burrito with you over to the game. Perhaps though, Maria's Tacos suffered some first game jitters, and they will be putting out a better product in future weeks.
If you are still brave enough for a try next weekend, Mr. Edwards took note of some options:
- Beef or Chicken Taco - $2.50
- Meal Deal of 3 Tacos - $6.00
- Beef or Chicken Burrito Grande - $5.00
- Beef or Chicken Taco Salad - $6.00
If you try one of these out next weekend, or already have, please let us know what you think!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
New Concession Options in Spartan Stadium
As we discussed here last month, there are changes coming to Spartan Stadium concessions, most notably the loss of the Panchero's near the Student Section.
TOSSS has been working to find out what other changes we should expect, and specifically what vendor will be replacing the Panchero's. It looks like the vendor fans should expect in that location will be Submarina. Their store location in town is over in the Edgewood Towne Center off of Cedar St. They were also the sub vendor for Breslin Center starting last season, and MSU "Received very good feedback from our customers," according to Bill Kost, Associate Director of Retail Food Service at MSU.
For those that just can't give up the craving for Mexican food during a Spartan football game, MSU is adding Maria's Tacos at a location in the South endzone, next to Sparty's Pizza. This should help to offset the loss of the Panchero's in food variety. No word yet if Maria's will be serving anything that may qualify as a "Victory Burrito," but TOSSS will continue to investigate.
TOSSS has been working to find out what other changes we should expect, and specifically what vendor will be replacing the Panchero's. It looks like the vendor fans should expect in that location will be Submarina. Their store location in town is over in the Edgewood Towne Center off of Cedar St. They were also the sub vendor for Breslin Center starting last season, and MSU "Received very good feedback from our customers," according to Bill Kost, Associate Director of Retail Food Service at MSU.
For those that just can't give up the craving for Mexican food during a Spartan football game, MSU is adding Maria's Tacos at a location in the South endzone, next to Sparty's Pizza. This should help to offset the loss of the Panchero's in food variety. No word yet if Maria's will be serving anything that may qualify as a "Victory Burrito," but TOSSS will continue to investigate.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
A Sad Day for the Victory Burrito
Panchero's location in Spartan Stadium is no more.
For many years, Panchero's Mexican Grill has had a location in Spartan Stadium under section 9, providing Spartan fans with an superb alternative to classic stadium cuisine with their giant burritos. It was confirmed Panchero's will not return to the stadium for the 2009 season.
No word yet on what food vendor will fill the section 9 location, or if there will be an alternative burrito provider somewhere else in Spartan Stadium. The change could mean the loss of an entire genre of food available in the stadium, where variety is already an issue.
Panchero's enjoys a special relationship with East Lansing and Spartan fans. Their East Lansing restaurant on Grand River Ave was one of two original locations opened in 1992. It proved so successful that there are now over 50 locations nation-wide. Last month, Panchero's was named the preferred vendor for the Victory Burrito tradition by both TOSSS writers and in a fan poll.
Workers at their East Lansing location expressed disappointment about the change for the upcoming season. "Now you'll have to come here first, and sneak the burrito into the Stadium."
For many years, Panchero's Mexican Grill has had a location in Spartan Stadium under section 9, providing Spartan fans with an superb alternative to classic stadium cuisine with their giant burritos. It was confirmed Panchero's will not return to the stadium for the 2009 season.
No word yet on what food vendor will fill the section 9 location, or if there will be an alternative burrito provider somewhere else in Spartan Stadium. The change could mean the loss of an entire genre of food available in the stadium, where variety is already an issue.
Panchero's enjoys a special relationship with East Lansing and Spartan fans. Their East Lansing restaurant on Grand River Ave was one of two original locations opened in 1992. It proved so successful that there are now over 50 locations nation-wide. Last month, Panchero's was named the preferred vendor for the Victory Burrito tradition by both TOSSS writers and in a fan poll.
Workers at their East Lansing location expressed disappointment about the change for the upcoming season. "Now you'll have to come here first, and sneak the burrito into the Stadium."
Friday, May 15, 2009
Final Four Friday: Victory Burrito
Many folks have time-honored MSU sports-watching tradition, and we here at TOSSS are no different. Ours may just be a bit more appetizing. See, whenever we go to or watch a significant MSU sports game, we've got to get a victory burrito ahead of time.
Before MSU's 2001 victory over Michigan, it was Panchero's in East Lansing. Before the 2007 basketball home win over then-number one Wisconsin, it was Qdoba. And before I watched MSU cruise past Kansas in the Sweet Sixteen, the victory burrito craving was satisfied by the great folks at Chipotle in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington D.C.
But which victory burrito provider is best? Well, there's only one venue to solve the great questions in life like that one. And that's why we have Final Four Fridays. Here's your top four:
Chipotle
The pluses on Chipotle are numerous. Start with their lime-infused rice, and go on to the marinades for their meats, and finish at the amazingly good (but never runny) salsa. The best thing about Chipotle is that every now and then (about once a year) they'll give the burritos away for free. That's exactly what they did when the Chipotle opened on Grand River a few years ago. Some of us put down four of them that day. We're not proud of that, we're just sayin...
Moe's Southwest Grill
Those who haven't ventured outside of Michigan might not know of Moe's, but it's famous in other parts, particularly in the South. The emphasis here is on personality - each burrito has its own name (mine is the Joey Bag O' Donuts, still no clue why). The sauces are spectacular, and this is probably the only hot sauce where I don't dare ask for extra. Extra bonus: Tortilla chips are on the house.
Qdoba
This is where I let my fiancee's preferences show. She's a big fan of the veggies, and Qdoba's probably tops in that market. Their queso cheese is also top class, though it can make for a very soggy burrito if you're a meat-cheese-beans-no veg kind of person. On the down side, the salsas can be oily, and the pre-made tortillas won't soak that up.
Panchero's
These tortillas will, however, and not just that but they're about the best you'll get around. They're pressed fresh, rather than steamed as you get there, which gets very high marks in our book. The meats are solid, though generally not spectacular. But their hot salsa, oh my word, it's amazing. And that secret "Diablo" sauce that used to be under the counter was the stuff of legends. Add some extra points for Panchero's in that it's the only big chain where you can get the "El Gordo", for when the half pound of burrito just won't cut it.
And the winner is...
I can't pick Moe's because, well, there's not one in East Lansing. There is one in Ann Arbor, but on this blog that counts against you. Panchero's has the edge on Qdoba and Chipotle because of its fresh-pressed tortillas, which is no doubt enough to win. However, it's also the only burrito location inside Spartan Stadium itself, and that's exactly the sort of dedication a true Spartan victory burrito maker needs. This challenge isn't close. Easy win for Panchero's, the true victory burrito.
Before MSU's 2001 victory over Michigan, it was Panchero's in East Lansing. Before the 2007 basketball home win over then-number one Wisconsin, it was Qdoba. And before I watched MSU cruise past Kansas in the Sweet Sixteen, the victory burrito craving was satisfied by the great folks at Chipotle in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington D.C.
But which victory burrito provider is best? Well, there's only one venue to solve the great questions in life like that one. And that's why we have Final Four Fridays. Here's your top four:
Chipotle
The pluses on Chipotle are numerous. Start with their lime-infused rice, and go on to the marinades for their meats, and finish at the amazingly good (but never runny) salsa. The best thing about Chipotle is that every now and then (about once a year) they'll give the burritos away for free. That's exactly what they did when the Chipotle opened on Grand River a few years ago. Some of us put down four of them that day. We're not proud of that, we're just sayin...
Moe's Southwest Grill
Those who haven't ventured outside of Michigan might not know of Moe's, but it's famous in other parts, particularly in the South. The emphasis here is on personality - each burrito has its own name (mine is the Joey Bag O' Donuts, still no clue why). The sauces are spectacular, and this is probably the only hot sauce where I don't dare ask for extra. Extra bonus: Tortilla chips are on the house.
Qdoba
This is where I let my fiancee's preferences show. She's a big fan of the veggies, and Qdoba's probably tops in that market. Their queso cheese is also top class, though it can make for a very soggy burrito if you're a meat-cheese-beans-no veg kind of person. On the down side, the salsas can be oily, and the pre-made tortillas won't soak that up.
Panchero's
These tortillas will, however, and not just that but they're about the best you'll get around. They're pressed fresh, rather than steamed as you get there, which gets very high marks in our book. The meats are solid, though generally not spectacular. But their hot salsa, oh my word, it's amazing. And that secret "Diablo" sauce that used to be under the counter was the stuff of legends. Add some extra points for Panchero's in that it's the only big chain where you can get the "El Gordo", for when the half pound of burrito just won't cut it.And the winner is...
I can't pick Moe's because, well, there's not one in East Lansing. There is one in Ann Arbor, but on this blog that counts against you. Panchero's has the edge on Qdoba and Chipotle because of its fresh-pressed tortillas, which is no doubt enough to win. However, it's also the only burrito location inside Spartan Stadium itself, and that's exactly the sort of dedication a true Spartan victory burrito maker needs. This challenge isn't close. Easy win for Panchero's, the true victory burrito.
Photo: Panchero's "El Gordo."
Monday, April 20, 2009
It's Game Week
Well everyone, it's been a long and painful off-season, but finally football has arrived! For a day anyway...
MSU Spring Football is here, and it's finally game week! It's a little different, obviously, because no one is sitting here breaking down an opponent, or trying to figure out a good hotel in Madison. Regardless, lets preview game day:
Time and Date: 1:30 p.m. on April 25th
Location: Spartan Stadium
Parking Lot's Open: Early! As this is not an official game, there are no special tailgating rules. This means that the tailgating lots should be wide open like they are any random Saturday.
Tailgating: Do it! However, as there are no special tailgating rules, normal MSU laws are in effect. This means that technically no alcohol is allowed anywhere. Past experience suggests that as long as you don't cause a problem, you won't have a problem.
Admission: The game is free!
Spirit Shop and Garage Sale: In past games, the MSU Spirit Shop in the stadium has been open. MSU has no plans to do an athletic garage sale this year.
Weather: As of today, the forecast for East Lansing, MI is a high of 76, Partly Cloudy.
Food: In past years, some concessions in the Stadium have been open. If grilling at a tailgate isn't your thing, my suggestion would be to grab a quick lunch up at Panchero's on Grand River, and after the game, head down to Leo's Lodge on Jolly. This is where you are most likely to run into me anyway...
Stadium Seating: Because there are no tickets, feel free to sit where ever you want! Some people prefer their regular seats, or just sit where their season tickets are out of habit. Others head right for the "Best Seats," those down closer to the field around the 50 yard line. My suggestion is to try someplace where you couldn't normally ever sit. Not many students come to this game, so check out their view from the student section. Ever wondered what the worst seat is? Check out the top corner of the upper deck! Or for $50 bucks, sit in the press box.
Kids: There is a free youth clinic 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. on game day at the grass practice fields behind the Duffy Daugherty Football Building. Kids 8-12 years old. Parents should come along, no registration or equipment is required. There will be an autograph session afterward.
TV: No live TV. Unlike last year, the Big Ten Network is not showing any of the Spring Games live. They will have highlights on later that evening. There is also no live-steam on the internet.
Radio: Spartan Radio Network will broadcast the game, although it's not entirely assured that every affiliate throughout the state will carry the broadcast.
Other Stadium Thrills: Don't expect much. Past games generally lack most of the normal game day traditions, such as the Marching Band or Thunderstruck. Some years, band members have shown up and played from their spot in the stands (Awesome!). There will be a short halftime show with the start of a charity bike ride to Mexico which will include some former Spartan players, including NFL Hall of Famer Joe DeLamielleure.
So, everyone attending should look forward to an exciting event. Good weather, free parking and admission, tailgating... all in a very relaxed, casual atmosphere because there is no stress caused by 1) Sold out crowds or 2) Fear of losing. It should be a beautiful day for football!
MSU Spring Football is here, and it's finally game week! It's a little different, obviously, because no one is sitting here breaking down an opponent, or trying to figure out a good hotel in Madison. Regardless, lets preview game day:
Time and Date: 1:30 p.m. on April 25th
Location: Spartan Stadium
Parking Lot's Open: Early! As this is not an official game, there are no special tailgating rules. This means that the tailgating lots should be wide open like they are any random Saturday.
Tailgating: Do it! However, as there are no special tailgating rules, normal MSU laws are in effect. This means that technically no alcohol is allowed anywhere. Past experience suggests that as long as you don't cause a problem, you won't have a problem.
Admission: The game is free!
Spirit Shop and Garage Sale: In past games, the MSU Spirit Shop in the stadium has been open. MSU has no plans to do an athletic garage sale this year.
Weather: As of today, the forecast for East Lansing, MI is a high of 76, Partly Cloudy.
Food: In past years, some concessions in the Stadium have been open. If grilling at a tailgate isn't your thing, my suggestion would be to grab a quick lunch up at Panchero's on Grand River, and after the game, head down to Leo's Lodge on Jolly. This is where you are most likely to run into me anyway...
Stadium Seating: Because there are no tickets, feel free to sit where ever you want! Some people prefer their regular seats, or just sit where their season tickets are out of habit. Others head right for the "Best Seats," those down closer to the field around the 50 yard line. My suggestion is to try someplace where you couldn't normally ever sit. Not many students come to this game, so check out their view from the student section. Ever wondered what the worst seat is? Check out the top corner of the upper deck! Or for $50 bucks, sit in the press box.
Kids: There is a free youth clinic 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. on game day at the grass practice fields behind the Duffy Daugherty Football Building. Kids 8-12 years old. Parents should come along, no registration or equipment is required. There will be an autograph session afterward.
TV: No live TV. Unlike last year, the Big Ten Network is not showing any of the Spring Games live. They will have highlights on later that evening. There is also no live-steam on the internet.
Radio: Spartan Radio Network will broadcast the game, although it's not entirely assured that every affiliate throughout the state will carry the broadcast.
Other Stadium Thrills: Don't expect much. Past games generally lack most of the normal game day traditions, such as the Marching Band or Thunderstruck. Some years, band members have shown up and played from their spot in the stands (Awesome!). There will be a short halftime show with the start of a charity bike ride to Mexico which will include some former Spartan players, including NFL Hall of Famer Joe DeLamielleure.
So, everyone attending should look forward to an exciting event. Good weather, free parking and admission, tailgating... all in a very relaxed, casual atmosphere because there is no stress caused by 1) Sold out crowds or 2) Fear of losing. It should be a beautiful day for football!
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