Mock Steak Mania May Be Ballpark Boon
Another national story praising the addition of a Philly “mock” cheesesteak to the Citizens Bank Park concession menu appeared in USA Today this morning, proving that the Philadelphia Phillies and Aramark are marketing geniuses — or that the press is just easily manipulated by PETA. Whether you go with the “wheat-based meat analog” offered at Rick’s or the cheapskate combination of onions, peppers and mushrooms with cheese — Whiz, too! — you might be unclogging arteries or saving a sick cow, but also, most likely, you’re getting ripped off.
The “Wheat Meat” served at Rick’s is a meatless chemistry project — pulled together by another Philadelphia-based company, creatively called “Vegadelphia” — that includes “water, textured wheat protein (wheat gluten, wheat flour, caramel color), natural flavors, spices, salt.” (It’s surprising that “air” isn’t also an ingredient.) Still, you’re paying $7.75 for this steak “experience.”
Even more appalling is the Vegetarian steak (also at Rick’s and a couple other steak-y outlets), which is essentially Subway condiments stuffed into a roll. According to an Aramark press representative, there’s only one way to cook the Vegetarian steak: “All these steak sellers trying to offer up extra toppings are essentially just doubling up on the toppings that are already on there,” he said. Cost? Still $7.75.
Congrats to CBP for this sweeping national recognition, but in some cases it seems like it’s the equivalent of praising the stadium for its greenness because they’ve decided to turn the all the lights out in the bathroom for one inning.
Philly Wins PETA Ballpark [USA Today]
What’s with the Faux Meat? [VegBlog]
