In the vibrant center of New York City, Citi Field stands as more than just a baseball hub; it’s also a culinary hotspot, thanks to the visionary efforts of Senior Executive Chef Jason Eksterowicz. Since joining Aramark Sports + Entertainment in 2017 as the Assistant Executive Chef, Eksterowicz has led the transformation of stadium dining at Citi Field, managing a diverse team of 500 culinary professionals, from cooks to Chefs de Cuisine. His dedication and creativity have not only redefined stadium food but also propelled Citi Field to the top, earning the titles of Best Stadium Food for both 2023 and 2024 in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
The fall season has brought a whirlwind of activity for Chef Eksterowicz. As the Mets chase a historic playoff run and aim for a World Series title, he has simultaneously overseen an immersive dining experience in partnership with the James Beard Foundation and participated in a short film that has been nominated for an Emmy. Amid these endeavors, Citi Field hosted the prestigious James Beard Foundation Stadium Chef Series dinner on September 27, an event that showcased culinary artistry while supporting the foundation’s Good Food for Good mission. The dinner featured eight celebrity chefs, including Anne Burrell, Pat LaFrieda, and Markus Glocker. Chef Eksterowicz led the culinary efforts and personally crafted the fourth course: Tournedos Rossini, which included Pat LaFrieda prime dry-aged ribeye, micro vegetables, forest mushrooms, celeriac puree, and foie gras emulsion.
Citi Field’s culinary acclaim extends beyond stadium dining. The venue has twice competed in the NYC Food & Wine Festival’s Burger Bash, where Chef Eksterowicz claimed victory both times, most recently with the Mets Championship Burger, a dry-aged beef patty topped with Maine lobster salad and lobster fondue. This achievement makes Citi Field the only stadium to win the event.
Chef Eksterowicz’s talents have also earned recognition in the media. He was recently featured in a Spectrum News 1 story that has been nominated for a New York Daytime Emmy, with the award winners to be announced on October 26.
Under Chef Eksterowicz’s leadership, Citi Field is not only raising the bar for stadium cuisine but also shaping a dynamic culinary scene. Whether hosting esteemed dinners, winning top culinary competitions, or earning media accolades, he continues to elevate the art of stadium dining to new heights.
