Monday, March 23, 2009

Two Local Vendors Out At Nationals Park



Two local vendors will not be returning to Nationals Park for 2009. One a little bit of a surprise.

Since The Lerner Family took over operations of Our Washington Nationals in 2006, "Red, Hot & Blue" has been a food partner at both RFK Stadium and Nationals Park. In fact, the Barbecue and Ribs Eatery has been very popular. But Restaurant Officials have confirmed they have decided not to continue on South Capitol Street behind Section 106/Centerfield Plaza despite the very fact that Our Washington Nationals wanted them back in the ballpark for this upcoming baseball season. The current economic downturn has taken it's toll on many businesses. Apparently "Red, Hot & Blue" has some issues as well, and needs to sort their situation out.

Less surprisingly, "Cantina Marina" is also not returning to Nationals Park in April. The SW DC Waterfront Gangplank Restaurant never really hit it off with Nationals Fans in 2008. Located last year in Section 241 next to the ever popular Five Guys Burgers along the Scoreboard Walk in Centerfield--The Cajun Seafood Eatery received little business and simply did not wish to continue at Nationals Park for 2009.

No word on how these two establishments will be replaced at Nationals Park.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

I never understood why Cantina Marina did not take off. The cajun fries and corn dogs were excellent -- as were the margaritas!

yazzy1956 said...

Any news on whether any new local eateries will fill the empty spaces or will it be the generic ball park stuff? I hope they don't leave them vacant, especially since RH&B's spot on the plaza is in such a primo location. I will miss RH&B's killer nachos! Please no McDonalds or Starbucks!!!

While waiting in the line at Five Guys most every night it always amazed me that no one got tired of waiting and went to Cantina Marina. It was always empty. Maybe Five Guys can double their size.

Anonymous said...

Disappointing news on both fronts. Red, Hot and Blue was a bit overpriced (what isn't?) but it was reliable and consistent in its quality. I will miss having them as an option. Cantina Marina was on the way to my 2008 seats and the lines were always minimal and the service friendly. Their Cajun Corn Dog was a spicy bargain at $5.00 and the Fish Taco was a special, albeit expensive, treat. Five Guys never got my business in the ballpark simply because of the long lines. And then once I learned there was a Five Guys practically across the street from the ballpark, I always would buy a burger ahead of time and bring it in.

So, I guess we're left with Ben's Chili Dogs and Five Guys hamburgers. With a more limited menu in 2009, I may have to revise my favorite Nationals Park nickname (which I saw elsewhere) -- The Food Court.

Anonymous said...

R.I.P. Cajun Corndogs

Anonymous said...

We will miss Cantina Marina. We like to eat healthy foods and so we ate their fish tacos.

Do you know where we might eat now that they're gone?

Thanks.

SenatorNat said...

I have always thought that Frank Howard should team with a food manufacturer and open "Hondo's Hots" at Nationals Park - would be a big hit, I think. He could appear like Boog, too, and sign autographs. He could have the Fast Eddie Fries for Brinkman; the Streak & Cheese for Stroud; the Mike Epstein, a Kosher Dog; the Jim Lemonade; the Gil Hodges fish fillet; the Willie Tastie BBQ; the Joe Cunningham ham & cheese... The Washington Monument would be his unique vealwurst 1.5 foot long...

Trust in the old Nats. All tasty.

Davidson said...

Ledo Pizza!

Anonymous said...

Smoothie will be very hot selling for baseball fans because Smoothie tastes delicious and helps fans pleasantly cool and relax during hot humid days! Bring Smoothie King or Jamba Juice to National Park Stadium!

Anonymous said...

they should totally replace r h and b with a famous dave's. its basically the same idea but better. much much better.

Anonymous said...

No RH&B? There's always Smoky Joe's,
get on it Nats.

Anonymous said...

Smokeshack Ribs of Ft. Washington, MD

Best kept secret in Maryland. If you don't know where it is, just follow the smoke and your nose.

***** Stars

Anonymous said...

Cantina Marina had the BEST value in the ballpark, their gumbo was delicious....

Anonymous said...

Never ate at Cantina Maria but like Jay we are always in search of healthy food options. Would love to see an authentic taqueria (the Mets are supposed to be getting one, I hear).

We did eat at RH&B a few times.

Can't think of the name right now but there was one stand that had a grilled chicken sandwich and fries combo that was good value and healthier than some options.

Anonymous said...

I'd love to see Brooklyns Deli from Rockville. They are quickly becmoming a local favorite in MOCO.

Bangin' Corned Beef, Brisket and Rubens.

Best TURE deli grub this side of NYC. Take it from a fat white guy! :-)