Covenant Health Park’s executive chef breaks down food options for fans
WVLT’s Jared Austin spoke with Aaron Gonnelly, the park’s executive chef, who gave him a rundown of all the best offerings at the home of the Smokies and One Knox SC.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Knoxville sports fans will need to break out the stretchy pants before headed to a baseball or soccer game at Covenant Health Park.
WVLT’s Jared Austin spoke with Aaron Gonnelly, the park’s executive chef, who gave him a rundown of all the best offerings at the home of the Smokies and One Knox SC.
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“So most people have a misconception with the ballpark and concessions that all we do is boil hotdogs and sell cold beer. Not the case here at Covenant Health Park,” Gonnelly said, showing off brisket, 14-hour smoked pulled pork and chicken and waffle sandwiches.
Beyond barbeque, which Gonnelly said is the focus for the park this year, the chef said fans can look forward to pimento mac and cheese, charcuterie and other local options, like smoked sausage from Lenoir City.
Gonnelly’s favorite item? The brisket.
“You know, I’m personally big brisket guy. I love to slice open this nice, beautiful brisket here,” Gonnelly said early Tuesday morning before finally giving in.
“You know what? This just came out of the smoker this morning, so you take a look at that beautiful, beautiful brisket right there,” he said, cutting into the meat.
The Smokies open play at home Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. against the Chattanooga Lookouts.
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