take me out to the healthy ballgame

It used to be that going to a baseball game meant a hot dog, peanuts, cotton candy, beer and your favorite acid reflux remedy for a complete day at the ballpark. These days ball parks have as many differed concession stands as they do players. The international taste fest still doesn't always provide the most healthful choices. Los Angeles baseball fans may get offered sushi, but what about the meat-loving Midwest?

Along comes Wrigley Field. Whether you're a die-hard Cubs fan or just a fair-weather fan, most folks know that the world-famous Cubbies were bought last year from the Tribune Company by the Rickett's family of Chicago for close to $900 million.

Along with many other business interests, the Ricketts happen to own a company that produces products with grain-fed and grass-fed bison under the High Plains Bison Company brand. And so they have, for the better, brought this alternative lean meat to Wrigley Field.

Those familiar with bison already know that it is lower in cholesterol than beef, poultry and fish. It also has less fat, lower calories and higher protein and there are no known human allergies to bison meat. The High Plains brand has no growth-inducing hormones or steroids. But the feature we like best, as do probably many other Chicago meat-eaters, is that is tastes delicious with a rich meaty bite and nothing awkward about it.

Wrigley Field now proudly serves bison products at the Sheffield Grill located inside the park near the right field side entrance. The Sheffield Grill is a great place to grab something to eat to either take to your seat or eat right in the restaurant. It is on the smallish side but we found plenty of room to grab a seat just a few minutes before the game started. There are plenty of screens to watch the pre-game and game action.

The menu has bison burgers (even bison cheeseburgers), hearty meatball sandwiches and not-so-traditional bison hot dogs as well as other healthful offerings. Much to our delight and surprise, there is also a gluten-free menu option. For those not quite ready to try the bison offerings, other traditional food choices are available, including freshly carved meats at a carving station. And of course, plenty of beer selections to choose from.

We got our tasty snacks quickly and with a smile. The staff is very friendly and send every customer off with a hearty "enjoy the game."  The bison dog was very tasty and the home-made potato chips, which were still warm and addictively crunchy, with creamy cole slaw that came with the dog, reminded us that we were still at a baseball game. Everything was simply delicious, and we were pleased to have taken the leap of faith in trying the new food.

The bison cheeseburgers were also served with home-made potato chips and a pickle. If you're not familiar with bison meat you may be surprised that your burger is not as juicy as a traditional burger. The burger is tasty and is offered with several cheese choices.

Wrigley Field can add bison snacks to its illustrious list of historic baseball moments. It may not top Babe Ruth's "called shot" when Ruth pointed to the bleachers and then hit Charlie Root's next pitch for a homer, but for those looking for a healthier food option at the ballpark it will certainly be a welcome event.

Even if you aren't anywhere near Wrigley Field, you can try some of High Plains bison next time you're watching the Cubs (or any other team for that matter) on television. In addition to burgers and dogs, High Plains Bison offers a variety of cuts, including filet mignon, NY strip, ribeye, sirloin, t-bone and bone-in ribeye (cowboy) steaks. Check out their website to learn more about bison, get recipes, watch videos and get cooking tips:

http://www.highplainsbison.com/