I go to a lot of hockey games. It’s part of the job. I walk into Rogers Place and really don’t give it much of a second thought. Park the car, make the quick walk across the ICE District, and then head into the arena.
So, don’t ask me how many times I’ve walked by Match Eatery and Public House, located inside the arena, without giving it a second glance. But, before the Oilers home date against the Coyotes, I got to the arena early and thought, “why not?”
I think I was the only customer in the place not wearing an Oilers jersey, and I was offered a seat at the bar. I knew what I wanted was a sports-themed dinner. But is a hotdog… dinner? On the menu is what is called the “two handed mustard and onion hot dog.” Now, this was exciting for a couple of reasons; the promise of a buttered, toasted bun and the apparent lack of ketchup. As any connoisseur of tube steaks will tell you, ketchup should be nowhere near a hotdog. Canadians have a weird relationship when it comes to putting ketchup on things, but maybe the most notable of our culinary sins is putting the stuff on hotdogs. It’s as good a reason as any not to take us seriously as a country.
What came out was… impressive. Look, I’m going to be honest, here. I wasn’t expecting a lot from a a chain (boy, I came off like a snob there, didn’t I?) but the Nathan’s foot-long dog was actually spot on, like, one of the best I’ve had in the city. The fumes from the house-made mustard rose right to the nose, the bun had crunch, and the generous helping of onions would mean that whoever sat next to me in the press box later that night would have to be subjected to my every pungent exhale.
And, yes, it was big enough to have as a meal. And, at under $20, I can’t write about how it’s another example of overly expensive arena food. Was I generally surprised? Yes. Overwhelmed that someone could actually brag about serving a two-handed hotdog — and backing it up? Maybe.
Match Eatery and Public House
Downtown, Rogers Place | 780.413.3178 | matchpub.com
