AC’s Italian Link at Sausage Boss is a tasty spin on an old favorite. (Astrid Stawiarz)
Cherry and apple cheddar mini-pies, $4.95 each at Hill Country (Astrid Stawiarz)
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Madison Square Garden is rocking. There’s a former benchwarmer “Linspiring” the Knicks, the Rangers are in first place, a home-state team will likely win the Big East Championship and the food — well, it’s finally Garden-worthy.
As part of a $980 million renovation, some of the city’s best restaurants have teamed up with MSG to offer fans what they really want: first place across the (menu) board.
PHOTOS: MADISON SQ. GARDEN’S ALL-STAR EATS
“Forty years ago, it was just hot dogs and burgers,” says Knick legend Walt Frazier. While work at the Garden is still ongoing, here’s what’s new and tasty now on the renovated sixth-level Madison Concourse. Prepare to be Lindulged.
Here’s a yummy sandwich — no bones about it
The Organic Chicken Sandwich at Simply Chicken
At chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s chicken stand, the standout is a satisfying organic chicken sandwich ($13.95) — moist breast meat topped with potato chips, pickles and spicy sauce (Kewpie mayo, leeks and sambal chili). Among the dish’s many fans: Rangers all-star hottie Henrik Lundqvist and 15-year Knicks season-ticket holder Henry Kwartler, 51. “It’s a little spicy, but delicious,” declares Kwartler.
Best upgrade of a classic
AC’s Italian Link at Sausage Boss
Here’s a fan favorite made better. Andrew Carmellini’s stand draws hordes — including comedian Tracy Morgan, who was seen sampling its fare at the Feb. 29 Knicks game — for a delicious pork-and-fennel link with marinara sauce, sweet peppers and onions, served on a 7-inch Tom Cat Bakery hero ($9.95).
You deserve a fast break today
Cheeseburger at Daily Burger
Restaurateur Drew Nieporent drew on his long-ago experience in the kitchen at McDonald’s when creating what may be MSG’s most popular new item: the Daily Cheeseburger ($9.95), a blend of short ribs, brisket and chuck that’s grilled and topped with cheese sauce. But best of all may be the bun, which looks like an English muffin but is actually a Portuguese roll that stays incredibly soft and dry while absorbing the delectable drippings.
Best homage to New England
Lobster Shrimp Roll at Lobster Shrimp Roll by Aquagrill
It’s more than worth shelling out for the namesake dish served by Lobster Shrimp Roll ($19.95). Aquagrill’s Jeremy Marshall, a Rangers season-ticket holder, makes the chunky Maine lobster and Gulf shrimp salad at the restaurant; toasted New England split-top hot dog rolls are filled by MSG staff.
Most underappreciated game-time eats
Ninja Platter at Senzai Sushi
Featuring a spicy tuna roll and tuna, salmon and white fish sushi, the $17 Ninja Platter is made by MSG’s raw-fish experts. And with no flatware required, it’s actually an ideal sports food.
Tastiest tiny eats
Double Cherry Mini-Pie at Hill Country
Mini-pie flavors change daily at Hill Country, ($4.95 each, ranging from apple cheddar crust to whiskey buttermilk), but double cherry wins our vote: Sweet and sour cherries are a superbly balanced one-two punch. Best caloric splurge
Bouchon Bakery “Yodell” at
Coffee and Desserts
Longtime Knicks season-ticket holder Jamie Hirsch, 51, has been eating Bouchon’s gourmet spin on Yodels ($5.50) since they appeared at MSG earlier this year. “They’re made with good ingredients,” he says, clearly in heaven with his ganache-drenched, chocolate cake/cream roll. Childhood memories never tasted so good.
For when you want to feel like a player
Truffle Chicken Chopped Salad at Ainsworth Prime
In the former Club Bar & Grill space, Ainsworth Prime will be renovated this summer, but the menu has already changed. The buffet ($39.95) now features the likes of hand-carved rib-eye. Or skip the buffet line — where former Knick Anthony Mason was recently spied — and go à la carte with a truffle chicken chopped salad, topped with shiitake, button and cremini mushrooms ($15).
Hoops du jour
Walt “Clyde” Frazier’s No. 10 Knicks jersey was retired in 1979, but you may catch him taking free throws at the indoor Foul-Shot Court at his massive new restaurant, Clyde Frazier’s Wine and Dine, opening April 2 (485 10th Ave.; 212-842-1110). “Sometimes I’m dressed up and have nowhere to go,” says Frazier. “This will be the perfect venue.” Frazier’s place will boast what the sartorially adventurous legend calls “‘Clyde decor’ — the ceiling is a montage of my different suits,” he explains. David Waltuck, formerly of TriBeCa’s now-shuttered Chanterelle, is spearheading an Asian-influenced American menu — think Asian-spiced guacamole with lotus chips ($9). Salads, pizzas and snacks will also be available. The Knicks announcer will put his stamp on cocktails with names familiar to anyone who knows Frazier-speak. The “Stumbling and Bumbling,” for one, is a mix of Patron Silver and Citron tequilas, fresh berries and basil muddled with sugar. Catch the games on some 40 TVs, and expect dishing and swishing, dancing and prancing — and hopefully a shuttle to the subway. It’s a long walk.