Going to the K for the World Series? You’re not done spending yet

The team wouldn’t take the field for another 31 hours, but Kauffman Stadium’s Majestic Team Store was hopping yesterday, ahead of the Royals’ first World Series appearance in 29 years. The Jumbotron, visible from the parking lot, had begun flashing graphics tailored to the event, and several people stood beside their cars, snapping pictures with their phones.

Inside the store, fans browsed displays piled high with World Series shirts fresh from the screen printer. I had promised to buy my boyfriend the gaudiest I could find – and my job was going to be easy. The catchphrase-heavy selections included “Crown the Town,” “Fast and Filthy” and “KC Wants It MO.” I settled on a royal-blue tee featuring fireworks exploding over the field at sunset.

It was more challenging to find a simple, understated, non-bedazzled World Series shirt in women’s sizes. After scouring the racks, I settled on a soft, gray ALCS shirt that cost $30, a 50-percent markdown that was still $15 more than the men’s version. Part of my brain said, “That’s not fair.” But the part of my brain that controlled the wallet said, “Fuck it — it’s the World Series.”

At the back of the store, Royals food and beverage vendor Aramark was offering samples of its special World Series concession offerings for a media photo op. According to Aramark executive chef James Mehne, the “Harvest Market” menu, which will be available in section 203, was designed with fall in mind. “We wanted the food to be warm, comforting, and welcoming,” he said.

Right away, I started asking the important questions.

“Is that a vat of gravy?” I said, pointing to a tiny cauldron filled with brownish liquid.

“Yes, that is a vat of gravy,” Mehne confirmed.

The gravy is served with the “Turkey Gobbler,” which is basically a Thanksgiving-dinner sandwich: turkey breast, stuffing and cranberry sauce on a fresh-baked roll from Roma Bakery.

Next question: “Holy shit, is that a pretzel stuffed with bacon?”

“Yes, that is our bacon pretzel rod,” Mehne said. “You dip it in the butternut-squash bisque.”

You read that right: During the World Series, you can eat butternut-squash bisque at the K. I sampled some of the soup, and it was thick, rich and savory — exactly the kind of fuel you’ll need on a chilly October evening to make it to the bottom of the ninth (or, knowing the Royals, the 12th).

Another warming option is the “Smoked Crown Chili,” a hearty dish made with burnt ends, smoked white beans, Boulevard IPA, ancho chilies and cinnamon. It’s topped with smoked gouda and sour cream.

For dessert, obviously, there’s a caramel apple. It’s topped with toasted peanuts, and you can wash it down with hot chocolate or spiced cider in a World Series souvenir mug. Important question: Can you add booze to the beverages? Yes, you can! The cider is best when spiked with rum, and the “loaded” hot chocolate comes with Rumchata, peppermint Schnapps or chocolate-mint liqueur.

If you’re in the mood for more traditional fare, head to section 210 or 248 for a “Royal Bacon Blue Dog” (topped with blue cheese, bacon and red onions) or a Kansas City dog (topped with Swiss cheese, grilled sauerkraut and Boulevard Pale Ale mustard). The Hot Corner Grill, in sections 221 and 234, has a dish that’s really worth skipping breakfast for: a pepper-jack sausage topped with pulled pork, mac and cheese and bacon (yes, really).

If you’re hankering for a Cheesy Corn Brisket-acho helmet, named this year’s Best Kauffman Stadium Snack by The Pitch, fear not: It remains available at KC Cantina and at Sweet Baby Ray’s. In addition to the fancy stuff, expect plenty of plain ol’ hot dogs to go around. In fact, Aramark estimates it will serve 7,500 per game, as well as 4,000 orders of nachos, 2,500 soft pretzels and 1,400 pounds of peanuts. Go Royals! Burp.