When you’re on a maiden voyage, they usually christen the ship first.

As Food Scouts embarks on the filming of its first episode, let’s hope the christening goes better than that of the “Flying Wasp” of Caddyshack fame.

We’re excited to be working with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Frankly, they’ve been so amazing with their hospitality we couldn’t be luckier.

PNC Park is one of the most gorgeous stadiums in Major League Baseball. We’re going to be showcasing the food offerings, discussing the local flavors and traditions and opening fans to a whole new perspective on the fusion of food and sport. We call it “Foodertainment.”

Food is taking the stage alongside the athletes

The trend in the sports industry gravitates toward open spaces including gathering points with multiple views offering TVs, food and locations for social media posts. Of course, adult beverages are usually within reach of these areas and play a large role.

Death of the Dirty Water Dog

Vendors still patrol the stands, but they’re likely to be lugging beer, cotton candy and peanuts. The days of the Dirty Water Dog and a stale bun seem to have ended — although Detroit’s Comerica Park is known for its operatic hot dog vendor.

Still, we see foodstuffs that’re grilled, fried, scooped and stacked. Many of the dishes are made in front of the customer via embedded kitchens. No more basement food prep wrapped in aluminum foil. Those days are gone.

Fans want fresh, healthy options too and you’re seeing a nod toward vegetarian, Gluten-free and plant-based solutions.

If you’re a foodie or a sports fan or both…follow us on Facebook, Twitter Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel. We’ll be posting a ton of extra stuff that doesn’t make the show.

Anecdote Alert:

A group of co-workers visited PNC Park while on a business trip.

One colleague had just wolfed down a massive Primanti Brothers pastrami sandwich. “That was good,” he said. “But I think I want a hot dog.”

The Pirates parrot mascot appeared atop the first base dugout just as the co-worker completes his sentence. The Parrot is armed with several female minions and an air gun t-shirt shooter loaded with hot dogs as ordinance.

A silver, foil-wrapped bullet arches into the air.

Our hungry colleague, eager to catch something for free, squeals with delight as the UFO arches toward our section and angles down. He doesn’t realize it, but he’s boxing out everyone in the row. His squeals are getting closer together and louder in direct correlation to the hot dog’s descent.

The hot dog lands in his hands.

He literally gushes with glee.

After all the hub-bub, laughing and back-slapping subsides, the hot dog catcher sits in his seat, takes a deep breath and eyes his silver prize. Before unwrapping it he asks: “How do they know if I want mustard, ketchup or sauerkraut?”