When the Houston Texans take the field for their first preseason game this weekend, fans in the stands at NRG Stadium have a bounty of new dining options to look forward to.
Revealed on Thursday, the Stadium’s new dishes join the traditional line-up of nachos and hot dogs, and plenty of local chefs are featured on the menu. Chris Shepherd, who co-owns his restaurant one-fifth with Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus, is serving up 44 Farms beef at his newly-rechristened Georgia James stand, and Tex-Mex classic Ninfa’s On Navigation also makes an appearance.
Scope out photos and descriptions of each of the new dishes below, thanks to Eater photographer Caroline Fontenot.
Chips & Ninfa’s Queso and Fajita Tacos
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Talk about an upgrade of the average nacho. Tortilla chips made by the restaurant are paired with the beloved queso from the Original Ninfa’s on Navigation. Also inspired by Ninfa’s is a trio of fajita tacos made with beef or chicken and served on flour tortillas.
Georgia James Roast Beef Sandwich
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A Chris Shepherd creation made with 44 Farms beef, topped with horseradish cream and served with wedge salad slaw.
Killen’s Beef Rib
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A massive smoked rib, just like the ones served at Killen’s in Pearland.
Antone’s Sandwiches
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Houston’s most legendary sandwiches are a perfect football-watching food.
Korean Barbecue Eggroll Lettuce Wraps
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Arguably one of the Stadium’s healthier dining options, this fusion offering involves a Korean barbecue-stuffed egg roll wrapped in lettuce and served with mint, cilantro, pickled carrots, and rice wine vinaigrette.
Healthy Options: Quinoa Salad and Lentil Salad
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It’s unclear who the audience for a quinoa bowl at a football game is, but this one comes topped with roasted sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, and lemon vinaigrette. Also on offer is a lentil salad mixed with baby kale and roasted peppers.
Crab Cake with Elote Corn
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A self-explanatory dish made with Gulf crab.
New Sandwiches: Smoked Meatball Sub and Shrimp & Jalapeno Roll
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In the former, smoked meatballs are piled onto a sliced bun, then topped with a massive garnish of onion rings, cheese, and scallions. The second new sandwich is a Gulf-inspired shrimp roll spiked with jalapeno.
Hot Cheetos Taco Trio
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Flamin’ Hot Cheetos are the breading for the chicken tenders in this taco, topped with sriracha mayo and mango pico de gallo.
Corn Dog Nachos
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Arguably a weiner-stuffed improvement on the original nachos. Corn dogs are loaded with cheese, bacon, pico, and, of course, mustard.
Diners can score their first taste of these new dishes at the Texans’ first preseason game on August 18.