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Football fans can choose from more than 20 new food outlets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) this AFL season as part of an extensive redevelopment to offer a range of high quality alternatives.

The changes follow a review by the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) and caterers Epicure that identified the need for more options and better value for money.

The new menu includes hot dog creations from around the globe at The Dog Bar, fish and chip favourites with a modern twist from The Fish Shop, gourmet buns and baguettes from The Food Store and bakery treats from The Coffee Shop.

MCC Executive Manager Hospitality Rebecca Harvey explained "we have identified trends in the food that consumers are demanding .

"For example, The Dog Bar was influenced by a wave of gourmet hot dog shops opening across Melbourne, while The Food Store, with fresh sandwiches and salads made to go, is modelled on the look and feel of a European deli or general store."

Existing staples will complement the new menu options and the MCG will continue to promote healthy eating offering a number of nutritious alternatives, such as pita wraps, salad rolls and salads.

Epicure National Manager Food Services Robert Clifford added "the MCG is expanding its food offering to provide footy fans with more choice (and) our key objective is for the MCG to take the lead when it comes to food quality, service and delivery.

"We want to lift the bar of stadium catering, so the focus is not only on providing premium food, but also improving efficiency and offering customers a welcoming atmosphere all of which were carefully considered in the design of the outlets."

In addition to the food outlets, the MCG is also introducing new food carts, with Harvey adding "the Curry Cart developed during the cricket season continues to be successful and we're also developing a soup cart especially for the football season."

The new outlets follow the successful opening of three new cafes the Paddock Café, Barassi Café and Terrace Café and the introduction of five new Crust Gourmet Pizza outlets last year.

For more information go to www.epicure.com.au 

16th September 2010 - MCG’S GREAT SOUTHERN STAND TO GET MULTIMILLION DOLLAR REFURBISHMENT

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