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Toronto FC needs a new CB. That much is clear. As a lifelong Toronto FC fan, this has not always been a problem. I remember a day where Toronto FC had consistent CBs that did their job well and were of the highest quality possible. These CBs may not have been the flashiest, or the most expensive, but they were up to par, good enough for Toronto FC and their high standards.
Now, six years on, Toronto FC’s CBs have not only failed to perform, they are a pitiful shell of their former glory. What was once Toronto FC’s greatest offering to their fans is now a very poor joke.
I can see the comments already; “Harden and Iro played well when Frings slotted in between them!” Sorry, dear reader, because this isn’t an article on centerbacks. No, this is a piece about the BMO Field Chip Butty!
I remember the first chip butty I ever had at BMO Field. It was October of 2008, where I had trekked out for my first game by myself with my brother. Then, it was a glorious combination of perfectly buttered toasted bread, wrapped around hot, fresh French fries, and glazed with a delightful sauce. It was wrapped, served cleanly, and easy to eat with both hands and a fork. Beside it was a cup of the traditional British Brown Sauce, for dipping. In every way, the Chip Butty of old was the typical football meal – all for under $5.
Four years on, the Chip Butty is a shambles. Dempster’s White Bread, still soft, cold, and plain, wedges a meager serving of cold, stale fries. The wrapping serves no purpose, as the already minimal serving of fries falls onto the stands, gone forever, with nothing more than a slight jerk of the arm. As for the sauce? Not only do you need to ask for it, but the sauce I was served was the same salsa used for the nacho plate! Really!? This is a travesty, an insult to the cultured footy foodie. This is not good enough for Toronto FC.
Aron Winter came to Toronto FC and changed the culture of the team. He has failed in my eyes. The team plays differently, sure, but I am being served the former shell of a once great meal. True culture shift will come with the introduction of quality football food. It starts, grows and ends with the Chip Butty.
Maybe Aron Winter isn’t the best person to talk to about food. MLSE head chef Robert Bartley, who creates the menu for Toronto FC, must reform the much-fabled Chip Butty, or risk losing the most loyal of fans.
The change is so simple too; those Subway sandwiches know what they’re doing – their bread keeps everything inside, are toasted to perfection, and, at 6”, are the perfect size for BMO Field. Get some Italian style buns, toast and butter, and then pack with fries. Pour the garlic mayonnaise on top, close, press, wrap and serve. I’ll pay the extra two dollars for more fries, quality sauce and the ability to eat 95% of my meal at least (seriously, I’m not clumsy, the current models fall apart like Andy Welsh on the ball).
It’s the off-season, and I have made it my personal mission to make sure Toronto FC’s Chip Buttys are up to par for next season. I shall be reporting about this crucial issue in the coming months. Rest assured, supporters and fans, good eats are on your way. I’ll make sure of it.
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