Royals debut special ‘Pasqwich’ in honor of Vinnie Pasquantino. Here’s my review

There is a new food stand at Kauffman Stadium, and it honors one of the Kansas City Royals’ biggest stars.

On Friday, Pasquantino’s opened for business near Section 208 at The K. The themed food vendor highlights Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino.

Pasquantino’s offers a variety of special items. However, fans were drawn to “Vinnie’s Italian Beef Pasqwich” as the main attraction.

The sandwich includes shaved Italian beef, two slices of provolone cheese, two strips of bacon, crispy hash brown patties and Giardiniera Aioli on a brioche bun.

It costs $20 and can be paired with a nice “The Pasquatch Paloma Cocktail” for an additional $17.35.

“The hash brown is the reason I picked that sandwich,” Pasquantino said, “because it was on there and I’m addicted to hash browns.”

The Royals crafted the idea a few weeks ago. Pasquantino was involved in the process by deciding what type of sandwich would be featured. There were several options, including a burger of his choice.

“I just know that one caught my eyes,” Pasquantino said.

This week, Pasquantino went through the required product-placement steps. He had a taste test on Monday. He didn’t like the original idea to include peppers and jalapenos.

Instead, Pasquantino opted for bacon.

“They took them (peppers and jalapenos) off,” he said. “And I tried the sandwich and I said, ‘How about bacon?’ Bacon has never made anything worse before. So they put it on there; I tried it and I liked it.”

Fans have liked the sandwich, too. There was a slight wait as Pasquantino’s ran out of food prior to Friday’s game against the Chicago Cubs. There was a kitchen run before it was back up and operational ahead of first pitch.

As I waited, I noticed that a portion of all “Pasqwich” sales benefit the Kansas City Royals Foundation. The “Pasqwich” will be available for the remainder of the 2024 season at Kauffman Stadium.

Here’s my review...

Reviewing Vinnie Pasquantino’s ‘Pasqwich’ at The K

There is an ambiance at Pasquantino’s. The Royal blue exterior carries an unique aesthetic that stands out from the other food vendors.

While waiting in line, customers are able to see their sandwich being prepared. It’s assembled with a buttered brioche bun and then lathered with the hash browns, Italian beef, bacon and provolone cheese.

The Giardiniera Aioli is added to the top bun. From there, the “Pasqwich” is served with a side of Au Jus for an extra flavor pop.

If you’re counting calories ... please be warned. In all, the “Pasqwich” comes in at 1,350 calories.

My review: It’s worth every bite and a trip to the gym the next day.

The sliced Italian beef is well seasoned and plentiful. The provolone cheese adds a hearty flavor similar to a cheesesteak. My favorite part was the hash browns — they’re prevalent in each bite.

It’s the perfect vessel to soak up the Au Jus and Giardiniera Aioli. The bacon ties it together with a savory component.

I didn’t take long to finish the sandwich. The “Pasqwich” is the perfect size to hold while at your seat.

Last week, I gave the Royals’ viral “Taste of The K” taco a 7.5 out of 10. I think the “Pasqwich” comes in a bit higher on the scale.

The “Pasqwich” has high marks on taste and presentation. I think it has an acceptable price point at $20. The only downside is that the sandwich doesn’t come with a side, such as chips, to pair with the meal.

Also, I would like to possibly see a vegetable (maybe lettuce or a pickle) to balance the savory components.

All in all, I would give this sandwich an 8.7 out of 10. It’s totally worth a try the next time you’re at The K.

And a trip to the gym the next morning.