#BackstagePass - Go Behind The Scenes as Climate Pledge Arena Unveils Latest Food Offerings

Today is #NationalFoodDay and you know #Back2Besa Host Besa Gordon had to celebrate by trying the newest additions to the Climate Pledge Arena food roster. Last week, she stopped by the Seattle Kraken’s Annual Food Preview and tapped in with Executive Chef Molly De Mers to see what fans can expect to eat at the arena this year for #BackstagePass.

This season, De Mers announced a new street taco concept featuring house made tortillas and flying ant salsa, which is a sauce typically made in Mexico and features real ants. 

“All of these other countries have understood the assignment by eating protein outside of typical animals,” De Mers said. “This has the smallest carbon footprint and uses the smallest amount of resources.”

Gordon was a fan of the sauce, as well as the brand new cinnamon roll pork belly. De Mers and her team replaced the dough in a traditional cinnamon roll with pork belly, creating a unique savory/sweet experience.

 “We want it to be playful and fun,” De Mers said. “We want it to be an experience.”

Another new edition that fits the vibe is house made cotton candy throughout the area. Featuring traditional flavors like strawberry as well as more inventive flavors like Bacon and Foie Gras, De Mers think the new cotton candies will be a hit.

“There are real people behind these stands, and you’re going to meet a lot of them this year,” De Mers said. “When people start leaning in to who they are and the genuineness of it, that’s when things blossom.”

One of those chefs is Margo Johnson, who said the energy in the arena and bringing food to them masses inspires her.

“Cooking for the people and hearing the feedback that comes from it is my motivation,” Johnson said. 

Gordon also connected with Sean Willis, the founder of Dough Joy Donuts. His donuts will be featured around the arena this season as well with a special blue dipping sauce for Kraken games.

This segment originally aired on #Back2Besa. Make sure to tune in to Back2Besa at 10:30 pm on FOX 13 Seattle and stream the replay at 10 am on Sunday on FOX 13+ for more great stories.