WESTFIELD-John Grater is hopeful that a “fun challenge” will land him the grand prize in the “Create the Next Kayem Fenway Frank” competition.
On July 27, during the Boston Red Sox vs. Minnesota Twins matchup, the contest winner and runner-up will be announced. Game time is 7:10 p.m.
John Grater of Westfield is one of two top contenders for Kayem’s sixth annual “Create the Next Kayem Fenway Frank” contest. The winner will be announced July 27. (Submitted photo)
Kayem, maker of the “Official Frank and Sausage of the Boston Red Sox and Fenway Park,” once again challenged fans to craft their best Fenway Frank recipes for its annual competition, now in its sixth year. From April 30 through May 13, fans had the chance to submit unique recipes of their creation for the opportunity to be featured on the menu at Fenway Park during the 2018 season.
“Each year, the competition is ratcheted up as fans submit their delicious and innovative recipes,” said Kayem senior brand manager Tony Wrubel in a statement.
Grater saw an advertisement on the Kayem Facebook page and thought – “Let’s give this a shot!”
Grater, a native of Buffalo, N.Y., followed a few teams around the league in his early years.
“I became a dedicated Red Sox fan in 1998 when I met my, now wife, Tanya, while we were both in the United States Air Force,” said Grater. “She is originally from Westfield and is a very dedicated New England sports teams fan.”
Grater said his wife “converted” him into a 100% Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins and Celtics fan.
“I get teased a lot from my family in Buffalo but now that we are retired and live in Westfield permanently I am for all of the home teams,” said Grater, adding, “besides, it’s nice to be a fan here because we always have winning teams.”
Grater first “fell in love” with Fenway Park when his wife took him to his first Red Sox game for his birthday.
“We have since gone a few more times and figured if I’m lucky enough to win we get to go again,” said Grater, adding, “I wanted to enter the contest because it sounded like a fun challenge.”
From June 18 to July 1, the contest was open to the public to vote for their favorite recipe. Kayem then chose the top entries including Grater’s submission. All recipes had to begin with a classic Kayem Fenway Frank and Kayem’s New England-style Frankfurter Bun, and then up to five toppings could be incorporated into the creation. Each contestant also had to create a name for the Fenway Frank.
Grater, who enjoys cooking and experimenting in the kitchen, said his recipe is topped with fries, chili, diced onions and melted cheese.
“Who doesn’t love chili cheese fries?” said Grater.
Grater’s concoction is named “Dirty Sox.”
“I figured it was nice and short, easy to remember, and incorporated the team’s name,” said Grater. “I picked the name from inspiration from the Red Sox victory song ‘Dirty Water.’”
Grater added that the frank is also “pretty messy to eat … but delicious.”
The grand prize winner will receive $1,000, one year’s supply of Kayem Franks, an official Red Sox jersey, and four Red Sox tickets to the July 27 game and hotel accommodations from Hotel Commonwealth. The winner’s recipe will also be featured at Fenway Park. The first runner-up will receive a $500 cash prize, one free year of Kayem Franks, and two tickets to the Red Sox game on July 27.
“I would like to tell everyone who voted for me – thank you very much,” said Grater. “It was the votes that got me into the top two slots. We are very excited and know we will have a great experience.”
Grater, ever the sports enthusiast, added, “Go Sox!”
