Isotopes reveal new concessions for Taco Tuesday and Orbit's Birthday Celebration

The Albuquerque Isotopes have unveiled a new lineup for upcoming games, calling up some major league concession fare.

Taco Tuesday on July 1 and Orbit's Birthday Celebration on July 6 will each introduce three new meals to Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park, and these items are a fantasy team dream. Be sure to grab plenty of napkins, because Isotopes executive chef Jim Griego made these meals with messiness in mind.

"I say napkins are free here," Griego said. "I've never charged a dime for a napkin."

Taco Tuesday (July 1)

Three new tacos will be available July 1 for Taco Tuesday. There was not one swing and a miss with this new lineup.

Soft corn tortilla barbacoa tacos (available at Pecos River, near section 118)

Taste: 5/5

Napkin meter: Fistfuls

These soft-shelled tacos come filled with juicy barbacoa meat and topped with cilantro, chopped white onion and salsa.

I tried mine sans-toppings, but added a hearty squeeze of lime, and it was a home run. The barbacoa was perfectly tender and juicy, and paired well with a soft shell that reminded me of my mom's cooking. Anyone looking for a juicy and meaty taco should go no further than section 118.

Hard shell taco with fried chicken tenders, jalapeños and pineapple coleslaw (available at Batter’s Up, near section 108)

Taste: 3/5

Napkin meter: A light dab of a napkin corner

A taco that rounds out the bases in savory, sweet and spicy. I was apprehensive upon hearing all that was in this taco, but in a wildcard moment, it was surprisingly delicious.

The flavors paired well together to create an explosion of taste in every bite. The savoriness of the chicken strip, the sweetness of the pineapple, and the underlying faint spiciness of the jalapeños combined to make for a delightful taco. While I wouldn’t choose it over the barbacoa tacos, anyone who's a fan of pineapple on pizza should choose this taco.

Hard shell beef tacos (available at Pecos River, near section 103)

Taste: 4/5

Napkin meter: Grab some extras

The most traditional taco of the day, no taco lover will be disappointed by this. A hard-shell beef taco topped with cheese, lettuce and tomatoes, served with taco sauce, proves to be a good catch.

The beef is well seasoned and pairs well with the toppings. The hard shell softened pretty quickly, but otherwise, you won't strike out with this taco.

Orbit’s Birthday Celebration (July 6)

Where the tacos were pretty traditional, the new food offerings for Orbit’s birthday are a bit out of left field. According to Griego, they were all inspired by the bright orange alien himself and will be available for his birthday celebration, July 6.

Pepperoni Planet (available at Pecos River, near section 118)

Taste: 4/5

Napkin meter: Grab those extras

This sandwich hits it out of the park with a baked chicken Parmesan patty topped with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese and pepperoni all between a brioche bun. The baked Parmesan chicken is an appetizing patty, and the pepperoni topping is not very stand-out in flavor, which I preferred.

One of my favorites of the day, this is the perfect handheld Italian meal. However, it does not feel like the most day out at the ballpark dish and is more something I would buy at a restaurant.

Galaxy Noodles (available at Batter’s Up, near section 108)

Taste: 2/5

Napkin meter: Grab those extras

The Galaxy Noodles are an orange chicken nugget noodle bowl with soba noodles and tempura. This bowl was more of a bench warmer meal for me, and I would not actively seek it out at the park. A spin on the traditional orange chicken, it was a crispy and sweet dish, perfect for those seeking Asian food at the ballpark.

Orbit’s Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich (available at The Sweet Spot, near section 115)

Taste: 5/5

Napkin Meter: Grab the whole dispenser

The all-star meal of the day was this cookie sandwich. Orange, lime and lemon sherbet squished between two sugar cookies and topped with rainbow sprinkles, this dessert was player of the year. A near-perfect mix of sweet and sour, get ready for a brain freeze, a mess and an absolutely divine dessert. What makes this treat even better? Each cookie features a picture of Orbit, which is the perfect way to celebrate his birthday.

Make a kid's day, or feel like a kid again, when biting into this sandwich while enjoying the sun and the game. But grab A LOT of napkins.

Isotopes reveal new concessions for Taco Tuesday and Orbit's Birthday Celebration

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