Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler has a hearty appetite.
You may recall the 7-footer’s favorite breakfast order:
• Six eggs, scrambled — with cheese.
• Two orders of hashbrowns — with cheese.
• Grits — with cheese.
• White toast.
• Bacon and sausage.
• Plus two regular waffles.
But what if the Jazzman, and his teammates, wanted to be a little more worldly in their culinary choices?
The Jazz promoting their five players set to compete in the FIBA World Cup by collaborating with local restaurants to bring food dishes centered on each athlete’s respective national teams.
Lauri Markkanen (Finland), Jordan Clarkson (Philippines), Walker Kessler (USA), Kelly Olynyk (Canada) and Simone Fontecchio (Italy) are Utah’s participants, which represents the most countries by any NBA team in this year’s tournament.
“Nutrition is a crucial part of our players’ routines, and most of them are foodies off the court,” said Anthony Zamora, the Jazz’s Vice President of Nutrition, Culinary and Hospitality. “We are excited to bring the excitement of FIBA to Utah in a fun, unique way that showcases our athletes and gives Jazz fans a taste of what their favorite players opt for when eating at some of the standout restaurants in our community.”
Harbor Seafood & Steak Co. is celebrating Kessler with “The Sheriff’s Crab-Stuffed Squash Blossom,” a nod to the big man’s nickname.
Sol Agave is honoring Markkanen and Clarkson with “Lohikeitto Salmon Soup” and “Pilipinas Pork Belly Taco,” respectively.
Urban Hill is recognizing Fontecchio with “The Blue Lambs Arrosticini Skewers.” Mint Sushi is creating the “Road Warrior’s Jalapeno Hamachi” for Olynyk. Yum Yum Food Truck will have pan-fried chicken and sides, or the “Flame Thrower Adobe Combo,” to commemorate Clarkson.
Stanza is showcasing a five-course player menu, which incorporates a caviar cone for Olynyk, pork and vegetable lumpia for Clarkson, Arrosticini skewers for Fontecchio, Norwegian meatballs for Markkanen and an apple pie for Kessler.
Is it a little silly? Certainly.
Is it tasty? Yes, chef.
The World Cup takes place from Aug. 25-Sept. 10 across locations in Indonesia, the Philippines and Japan.
Around the world
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