Atlanta Motor Speedway Revs Up Taste Buds

HAMPTON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) —  In this week’s edition of Melissa’s Recipe Box, Daybreak Anchor Melissa Lee headed up to Atlanta Motor Speedway to find out what’s fueling race fans and drivers. The chefs at AMS shared some of the foods revving up the taste buds on Pit Road.

“With the support of Coca Cola partnering with Atlanta Motor Speedway, we actually came up with some Coke inspired recipes that some of our guests are really enjoying out here at the track,” that’s according to Levy Restaurants’ Campus Executive Chef Frank Abbinanti.

Chef Abbinanti stays behind the scenes to create some of the delicious eats found inside the grandstand. He shared five recipes that all consist of one main ingredient, Coke.

“The first one is a mini dog with some Coca Cola chili. The chili has been braised for about 9 hours with a Coca Cola based secret sauce,” said Abbinanti.

The mini dogs are placed inside mini hot dog buns, topped with chili, pico de gallo, and shredded cheese.

According to Abbinanti, it’s an all meat-based chili with about 9 different spices. The Coca Cola helps with the sweetness and balancing of the flavors.

The second item on the menu are beef braised tacos.

“We braised brisket for about 12 hours with Coke Zero and some spices and cook it to the point where it falls apart,” said Abbinanti.

The tacos are filled with brisket, chipotle cream, shredded lettuce, cilantro vinaigrette, and fried tortilla strips. The menu also includes a braised pork sandwich that includes Cherry Coke. The pork is braised for 12 hours with the Coke product. It’s then served on top of a hamburger bun and topped with fried onions.

When Chef Abbinanti got the challenge to come up with a Coke inspired menu, he knew it wouldn’t be complete without a dessert. Next on the menu, the Georgia Peach Elephant Ear.

The dessert consists of fried dough, fresh peaches braised in Sprite, nutmeg, and cinnamon; a cream cheese spread, all topped with powdered sugar and a caramel drizzle.

Lastly, no sporting event would be complete without ketchup. Chef Abbinanti and his team have also come up with a Coca Cola dipping sauce. He wouldn’t share all of the ingredients, but said once you try it – you’ll never dip your fries in ketchup again.