"NewYorkMets" news and stories

Twenty five years ago today, Darryl Strawberry hit three home runs for the New York Mets in a game against the Chicago Cubs. Fast forward to 2010 and the former Mets, Yankees and "Celebrity Apprentice" star is hoping for another big hit with the opening off Strawberry's Sports Grill today in Douglaston, Queens. Whatever happens with the restaurant, the friends and family party Wednesday was success: The guests included "Bachelorette" star Ali Fedotowsky and her new man, Robert Martinez, reigning Miss U.S.A. Rima Fakih, former New York Knicks star John Starks, and former New York Yankees greats Whitey Ford, Bernie Williams, and Tino Martinez.

So what can we expect from the one-time Rookie of the Year's rookie venture as a restaurateur? Slashfood sat down for a one-on-one with Strawberry to find out...

By Alex Van Buren with reporting by Sarah De Heer

Elaborate eats -- despite the recession -- continue to make cameos nationwide, often in the strangest of places.

At Citi Field, Gotham's new Mets stadium, culinary stars Danny Meyer (Blue Smoke; Eleven Madison; Tabla), Dave Pasternack (Esca) and Drew Nieporent (Nobu; Tribeca Grill) will hawk their wares alongside the hot-dog vendors and pint-pourers.

It's quite a change from the scene at that beloved old warhorse, Shea Stadium, and an unusual step for what one 24-year-old lifelong fan calls "the blue-collar team in a city where the Yankees are kings." Is he looking forward to it? "Well, my dad is all in a huff -- 'Whatever happened to peanuts and crackerjacks?' -- but uh, I think it's gonna be cool."

The famously tasty Shake Shack burger has that effect on city denizens. Slashfood dropped by a press event to sample it and the rest of the grub.

Get a first taste and see photos after the jump.