Food is one of the world's great connectors — and that concept is something the Utah Jazz have embraced ahead of the FIBA World Cup 2023. The Jazz are collaborating with six local restaurants to bring culinary creations to Jazz Nation in honor of the five players competing at the 32-nation tournament that runs from Aug. 25-Sep.10,
"All of this started with connecting with our company's values, mainly community," said Anthony Zamora, Utah Jazz Vice President of Nutrition, Culinary, & Hospitality. "We have all these different ways we are involved in the community, but we're also connected through food. We've been working with some restaurants and did some local activations, and this was another way to bring together those restaurants, the Jazz, and the fans."
Jazz players participating in this year's FIBA World Cup 2023 are Lauri Markkanen (Finland), Jordan Clarkson (Philippines), Kessler (USA), Simone Fontecchio (Italy), and Kelly Olynyk (Canada), being played in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan.
Because each player represents a different nation, Zamora and the Jazz collaborate with six restaurants featuring a delicatessen representative of each country and the food the players love and/or grew up eating. The restaurants will serve these special menu meals for the tournament, beginning on Friday, Aug. 25, and running through Sunday, Sept. 10.
"All the restaurants we've partnered with are ones that have worked with us before, or ones that me and the players have eaten at and really enjoyed," Zamora said. "The food scene here (in Utah) is really good, and it just keeps growing. The people here are continuing to be innovative, and that creativity is supporting those growth opportunities."
Here's a breakdown of the restaurants and the meals they'll be providing.
Harbor Seafood & Steak Co. | Kessler
— The Sheriff's Crab-Stuffed Squash Blossom: A celebration of Walker Kessler joining Team USA. Tempura fried blossoms with Canadian red crab, cream cheese, onions, serrano chiles, cilantro, sweet soy glaze & sesame seeds served over garden squash and sunburst tomato.
Sol Agave | Markkanen/Clarkson
— Lohikeitto Salmon Soup: Paying homage to Markkanen's home country of Finland. Wild Alaskan salmon served with carrots, leek, and potatoes in a creamy fish broth garnished with fresh chopped dill.
— Pilipinas Pork Belly Taco: A traditional Filipino dish honoring Clarkson. Served on a soft yellow corn tortilla, filled with crispy-edged tender pork belly, tomato-mint relish, with a drizzle of spicy habanero sauce.
Urban Hill | Fontecchio
— The Blues Lamb Arrosticini Skewers: Representing Fontecchio and Team Italy (The Blues). Italian lamb skewers with house-made Italian salsa verde and rosemary powder.
Mint Sushi | Olynyk
— Road Warrior's Jalapeño Hamachi: Celebrating one of Olynyk's favorite foods and Team Canada (The Road Warriors). Yellowtail belly served with jalapeno slices, jalapeno vinaigrette, and ponzu sauce.
Yum Yum Food Truck | Clarkson
— Flame Thrower Adobo Combo: A celebration of Clarkson's heritage and Team Philippines. Pan-fried chicken with garlic and onions stewed until tender, served with a side of rice and fries.
"Nutrition is a crucial part of our players' routines, and most of them are foodies off the court," Zamora said. "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."
For those fans who may not be able to make it to every spot, the Jazz are doing something special and unique with one more restaurant. Stanza is doing a five-course tasting menu that will reflect favorites from each player.
Stanza | 5-Course Player Tasting Menu
— Caviar Cone (Olynyk): Black sesame cone with creme fraiche, chives, and caviar
— Pork and Vegetable Lumpia (Clarkson): Served with spicy sweet and sour dipping sauce
— Arrosticini Skewers (Fontecchio): Served with turmeric and Italian couscous
— Norwegian Meatballs (Markkanen): Venison meatballs with potato puree, sautéed peas, and fig agrodolce
— Local Apple Pie (Kessler): Served with homemade vanilla ice cream
"We're hoping to forge connections with our fanbase that stretch far beyond the court, and create lasting memories as well. … We are really excited that the fans get to connect with the guys in a different way," Zamora said.
Clarkson will have one of the most significant roles at the tournament, serving as the de facto host as the star player of the Philippines. Second-year center Kessler will be making his national team debut with Team USA, while Markkanen and Fontecchio will be the No. 1 options for their teams. Lastly, Olynyk will look to lead upstart Canada as one of the tournament favorites.