Tailgating 101

We have a lot of years of tailgating under our belts. Over the course of those years we have learned a lot about how to tailgate....and how not to. This page offers a few tips that we'd like to share with you to make your tailgate more successful.

Plan Ahead

• Check the weather. If it looks like rain, take a poncho. If it's going to be freezing-ass cold, take some extra layers. Being cold and wet can take the fun out of things in a hurry.
• Get there early. We arrive at least 5 hours before game time. That may sound excessive to some, but you know what they say, "time flies.......". Do yourself a favor and give yourself at least 2-3 hours to get primed-up before you start your walk to the stadium.
• Whatever you're bringing... set it out by the door ahead of time. This will help to insure that nothing important gets left behind. We get hit up all the time for stuff like charcoal, charcoal starter and cups. The best is when we had a guy in The Pit a few years ago come up to us wanting to trade a porno DVD for some hot dog buns....naturally we took him up on his offer!
• DUI's are expensive. This is probably the most important thing of all...DESIGNATE A DRIVER AHEAD OF TIME!!! Nothing will ruin a great day at the game faster than a DUI, or even worse, getting into an accident. This doesn't mean that the DD has to be alcohol free. Just limit your intake and have a pre-determined cut-off point, like game time. This gives you plenty of time to metabolize whatever alcohol you may have consumed (within reason of course) and saves you about $11.00 a pop for a stadium draft. Just remember to tailgate responsibly and ALWAYS designate a driver...we do!!

The Food

One of the most disturbing things that we've witnessed at a tailgate was a few years back in Jacksonville. There were actually people eating sushi at their tailgate. Hey, we love a good nigiri, sashimi or spicy tuna roll as much as anyone....BUT NOT AT A TAILGATE!! Tailgating is for eating things that will help a cardiologist put his kids through college. Something else to consider when planning your menu....knife and fork food can be a pain at a tailgate. Sure, who doesn't enjoy a kick-ass steak. But trying to balance a plate on your lap is a pain in the ass. Your best bet is preparing "stab and grab" types of foods. Best thing of all about the hand-held foods.....there's no need to set down your beer!! Here are a few of our tailgate favorites:

• Sliders with Chipotle Mayo
• Breakfast Burritos
• Beer Brats

 

Sliders

• 5lbs. 80/20 ground chuck
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup Montreal Steak Seasoning

Directions: Season the beef with the soy sauce and seasoning. Kneed well in a large bowl so that everything is mixed together and transfer to a cookie sheet. Roll the beef flat and even witha rolling pin, about 3/4 of an inch thick. Using a small 8oz plastic drink cup as a cookie cutter, cut out your sliders. Repeat the rolling/cutout process as needed using the remaining scraps. Grill on medium-high for about 3 minutes per side, top with cheese and grill over medium low heat an additional 2 minutes with grill closed. Top with pickle slice, red onion and mayo or whatever you want. Makes roughly 35 2.5oz sliders.

 

Chipotle Mayo

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 chipotles in adobo sauce
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
• Juice from 1/2 a lime
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions: Finely chop chipotles and combine all ingredients mixing thoroughly.

Breakfast Burritos

• 12 Eggs
• 1 Red Bell Pepper
• 1 Green Bell Pepper
• 1 Medium Onion
• 1lb Bob Evans Sausage
• 1pk soft taco shells (the small ones)
• 1pkg Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Driections: Beat the eggs and dice your peppers and onion. In a large skillet brown your sausage, drain and set aside. Using the same skillet saute the peppers and onion untill slightly softened. Add the egg mixture and sausage to the skillet and cook like you would scrambled eggs. Mix in the cheese and keep cooking over low heat until it's all melted and mixed in. Finally, just scoop out enough of the stuff to fill your soft taco shells and roll 'em up like you would a burrito.

Note: You can do most of the prep work the night before and keep it in the fridge until morning to save time. These burritos are great to eat on the way to the game.

Beer Brats

• Johnsonville Beer Bratwurt (as many as needed)
• 2-3 Large Yellow Onions
• 6-pack of cheap-ass beer

Directions: Dump your brats into a large stockpot. Quarter your onions and toss them in right on top. Poor in enough beer to cover everything. Bring to a boil and boil for 15-20 minutes. Remove the pot from heat and let cool. Drain-off the beer and transfer the brats and onions to 1 gallon freezer bags or some other suitable container. When you're ready to eat just grill the brats over medium-high heat untill browned and warmed through. Toss 'em in a bun, add some of the onions or sauerkraut (if desired) top with your favorite mustard or barbecue sauce and chow down!