MHR University - Tailgate Food!

by Steve Nichols on Jul 7, 2008 5:42 PM MDT in MHR University Comment 34 comments

Let's take a break from football Xs and Os for a moment and ponder what it is about football that we love. For men in particular, it may be the primeval clash of armored troops that we see on each play. It may be the scantily clad cheerleaders. It may even be the food.

The food? Think about it. Something that lives deep down in us craves that fire cooked meat that our ancestors ate after a long hunt. And tailgating seems to be the perfect fit for the environment that is football. Get the guys together, open up the beer chest, watch the battle unfold, and EAT, EAT, EAT!

I haven't done it for awhile (it was hard on the wallet) but I used to host MNF parties at my place. I would serve a food or drink based on each team's mascot, colors, or region. Folks chipped in, but it was still a daunting task. Below, I'll share some of the things I served. I'm hoping to get your thoughts on improving the list.

(Lately I've just done the SB instead of MNF. Lobster is my favorite food, but the Patriots are making me go broke!)

Read on...

AFC West

Broncos - Screwdrivers and Blue Hawaiins (Blue and orange drinks)
Chiefs - KC pit smoked ribs
Chargers - Chicken Mole (prounounced Molay)
raiders - not a damned thing

AFC South

Colts - Pork Tenderloin (popular in Indiana)
Jags - Duck Orange (oranges = Florida)
Texans - Texas Barbeque Pulled Pork
Titans - Whiskey

AFC North

Steelers - Vennison
Cincy - Chili
Ravens - Crab
Browns - Rouladen (German influence)

AFC East

Patriots - Lobster
Jets - Coney Dogs
Dolphins - Swordfish Steaks
Bills - Buffalo Wings

NFC West

49ers - Stir Fry
Seahawks - Salmon
Rams - St. Louis style Ribs
Cardinals - Cornish Hens

NFC South

Bucs - Scallops
Falcons - Duck
Panthers - either Dry Rub or Vinegar based BBQ Ribs
Saints - Seafood Gumbo

NFC East

Cowboys - T-Bone Steak
Redskins - Apple Pie
Giants - NY Strip Steak
Eagles - Philly Cheese Steaks

NFC North

Packers - Keg of Beer
Vikings - Walleye Fillets
Bears - Brauts
Lions - Lowenbrau Beer (for the lion logo)

Sorry for skipping out on the Xs and Os, but Independence Day and the grilling made me hungry, and I just thought food was a big part of the game. At any rate, whether you can get to a game, or tailgate at home before the game, those are some fun ideas if you like to cook as much as I do.

(Yes, when the hated raiders play you just get the cuisine for the other team. lol)

So does anyone have any ideas on improvements?

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lol

I have to admit that was funny. But you can try and serve hot links. There is a good BBQ spot at Jack London Square named Everett and Jones that has good hot links. Good BBQ Period.

by Raider76 on Jul 7, 2008 6:24 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the friendly reply!

I imagine if it wasn’‘t for the rivalry I’d have to serve a Pacific Ocean catch.

Best of luck to you.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Jul 7, 2008 6:50 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

No Prob

I would serve the same for the Broncos as you would the Raiders.

by Raider76 on Jul 7, 2008 7:30 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Awesome!

That’s an impressive list.

Just one thing – for the Panthers you may want to look at vinegar based pulled pork barbecue. That’s the predominant style of BBQ here in Eastern/Central NC. Most of the places use hickory to smoke their pigs, but it does vary between regions/restaurants. It’s actually kind of funny how different the taste of different restaurants, and especially different regions of the state, can be.

It’s such an institution around here that you’ll see pig-cookers all over the place tailgating at the college football games, and I know a couple people who have built their own. Nothing’s better than fresh cooked pulled pork BBQ.

Also, if the lobster for the Pats is too expensive, you could try doing something with Cod (I think that’s the main catch up there?). This may be quibbling, but for the Dolphins you could cook Mahi Mahi (Dolphin fish) instead of swordfish. They are both great – I don’t know if one is easier than the other to obtain where you live, as that may be the most important factor when you are talking about fish. I know I’m spoiled living in NC, but the frozen stuff just doesn’t taste quite as good.

by hai17 on Jul 7, 2008 6:50 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Great points all!

The point on pulled pork is a fair one, and I only lean towards ribs because pulled pork BBQ is such a staple of Texas too. Since I think a lot of guests might prefer ribs, I have a few rib variations listed and only one pulled pork. But your regional point is a good one.

Cod is a good replacement for budgetary reasons, but I love lobster, and it’s the only thing I can celebrate about having the Pats in a SB.

The Mahi Mahi point is excellent. I’m in Indiana, and believe it or not our local grocers all carry sword fish steaks. They are reasonably priced in my opinion. The Mahi Mahi may be more accurate as you are describing it. A+ to you!

(I’m jealous of your NC fresh seafood. Grrrrrr!)

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Jul 7, 2008 6:55 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Haha

Yeah, well I’m trying to take advantage while i’m living here. I hear you about the Pats, about the only joy I get out of them winning is the thought that we seem to own them.

Ribs are great as well – believe it or not they are offered at a fair amount of seafood restaurants around here. Fish and ribs… mmm… I guess if you really wanted to get down to it, you could go asian-style and serve alley-cat stew when the Panthers play (hehe).

I’m impressed that your local grocers stock sword-fish steaks. Even here in Raleigh (E-Central NC), most of the grocery stores don’t stock too much seafood. Theres a lot of the frozen processed fish (ie fish-sticks), but not too much in terms actual fish filets.

by hai17 on Jul 7, 2008 7:05 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seahawks

oysters on the half shell. Unfortunately raw oysters aren’t for everybody, but they are pure seattle seafront. In a pinch you could serve fried oysters, dipped in a jack daniels sauce. I’ve never seen anyone turn that down! :)

Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.

by Jeremy Bolander on Jul 7, 2008 7:55 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

And I would have thought something

fondue for the pack….

Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.

by Jeremy Bolander on Jul 7, 2008 7:57 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also

Ravens-Crab?

Am I missing something obvious here? I will say that in Alaska, Ravens are famous for getting into everything, including crab that you might leave out, but I’m sure this isn’t the point you are making…

Here is a thought: what about a menu that accomodates the relevant amout of respect that you should have for a team? Like last year at dolphins games you might have served tuna sandwiches… :)

Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.

by Jeremy Bolander on Jul 7, 2008 8:01 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Chesapeake Blue Crabs

Are a staple and a delicacy in Maryland, Delaware, and tidewater VA. Baltimore is especially known for crab cakes and crab boils. Not the Kings and Opies that you’re used to, but definitely a mid-atlantic thing.

HT – here’s a tip for your Brats. Boil ‘em in beer (a six pack of swill with a white onion cut up), crisp them either on a grill or a griddle, then dunk them back in the beer for moisture. It makes for a wonderful combination= meat and brew. A man couldn’t ask for much more – 19-0 and a massage from Brooklyn Decker perhaps???

"The angel is no more than the shark well-governed." -Herman Melville

by jadunn on Jul 7, 2008 8:21 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Excellent

good call guys.

Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.

by Jeremy Bolander on Jul 7, 2008 8:35 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep...

The Blue Crabs where the point.

Excellent point on the fondue. That would be much more to my gourmet liking, but believe me, the keg thing goes over real well with the guests!

Jadunn, good call on the brats. I’ve never done them that way, but our best friends here in town do it just like you do, down to the onion cut up and re-dunk. Good call!

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Jul 8, 2008 2:16 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

you probably could serve prison food to

the Raven fans as well as fader fans. Even though i agree with the zero food for fader fans.
Now are these foods considered to be local? I live here in SD and have never heard of chicken mole. What is it

by broncfanstuckinsd on Jul 8, 2008 1:06 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

for San Diego I would have to say

either Fish Tacos (Fin’s were the best, but now all you have is Rubio’s) or Carne Asada Burritos (a la ‘berto’s). True San Diego Foods and what I always get when I’m in town.

"It's all over Fat Man"

- Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game

by DesertBroncoFan on Jul 8, 2008 3:00 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Carne Asada's are my favorites

Sooo good. I had one yesterday. Damn, now I want another one. We use to hit Albertos in Chula Vista after a night of drinking and doing the Chula Vista Mile. Ahhh the good ol days! Rubios had some lobster burriots a while back pretty good. I havent eaten there is ages

by broncfanstuckinsd on Jul 8, 2008 4:46 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll take your word for what is best from SD.

I chose the chicken dish because a Mexican buddy of mine from my old rmy days made it, and it is amazing. The sauce is made out of chocolate and peppers, which sounds odd but is incredible! I’m told it’s a very popular dish in Mexico.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Jul 8, 2008 6:48 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

thats cool

I had never heard of it. I mean I went to Acapulco twice while in the USN and live 8 miles from TJ. But next time you do that try fish tacos they are pretty good.

by broncfanstuckinsd on Jul 8, 2008 7:07 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Senor Manuel's in the Springs

has the best Margaritas in town and a very good mole.

"It's all over Fat Man"

- Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game

by DesertBroncoFan on Jul 9, 2008 11:04 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I use to love

going to Old Towne before that all changed. The Bizarre and the restuarants. SIGH. I think the place we (co-workers) was Hambergasa. (probably misspelled) Good ol margaritas. The ladies would order stawberry margaritas. Good ol days.
Went there once before SB 29 and the ladies are all Charger fans, me I was rooting for the Niners. Needless to say they had the waiter separate our bill. One for Chargers and one for me. Which is fine. The chicks got drunk and I had a small bill. Plus to top it off SD lost the SB!!!

by broncfanstuckinsd on Jul 9, 2008 5:22 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes!

Not for everybody, but definetly for me! I like mine with a little lemon juice and a glass of bloody mary (made with clamato, aka clam juice).

Man, we’ve GOT to get together.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Jul 8, 2008 2:23 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I get the Clamato all to myself

the wife can’t stand it :)

"It's all over Fat Man"

- Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game

by DesertBroncoFan on Jul 8, 2008 3:01 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Same here!

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Jul 8, 2008 6:49 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

How do I get an invitation to HT's house for MNF?

If HT kept up this thoughtful tradition as the “host with the most”, I would take an invite with Denver playing of course, but add the Bears, the Rams and anybody in the NFC East! Yummy..

I would have to take the brats and move it to Green Bay. Those shaboygan style brats are worth the trip up there.

"If Denver beats us, I'll walk back to Detroit" - Alex Karras

by Denver Diehard on Jul 7, 2008 9:08 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Open invitation

Any MHR member is welcome to MNF at my place. Since I only do this for SB’s now, I’d need some advanced notice. Oh, I’d need a tv now too. (lol)

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Jul 8, 2008 2:18 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

HT.....

since the Rockies do this at Coors Field, how about Rocky Mountain Oysters? Or if you want to slip in a New Mexico dish (since there are many Bronco fans in the south) hit them with some green and red chile on enchaladas.

fader nation is a conquered nation

by mdierk on Jul 7, 2008 9:57 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

Good point

Rocky Mountain Oysters are a Colorado tradition, but I don’t know how well they’d go over with guests out of state. Red and green chili is unheard of in Indiana, I’m afraid. I miss the Chili Relanos and Huevos Rancheros I used to get in Colorado (green chili for me).

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Jul 8, 2008 2:20 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

get online and you can order green chile

even mark schlereth has one.

fader nation is a conquered nation

by mdierk on Jul 8, 2008 7:16 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Bronco Bus Blog Guys

Made beer butt chicken the official food. Wash the chicken, slide garlic, orange peel and rosemary under the skin, massage gently with butter and EVOO, place an orange (cut up) and some bacon in the cavity, and place chicken on a beer can. Roast at 350 for about an hour and a half.

A light glaze of BBQ sauce makes it predominantly orange. Enjoy!

Think where man's glory most begins and ends,
And let me say my glory was I had such friends
-Yeats-

by Emmett Smith on Jul 8, 2008 7:05 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

I had considered this.

Better yet, beer butt chicken AND Blue Hawaiins and Screwdrivers! Yahoo!

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Jul 9, 2008 12:43 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bruce's in Severance

Did I hear that Bruce’s burned down? That would be a shame. That place had the best “oysters”.

"It's all over Fat Man"

- Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game

by DesertBroncoFan on Jul 8, 2008 3:03 PM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't forget

Don’t forget to serve sweet tea when the Jags and Panthers play. Sweet tea is huge in the SE. I can’t speak for other parts of the country.

by ThorpeBroncosfan on Jul 7, 2008 10:43 PM MDT reply actions 0 recs

My wife...

....,while not a southerner, makes the best sweet tea in the world. You get sweet tea at my place by default!

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Jul 8, 2008 2:21 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thirsty now

Nice idea for the Broncos. I am now thirsty and now want to make some for the MNF game against the Raiders.

Nice list there HT. Your SB parties sound very entertaining.

by weazel on Jul 8, 2008 1:01 AM MDT reply actions 0 recs

The first game this year...

...I probably won’t have a party, but I’ll probably mix the drinks for my wife and myself. We’ll just have the drinks, since oakland is the opponent. Yeah, I’m getting thirsty too!

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Jul 8, 2008 2:27 AM MDT up reply actions 0 recs