While traveling around the country during the fall, I was delighted to be invited on several tailgating events. After several of these fabulous parties, I have discovered that we Americans have taken tailgating to great new highs.
To clarify and by definition, a tailgate party is a social event held on and around the open tailgate of a car, truck or like one party we had - a small RV. For many people, tailgating parties are enjoyed even if their cars don't have tailgates; they group them around the party area. I equate it to the circling of wagons in an old western. Tailgate parties usually occur in the parking lots of stadiums and arenas before, after, and sometimes during, sporting events and concerts. At other events, a tailgating party can practically takes in the entire parking lot.
In some cases, a recurring tailgate party connected to a specific event can grow to develop a reputation that can rival that of the event itself. For these events with an established history of tailgating, the partygoers might arrive hours before the events scheduled start. Participants might bring miniature grills for barbecuing, and many pack ice-chests with their favorite libations and cold foods. As in one case, we choose to bring a RV to the event giving us access to a kitchen, refrigerator, and convenient bathroom.
A tailgate party is a great way to celebrate with friends as well as strangers that fast become friends. Some events don't allow tailgating on its premises, so be sure to check rules before deciding to tailgate at a specific event. Traditionally tailgating involves the consumption of alcoholic beverages such as beer or mixed drinks and the grilling of various meat products. It is wise to limit any alcohol use at a tailgate party, unless a designated driver is available for the drive home.
Tailgating foods runs the gamut from store-bought chips and dips to dry-rubbed grilled steaks to roasted pig. Popular tailgate party foods include picnic staples such as hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, and cold salads like coleslaw or potato salad. Serious tailgaters spare no expense when it comes to laying out a great fest. At one tailgating party in California wine country, our group decided to go high class by hiring a limousine with a professional chef. That was some party, with Champaign and prime rib
However, most tailgaters stick with the basics of a cooler and a small portable grill. If you really want to enjoy your tailgating experience, keep the menu simple. Try to do as much of the prep-work at home. Plan your menus according to the event, such as having easy pre-game dishes and post game dishes to serve while waiting for the traffic to clear out. Of course, a wonderful team spirited idea is to serve up foods with your favorite team colors.
Here are a couple of tailgating menus that I found delicious.
A New England NFL menu: Brats in beer, Crab Bisque, Grilled Corn on the Cob, coleslaw, assorted cookies and Beer
A Southern NASCAR menu: Buttermilk fried chicken, Salsa and chips, Baked beans, Broccoli slaw, Chocolate Pudding, and Sangria.
A California Super Bowl menu: Deep-Fried Turkey, Smoked Ribs, Buffalo Wings, Spinach Artichoke dip and chips, Salsa and chips, Potato Salad, Pasta Salad, Pound Cake and Bananas Foster, Cocktails, Wine and Beer.
