Say goodbye to 2012 with a great Patriots tailgate (Credit, Angie Frissore)

What better way to say goodbye to 2012 than with some beloved Patriots football? Now that Patriots fans can rest easy knowing their team is headed to the playoffs, a festive celebration for the final regular season game could be the icing on this victorious cake. New Year’s falls on a Monday night, but get started early with some Sunday pre-game fun. Even though the team’s away in Miami this weekend, keep the spirits high in Boston with your tailgate party. Here are a few tips for throwing the ultimate New Year’s celebration at your Patriots tailgate.

Toasting with Champagne

Nothing screams New Year’s Eve like champagne. Make sure to have plenty on hand to cheers the Pats after every big play. Add a bit of orange juice to make some mimosas or just pop the top and begin pouring. Serve each drink in a champagne flute to create the full New Year’s effect. If you don’t want to pull out the nice glassware, there are more than enough options for disposable plastic flutes at party stores throughout the city.

Jazz up the Outfit

When you think of New Year’s Eve, glitter and sparkles immediately come to mind. Pats fans can don their regular tailgating garb, but a few simple additions will transform a regular football Sunday into an “Auld Lang Syne” extravaganza. Stock the party with accessories so everyone at the tailgate can look the festive part. Roll-on glitter is a great option for girls. Blue, silver and red show Pats pride, so stick to this color scheme. A quick touch-up to cheeks will have the fans sparkling with excitement. Both boys and girls can wear New Year’s hats. It is affordable to buy a bundle of these at any party supply store. Grab some in the Patriots colors to hand out before the game.

Decorate for the Ball Drop

Just to clarify, we’re not talking about the football drop. No one would ever wish that on Stevan Ridley. We’re talking about the New Year’s Eve ball drop. This end-of-the-year party is always paired with fun noisemakers. Set some out for fans to use while cheering. Confetti can be thrown around at every big play as well. Paper plates in the New Year’s theme are an easy and disposable party favor, along with red and blue solo cups for drinks. The Patriots have an exciting 2013 ahead and fans are eager to see how the first weeks of the new year unfold. Let’s hope they can keep up the momentum.

Cheers!

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.
Ashley Krebs is a freelance writer in Boston. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

New England tailgaters know how to cook (Credit, Angie Frissore)

The locals of New England know that if there’s one thing that people around here do right, it’s food. New England cuisine is a unique blend of culture, characterized by its use of seafood products such as lobster, clams and haddock. The history of the food dates back to New England’s earliest settlers, who brought upon the tradition of clam chowder, baked beans and oysters. The tradition is on full display at the tailgates of Gillette Stadium. For a person who’s spent any amount of time in Boston, they’ll surely find many of the smells of the lot in Foxboro to closely resemble Beantown’s most famed restaurants and hangout spots. Native tailgaters also put a spin on the use of deep fryers, stirring up fried shrimp, fried scallops and of course, Boston’s famed fried clams. Patriots’ tailgaters serve up almost anything and everything you can think of. Delish has even named Foxboro as one of the top tailgating cities in the U.S.

The New Englander

You’ll find this tailgater often making various types of seafood, whether it be fried, grilled, boiled or something else. Under their tent, things like fried clams, lobster rolls, crab cakes, clam chowder and scallops are on display. They’ll have sides of baked beans and there will be an occasional New England pot roast and jonnycake. You might even find one of New England’s many locally brewed lagers or ales.

The Traditionalist

This tailgater makes sure everyone has the staples: burgers and ice-cold beer. They might also throw in some hot dogs and sausage and peppers. Anything that’s quick and easy is on the menu, so that the focus is on the game and not the food.

The “Anything and Everything” 

Nothing phases this tailgater, as there isn’t a food he hasn’t touched. Every game, you’ll find something new on display. One week, their crew serves up the New England special, and the next you might find chili, burgers, chicken wings, sausage and peppers, subs, pulled pork or even steaks. Drinks are always different too. They’ll even serve up a nice, cold margarita in the middle of winter.

The “Anything Except Burgers and Dogs”

This tailgaters scoffs at the idea of the traditional burgers and dogs, making anything but. This team will strive to stand out, making tailgating one hell of an experience.

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.

Victoria Myers is a freelance writer covering all things Boston. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

Make game day better by staying safe (Credit, Angie Frissore)

After beating the Texans on Monday night 42-14, the Patriots stand as the top contender in the AFC East and second in the overall conference. This Sunday, Patriots fans will be watching as their favorite team faces the San Francisco 49ers for arguably the NFL’s top game of the season

Gillette Stadium has a capacity of more than 68,000 people, and it’s probably no secret that sports fans can get a little rowdy – especially when they’ve had too much to drink. The number of Patriots fans taken into custody for misconduct or intoxication has been relatively low this season, but certain situations can still push fans over the edge.

Just this past October, San Francisco’s Candlestick Park was the backdrop for ugly acts of fan violence after fans broke out into a parking lot brawl when the 49ers lost to New York 26-3. A month prior, Washington Redskins fans broke out into a brawl of the parking lot at FedEx Field.

Tailgating is a great way to show team spirit. Knowing how to stay safe while tailgating can ensure a good time and that no one gets hurt.

Don’t consume too much alcohol. According to Foxboro’s Police Chief Ed O’Leary, games that are held in colder weather typically result in fans drinking hard liquor rather than only beer. It comes as no surprise that higher alcohol content leads to quicker drunkenness and, subsequently, more extreme behavior. Drink responsibly and remember, less is more.

Don’t fight or taunt other fans. This should come as a no-brainer, but everybody is just out to have a good time. Don’t be vulgar or abusive towards others, and don’t make threatening remarks or gestures. “At the end of the day, we are all fans of the sport,” says the nonprofit group Fans Against Violence.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re safety is of concern or if you have a medical emergency, you can “flag down any one of the stadium security employees who are equipped with pagers that, with the push of a button, can signal for help.” Fans may also text an anonymous message to 508-928-3838 or text the word ‘CONDUCT’ to 78247 to automatically deploy a security team.

Prevent food poisoning. Invest in some well-insulated coolers and ice packs to keep your cold foods at their proper temperatures. Ideally, cold meats should be stored below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Store raw and cooked foods separately to prevent cross-contamination. That also goes for any utensils – don’t use the same fork to pick up something cooked as you did that raw steak. Pack your thermometer, too, to make sure meats have reached their ideal internal temperatures. Chicken should ideally be a minimum of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, while beef, lamb, pork and veal should rest at 135 degrees Fahrenheit.

Practice grill safety. Keep a watchful eye on your cooking methods. Make sure to check nozzles on propane grills to ensure there are no leaks or compromise to the tank. Watch for any grease overflow and never leave a deep fryer on high heat with the lid on, or it can overflow and even explode. Keep a fire extinguisher close by at all times.

Know where you can access first-aid. First-aid stations are located on both the east and west sides of midfield, as well as the main and upper concourses of Gillette Stadium.

Be prepared for New England weather. New England is known for its strong weather, especially during winter seasons. Be prepared for freezing temperatures, high winds and ample rain or heavy snowfall. Visit the bad weather survival guide for tailgating in New England.

Don’t drink and drive. Safety concerns don’t diminish once you leave the parking lot. Even if your last drink was several hours ago, you could still be feeling the effects. Designate a driver prior to heading to Gillette to make sure your ride home is just as safe as your game day was. You can register your driver with Gillette’s Designated Driver Program. Registered DD’s will receive “a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage and may also be eligible for entry in drawings for certain raffle prizes. The Designated Driver booths are located at the main entrance gates and at the 50-yard line customer service booths at the stadium.” If you don’t have a DD, consider using one of New England’s forms of public transportation.

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.

Victoria Myers is a freelance writer covering all things Boston. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

Make your own Patriots memories (Credit, Angie Frissore)

Tailgating is a time when fans can come together to celebrate, creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Tim Flynn has been tailgating at New England Patriots games from 1987 until present day. He says tailgating is more than a celebration – it’s also a time that keeps friendships alive and going strong. Here are five of his most epic tailgating moments.

December 7, 2003 – Patriots 12, Dolphins 0

Flynn remembers a winter game nine years ago that he describes as not so pleasant, but definitely worth it in the end. Tim recalls the game lasting for about three hours, and although he only lived 20 minutes from the stadium, it took him two hours longer than the game to get there. He arrived just in time to hear the “National Anthem,” only a day after New England weather had hit big with 28 inches of snowfall. Flynn calls it the “Snowball Game” for what he describes as the “magical celebration” that Pats fans had created with the snow that piled up in the stands. Every time the touchdown music blared, Pats fans would pick up snow and toss it into the air. Flynn says he might have spent five hours in traffic only to consume zero tailgating food and have snow piled up on the seats, but the holiday spirit was there. He recalls, “Everyone in the stadium felt it too.”

December 9, 2001 – Patriots 27, Browns 16

Tailgaters will likely all say the same thing – a grill is the most important tailgating item (aside from the actual food, of course). Flynn remembers 2001 as the year when on Father’s Day, his three daughters bought him the Grill-to-Go. He also remembers that year as the one in which he lost that very same grill. It was a great gift except for the plastic tank at one end which the grease drained into. “It had a little opening like the top of a water bottle. Somehow you were supposed to get the grease out of there,” Flynn says. But if there’s one thing tailgaters should know about grease, it’s that it solidifies very quickly upon cooling, so Flynn just let it build up over the weeks. By the week that the Pats faced the Browns, the plastic grease tank was filled. He says he remembers sitting in their tailgating chairs, drinking and watching the burgers cook, as they noticed a small flame rising out of the grease tank opening – it had caught fire! It didn’t phase Flynn and his crew, though. He remembers they joked about using it as a torch. When they packed up their tailgating equipment to head into the game, Tim realized he had forgotten to turn off the grill and it was still way too hot to pack into the trunk of his car. They decided to bury the grill in the snowbank in front of the car so that no one would steal it. Flynn says it was a great plan, except they decided to skip the post-game tailgate and head straight home. The next morning when cleaning supplies out of his car, he says he remembers saying to himself, “Where’s the Grill-to-Go?”

September 9, 2002 – Patriots 30, Steelers 14

Tim remembers another tailgating memory with much better weather than the above. He says it was the opening game of the season, 80 degrees with just a light breeze. The Pats had just won Super Bowl XXXVI the year prior. The parking lot was like Mardi Gras. “Fans shot off fireworks. Music blasted. People danced. The food was better and the drink was sweeter. We were the champs,” he recalls. That was also the year the new Gillette Stadium opened, so Tim remembers feeling like a kid on Christmas Eve. As they sat in their new seats, Section 109 at the 45-yard line, Tim and his tailgating crew watched as the championship banner was unveiled. He also remembers at one point of the game, during the fourth quarter, Queen’s “We Are the Champions” played over the stadium’s speakers and the whole crowd – 60,000 plus – began to sing along, even after the music stopped playing.

January 16, 2005 – Patriots 20, Colts 3

Flynn recalls a winter game in 2005 as one of the more memorable pre-game tailgates he’s ever had. Both teams were at the top of their divisions at the time so there was a lot at stake. There were about a dozen people in his tailgating crew, and their tailgating meal included everything from lamb and steaks to shrimp and sausage. They had a fire pit to keep them warm and a variety of cocktails, which Tim says help to do the same. During game time, Flynn recalls everyone in the stadium rising to their feet during the Colts’ first offensive play of the game and never sitting down – they stood and roared for nearly three hours of game play.

January 19, 2002 – Patriots 16, Raiders 13

Another winter game, this one in January of 2002, stands out to Tim Flynn as it was the last game ever played at Foxboro Stadium. Snow was in the forecast, but it was just a gray, snowless sky when Tim and his crew arrived around 4 p.m. After his tailgating team had their first drink in hand, flakes of snow started falling. Several inches of snow piled up in just a couple short hours of tailgating. He remembers large mounds of dirt in the parking lot from the nearby construction of the new Gillette Stadium, which had become covered in snow. Other tailgaters “were sledding down them, without sleds, like school kids on a snow day,” Flynn recalls. He says it was a great atmosphere, and once the game started, it only got better. The field was covered in three inches of snow, with only the yard lines having been cleared by leaf blowers. But the Pats won, in what Flynn says was “the first in what would be a decade of really good games.”

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.

Victoria Myers is a freelance writer covering all things Boston. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

Know your surroundings when tailgating at a Patroits game (Credit, Angie Frissore)

Once you’ve got a few rounds of drinks in you, it can get pretty tricky to navigate the bathrooms at Gillette Stadium if you don’t know where you’re going. But when you’ve gotta go, you’ve really gotta go! The good news is that bathrooms are plentiful at Gillette and they’re easily accessible throughout the parking lots, as well as inside the stadium and at Patriot Place.

Here are a few ground rules and tips to help ease your bladder:

1. “Though shall not pee in public.” This is one of the commandments of Patriots tailgating. While it’s an obvious one, some tailgaters might find it easier to sneak behind their car or truck, especially when they’ve got a good buzz going. This is really not advisable and can land you in some good trouble if you’re caught.

2. The key to a great tailgating experience is not having to worry about anything, including being confident about where the bathrooms are if you’re tailgating in the parking lot. Just go to the end of the row you’re parked in and you’re likely to find a porta potty. There are usually lines during the prime tailgating hours, but the wait shouldn’t be too long.

3. If you happen to be near Patriots Place, there are two main public restrooms that you can use. There are men’s and women’s restrooms located outside of the management office, in between Bar Louie and Skipjack’s. There is also a restroom downstairs, closer to the stadium, in the lobby of CBS Scene, which is near the Segway. The closer you get to the stadium, though, the more likely you’re going to have to wait in a line. Restaurants also have their own bathrooms, but chances are you won’t be able to use those unless you’re a patron.

4. Once you’re inside of the stadium, there are a huge number of public restrooms. Don’t confuse the bathroom exit for the entrance, though. Some patrons have been banned for life when Gillette security has caught them skipping the line by entering through the wrong door. If you’re lucky enough to be in one of Gillette’s 89 luxury suites, each are equipped with their own marbled bathrooms and personal attendants.

5. Have kids? No problem. Family restrooms are located on every level of the stadium and parents can rest assured that their little one’s pit stop will be easy. Nobody can get inside of these bathrooms unless they have a child with them, so there likely won’t be a long line.

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.

Victoria Myers is a freelance writer covering all things Boston. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

Patriots tailgater Mike Coty (Credit, Victoria Myers)

Patriots fans know how to do tailgating right. Hardcore Pats fans know that not everything is about the game. Game day is really about the whole experience. Sure, fans could just sit in the comfort of their own climate-controlled home instead of bothering to set up a grill and an elaborate buffet. But to these fans, it’s about having fun and both pre-game and post-game tailgates are a huge part of that. Tailgating is a long-standing American tradition and to these legendary Patriots fans, it’s much, much more.

For the past 16 years, Mike Coty has been traveling to Gillette Stadium all the way from his home in Gardiner, Maine. For some games, he has to leave as early as 5 a.m., but he’s come a long way from his first tailgate in 1996 when he drove by car. Now, this legendary tailgater has yellow goalposts sticking out of his pickup truck and a six-foot inflatable Patriots player standing on top of the truck bed. Coty remembered the first time he set up the homemade goalpost in 1998, now his fourth set since the previous three broke at one point or another, proclaiming other tailgaters had gathered in crowds to take pictures of his get-up and ask questions. He comes prepared with food, too, making a variety of dishes each time such as meatballs, chili and sometimes lobster.

With a synchronized setup and a staged order on the grill, Mike Young has dubbed his tailgating crew the Tailgater 2000 for more than 30 years. This crew’s setup is centered around Young’s bus, the “tailgaterV2,” which they say has been transformed into the ultimate Patriots machine. The bus features a 46-inch flatscreen television embedded into the wall inside and several amplifiers. Outside, Young has a 42-inch television under the tent and a 21-inch television near the two grills for the cooks. “Reverend” Gerry McCarthy says they’re the entertainment for all of the other tailgaters. Every game day, he stands on top of the bus leading over 100 people in the team prayer. This crew has come a long way since bringing just a few people in a pickup truck.

Billy Burrows and his Hot Rod Grill (Credit, Victoria Myers)

For 13 years, Billy Burrows has been traveling to Gillette Stadium with his crew of Lenny Macleod, Fred Macleod and Kevin Callahan. They also travel to the Patriots vs. Dolphins game every year, since Burrows’ son lives in the area. These guys have become pretty legendary due to their unique Hot Rod Grill that resembles a car engine. Burrows says they cook anything and everything on the grill. Most recently, Burrows and his crew were featured in Pepsi’s New England Patriots Anthems commercial.

What started out as roughly four people has turned into more than 100 hardcore Patriots tailgaters. Chef Marty O’Shea has been coming to Gillette Stadium for more than 10 years now grilling up lobster crab cakes, sausage and peppers, pulled pork, chili and barbecue chicken legs, just to name a few items off the menu.

Kathy Hall and her crew have travelled to every single game at Gillette Stadium for seven years, no matter the weather. She says they’re hardy New Englanders and they’re always prepared. Every week, her crew of roughly 10 people bring a big variety of food items. Like many other Pats fans, they’re into tailgating for the fun of it. Hall explained how tailgating is like a camaraderie. She described how connected everyone in the tailgating world is. She comments, “it’s like bringing your living room and your kitchen to a parking lot.”

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.

Victoria Myers is a freelance writer covering all things Boston. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

Spoil yourself with a Patriots party package (Credit, Angie Frissore)

If you want to put together the ultimate tailgating experience for you and your tailgating crew, look no further. When it comes to tailgating in Boston, the following party packages will leave you with lasting impressions of game day.

VIP Game Day Experience
(508) 384-4370
www.patriots.com

The New England Patriots usually only offer premium seating to those with “a long-term commitment or membership,” but they do have “a limited amount of VIP seating options on a per-game basis.” Each VIP experience includes a Patriots tailgate party at the Dana-Farber Field House, where you’ll likely meet Patriots Hall of Fame players and Patriots cheerleaders. You’ll also have a selection of food from some of the most notable vendors and caterers for an all-you-can-eat feast and top-shelf open bars. If you already have seats to the game, you can just add this VIP experience to your budget. If you don’t have a ticket, you can get one along the 50-yard line, but you’ll be throwing down at least a few thousand dollars.

All-Pro Celebrity Tailgate Party
(877) PATS-FAN
www.patriotstailgate.com

“Party with the big boys” at All-Pro Celebrity Tailgate Party where a unique football environment is offered to Patriots fans of all ages. Three great packages are offered: executive, VIP and ultimate. Starting at just $189 if you already have your ticket and up to $680 with a ticket included, you’ll be sure to experience the best tailgate party. Each package includes pre-game food and drink along with a meal and beverage after the game. As All-Pro says, “Try it once and you will want to come back again and again.”

The Bustonian
(866) GO-BUS-GO
www.bustonian.com

“Beer, burgers, steak tips, more beer, hot dogs, chili, beer… oh yeah, and football.” That sounds pretty perfect. Look to The Bustonian for a fantastic game-day party. Just keep in mind that including alcohol on the bus might not make it a family friendly outing. Starting at just $100 if you already have a ticket, you’ll get access to all you can eat both pre- and post-game. If you don’t have a ticket, The Bustonian will go above and beyond to get you one with just an extra fee.

Boston Party Tours “Game Day” Party Bus
(888) MASS-BUS
www.tailgate.bostonpartytours.com

Boston Party Tours promises to give you a game-day special like none other. They’ll pick your tailgating crew up (anywhere you are) and start the party on the way to Gillette Stadium. They’ll help to set up your pre-game festivities and can even help with supplies, or master the grill if you’d like them to. When the game is over, Boston Party Tours will be waiting for your return to celebrate post-game Patriots victory.

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.

Victoria Myers is a freelance writer covering all things Boston. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

Be a happy Patriots fan by planning accordingly (Credit, Angie Frissore)

Mother Nature hasn’t exactly been very nice to the northeastern United States recently, including New England. Hurricane Sandy devastated portions of the Northeast just weeks ago, causing millions to be without power, some to lose their homes and loved ones and leaving behind billions of dollars in damage. Now we’re being impacted by a Nor’easter, or what weather experts are referring to as Winter Storm Athena, with heavy snow, rainfall, strong winds and high tides.

Luckily, Patriots fans haven’t seen much of the worst this season. But New England is known for its strong winter weather, so it’s likely Pats fans will experience bad weather at least once as this season continues. However you feel about snow, Boston can get pretty brutal. No matter how long the winter lasts, spring is sure to follow. Until then, use these tips as part of your bad weather survival guide for Patriots tailgating.

You can expect to feel cold temperatures during the next few (and last few) months of the football season, some days even falling below freezing, along with ample rain and heavy snowfall. Foxboro’s average temperatures in November typically fall between 33 and 52 degrees Fahrenheit while December usually averages between 24 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit. The average amount of precipitation for both months is recorded to be around four and a half inches.

Bostonians dress smartly when it comes to winter weather; full winter gear is a must. If weather experts are predicting snow or rainfall on game day, you’ll definitely want to be wearing waterproof boots. If you’re one for using face paint, you might find it useful to waterproof that as well.

Ponchos are a good, lightweight and inexpensive option for weathering a storm. Unlike umbrellas, they can keep cooks’ hands free. Do use extra caution around those open flames, though.

Tents or canopies are a must for any Patriots tailgater who wants to survive New England’s winter weather. They can be quickly set up and can protect a fair amount of tailgaters underneath from sun, rain or snow. Foxboro winds can get gusty in the winter season, so if not secured properly, tents or canopies can and will fly away at times.

Tarps can be useful as an add-on item to one or several sides of your tent or canopy. They can provide added protection from debris and sideways snow or rainfall, which New England is known for. Tarps can also be handy for quickly covering tailgating gear such as grills, stereo speakers or chairs.

Since temperatures can get so cold, especially for night games, plan on bringing a few blankets to help keep each person in your party warm. It also never hurts to have hand and feet warmers handy.

It’s a good idea to plan in advance and bring the necessary supplies for bad-weather tailgating. Even if a storm isn’t in the forecast, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for those unexpected bits of rain and snowfall. That way, you won’t be scrambling for protection when a storm hits and you can truly just enjoy the game day.

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.

Victoria Myers is a freelance writer covering all things Boston. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

Fans show their Patriots pride (Credit: Angie Frissore)

Patriots fans are legendary as they mark their territory with giant flags and canopies. The food is as local as it gets, really bringing the Beantown culture to the tailgating scene, with things like lobster, clams, oysters, scallops and other fresh seafood, some of which the fans have even caught themselves. They barbecue fearlessly even in blinding snowfall and freezing rain. They arrive hours early with enough food to feed everyone and they continue for hours after the game is called.

Patriots fans really tailgate with the best they have, making it an enjoyable time for all. Tailgating at Gillette Stadium is a unique blend of local culture and American pride.

If you’re visiting the stadium for the first time, expecting to find the usual tailgates with beer coolers, wings and burgers, you’re in for a true surprise. But if you wear nothing but national colors, sport an American flag and cheer for the Pats, Foxboro will see you as one of their own. Take a look at some of those fans that stand above the rest as legends in New England.

Chef Marty O’Shea

His friends call him Chef Marty and he’s been involved in the Patriots tailgating scene for more than 10 years. What started out with roughly four people has turned into more than 100 hardcore Patriots fans cheering before, during and after the game. You’ll find Marty making things like lobster crab cakes, sausage and peppers, pulled pork, chili and barbecue chicken legs. But it’s a Patriots-only party, so if you’re not a fan, be sure to stay away from this rowdy crowd or expect some friendly trash talk.

Mr. Young

This legendary fan was the face of New England in the 1975 original version of the movie “Jaws” when he played the part of a local fisherman. You’ll find him wearing a custom Patriots jersey with number one on the front and “JAWS” on the back to make sure everyone knows who he is.

Tailgater 2000

This crew has one of the most organized tailgates at Gillette Stadium and these guys have been doing it for more than 15 years. They arrive early with a synchronized setup and a staged order on the grill – with strict rules against making ordinary burgers and dogs. The setup is centered around Mike Young’s bus, known as “the tailgaterV2,” which they say has been transformed into the ultimate Patriots machine. This group enjoys good food, lively music and great company, so feel free to drop by and say hello. You’ll find them in the mid-section of P-10. Just look for the large American flag.

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.

Victoria Myers is a freelance writer covering all things Boston. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

Ensure a great Patriots’ game day with proper planning (Credit: Angie Frissore)

When it comes to home games at Gillette Stadium, you’ve got a superb game-day experience packed with Patriots fans from all over New England, great tailgating, beautiful architecture and unobstructed views of the field. But make no doubt about it, knowing when to show up for pre-game festivities, how to avoid the slow process of stadium entry and how to plan your exit without getting stuck in traffic will make all the difference. That being said, here are some helpful tips to avoid feeling overwhelmed so you can just enjoy the experience.

Gillette Stadium is situated about 21 miles southwest of downtown Boston at 1 Patriot Place in Foxboro, Massachusetts. One could assume that driving to and from Gillette would be a breeze given its location outside of the metropolitan area. But this is a very, very wrong assumption. Essentially, there is only one road in and out of the stadium: Route 1 (northbound and southbound). Unfortunately, it’s generally backed up with bumper-to-bumper traffic for roughly 90 minutes before kickoff and for about the 90 minutes or so after the final whistle blows.

There are, however, multiple options for getting you to Route 1. The major routes are Interstate 95 (northbound and southbound) and Interstate 495 (northbound and southbound). If you’re thinking that these get pretty backed up, well, you’re right. Fortunately, there are a lot of back roads that can also get you to Route 1 and finding them is as simple as looking at a map. Be advised, though, that Foxboro does place a few local roads on traffic restriction before and after each game.

The best advice here is to leave with ample time to get to Gillette Stadium since traffic can really get snarled up and unfortunately, there are no road alternatives once you get yourself to Route 1. Arriving for your tailgate party four hours prior to kickoff (any sooner is prohibited) will not only ensure the best possible party location, but allow for extended party time, as well.

Expect to pay $40 for cars, motorcycles or small trucks. RVs and limos are $125, but you’ll pay a pretty penny of $200 if you’re bringing a bus. Gillette Stadium accepts cash only for their lots, so plan ahead.

Stadium gates for Patriots home games open about two hours prior to kickoff, so early tailgaters really do have the best advantage. The 30 minutes immediately prior to kickoff is the busiest period for stadium entry, so plan on heading to your seat before then. Remember to allow yourself plenty of time for entrance procedures such as security screening.

Fans can choose to enter and exit through one of three gates at Gillette: the northwest Bank of America Gate, north side Patriot Place Plaza or the southwest uBid.com Gate. Remember, once you leave, there is no re-entry.

Consider your exit strategy ahead of time to ensure little frustration, because things can get quite hectic. Since there is only one route in and out of the stadium, it’s advised that you take advantage of tailgating and stay for a little while past the game is called. Another great post-game idea is to visit Patriot Place to kill some time. Long-time Patriots fans know the first rule of thumb is never to leave the game early because it won’t be at any advantage. Stadium lots close for tailgating within two hours after the game ends, so by then, you’ll be dealing with much less traffic.

Gillette Stadium, the 68,756-seat home of the New England Patriots, has created quite a few memories in its relatively short time existing in the Boston sports landscape. Devising your plan for game day will ensure everyone remembers the good memories. It’ll also ensure that nobody is frustrated from standing in long crowds and sitting in backed-up traffic by the time you get home.

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.

Victoria Myers is a freelance writer covering all things Boston. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

Follow the 10 commandments of tailgating and have a great time at the Patriots game (Credit: Angie Frissore)

The hours leading up to the big Patriots home games at Gillette can be some of the most memorable of the whole day, besides the winning touchdown of course. By following the commandments of tailgating, it will ensure everyone is on time, prepared, in good spirits, safe and has the best time possible. A day at Gillette can be an expensive one but nothing beats the atmosphere of getting off the couch and into the stadium for live action. So stick to these rules for an all-around positive experience for you and your parking neighbors.

1. Remember to come ahead of time. As many hours ahead of the game as you can make it, head over to Gillette. This will help to stagger the cars and traffic situation but also allow you to have a better parking spot, and in turn more time to tailgate. Keep in mind it will take time to set up your area, make your food, get your buzz on and then clean up and get packed up to head into the game.

2. Thou shall come prepared. Don’t expect the driver to do everything to make tailgating a success. Whether your group loves a thermos of New England clam chowder with subs or instead grills up sausages with plenty of sides, make sure to divvy up who is bringing what food and drinks. There is plenty to bring aside from the grill, music and chairs like garbage bags, plates and napkins. The more prepared you are about who is in charge of providing the essentials, the more fun the tailgate will be.

3. Thou shall be a good sport. If you end up parked next to the opposing team’s fans, yes some good old-fashioned heckling might be in order but make Tom Brady and the gang proud by not letting things get too heated and keeping it light. Everyone is there to have a good time. Also, it’s pricey to go to a game, so it is necessary to act your age and not let things get too personal. Who knows? As luck could have it, inside the stadium you could run into people who were out tailgating so you don’t want any bad blood from the lots to come into Gillette before the game even starts.

4. Thou must stay out of trouble. A follow up to #3, there are security and police present at Gillette so its important to be a good sport and stay out of trouble. You don’t want to spend the game in the security office waiting for your ride to get out because of some fight you caused in the parking lot. So keep your cool, eat your burger and drink your beer with your buddies, but don’t go too wild or do anything inappropriate to the point that there are issues with the higher ups.

5. Honor the Patriots and show your pride. Bust out the face paint and throw on your favorite Gronkowski jersey because it’s game time! Let loose with decals on the car and then for inside the game, don the best Patriots gear available. Red or blue hats and sweatshirts should keep you warm but also show off your favorite team’s logo and colors. Make signs and do whatever you can to help build up the Patriots enthusiasm at the game.

6. Thou shall not take over your neighbor’s spot. Yes you will be bringing a ton of stuff for the tailgate, but that doesn’t mean you can creep into your neighbor’s area. Don’t forget, they have a lot of stuff too. Be conscientious and don’t blast your music over there’s or set up the bean bag toss right near their grill. There is plenty of room for everyone.

7. You shall not steal. When there are beers filling up your belly, sometimes judgment goes out the window. An ice and beer filled cooler is set up next to your parking spot with no one attending to it. What to do? Chances are the owners just went to take a quick walk or hit up the bathroom, so play nice and don’t take any of the food or beers left out in their area. You wouldn’t want that done to you and if they get back and notice anything missing, it might not be a pretty sight.

8. Thou shall not drink and drive. It is hard tailgating and not going overboard with drinks but it is important to eat the right amount of food and to pace out the drinks consumed if you are the driver. Load up on water and soda instead of the booze to stay out of trouble. You don’t want to get arrested, in an accident or risk the lives of your crew, let alone mess up your Patriots mobile. So keep the drinks to a minimum or skip the drinking for the day to make sure it is a safe and fun day for all.

9. Thou shall not pee in public. This may seem obvious, but when tailgating, you might find it easier to sneak behind a car or garbage can to take a whiz. After drinking a ton of beers, sodas or whatever the drink of choice is, it is inevitable that you will have to relieve yourself. But doing so in public would be completely unacceptable. There are plenty of porta-potties and public restrooms around the parking lots. Heck, some people even bring their own bathrooms! Might I remind you of rule #4?

10. Remember to explore. You will likely have everything you need for the perfect Patriots tailgate right at your car. But part of the fun of pre-gaming is getting out and seeing other spots too. Make new friends or see if you run into someone you know. Don’t be afraid to get in on a group drinking game if invited as you stroll by or to chat up someone wearing the same jersey as you. Checking out other tailgates will also give you good ideas to use at the next home game.

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.

Michelle Levine is a creative energetic, young professional that is passionate about everything Boston has to offer. She loves to attend local events, dine out, and cook and wants to share her findings with you. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

Whether the team’s home or away, Patriots fans can always have fun (Credit: Angie Frissore)

On game days when the New England Patriots are away like today, each and every neighborhood has something going on. TVs throughout the city will be tuned in at 1 p.m. for the big game with pitchers of beers flowing and American pub grub being consumed eagerly as fans cheer on their favorite team. If a road trip to Buffalo didn’t happen and you’re looking for a place to watch the Pats amongst other like-minded fans, look no further then these five spots. Perfect for today’s game or really any time the Patriots play and you don’t have tickets, the locations below are sure to beat out your couch.

McGreevy’s
911 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 262-0911
www.mcgreevysboston.com

Located in the Back Bay, McGreevy’s is making football viewing fun with weekly parties. Bartenders are armed with confetti launchers and attendees have the chance to win prizes when the Patriots score a touchdown. This spot has more than 15 HD TVs with surround sound and three bars to get your drink on. Best of all, the party is easy on your wallet. McGreevy’s offers $3 beers, $9 pitchers, 25-cent wings and delicious food from the brunch and dining menus. For groups of 15 people or more, McGreevy’s also hosts Patriots games in its VIP Players Lounge with reservations.

The Living Room
101 Atlantic Ave.
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 723-5101
www.thelivingroomboston.com

The Living Room in the North End offers an unbeatable deal during all NFL games on Sundays or Monday nights. It has ridiculously cheap beer with 35-cent jumbo wings in the lounge. Guests can make themselves at home on the couches, sit at tall tables or alongside the bar and watch one of the many TVs while enjoying some of the best wings Boston has to offer.

Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar & Grill
1265 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 236-7369
www.jerryremys.com

The Sox and Pats are both away Sunday afternoon, so why not watch both games simultaneously on one of the many TVs at Jerry Remy’s, just steps from Fenway Park near Kenmore Square? Both locations will be bumping since the food, drinks and numerous flat screens draw crowds any day of the week. If the sun is shining, guests can even enjoy the beer selection and watch the Patriots and other local teams from the spacious roof deck.

Stadium Sports Bar and Grill
232 Old Colony Ave.
South Boston, MA 02127
(617) 269-5100
www.stadiumbars.com

South Boston bar Stadium is a great place to watch the Patriots play on one of the 20 HD TVs. Play some pool pre or post game, sip hand-crafted beers and keep up on the scores of more than just the Pats since Stadium has the NFL Sunday Ticket. Affordable food options include pizza for around $10 or appetizers perfect for sharing like calamari or quesadillas for under $8.

Sports Grille Boston
132 Canal St.
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 367-9302
www.sportsgrilleboston.com

Also featuring NFL Sunday Ticket, visitors won’t have trouble viewing football games on one of the over 100 plasma televisions. Located just steps from the TD Garden in the West End area, it’s a low-key sports bar that even has patio seating. American pub grub fills the menu and there are over 25 beers on tap. Because of its location, it is great for pre and post Bruins or Celtics games, but it’s just as fun for watching a Patriots game when they are away or you can’t make it down to Gillette for a home game.

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.

Michelle Levine is a creative energetic, young professional that is passionate about everything Boston has to offer. She loves to attend local events, dine out, and cook and wants to share her findings with you. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

Carroll gives an update on how long owners can expect Matt Forte to be out, and what that means for Michael Bush owners.

Also, what are Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson’s status for Philly’s Week 2 meeting against Baltimore?

And what was Antonio Gates doing on injury reports this week? Will Carroll gives us all the dirt on all the fantasy injuries you need to know about!

Gillette Stadium Lots

If you are one of the lucky cars to claim a spot near the stadium, the Gillette Stadium website provides an outline of pricing. Parking rates are $40 for cars, $125 for limos (enter P1 N from north or P7 S from the south), $125 for RVs (enter P10 N from the north, enter P11 from the south), $200 for buses (enter P10 N from the north, enter P11 from the south) and $40 for motorcycles (one per space). Bring cash because it is the only payment option.

Tailgating is welcomed by license, four hours before kickoff, and is only allowed in designated areas. Keep in mind that fire pits or any form of open fires are not allowed. However, according to the Gillette Stadium web page, guests can cook up their favorite foods over fire-burning devices that are contained and can easily be transported in the event of an emergency. It is expected that the grill is supervised at all times to avoid any issues.

VIP Parking and Club Suites

Ticketed visitors who will be watching the game from a Gillette Stadium Luxury Suite have access to VIP parking. This option is also available to those who become Putnam Club members. Information about either option can be obtained by emailing VIPsales@patriots.com or calling (508) 384-4370.

Other Parking Lots

You can find parking at surrounding lots as well. Parkwhiz.com features guaranteed parking that you can schedule ahead of time. There are also plenty of options off Route 1 including Lafayette House on Washington Street. Other options abound right outside the stadium if you are willing to walk from nearby restaurants or residential neighborhoods. Check out streets including North Street, Beach Street and Mechanic Street if you don’t mind a short walk from residential areas where they allow 10 cars to park for a fee.

General Parking Tips

Try to carpool to avoid paying a hefty parking fee. Splitting the price multiple ways can easily keep the tailgating event on budget. Also, wear comfortable shoes because if you don’t get a spot right by the stadium, you’ll likely have to walk a mile or more to get to the game. It is also important to be patient. Even though Gillette is around 20 miles from Boston, traffic can make it a slow and steady ride to and from the games. Plan ahead and leave as early as you can to allow ample tailgating time. A great post-game idea is to visit Patriot Place to kill time and avoid sitting in traffic on the way home.

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.

Michelle Levine is a creative energetic, young professional that is passionate about everything Boston has to offer. She loves to attend local events, dine out, and cook and wants to share her findings with you. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

Photo Credit: Scott Boehm/Getty Images

Ah, tailgating… an American institution and a true display of what it means to be a fan. For the uninitiated, a tailgate is a party hosted out of a car, or pretty much anything else with wheels (not Segways… yet). Most tailgates take place around football games and involve grills, beer, games and other outdoor distractions. The common tailgater will hold the party before and after the game, with the exception of some boozy warriors who celebrate throughout the game as well.

Got the fundamentals down? Good. Because that’s the academic definition of tailgating. And the truth is that tailgating means so much more than just partying outside on game day.

You see, our favorite athletes give us a gift every season. They sacrifice themselves for the sake of our school or hometown pride, not to mention our entertainment. In turn, we pay back their sacrifice with $45 parking spaces, $170 jerseys, $18 beers, $115 tickets and multimillion dollar contracts by camping out near the stadium for every game, sometimes for days at a time. The physical sacrifice we endure before and after the game is a direct homage to their efforts during the game. In fact, sometimes it’s harder. Let’s see JaMarcus Russell try to cram down 15 hot dogs before running out on the field. Maybe that isn’t the best example, but you get the point.

Photo Credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Maybe I’m being too dramatic. Just tell that to the Buffalo faithful, who brave freezing temperatures outside each winter to chomp down one more wing before watching their team heroically race for 3^rd in the AFC East. Or to the Houston fans who are forced, against their better judgment, to down beer after beer to stay cool in the sweltering southern heat. Ladies and gentlemen, these are the true fans. They sacrifice themselves to show both support and pride for their teams.

BUT! Tailgates are also a direct reflection of hometown pride. Think about it: you can get burgers at any tailgate. But only in Gillette Stadium can you feast on some of the world’s best New England clam chowder while some big guy named Sully screams aggressive things about your mother. And in New Orleans? You can have your fill of etouffee and gumbo, all while trying to decipher what language the locals are speaking (spoiler: still English).

And finally, tailgating is all about community. You’ll understand when you see it firsthand: the parking lot laid out in front of you, the air thick and smoky from a small army of grills, music blaring and flags flying high. It’s like someone stitched together everyone’s backyard cookout like a quilt. And even though the days when we would ask a neighbor for a cup of sugar are long gone, at the tailgate, where everyone is gathered together in the name of fandom, the feast is shared among fan and foe alike.

I could describe tailgating to you all day and night. But experience trumps all. So, do yourself a favor this season: go out there and celebrate your town, team, region, college or community, and enjoy a publicly approved excuse to drink beer at 10:00 in the morning.

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going.

Stop in at the Man Cave, where the women are hot and the beer is cold.

Brian Cullen brings you the best tips and practices about tailgating all season at Tailgate Fan. Save him a brat, or follow him on Twitter @bucketcullen.

Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »

By Christine Hinrichs

After months of TV watching, countless cheers and upsets, and numerous football parties, the Super Bowl is finally here. And with the Patriots and the Giants meeting for their second Super Bowl matchup in the last few years, it’s sure to be a great game. I enjoy having Super Bowl parties, but what I really love is creating theme recipes. Here are two recipes, one for New York fans and one for Patriots fans, and both are easy to put together and are sure to impress your guests.
 
 
 
 
 
New England Chowder with Old Bay Croutons
(serves 6-8 as a regular entrée)
adapted from Epicurious

If you don’t like clams, feel free to omit the clams and then substitute vegetable stock for the clam juice. For a more festive feel, serve the chowder in shot glasses!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 ¼ pound canned clams, minced, juice reserved
• 2-3 cups clam juice OR 3 cups of vegetable stock
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• ½ cup frozen corn
• 2 cups half and half
• 1 tablespoon dry white wine
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 baguette, diced into 1-inch cubes
• 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2-3 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
   
  Directions:
  Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Combine the clam juice and juice from canned clams until you have 3 cups of liquid.

  In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the onion and cook until translucent and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the flour and cook over low heat, stirring, for another 2 minutes.

  Whisk in the clam juice, bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Add the thyme and 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning. Add the diced potatoes and simmer partially covered until the potatoes are tender.

  In a separate sauce pan, combine the minced clams and half and half and simmer until clams are cooked through. Once the potatoes are tender, add the clam mixture to the soup pot and the frozen corn. Simmer together for another few minutes. Stir in the wine and Worcestershire sauce, taste and adjust salt & pepper.

  Meanwhile, toss the cubed bread, olive oil, and Old Bay seasoning. Arrange the bread cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer. Bake until the bread is crisp but still has some give, about 5-8 minutes. Serve the chowder in small bowls or shot glasses and top each serving with Old Bay croutons.
  
  Christine Hinrichs is a vegetarian who loves everything related to food. She daydreams about recipes, frequents the local farmers’ markets, and reads cookbooks before bed. Read about her food adventures at ruminationsonfood.blogspot.com.
  

  Related Stories

  • Top 10 Tailgate Resolutions
  • Tailgate Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip
  • Big Game Party Recipe: New York Pretzel Bites With Spicy Cheese Sauce
  • The Super Bowl of Feasts
  • [Photos] Die Hard Fans Tailgating The NFL Playoffs

Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »

By Christian S. Kohl

The Super Bowl represents the lone day of the year where the best tailgate possible may well take place from the comforts of your own home as opposed to right outside the stadium. Ignoring the obvious problems of a difficult commute and wrangling space to tailgate among the droves of people, your on-site tailgate faces a logistical problem that your home tailgate will not: your car almost certainly not contain all the food you should be devouring on this magical day. The biggest day of the year unequivocally demands the biggest feast of the year.

Other major days of the year often involve the hearty consumption of food, such as Thanksgiving. As we all know though, such days often restrict the types of foods and sides you’re expected to prepare and consume. What makes Super Bowl Sunday consumption so glorious is not simply that you can eat all day long, from 3AM pregame coverage to the Lombardi presentation. What makes it the greatest feast day of them all is that there are no rules whatsoever, and absolutely anything goes.

Your spread can last as many courses as you want it to. You can start slow with appetizers like chips and salsa or nachos, working your way up to burgers, pizza, and ultimately dessert. You can barbecue all day and drop plate after plate of ribs, or pulled pork sandwiches on your kitchen tables for guests in one unending course until kickoff, then resume again at halftime. Desserts can be cakes and pies, or cookies and ice cream. Or you can very simply eat 300 wings a man and collapse in a ball midway through the second quarter.

Every player on the field has worked the entire year for this moment; it’s far and away the biggest day of the year. Such commitment requires celebration and food consumption on the part of NFL fans which matches their level of intensity. As a die-hard football fan, this is no doubt the biggest day of your year as well, and you simply cannot leave anything out there on the field. Even a person on a regimented and disciplined diet should break it for this one day. Take one day off from counting calories and count how many feet of the party sub you can ingest in four quarters. If you’re the tailgating chef, use every kitchen and grill resource you’ve got and use every last page of your playbook. You know Brady and Manning are going to air to out, and you absolutely should as well.

Whatever option you opt for, make sure it’s lasting and worthwhile. If there’s one thing everyone has realized about the Super Bowl, it’s that the Super Bowl is as much an event as it is a game. So as you assemble that menu for yourself, friends and guests, wherever in the world you might be, remember to make it an event everyone will remember for years to come. Tailgating champions don’t simply show up on Game Day. They prepare, and put in the work. Become that tailgating champion, at the game or at home. Harness the skills you’ve been developing all year, maximize your potential, and eat literally all that you can stomach.

Christian S. Kohl is a writer and filmmaker based in New York City. Find out more about him at DailySpew.com.

Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »

By Christine Hinrichs

After months of TV watching, countless cheers and upsets, and numerous football parties, the Super Bowl is finally here. And with the Patriots and the Giants meeting for their second Super Bowl matchup in the last few years, it’s sure to be a great game. I enjoy having Super Bowl parties, but what I really love is creating theme recipes. Here are two recipes, one for New York fans and one for Patriots fans, and both are easy to put together and are sure to impress your guests.
 
 
 
 
 
New York Pretzel Bites with Spicy Cheese Sauce
(makes about 100 small pretzel bites)
adapted from Alton Brown

Ingredients (pretzel bites):

• 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
• 1 yeast packet
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 4 ½ cups flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 10 cups of water
• 2/3 cup baking soda
• 1 egg lightly beaten with 1 tablespoon water
• Coarse salt or pretzel salt
• Cooking spray

 
Ingredients (cheese sauce):

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups half and half
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 – 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

 
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm water, yeast, sugar, and salt. Wait until the yeast mixture starts to foam, about 5 minutes. Then add the flour and melted butter and stir to combine as best you can. The dough will be firm, so use some muscle. Turn the dough out onto a flat surface and knead it until smooth, about 5 minutes. Spray the bowl lightly with cooking spray, then return the dough to the bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Place in a warm spot in your kitchen and let the dough rise for about an hour.

Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper, and spray the paper lightly with cooking spray. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.

In a large pot, combine the 10 cups of water and baking soda. Heat on high – you’ll need the water to be at a boil once you’re done working with the dough. Once the dough has risen, combine the 10 cups of water and baking soda in a large pot. Heat on high, and then turn back to the dough. Punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces (a pizza cutter works well for this). Roll out each piece into an 18-inch rope. Then using the pizza cutter, cut each rope into 1-inch squares of dough.

Once your water mixture has come to a boil add the dough pieces in batches – 12-14 – and leave them in the boiling water for about 15 seconds. Fish them out using a slotted spoon and place on the baking sheets lined with parchment. Continue until all of the dough pieces have been in the baking-soda bath.

Arrange the dough on the pans so there is space between each piece. Using a pastry brush, brush each dough bite with the egg wash. Then sprinkle the dough with salt to your liking. Bake the pretzel bites for about 14 minutes. Let cool for about five minutes before serving.

In the meantime, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Add the 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk to combine for about 1-2 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and slowly whisk in the half and half. Return the pan to medium-low heat and slowly add the cheese, jalapeño, and spices, whisking in a figure-8 pattern. Once the cheese has just melted, remove from heat.

Keep the cheese sauce in a microwave-safe container so it can be reheated as needed. Serve alongside the pretzel bites.
Christine Hinrichs is a vegetarian who loves everything related to food. She daydreams about recipes, frequents the local farmers’ markets, and reads cookbooks before bed. Read about her food adventures at ruminationsonfood.blogspot.com.


Related Stories

• Big Game Party Recipe: New England Chowder with Old Bay Croutons
• Top 10 Tailgate Resolutions
• Tailgate Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip
• The Super Bowl of Feasts
• [Photos] Tailgating At The NFL Playoffs

Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »


]]> http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/27/big-game-party-recipe-new-york-pretzel-bites-with-spicy-cheese-sauce/feed/ 0 http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/13/end-of-game-celebrations/ http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/13/end-of-game-celebrations/#comments Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:29:11 +0000 mreal197 http://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=230575 By: Christian S. Kohl We’ve all been there. You set aside an entire, glorious weekend day. Arrive at the stadium hours before game time and enjoy a spectacular tailgate as the sun reaches its highest […]]]>

By: Christian S. Kohl

We’ve all been there. You set aside an entire, glorious weekend day. Arrive at the stadium hours before game time and enjoy a spectacular tailgate as the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. Head into the stadium, cheer until you’re so hoarse you can no longer speak. Just a few short hours later, after thrilling victory or crushing defeat, there’s little else to do aside from returning to the parking lot, spending three hours moving a total of 200 feet, and nosing the car out of the parking lot before heading back home. Unless of course, when you find your car again after that draining and exhausting game, there’s another tailgate waiting there for you.

Think about it. A postgame tailgate. You’re going to be stuck in that line of cars for hours anyway. Besides, it feels like forever since your last meal. It was morning then, and the sun is setting now. For all intents and purposes, it’s dinner time, but it could be an eternity before you again find refreshments and food. Unless another magical spread is upon you as soon as you return.

The best part of the postgame tailgate is that it’s appropriate no matter what happened during the game. An epic and triumphant victory for your team demands celebration. A bitter and costly defeat requires comfort, and a forum to discuss all that needs to happen for the season to turn around. What better place for all of that than huddled around a barbecue next to your car as you’re cooking meat?

This particular form of tailgating requires a special kind of person, however. In order for this to be executed properly, you need a Tailgating Hero. You need a person in your crew who comes to the games for the food and the camaraderie, but doesn’t live and die with the outcome or the score. Someone who feels like they need to stretch their legs even after halftime ends, and is content to listen to the radio, or get the live reports when you all return. Because that person, the Tailgating Hero in your crew, can leave in the third quarter and fire everything back up again. If every single one of you is a die-hard, this may be nearly impossible to pull off. Just remember though. Rooting with all your strength for your team is about hope, and belief. For the postgame tailgate to appear, and appear without a hitch: all it takes is one person.

I advise that this particular form of celebration best take place if your crew can all arrive in a single car, as the maximum number of people can enjoy the liquid festivities postgame as well. I would further advise that if that same person who takes the bullet and volunteers to set up the postgame tailgate also holds the keys and drives home, something very special has happened in your life. You have found the Tailgating Hero. Maybe not the hero your tailgate deserves, but the one it needs right now. And if you’re ever looking to thank that person, don’t even bother getting them an apron. Thank your Hero properly, and buy him a cape. For he has made the impossible a reality, and allowed all that is great about game day to truly last the entire day.


Christian S. Kohl is a writer and filmmaker based in New York City. Find out more about him at DailySpew.com

Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »


]]> http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/13/end-of-game-celebrations/feed/ 0 http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/09/everyday-life-is-a-party-too/ http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/09/everyday-life-is-a-party-too/#comments Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:58:51 +0000 mreal197 http://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=228916 By Christian S. Kohl Fans come from far and wide to gather and tailgate for some of life’s most exciting events. What better way to savor the anticipation of a highly awaited game other than […]]]>

By Christian S. Kohl

Fans come from far and wide to gather and tailgate for some of life’s most exciting events. What better way to savor the anticipation of a highly awaited game other than with sumptuous food, ample beverages, and great company? After all, tailgating as an idea is all about making things better. In this case, making the very best of times simply that much more unforgettable. Yet, I humbly propose the notion that tailgating actually makes everything better, so much so that it very well may redeem even the most unpleasant or generic of moments in life.

Everyone hates going to the Motor Vehicle Bureau. Takes all day, line feels like it stretches on to eternity, generally about eight ways unpleasant. Not if you’re all tailgating it, though. Think about it: you and a few buddies decide to all renew your license on the same day, and throw a party out in the parking lot. All you need is one guy to hold your place in line, and you can all switch out as burgers come off the grill, or if someone needs a refill. You can instantly turn one of the most irritating errands of life into a quality flag football game and a fantastic time.

Girlfriend wants you to come along while she shops for shoes? Let’s turn this into a group event instead. Ladies, you go hunt for bargains on slingback pumps, and we’ll be out here in the lot. We’ll even have dinner served and ready to go for you when you come back. This way, everybody wins, instead of one of us dying a painful death watching your purse outside the fitting rooms, a place where time stands still and all hope perished decades prior.

Tailgating, as all true die-hards know, is an event in its own right. The amount of preparation and attention to detail requires it be done right means you don’t just throw a few items in a cooler and head out. This is an outdoor banquet with a dress code of jeans and hoodies, something we can all appreciate. This is a feast for the senses and great times enjoyed by all. I mean to take nothing away from the joy of the game itself. I simply intend to demonstrate accurately the glorious value of the tailgate, even by itself.

Need some electronics repaired and they won’t be available until the end of the day? Give them your cell and not your home phone; you’re glad to wait. Every time you go the doctor’s office for a routine physical, the waiting room is jammed and it takes them forever to call your name. It’s the absolute worst. …or is it?

Go out there and give it a shot. I offer this as a personal challenge to all of you out there, even the most hardened of skeptics. Faced with an endless wait and potential hours of agonizing monotony, head out into what would otherwise be a bleak and dreary reality. I challenge you all to see if there is in fact a situation that some lawn chairs, quality music, coolers of the good stuff and endless sides of perfectly prepared beef can’t fully redeem. Make it fun, and most of all, make it count.

Christian S. Kohl is a writer and filmmaker based in New York City. Find out more about him at dailyspew.com

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]]> http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/09/everyday-life-is-a-party-too/feed/ 0 http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/09/wild-card-weekends-hottest-cheerleaders/ http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/09/wild-card-weekends-hottest-cheerleaders/#comments Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:58:35 +0000 mreal197 http://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=228913 From Tebow to Manning, the gridiron was where the action was...or was it? Wild Card Weekend not only provided great matchups, but these hot cheerleaders too...]]>

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]]> http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/09/wild-card-weekends-hottest-cheerleaders/feed/ 0 http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/06/tailgating-for-the-whole-family/ http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/06/tailgating-for-the-whole-family/#comments Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:47:47 +0000 mreal197 http://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=228126 Tailgating is a time-honored tradition, handed down through the generations of fans who enjoy flame-kissed meat, coolers of beer, and outdoor parties just as much as they love rooting on their beloved teams. I mean […]]]>

Tailgating is a time-honored tradition, handed down through the generations of fans who enjoy flame-kissed meat, coolers of beer, and outdoor parties just as much as they love rooting on their beloved teams. I mean to take nothing away from such glorious experiences, and instead offer an opportunity to partake in them more often, and include everyone in the whole family.

In the interest of keeping the barbecue flames of tailgating burning for everyone, I’d like to suggest the following: sporting events at any level can be tailgated, and everyone can partake. After my high school football games, parents used to lay out a savory banquet for us. Not just brownies and desserts, we were treated to pound after pound of burgers and dogs, not to mention fall-off-the-bone fried chicken using a recipe one parent would make weekly from scratch. What better way to get everyone together: parents and players, teammates and friends, unite the whole community after a heroic win or tragic loss than unending mountains of delicious food?

The same idea works for tailgating your kid’s regional semifinal soccer match, or the last Little League game of the season which determines the regular season championship. In fact, the further away from professional ranks one gets, the more sense holding tailgates makes. Introductory levels of athletics these days are intended to introduce the kids to sports without heaping on the pressure of “winning is everything,” or exposing them to the dangers of full contact right away. To that end, the leagues are about more than just learning: they reinforce the idea of teamwork, friendship, and community.

At age seven, the purple team isn’t a sworn enemy; in fact, your next-door neighbor and best friend plays for the purple team. After three long periods of hockey at 7AM, or battling it out for six innings plus two extras on the local diamond, why not all get together afterward to share a few laughs and a hearty meal? Not to mention, with younger generations of players beginning to learn our greatest sports, a fantastic way to better understand them is often through conversation and story. Everyone, kids and parents, learn the rules faster, start talking strategy sooner, and may enjoy the game at a deeper level, all the while scarfing down the best food grills can offer. Tough to argue with that.

It goes without saying that tailgating for an event and its players should be age appropriate. Piecing together a spread for a rec or developmental league should probably contain water, soda, and juice in place of the NFL standards such as beer, and more beer. There may be more snack foods and sugar than homemade sauces and meat. The feast would take place after the game instead of before, but the concept remains the same. The idea of tailgating can be celebrated at every level of sports, not just elite college teams and the NFL. So give it a whirl, and let me know how it goes. Get the whole community out there warming up next to those barbecues, rooting on their hometown teams and the next generation of athletes. After all, a rock-solid tailgate simply makes the brutal losses that much easier to swallow, and the legendary victories that much more epic, and unforgettable.

Christian S. Kohl is a writer and filmmaker based in New York City. Find out more about him at DailySpew.com


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• Extending The Tailgate: Keeping Camaraderie Alive
• ‘Tis The Season For Sexy Santas
• Top 10 Tailgate Resolutions

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]]> http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/06/tailgating-for-the-whole-family/feed/ 0 http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/06/essential-playoff-tailgating-tips/ http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/06/essential-playoff-tailgating-tips/#comments Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:47:33 +0000 mreal197 http://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=228123 Your team made the playoffs. Congratulations. You scored tickets to the game? Well that deserves a celebration. As winter sets in, the NFL cookout staple of tailgating becomes as much about surviving as it does […]]]>

Your team made the playoffs. Congratulations. You scored tickets to the game? Well that deserves a celebration. As winter sets in, the NFL cookout staple of tailgating becomes as much about surviving as it does gorging. Sub-zero temperatures, wind and sobriety can be a devastating combination. Here are some tips for your winter weather tailgate:

Hot Beverages: Many hardcore tailgaters will stick by their beer of choice, but for those willing to adapt; a hot cider, hot cocoa with a nice shot of choice will both be appropriate to warm you up. While on the topic of hot liquids…

Soup and Stew: Yes, you’ll grill out, that’s a given. But heat up some soup and stew to add to your cornucopia of delightful choices. Stew is easy to disperse, and spoons are a much easier glove-used-utensil than forks and knives. Make sure you remember the essentials: Pot, ladle, bowls, etc.

Precook Your Food: Minimize time between packaging and mouth. Always a plus. Spending less time standing around and more time eating is a must.

Styrofoam Floor: I know it may sound crazy, but take it from a seasoned Kansas City Chiefs extreme-weather tailgater; if you can stow away some sheets of styrofoam next time you get a package, it will make a world of difference beneath your feat or folding chairs when its below zero outside.

Bring the Right Gear: Don’t get caught unable to light your grill in the cold wind. Frustrated fans will quickly abandon your tailgate for warmer pastures if things go south. Try an industrial lighter to get the job done, such as the Zippo Flex Neck Utility lighter to dominate the cold and wind. A regular lighter, if it even lights, may suffer at the hands of winter winds.

Game Ideas: Tossing around a football in the cold will quickly turn into tossing a frozen rock at each other’s face. Combine that with wearing bulky gloves and you have a Marsha Brady situation waiting to happen. Bags (cornhole, bean bags, bag toss, whatever you call it) is the premier cold weather tailgating game. Simply, you can hold a drink in your other hand, and you won’t embarrass yourself by showing off your Drew Brees (or more likely Ryan Leaf) throwing skills.

Enjoy Yourself: Sitting around talking about how cold it is will only make you feel colder. Talk about how great Aaron Rodgers is or how decent Matt Ryan is. Toss a football around for thirty seconds until your hand freezes. Just be happy you aren’t a Chiefs fan or a Colts fan or one of the dozens of other team’s fans sitting at home.

Tailgating is a time honored tradition in professional football, and is proven to help your home team win (actual results may vary). Making sure you’re prepared for the cold weather will enhance your tailgating time. If you do decide to brave the cold and paint your chest and go hat-less, then don’t cry. There’s no crying in tailgating.

Kyle Ayers is a writer for CBS Local and KorkedBats.com, as well as a stand up comedian living in New York, Earth.

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]]> http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/06/essential-playoff-tailgating-tips/feed/ 0 http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/extending-the-tailgate-keeping-camaraderie-alive/ http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/extending-the-tailgate-keeping-camaraderie-alive/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:08:54 +0000 mreal197 http://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=226657 By: Harrison Goo A few days ago, I wrote an article about the concept of “extending the tailgate.” If you didn’t see it yet, you can read it here. And while the feedback I received […]]]> By: Harrison Goo



(credit: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

A few days ago, I wrote an article about the concept of “extending the tailgate.” If you didn’t see it yet, you can read it here. And while the feedback I received was generally positive, I found that people always ended up wondering the same thing. Will the idea really work? Like many things that sound good in theory, (socialism, communism, democracy, etc.) concepts like “extending the tailgate” are only as good as the proof you offer for their success. And, after debating how best to quantify this proof, I thought it best to offer a few anecdotes from my past. For anonymity’s sake I have used pseudonyms for the people whose stories are retold here. I must admit that these will be drawn from their favorite players or teams. Thus, if you know them they will be easily identifiable…which makes reading their stories all that more humorous. And…if not…, well, I hope you can still find some humor in them as well.

The (Self-Proclaimed) Sports Gooru:
The first real tailgating experience that I can remember happened when I was 7. It was with my dad and his friends, sitting around a car eating a bento an hour or so before the game. Truthfully, it wasn’t all that great. My young age and lack of football knowledge saw this experience as little more than eating outside in a noisy, crowded parking lot. Even when we went into the stadium, I didn’t know any of the players and cheered only when those around me did. Luckily for me though, this was the last game of the 1992 season (the year Hawaii went 11-2 and made the Holiday Bowl), so there was a lot to cheer about.

That is not to say, however, that this scarred me from ever tailgating again. In fact it was quite the opposite. Tailgating became a way for me and my buddies from high school to get together. Once we went off to different colleges, having extended tailgates were the only times when we KNEW that we would be together (provided, of course, that Hawaii qualified for the Hawaii Bowl which happened on Christmas Eve, when we were all on break.)

My tailgate memories, however, are not all nostalgia and happiness. My worst drinking experience ever happened at a tailgate, a couple of years ago between my two alma maters (USC and UH.) I’m truthfully not much of a drinker, and made the fatal mistake that day of allowing someone else to mix my drinks. In any case, after about an hour of drinking games and (what I thought was) quite a bit of sweet tea vodka and beer, I retired to my car hot, tired and slightly sick. Big mistake. When I woke up a half an hour later I was more hot, more tired and more sick. Then, after getting up and walking around I felt my stomach churn and…well…yeah you can imagine the rest at your own risk. This was definitely not my proudest moment.

Extended tailgates though, have easily been some of the best experiences of my life. My favorite happened in June of 2005, the summer after UH beat up on Roddy White’s Alabama Birmingham team in the Hawaii Bowl and optimism for the upcoming season was high. At the time, Oceanic Cable (the cable service provider here in Hawaii), had just come out with a “UH Sports on Demand” package, making every UH game from the last 5 seasons available and viewable for a small fee. So we potlucked, gathered at “The Tank’s” house (prior to him officially becoming “the Tank” since we were underage at the time), and sat for hours in front of his TV reliving the glory games of the past few seasons (against Fresno State in 2001 and BYU in 2002, among others.) It was a great day.

AP (I Drink) All Day:
I think it was Hawaii’s 2009 season opener against Central Arkansas. Yeah, that was it. I, along with the “Denver Ewok”, decided we were going to go beer for beer with “The Tank”. Big mistake. A few beers turned into flip cup, which turned into 10 games of flip cup. Maybe it was 20? Who knows. I don’t even remember when it was that I stopped remembering. I do know that I started to regain my memory midway through the second quarter but it faded in and out until close to the end of the 4th. The final score? UH – 25, Division III Central Arkansas – 20. Guess I didn’t miss anything. Hmm, on second thought, maybe it would have been better if I forgot the game completely. (Reaches for a beer.)

After that, I don’t remember who UH was playing, but I know we managed to get together an epic game of flip cup…Punahou (high school) Alumni vs. The World with 13 people per team. Sadly, the build-up greatly exceeded the actual event. After the first guy we were neck and neck. Then we stalled on “Dez(ire more beer) Bryant”. And stalled. And stalled. And stalled. Soon 13 people from “The World” were finished and Dez was still trying to flip his cup. It was a sad, embarrassing day.

The best extended tailgate I can remember? Actually to tell you the truth, all the best ones I don’t remember. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m cool just hearing about em afterwards.

The (Shark) Tank:
All of the extended tailgates happen at my place which is sort of how it’s always been. Since I live in the most central location, we’ve been getting together here, tailgate or not, for the better part of the last two decades. And you know what? Each time its special. Enough can’t be said for having a great group of friends who always get along and always have a good time. I’ve been blessed. Absolutely blessed.

That being said, I have a ton of tailgating stories. But really the most important thing for you to know is that no one out-drinks me. No one. 25 shots in one night at a bar in Whistler says it all. As does the Keggerator in my house.

Andrew (Not Very Much) Luck:
My story is the same as the Gooru’s. Only I drank for an hour longer and threw up an hour earlier. I’m a lightweight and I’m not ashamed to admit it! Andrew Luck got robbed! STANFORD FOR LIFE!!! (Okay this last part I just made up.)

The one extended tailgate that jumps out to me happened in 2001. We were having a Superbowl party at “the Tank’s” house to watch the Baltimore Ravens play the New York Giants. Terrible game. Terrible and boring. So what did we do instead? Walked over to the park and got our own football game going. Are we athletes? No, not by a long shot. But we had a great time and in the end, that was the most important thing.

Antonio (Natural HI) Gates:
My first ever tailgating experience was in high school with Dez’s family, and it was also my real first exposure to a Jam session. His Grandpa was playing guitar, two guys were on the Ukulele and there was another on a washpan bass. The most incredible part was these 4 old-timers seemed to know the words and chords to every song I could think of. It was amazing.

As for extended tailgates, the random dinners at “the Tank’s” were something I’ve always cherished. It wasn’t even anything particularly fancy, we’d just set up a grill with beer, music, drinking games and, of course, more beer (cut to AP nodding in agreement). As we got older though, these gatherings became more and more important because they were just about the only times that we’d all get together, just to hang out. Once people started becoming busy with school or work, it was hard to just take a breath and meet up, so I’m glad that this tradition is something that has endured the test of time, so to speak.

LaDainian (Ring My Del) Tomlinson:
Tailgating has been a tradition in my family since before I can remember. I think my parents told me that even before I was born, they used to tailgate with their friends. Then my mom stopped going and we’d go shopping instead while my dad and brother tailgated with our friends. Then after awhile my brother wasn’t as interested in football anymore so he stopped going too. Just my dad was left.

It was about this time, however, that I started dating “AP” and began to develop an interest in the game again (mostly so I could beat him in our fantasy football league.) So when he’d tailgate or get together with his friends, I’d tag along. Not sure what this really means. Is this even really a tailgating story? Sorry if it’s not. But I guess my point is that tailgating is probably more than just the game right? It’s a chance for friends to get together and have a good time. At least that’s what I love about it.

The most important thing about all these stories, you see, is not just their content, but the emotions they elicit. No matter what happened, whether it was a drunken flip-cup fiasco, or a football game in the park between friends, all our activities can be looked back upon fondly. I guess what I’m trying to say is that, while I’ve described a set of recommended circumstances for extending your tailgate, it is by no means mandatory to follow them. The main thing for this type of tailgate it seems, is that it’s not just what you do, but who you do it with.

Harrison Goo is a contributor to CBS Local and the founder of the blog Sportsgooru.com. To contact him, email him at harrison@sportsgooru.com follow him on twitter at @sportsgooru.


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• Larry The Cable Guy’s Tailgating Tip #5
• [Photos] NFL Cheerleaders Are The Hottest And We Have Proof
• Tailgate Turf Wars: Pros and Cons of Location

Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »


]]> http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/extending-the-tailgate-keeping-camaraderie-alive/feed/ 0 http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgate-tip-5/ http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgate-tip-5/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:28:57 +0000 mreal197 http://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=226627 When you think tailgating, you think fried, sauced and meaty heaven, but there’s another important part of tailgating that you can’t forget – team spirit. I’m not talking pom-poms and high-kicks; you must have team […]]]>


(credit: TailgateFanChallenge.com)

When you think tailgating, you think fried, sauced and meaty heaven, but there’s another important part of tailgating that you can’t forget – team spirit. I’m not talking pom-poms and high-kicks; you must have team shirts, hats, signs and most of all, the attitude. Hold your head high like you’re one of the big guns running out of the locker room and onto that dewy field. I want to hear cheers, screaming and team chants. After a really good tailgate, you should wake up in the morning with no voice, a full belly and maybe a chicken bone or two in your glove compartment.

Now some folks can go extreme – I’m talking full body paint, crazy wigs, and once I even saw a dude in a cheerleader skirt! To each his own, but here’s some of my personal “don’ts” when it comes to team spirit:

• Full body paint on game day is one thing. Shaving your team’s logo in chest hair is another… good thing football season doesn’t overlap with beach weather.
• Do not choose permanent spray paint when “sprucing” up your car with team spirit; and do not try to convince your wife that now it’s the coolest car on the block.
• Keep it friendly, folks. You don’t want to be the one taunting the other side when that big guy in row F comes your way.
• As much as you wish you could run out onto the field to help score that winning touchdown… don’t do it. Trust me on this one.

Want more tailgating advice? I have full intentions on spreading this bit of wisdom and more as I visit football stadiums across the country with Prilosec OTC to search for the best of the best in “A Better Way to Tailgate” challenge. Enter HERE to win in one of three categories: 1). Food Served, 2). Tailgate Set-Up and 3). Team Spirit. All entries must include a tailgate photo. Note the “Food Served” category also requires a recipe submission. In addition to game day tickets, other prizes include the ultimate tailgate gear. To view the official contest rules, click here: www.tailgatechallenge.com.

Content for this article provided by Prilosec OTC.


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• [Photos] NFL Cheerleaders Are The Hottest And We Have Proof
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• Larry The Cable Guy’s Tailgating Tip #3

Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »


]]> http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgate-tip-5/feed/ 0 http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgate-tip-6/ http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgate-tip-6/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:28:40 +0000 mreal197 http://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=226624 Larry the Cable Guy here. As many of you know, I have quite the fashion sense. My idea of formal attire is a tuxedo t-shirt, and “dry clean only” is when I hang my clothes […]]]>


(credit: TailgateFanChallenge.com)

Larry the Cable Guy here. As many of you know, I have quite the fashion sense. My idea of formal attire is a tuxedo t-shirt, and “dry clean only” is when I hang my clothes out on the line in my backyard. But what I’m probably most known for (aside from my sparkling personality) is my lack of sleeves.

For me, sleeves are just a nuisance, especially when tailgating. I mean let’s be honest, sleeves are only going to end up covered in sauce. Save yourself the load of laundry and cut those suckers off, am I right? But if I’ve learned anything in my life, it’s never to be wasteful. Everything has a purpose in this world, and while sleeves don’t necessarily belong on my shirts, they can definitely do some good when you and your pals are chowing down before a game.

For instance, do you lady tailgaters ever get cold and not pack enough layers? Cut off sleeves make a nice pair of leg warmers. Ever have your car parked smack in the middle of the stadium lot with no real distinguishing landmarks? Stick those sleeves on a plastic pole…I bet no one else there will be able to say “our tent is the one with the flannel sleeves flag blowing in the breeze.” And after a successful tailgate, there’s always grease and gook on the tables and grills. Nothing like a strong, durable shirt sleeve to wipe those nice and clean so you can do it all again next Sunday.

Do you already use sleeves to accentuate your tailgate? How does your football fiesta stand out from all the others? I have full intentions on spreading this bit of wisdom and more as I visit football stadiums across the country with Prilosec OTC to search for the best of the best in “A Better Way to Tailgate” challenge. Enter HERE to win in one of three categories: 1). Food Served, 2). Tailgate Set-Up and 3). Team Spirit. All entries must include a tailgate photo. Note the “Food Served” category also requires a recipe submission. In addition to game day tickets, other prizes include the ultimate tailgate gear. To view the official contest rules, click here: TailgateFanChallenge.com. It doesn’t get better than that. Show us what you got!

Content for this article provided by Prilosec OTC.


Related Stories

• Top 10 Tailgate Resolutions
• Tailgate Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip
• Larry The Cable Guy’s Tailgating Tip #5
• [Photos] NFL Cheerleaders Are The Hottest And We Have Proof
• Tailgate Turf Wars: Pros and Cons of Location

Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »


]]> http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgate-tip-6/feed/ 0 http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/tailgate-recipe-purple-pride-pizza/ http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/tailgate-recipe-purple-pride-pizza/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:05:35 +0000 mreal197 http://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=226610 By: Christine Hinrichs It never hurts to serve a dish that represents your beloved team. To show your football pride, I suggest serving a homemade pizza complete with team-appropriate toppings. You can buy pre-made pizza […]]]> By: Christine Hinrichs



(credit: Christine Hinrichs)

It never hurts to serve a dish that represents your beloved team. To show your football pride, I suggest serving a homemade pizza complete with team-appropriate toppings. You can buy pre-made pizza dough at many markets around town, and a lot of pizza places will let you purchase some dough right from their shops. As for the toppings, be creative! Are you cheering for the Philadelphia Eagles? Top your pizza with sautéed onions and peppers, thin slices of steak, and provolone cheese. Hoping the Green Bay Packers win the game? Serve your party guests a four-cheese pizza, using whatever cheese strikes your fancy at the market. If you’re a Saints fan, try a Muffuletta-style pizza… the possibilities are endless. But I’m a Minnesota girl and all about the Purple Pride. So I put together a pizza recipe that is perfect for any Minnesota Vikings fan!

Purple Pride Pizza
Makes one 16-inch pizza

Ingredients
1 round of pre-made pizza dough
1 lb. purple potatoes, very thinly sliced into rounds
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, roughly chopped
1 cup (or more!), grated pecorino Romano cheese
2 teaspoons garlic salt or powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. Stretch or roll out the pizza dough until it measures about 16 inches across or it fits into your baking sheet in a rectangle shape. Place the dough on a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Brush the pizza dough with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the thin slices of potatoes on top of the dough in a single layer. Sprinkle the fresh rosemary on top of the potatoes and add the grated cheese on top. Sprinkle the garlic salt/powder on the crust portion of your pizza.

Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Eat, enjoy and Go Vikings!

Christine Hinrichs is a vegetarian who loves everything related to food. She daydreams about recipes, frequents the local farmers’ markets, and reads cookbooks before bed. Read about her food adventures at ruminationsonfood.blogspot.com.


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Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »


]]> http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/tailgate-recipe-purple-pride-pizza/feed/ 0 http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/tailgate-recipe-black-bean-corn-flautas-with-cilantro-lime-dip/ http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/tailgate-recipe-black-bean-corn-flautas-with-cilantro-lime-dip/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:05:21 +0000 mreal197 http://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=226607 By: Christine Hinrichs Try out this recipe for one of my favorite game-day appetizers: a zesty, filling dish that will keep the crowd happy. Black Bean Corn Flautas with Cilantro Lime Dip – makes about […]]]> By: Christine Hinrichs



(Photo credit: Thinkstock)

Try out this recipe for one of my favorite game-day appetizers: a zesty, filling dish that will keep the crowd happy. Black Bean Corn Flautas with Cilantro Lime Dip – makes about 30 flautas.

Ingredients
2 cups frozen corn
1 15oz can black beans, rinsed
2 cups Monterrey Jack cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
4 green onions, chopped fine
1 jalapeno, chopped fine
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder
Dash of cayenne pepper
Pinch of salt & pepper
1 package of wonton wrappers

Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Combine all of the ingredients (except the wrappers) in a large bowl. To assemble the flautas, place a tablespoon of the mixture onto one of the wonton wrappers. Roll tightly, and wet the edge of the wrapper with a bit of water, pressing to seal. Repeat until you are out of mixture or out of wrappers.

Place the flautas seam-side down on a cookie sheet that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Once all of the flautas are on the baking sheet, spray the tops with cooking spray. Bake until browned, about 15 minutes. Serve warm with salsa or cilantro lime dip (recipe follows).

For the Dipping Sauce
Makes about ½ cup of dipping sauce
Adapted from Big Girls Small Kitchen

Ingredients
4 ounces plain Greek yogurt
½ lime, zest & juice
Large handful of cilantro
2 garlic cloves, pushed through a garlic press or chopped fine
¼ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon cumin
Salt & pepper to taste

Directions
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse to combine. Serve cold alongside the flautas.

Christine Hinrichs is a vegetarian who loves everything related to food. She daydreams about recipes, frequents the local farmers’ markets, and reads cookbooks before bed. Read about her food adventures at ruminationsonfood.blogspot.com.


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• Tailgate Recipe: Purple Pride Pizza
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• Tailgate Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip
• Larry The Cable Guy’s Tailgating Tip #5
• [Photos] NFL Cheerleaders Are The Hottest And We Have Proof

Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »


]]> http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/01/03/tailgate-recipe-black-bean-corn-flautas-with-cilantro-lime-dip/feed/ 0 http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/12/19/extending-the-tailgate-theres-always-next-year/ http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/12/19/extending-the-tailgate-theres-always-next-year/#comments Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:48:12 +0000 mreal197 http://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=222382 If you’re like me, a fan of a middling team, with a middling coach, and some unsubstantiated but not totally unbelievable point shaving allegations, then your college football season is over. You’ve suffered through countless […]]]>


(credit: Rich Schultz /Getty Images)

If you’re like me, a fan of a middling team, with a middling coach, and some unsubstantiated but not totally unbelievable point shaving allegations, then your college football season is over. You’ve suffered through countless amounts of heartbreak and disappointment, and you’ve found yourself periodically questioning whether or not your fan-hood was strong enough to handle this type of emotional instability year after year (which, of course, it always is.) See, the thing with sports fans, or at least those masochistic enough to support a perennial loser, is that their best hope is always, always, next year’s hope.

The question then becomes, what is the most effective way to build on it? How do you (the fan), after yet another losing season, effectuate excitement when the future of your team seems utterly bleak? When, even after a 6-7 season, you can tell that most of your talent for the following year will be mediocre, or inexperienced, or, both? (yes, Greg McMackin, I am still bitter at you.)

Well, never fear, for I have a solution for you. Having been a University of Hawaii fan my entire life, I’ve had 26 years of experience nurturing (and maniacally rationalizing) the concept of “there’s always next year”. Case in point, in the last decade they have gone (mostly under June Jones): 10-3 | 9-4 | 8-4 | 5-7 | 11-2 | 12-0 | 7-6 | 6-7 | 10-3 and 6-7. Okay, I admit it, that’s not too bad. But let’s go back one more decade (closer to the beginning of my life.) In the eight years prior to hiring June Jones the team was: 4-7 | 11-2 | 6-6 | 3-5-1 | 4-8 | 2-10 | 3-9 and 0-12. So while I don’t intend for this to be a history lesson of the ups and downs of University of Hawaii football, I think it’s a great illustration of the wide swings generally experienced by fans of college football teams. One decade of dominant (okay maybe above-average) play here was preceded by a decade of getting dominated. One decade that produced some of the best talent the school has ever known (Colt Brennan and Davone Bess) was preceded by a decade that was best known for producing … a kicker (Jason Elam). What does all this mean? That I’ve spent a lot of time finding out the hard way that no matter how hopeless your team looks, if you stick around long enough, things always get better.

So, I’m happy to share with you today, my carefully developed and fool-proof method to enjoying an otherwise depressing offseason. A method that centers around one thing. Regular off-season tailgating! It cannot be stated frequently enough, that one of the single most important parts of college football is not just the game itself, but how it manages to bring people from all walks of life together. It follows then, that there is no better way of fostering hope for the future then by tailgating even after the season has long since ended. How do I know this? Well, quite simply, because I asked.
Chuck H., 25, Government Employee : “What gets me excited about college football during the offseason? Tailgating, because it’s a chance to hang out with friends and share (the team and the sport) that we love the most.”
Scott O., 25, Engineer: “”Tailgating is definitely something I look forward to because I go to these games not just as a fan, but also as someone who wants to hang out and eat good food with friends.”
Travis T., 26, Accountant: “There’s nothing better than gathering with your friends, eating, drinking and then watching the game.”

So, while this sample is quite small, their sentiments were echoed by just about everyone I asked (several of whom declined to be quoted here today.) After a few more discussions with people, some commonalities began to emerge.
Scott O.: “I’m also really excited to see who will step up and become a potential draft pick.”
Travis T.: “One of the things I always look forward to is seeing the potential of the team. Are they gonna be good this year or not?
Wade T., 25, Research Engineer: “What excites me the most about college football in the offseason? I like looking at the list of commitments/recruits. Having good recruits gives me a ton of optimism about the potential of the upcoming season.”
Mike T., 26, Med Student: “I really like reading about the recruits. Not only the ones that we are targeting, but also the local guys and seeing where they end up. Excited to see their potential growth.”

Don’t see it yet? In their own way, Scott, Travis, Wade and Mike were each excited about the same thing. The “potential” encased in the future. Potential and Hope are, after all, two of the most malleable emotions contained within a sports-fan. Why else would Oregon buy a billboard of Joey Harrington in Times Square? Or the University of Hawaii to make an hour long DVD about Colt Brennan? Heck, for that matter, why would Kim Kardashian marry Kris Humphries? Or Lane Kiffin seriously offers a scholarship to a 14 year old? The answer is simpler than you’d think. Each was a carefully calculated move to build people’s hope and potential for the future. For Oregon and Hawaii it was to get exposure for their respective candidate’s Heisman campaigns. For Kim it was to make more money, and continue her “fairytale” life in front of the camera. And for Lane Kiffin, it was to show exactly how serious he was about bringing talent to USC.

So how does all of this relate to offseason tailgating? Well, truly effective tailgating can be thought of as a Billboard, a DVD, a marriage and a scholarship offer all wrapped into one. That is, effectively extending a tailgate past the end of the regular season requires hype, highlights, stability, and hope for the future, all at the same time. See, an offseason tailgate full of desperate fans is like a gathering of a new set of hungry employees. They’ll believe whatever you tell them and they are starving for positive references. Thus, all it takes is one amazing run in practice (Dillon Baxter, circa USC 2010), or one amazing YouTube video (Leon Jackson, circa Hawaii 2006) to break open the dam of negativity and skepticism that was built up over the previous season. And, with the advent of large TV’s, watching these highlights has become easier than ever. So, whether you’re warm in Hawaii or freezing in Boise, Idaho, take some time after the college season is over to get together with your friends. Make it an “official” event (just like a fantasy football draft is) and mandate that everyone wear your team’s colors. Tell your girlfriend or wife its “therapy” or (best case scenario), if she’s a fan, bring her along. The beauty of extended tailgates is that they really don’t require a complicated mix of things. Good friends, good food, good highlights, good conversation and, most importantly, a good attitude. Can you see? Extended Tailgating; there’s nothing bad about it.

Harrison Goo is a contributor to CBS Local and the founder of the blog Sportsgooru.com. To contact him, email him at harrison@sportsgooru.com follow him on twitter at @sportsgooru.


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• Larry The Cable Guy’s Tailgating Tip #3
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Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »


]]> http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/12/19/extending-the-tailgate-theres-always-next-year/feed/ 0 http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/12/19/tailgate-recipe-beer-cheese-dip/ http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/12/19/tailgate-recipe-beer-cheese-dip/#comments Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:04:02 +0000 mreal197 http://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=222360 Love beer? Adore cheese? Then this flavorful dip is for you. We’ve got one of the most delicious pre-game eats to supplement (and make) your tailgate perfect. Beer Cheese Dip: Makes about 2 cups of […]]]>


(Photo Credit: Thinkstock)

Love beer? Adore cheese? Then this flavorful dip is for you. We’ve got one of the most delicious pre-game eats to supplement (and make) your tailgate perfect.

Beer Cheese Dip: Makes about 2 cups of cheese dip. Adapted from The Joy of Cooking

Ingredients
1 cup of good beer
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
8 ounces sharp cheddar, grated
3 ounces gruyere, grated or chopped into small pieces
1 ounce cream cheese, broken into pieces
¼ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
¼ tablespoon Dijon mustard

Directions
Heat the beer in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the water and cornstarch. Once the beer is warmed, add the cornstarch mixture and whisk together until thickened, about two minutes.

Add the cheeses about a half of a cup at a time, stirring in a figure-8 pattern with a wooden spoon. Once the cheese has melted, add another half of a cup, until you have added all of the cheese. Add the Worcestershire sauce and mustard, stirring to combine.

Serve the cheese dip hot with an assortment of bread cubes and vegetables. If you have a small crockpot, serve the cheese in that to keep it warm. Otherwise, put the dip in a microwave-safe bowl so you can re-heat as necessary.

Christine Hinrichs is a vegetarian who loves everything related to food. She daydreams about recipes, frequents the local farmers’ markets, and reads cookbooks before bed. Read about her food adventures at ruminationsonfood.blogspot.com.

Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »


]]> http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/12/19/tailgate-recipe-beer-cheese-dip/feed/ 0 http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/12/19/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgate-tip-4/ http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/12/19/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgate-tip-4/#comments Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:52:46 +0000 mreal197 http://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=222350 Hey, Larry the Cable Guy here. This go around, I want to talk to you about another important factor in your tailgate: team colors. When it comes to those two or three colors that represent […]]]>


(credit: TailgateFanChallenge.com)

Hey, Larry the Cable Guy here. This go around, I want to talk to you about another important factor in your tailgate: team colors. When it comes to those two or three colors that represent your team…the more you use them, the better.
Nothing beats being the envy of all others on game day. Here are a few tips to earn you those coveted bragging rights…which are almost as rewarding as your team winning the game itself!
• Team colors never go out of season. The more festive your tailgating site, the better.
• Bonus points for having someone in your crew dress up as the team mascot…but I would advise you not to bring an actual version of your mascots to the party.
• Anything inflatable always draws attention to a party. Balloons, giant inflatable football players, moon bounces…they all scream “You WISH you were at my tailgate.”
• They’ve got EVERYTHING in team colors nowadays. Cups, plates, napkins, tables…bring it all. Each utensil will leave your tailgate crew more and more amazed with every bite!
• Have you seen those branders that put your team’s logos on your steaks and burgers? Now THAT is some serious dedication. It’s great to feel like you’re supporting your team with every bite.

Now in order to make sure I’m ready to go on game day I have my secret tailgating strategy: Prilosec OTC. As a frequent heartburn sufferer, if I take Prilosec OTC once a day in the morning, I can rest assure that I’ll be heartburn-free for 24 hours*. That gives me plenty of time to show off my stand-out tailgate and enjoy the beauty that is football.

Is your tailgate already the talk of the parking lot? Prove it! I have full intentions on spreading this bit of wisdom and more as I visit football stadiums across the country with Prilosec OTC to search for the best of the best in “A Better Way to Tailgate” challenge. Enter HERE to win in one of three categories: 1). Food Served, 2). Tailgate Set-Up and 3). Team Spirit. All entries must include a tailgate photo. Note the “Food Served” category also requires a recipe submission. In addition to game day tickets, other prizes include the ultimate tailgate gear. To view the official contest rules, click here http://www.tailgatechallenge.com. So enter now, and I’ll check out how great your pigskin party really is! Show us what you’ve got!

*It’s possible while taking Prilosec OTC. Use as directed for 14 days to treat frequent heartburn. Do not take for more than 14 days or more often than every 4 months unless directed by a doctor. Not for immediate relief. This Tailgate Tip has been provided by Prilosec OTC.


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• Tailgate Turf Wars: Pros and Cons of Location
• Larry The Cable Guy’s Tailgating Tip #3
• Larry The Cable Guy’s Tip #1
• Grill Grrrl: Grilled Mini Caprese Pizzas

Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »


]]> http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/12/19/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgate-tip-4/feed/ 0 http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/12/08/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgating-tip-3/ http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/12/08/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgating-tip-3/#comments Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:09:50 +0000 mreal197 http://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=218668 Larry the Cable Guy here. It’s always important to stay protected on game days, whether you’re on the field with the pigskin, or in the lot roasting that oinker to perfection, and I don’t just […]]]>


(credit: TailgateFanChallenge.com)

Larry the Cable Guy here. It’s always important to stay protected on game days, whether you’re on the field with the pigskin, or in the lot roasting that oinker to perfection, and I don’t just mean potholders. My buddies and I have an epic tailgating story – a tale of teamwork, pride and the ultimate benefit of wearing a two-can helmet.

When you’re committing to a full day of hard tailgating work, you gotta stay hydrated for crucial grilling and chilling activity. A two-beverage helmet accessory is key to both your performance and physical appearance.

Now, one cold November day, my boys and I were circling the lot, looking for the perfect spot to set up shop, when we pulled into a space just as another group was too. Trucks facing head on, we got out to figure things out and claim our spot. Now, tailgaters are friendly folks and they like to have a little fun; so we decided to settle things with a little parking lot football scrimmage – winner got the primo lot spot.

After one hour of sweating it out for the prize, the score was neck and neck, and I was ready to finish this game and replenish the missing calories I had just burned with some beef, because I gotta keep my figure. I put it in high gear and sprinted with the ball to the end-zone to score the game winning touchdown. Only problem was, it’s tough to stop this body’s momentum, and I kept on going head first into the 10 foot tow-zone sign. Lucky for me, I had my two-can helmet on, which suffered a pole-shaped dent and the loss of about half a beverage. But that’s why you’ve got the second can, right?

Want to hear more about my tailgating style? I have full intentions on spreading this bit of wisdom and more as I visit football stadiums across the country with Prilosec OTC to search for the best of the best in “A Better Way to Tailgate” challenge. Enter HERE to win in one of three categories: 1). Food Served, 2). Tailgate Set-Up and 3). Team Spirit. All entries must include a tailgate photo. Note the “Food Served” category also requires a recipe submission. In addition to game day tickets, other prizes include the ultimate tailgate gear. To view the official contest rules, click here www.tailgatefanchallenge.com. So enter now, and I’ll check out how great your pigskin party really is!

This content has been provided by Prilosec OTC


Related Stories

• Tailgate Turf Wars: Pros and Cons of Location
• Larry The Cable Guy’s Tailgating Tip #2
• Larry The Cable Guy’s Tip #1
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• Grill Grrrl: Grilled Mini Caprese Pizzas

Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »


]]> http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/12/08/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgating-tip-3/feed/ 0 http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/12/08/tailgate-turf-wars-pros-cons-of-location/ http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/12/08/tailgate-turf-wars-pros-cons-of-location/#comments Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:01:21 +0000 mreal197 http://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=218659 For the modern football fanatic, there’s only one great turf debate left to take place. But forget about the grass (or lack thereof) on the field, because we’re not just talking football; on the contrary, […]]]>


(credit: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

For the modern football fanatic, there’s only one great turf debate left to take place. But forget about the grass (or lack thereof) on the field, because we’re not just talking football; on the contrary, we’re talking tailgating! And when it comes to places where great pre-game parties take place, it’s a turf war of words (unless you’re a Raiders fan, in which case it’s probably an actual gang war).

From the grass and asphalt outside your favorite stadium, to attached arena parking structures, to that seedy bar across the street from the game you can’t afford a ticket to, there’s a litany of environments to experience, each with its own up and downsides. Before you get sucked into yet another unexpected tailgate celebration, be sure to check out our list of turf pros and cons!

Is the Grass Really Greener?
You may not find too much green grass outside of an NFL game, but hit up any NCAA event and it’s a helluva lot more likely you’ll be trampling some good ol’ fashioned Kentucky Blue Grass.

PRO: As is the norm with former players who failed to do anything else thus far in their lives, the sight and smell of green grass will undoubtedly lead to them breaking out the ball and attempting to reclaim the former glory of tackle-football games long since forgotten.

CON: Even though Brett Favre probably isn’t one of your pals, and real life rarely turns into a sepia-tone Hanes commercial, it’s VERY possible that this alcohol-infused pick-up game could just morph into an excuse for you and your buds to text each other pictures you’ll later regret.

Gravel: A Lazy Man’s Lawn
Gravel?! Where the hell are you tailgating? The trailer park where my imaginary grandmother lives? Believe it or not, gravel is everywhere, including stadium parking lots across the country…

PRO: The ground might not showcase the same sense of gridiron grandeur as that of a grassy field, but gravel certainly tops asphalt. Plus, seemingly safer than the grass, a gravel lot is certainly more conducive to a gentleman’s exhibition of classic-style two-hand touch.

CON: Every game of two-hand touch ever played has always devolved into a tackle-laden, injury-causing battle of friends-turned-enemies. Fueled by cheap beer, cheaper insults and the cheapest of meats, this situation can only go awry. And gravel is totally to blame for the injuries.

You Can Kiss My Asphalt!
Tailgating on asphalt is a lot like wearing plastic underwear. Sure, you might black out and make a total mess. Thankfully though, you can easily grab a bucket of water and wash the mess clean.

PRO: Ever notice how people toss out apple cores and cigarette butts while driving on freeways? That’s because asphalt is a naturally trashy environment, second only to a landfill. It attracts all varieties of filth, but at a glance, still somehow retains a look of cleanliness.

CON: Look a little more closely at the ground just feet from the plate of food you’re holding… notice anything? It’s stained beyond any sight you’ve ever seen, more similar to that favorite pair of boxers from when you were 15 than the windows of a nice Catholic Church. Gross.

Top o’ the Structure to You
It doesn’t get more industrial than tailgating on the top level of a stadium parking structure. But that said, where else can you pre-game at such a high elevation? Nowhere! (Maybe Denver.)

PRO: If you’ve ever been to a great Mardi Gras celebration, you know how empowering it can feel to stand on a balcony high above the rigmarole as people look up and cheer, like you were some kind of king. Pre-gaming at the peak of a parking structure is quite similar.

CON: It will only take so long before some obnoxious drunk carelessly dumps a Weber full of smoldering coals down onto the dumpster area below, inevitably starting a six-story flame that leads to a full blown riot, which subsequently gets the very game you’re tailgating cancelled.

Taking the Sports Bar Exam
If you can’t afford a ticket, and want to soak your sorrows in suds, what better place could a person be than inside a sports bar next to the stadium, packed with people of the same ilk?

PRO: Cheap beer, free food, instant friends…there isn’t much more an excited fan could ask for on a game day than an amazing tailgate, sans the elements, cars, exhaust and all other negatives of a common tailgate experience. And it sure beats doing it alone in one’s own driveway too.

CON: Finding a way home from such a situation isn’t always the easiest thing. And let’s face it: if you don’t have enough money to pay for even the cheapest seats at a game, dropping drunken dollars on an errant, post-game cab ride probably won’t be too friendly for your wallet either.

Did we leave out your favorite turf or tailgate environment? Got your own pre-game story to tell? Let’s continue this social conversation in the comment board below!

Elijah Bates leads the creative department at CitizenGlobal, a social media company in Venice Beach. When he’s not working, or contributing Best Of and Mancave articles to CBS, you’ll find him surfing the California coast & evading stingrays like trips to the dentist.


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• Larry The Cable Guy’s Tailgating Tip #2
• Larry The Cable Guy’s Tip #1
• Grill Grrrl: Grilled Mini Caprese Pizzas

Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »


]]> http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/12/08/tailgate-turf-wars-pros-cons-of-location/feed/ 0 http://tailgatefan.cbslocal.com/photo-galleries/2011/11/29/auburn-vs-alabama-tailgating-at-the-iron-bowl/ http://tailgatefan.cbslocal.com/photo-galleries/2011/11/29/auburn-vs-alabama-tailgating-at-the-iron-bowl/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:10:43 +0000 mreal197 http://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=216602 ]]>

(credit: Drew Hoover/CBS Local Sports)


]]> http://tailgatefan.cbslocal.com/photo-galleries/2011/11/29/auburn-vs-alabama-tailgating-at-the-iron-bowl/feed/ 0 http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/12/02/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgating-tip-2/ http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/12/02/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgating-tip-2/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:54:53 +0000 mreal197 http://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=216595 You’re sitting at your tailgate, burger in one hand, beverage in the other, the sounds of jocks fighting to the finish in the background – what could be any better? One word – cheerleaders. Figure […]]]> You’re sitting at your tailgate, burger in one hand, beverage in the other, the sounds of jocks fighting to the finish in the background – what could be any better? One word – cheerleaders. Figure out how to get the ladies to join to your tailgate and you’ll feel like you made the game winning touchdown. Now I’m a good looking guy, so the ladies flock to me like a moth to a flame, but I know you guys need more advice, so listen here:

 

• Keep those dang low-fat chips, cut up veggies and pretty pink cupcakes on hand. When the girls have a hankering for a snack, you’ll be ready.
• Get a wingman on your side… and no, I don’t mean the guy with the best buffalo wings on the lot.
• Two keys to success – babies and puppies. Get those suckers to your party and let the cuteness take its course.
• Start practicing your cartwheels and handstands, because it’s time to fill in for the male cheerleader and help the ladies practice their fancy routines. But don’t even think of shaking those dog-gone pom-poms.
• 10 tailgater guys in 10 sleeveless shirts – you got yourself the makings for one good looking human pyramid.

The bigger and better your tailgate, the more new friends you’ll make. Make it count. Trust my advice now? I got more where that came from. I have full intentions on spreading this bit of wisdom and more as I visit football stadiums across the country with Prilosec OTC to search for the best of the best in “A Better Way to Tailgate” challenge. Enter HERE to win in one of three categories: 1). Food Served, 2). Tailgate Set-Up and 3). Team Spirit. All entries must include a tailgate photo. Note the “Food Served” category also requires a recipe submission. In addition to game day tickets, other prizes include the ultimate tailgate gear. To view the official contest rules, click here http://www.tailgatefanchallenge.com. So enter now, and I’ll check out how great your pigskin party really is!

This content has been provided by Prilosec OTC

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Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »


]]> http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/12/02/larry-the-cable-guys-tailgating-tip-2/feed/ 0 http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/12/02/grill-grrrl-recipe-grilled-mini-caprese-pizzas/ http://boston.cbslocal.com/2011/12/02/grill-grrrl-recipe-grilled-mini-caprese-pizzas/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:32:49 +0000 mreal197 http://boston.cbslocal.com/?p=216577 Pizza is not just for ovens anymore. The grill is a great place to do pizza because you get nice grate marks on the dough that adds a nice touch as the grill actually cooks […]]]> Pizza is not just for ovens anymore. The grill is a great place to do pizza because you get nice grate marks on the dough that adds a nice touch as the grill actually cooks the pizza dough.
These mini pizzas are easier to do because it is easier to flip multiple pizza dough disks than it is to do one gigantic piece of dough and also allows you to avoid “hot spots” on the grill that might burn the dough.

This recipe is great for tailgating as it requires minimal ingredients and everything can be prepped the night before.

Ingredients:

• One package refrigerated pizza dough (or you can make your own)
• Fresh Mozzarella cheese- cut into bite size pieces
• basil
• salt, pepper
• olive oil
• One-Two tomatoes

Directions:
Preheat grill to medium heat. Then, roll out the pizza dough on a flat surface. Using a small bowl or wide mouthed glass, cut the dough into small circles to make the mini pizzas. Roll leftover dough pieces together, flatten and repeat cutting into small circular cutouts.
Brush both sides of the dough with olive oil. Make sure your grill has been sprayed with non stick spray. Grill the dough until grate marks appear, about 5 minutes. Flip the dough, then, with recently grilled side up, add tomato slices, a piece of basil, and the mozzarella.
Grill for 5 minutes or until cheese has melted.
This recipe can easily be adapted for meatlovers with the addition of cappicola or pepperoni.

Robyn Lindars, aka “The Grill Girl”, writes about BBQ and Grilling on her site Grill Grrrl and hosts Womens Grilling Clinics to encourage women to learn the art of grilling.

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Start Your Party With Tailgate Fan »


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