Ah, the Super Bowl. There are the much-discussed commercials, the irreverent half-time shows and – of course – the game itself. More and more, though, the Super Bowl has become about the food. Let’s be honest: Do we ask ourselves what we’ll do at the Super Bowl party? Nah. The question is always, “What will we eat?”
Some of you might be surprised by this admission, but I throw a Super Bowl party nearly every year. Yes, I know, it’s weirdly true. I have no favorite team; in fact, I don’t really follow football. Truth be told, I’m somewhat perplexed by the reverence most everyone I know shows for the Super Bowl. But, the fact of the matter is I’m married to a guy who’s a huge sports fan and whose birthday almost always lands on Super Bowl Sunday.
This year, my husband celebrated a milestone birthday, so I decided we needed to nice up the noshing a notch (try saying that three times fast!). Enter Chef Jerrad McConnell of Ashley Catering by Mandango’s, who produced the most mouth-watering BBQ menu that presented a little bit of something for everyone:
Honey and Cilantro Slaw
__________
BBQ Pulled Pork
and
Garlic and Rosemary Grilled Sierra Steak
________
Grilled Corn on the Cob with Bacon Butter
Baked Three Beans with Ancho Honey BBQ
Roasted Baby Herbed Yukon Potatoes
Grilled Seasonal Vegetables
_______
Fresh corn muffins
He grilled the perfectly seasoned steaks so that they literally melted in the mouths of the birthday guests, who filed outdoors for seconds. The pulled pork was intensely flavorful and tender, and the corn on the cob – usually a summer treat – was an unexpected winter surprise. Tiny hands from the littlest birthday guests snatched corn muffins from a football-shaped dish, and the ladies in attendance scooped seemingly endless helpings of crisp salad, sweet coleslaw and seasoned grilled veggies.
I’m happy to report that the birthday boy could not have been more delighted – a spectacular game and delicious food – another perfect Super Bowl birthday.
Kris says
What a yummy sounding menu! Happy Birthday, CK!!
Melinda says
Looks delicious! Happy Birthday, CK ~ you’re not getting older, you’re getting better! 😉
David Mirasou says
Hey Maria, so fun to read about this while I’m in Vegas. Thanks so much for serving our wine and enjoying it with your friends and family. Cheers! DMM