Thinking about Tailgating

[ChefJim27]

I'm just contemplating what we can/will do for our team's tailgate events. At the USMNT/Cuba match, I was impressed with what the Screaming Eagles were able to do, both in menu and in organization. With less than 18 months until we get to cram Chester Stadium, I thought it's probably about time to start tailgate planning. Leading off, I have my first question to ask. What foods do you look foreward to at a tailgate bash, what dishes do you always pass over, and what are some of the more memorable things you have had at the pregame feast? Obviously, there are things that are a given, like Chuck's burgers, and things that are flatly impossible. ( Fries, Wings, and Philadelphia Athletic )

I'm just throwing this out there, so maybe I can get a few different ideas. I've got some things kicking around in my head, but I'd like to have some refined ideas, including preparations and pricing, when the time comes so we can all eat like Bolton and still put a few bucks of profit in the till.

[Z010 Union]

Staples: Dogs, Burgers, Chicken BBQ, and Pulled Pork (w/ different sauces - a Piedmont Vinegar based sauce and a Texas ketchup based sauce)

Chips

and Potluck Desserts

[sccaflagger74]

Brats or a random sausage type each game.

[OKTerrific]

Jamaican Beef Patties!!! :eek:

[Z010 Union]

Jamaican Beef Patties!!! :eek:

+1.

[ChefJim27]

I thought those patties, as well as that kick @ss jerk chicken were outstanding as well. Anyone think of any sure fire mine fields that made one not so happy? I'm still trying just to get a guesstimate of centers or sides, and how many options should be broken out. Was the DC t-gate of 3 hours a good standard timeframe, or was that long because of the event and its attendance?

[angryhugo]

I'm bringing ambrosia salad and green bean casserole

[ventur514]

......green bean casserole

oooo.....with the French's crunchy onion strips?

[angryhugo]

is there any other way? gotta keep it classy!

[KnightofNi]

i was thinking the standard hotdogs, burgers, and some form of chicken.

maybe make less burgers and dogs or make "fancy" burgers and dogs.

specialty stuff would prob be a good idea too. we can turn the day/night before the game into a party too while all the food is prepped.


another thing i was thinkign about recently is price.
one of kathy's friends runs a tailgate for the iggles games and charges around $20 a person. i know there are other tailgates taht charge over $30 a head. what do the screaming eagles charge?

another topic for another time, the guy gives all of the profit from the tailgate to charity. (his is fans helping fans) i think that is a superdeduper stellar idea.

[Riverplatephilly]

i was thinking the standard hotdogs, burgers, and some form of chicken.

maybe make less burgers and dogs or make "fancy" burgers and dogs.

specialty stuff would prob be a good idea too. we can turn the day/night before the game into a party too while all the food is prepped.


another thing i was thinkign about recently is price.
one of kathy's friends runs a tailgate for the iggles games and charges around $20 a person. i know there are other tailgates taht charge over $30 a head. what do the screaming eagles charge?

another topic for another time, the guy gives all of the profit from the tailgate to charity. (his is fans helping fans) i think that is a superdeduper stellar idea.

You got some good ideas here KnightsofKni, especially in these tough economic times the standard fare is always good.

Italian Sausage or Latin chorizo (Argentine preferably) work pretty well (and I think relatively economical, unless you go to a butcher and get the high grade stuff)

[angryhugo]

There is one thing that should be required for any SOB tailgate: some Jolly Franklin Ale

[ChefJim27]

There is one thing that should be required for any SOB tailgate: some Jolly Franklin Ale

Sorry, I'm in the yummy grubby treats department. For libational assistance, I think you need to speak to my associate, Lord Bolton.

BTW: I still am yet to try JFA. I heard it was pretty good.

Oh, sweet jesus! BEER AND FOOD PAIRING MENUS AT TAILGATES!

[SoB Bolton]

what do the screaming eagles charge?

$6 for members and $10 for non-members, all you can eat and drink, including some damn good kegs.

Economy of scale really ends up working in your favor...even with ice, chips, rolls, plates, water, etc. the US-Arg tailgate ended up costing like $3.25/person or so. Obviously we didn't get real fancy but it still worked out well. Hopefully we get a couple of big events next year so we can get some practice under our belts.

[ChefJim27]

$6 for members and $10 for non-members, all you can eat and drink, including some damn good kegs.

Economy of scale really ends up working in your favor...even with ice, chips, rolls, plates, water, etc. the US-Arg tailgate ended up costing like $3.25/person or so. Obviously we didn't get real fancy but it still worked out well. Hopefully we get a couple of big events next year so we can get some practice under our belts.

Have any USMNT schedules been set for '09? Perhaps we might co-ordinate with Harrisburg City for one of their matches, or maybe even any friendlies at the Linc. Once we have our schedules in place, I think we need to have a meeting to plan the first "dry run" I can help with most of the restaurant accounting including totals on what was bought, number of heads, what was sold, what was left over, what equipment was needed, and we can really get this thing to a point where we won't only have the best team, fans and stadium in MLS, we will be known as one of the premier "soccer experience" spots in North America.

[JamesTaylor]

Have any USMNT schedules been set for '09? Perhaps we might co-ordinate with Harrisburg City for one of their matches, or maybe even any friendlies at the Linc. Once we have our schedules in place, I think we need to have a meeting to plan the first "dry run" I can help with most of the restaurant accounting including totals on what was bought, number of heads, what was sold, what was left over, what equipment was needed, and we can really get this thing to a point where we won't only have the best team, fans and stadium in MLS, we will be known as one of the premier "soccer experience" spots in North America.

Cool. Thanks for the offer! A dry run at the HBurg City Islanders might be a good idea, provided we can get permission to use their lot.

[ChefJim27]

Cool. Thanks for the offer! A dry run at the HBurg City Islanders might be a good idea, provided we can get permission to use their lot.

Why wouldn't it be? We could give them a cut of the profit, either in cash for their supporters club, or as a donation in their name to either the Bernadine Center, or perhaps a local H-Burg charity they are involved in.

[SoB Bolton]

Cool. Thanks for the offer! A dry run at the HBurg City Islanders might be a good idea, provided we can get permission to use their lot.

And enough people to make it worthwhile.

[JamesTaylor]

And enough people to make it worthwhile.

True 'dat. I think planning a month or two out would help with this.

[TheScarfMachine]

We should have:

Dizzy Bats
Turkish Horseshoes
Cornholling
Some 'Call and Response' games
A "Shoot the boot" game (Where, if you mess up singing, you have to drink beer from one of Corey's game-used boots. Nasty, but really fun)
A "cash" bar, where people can buy shots for $1 a piece. Great for fundraising.
Foxy Boxing