EDITOR'S NOTE: Intern Suzy is back!
Come Feb. 1, football season reaches its ultimate Super Bowl climax and that means I’m on it with an amped-up house party to match.
Party task number one: Feed the masses. Since there’s just no avoiding the stadium-style food cravings an event like this brings, restaurants and caterers around the city stock up with a massive supply of wings, chili, quesadillas, and plenty of chips and dip. So while the Cardinals and the Steelers battle it out on the field, the only reason for being in the kitchen is to grab another beer.
Matt Bishop of 1st & Fresh Catering says the host shouldn't miss out on anything, and we like the way he thinks. He’s prepared a special football fiesta menu, bringing all the food you need hot and fresh to your door (with silverware and plate necessities included). Menu items include beef chili, a nacho bar, sub sandwiches and five different dips, including caramelized onion with potato chips. Prices range $1.99 to $4.99 per person with a $50 minimum.
For a little fun and some extra fuel on the football fire, America’s Dog offers their rivaling hot dogs. Served within a classic Vienna hot dog cart, these dogs are themed after the rivaling football teams. Regardless of the game’s outcome, guests can battle it out for the winner of the best dog by choosing between the Pittsburgh dog (topped with chili and spicy mustard) and Arizona dog (chorizo, nacho cheese, tortilla strips and jalapenos) or go for the original Chicago dog. Orders include chips, one side item and a dessert tray. $6.95 per person. Cart rental deposit and rental fee may be required.
For lovers of Latin, Carnivale presents a takeout menu of Latin fusion dishes to spice up your party. In addition to snacking on guacamole with chips, you can also graze on signature dishes like Ropa Vieja, empanadas, as well as Spanish meats and cheeses. Dishes serve two to four people unless you customize your order for a larger party. Prices range $7 to $25.
The Goddess and Grocer will keep all your guests cheering with its full Super Bowl menu, including house-made dips and chips, bite-sized burgers, wings, brats, quesadillas and a variety of other finger-food munchies. And for a sugar overdose, order a tray of cookies or festive iced cupcakes. Orders can be picked up or delivered for an extra charge. Entrees serve 10-12 guests and range from $50 to $125. Orders must be placed by 3pm Jan. 30.
For a French-Vietnamese take on your party, Le Colonial replaces typical game day staples with four options of Vietnamese take-out packages at all different prices and sizes. The first, second, third and fourth quarter sampler platters range $50 to $200 and include different combinations of Bo Bia, Cha Gio, Goi Cuon, Suon Nuong and chicken fried rice.
Salad Spinners offers a variety of appetizer platters and beyond with the ultimate finger food for your bash. Spinners Sliders can be mixed and matched with your choice of Italian beef, BBQ beef and roast turkey for $2 each (minimum 12). You can also try their homemade chicken potpie sliders with a creamy filling of potato, leeks, peas, carrots and sweet onions baked in its own pie tin (minimum 8).
And Silver Cloud celebrates the big day by giving you more for your money. The Cary’em Out menu features favorite classic comfort food in large quantities to go. Walk out with their kick-off Jerk chicken skewers, sack’em Swedish meatballs, blitzing buffalo wings and finish off with their 4th quarter chocolate layer cake. Prices range $25 to $50 and serve parties 12 to 40 people.—Suzy McMillen
