Picture a typical, every Sunday kind of tailgate party. You know — the fun group drinking, baggo-playing and nacho-sharing kind of pre-game event that you (shamelessly) indulge in every weekend. It doesn’t get much better than that. Except, it does. Now imagine former New England Patriot Matt Light, some of Boston’s best chefs, and Mayor Menino, all at that pre-game event. This isn’t your neighbor’s tailgate.
On Sunday, November 10, Lovin’ Spoonfuls will host the third annual Ultimate Tailgate Party at Sam’s by the Waterfront. And all of the above mentioned Boston stars will be making an appearance at the event. Matt Light, former Patriot and three-time Super Bowl Champion will be tailgating along with Mayor Menino. And according to a release, the tailgating fundraiser ties in with Lovin’ Spoonfuls theme that “combatting hunger is a team sport.”
As for the food (a very important component), the event will include a special sneak peak into three new restaurants opening soon: Row 34, Alden & Harlow, and La Brasa. While the average tailgate finger foods typically come packaged and ready-made to pop in the microwave, this Ultimate Tailgate fare comes prepared by world class chefs. And as much as I love pigs in a blanket, this food prepared by top chefs takes the tailgating cake.
According to the release, an “all-star team of 17 of Boston’s premier chefs” will join the event “by cooking their own creative takes on their favorite tailgate food.” You’ll get to taste food prepared by the likes of Joanne Chang of Myers & Chang, Jeremy Sewall of Lineage, Row 34 and Island Creek Oyster Bar and Jamie Bissonnette of Coppa and Toro as well as Karen Akunowicz of Myers & Chang, Alex Sáenz of Lineage, Asia Mei of Sam’s, Jason Bond of Bondir, Colin Lynch of Menton and No. 9 Park, Mary Dumont of Harvest, Will Gilson of Puritan & Co., Louis DiBiccari of Tavern Road, Joe Cassinelli of Posto, Michael Scelfo of Alden & Harlow, Daniel Bojorquez of La Brasa, and Christine & Carla Pallotta from the newly re-opened Nebo.
Phew — that’s a mouthful. But enough chefs to convince me that my own cooking probably doesn’t match up to this tailgate fare. The event gets even better with a silent auction, a photo booth, beer and champagne (the list continues).
And the best part about this Ultimate Tailgate is that it helps Lovin’ Spoonfuls, a non-profit that collects fresh and healthy food and distributes it to local soup kitchens, homeless shelters and crisis centers throughout Boston. Which during the busy holiday season, is especially necessary and a great way for the community to give back.
One thing’s for sure the Ultimate Tailgate this weekend will hands-down be the biggest blowout of a tailgate Boston has seen in a while. And definitely food for thought as you prepare your own upcoming tailgate this month.
