“When I feel that chill, smell that fresh cut grass

I’m back in my helmet, cleats, and shoulderpads

Standin’ in the huddle, listenin’ to the call

Fans goin’ crazy for the boys of fall.

  – Kenny Chesney – Boys of Fall – 

It’s that time of year again and with it comes one of the best smells in the world; the subtle nuances of various grilled meats mixed with the rich and earthy bouquet of fallen leaves, infused with the heartier malty notes of beer and parking lot asphalt! 

Mmmmmmmmm – it’s football tailgating season! – Pre-game party

Pre-game party

The “tailgate party,” is described as an outdoor party or picnic, typically held in the parking lot of sports stadiums, and served on the tailgates of cars and trucks. But the first tailgate party was held during the start of the Civil War, way before the invention of the automobile.  In 1861 civilians traveled from Washington, DC by horse and wagon to witness the first Battle of Bull Run. Loaded with picnic baskets of food and drink, they rooted for their “team” on the outskirts of the battlefield. 

It wasn’t until the 1869 football game between Rutgers and Princeton, which is considered the first organized American football game ever played, that the act of the pre-game celebration of the tailgating party would be introduced to competitive sports. It’s also one of the first sporting events that fans wore their team colors.

Today this tradition of team spirit is alive and well in stadium parking lots and fields around the country, especially here in New England.  Whether it’s at a Patriots or Revolution game or one of the many college campuses in the area, tailgating parties start hours before the coin is tossed, and often overshadow the actual games themselves.  Fans dress up and paint their faces, decorate tents and tables, play music, bring tvs and play games, and some don’t even have a ticket! But most importantly, the fans bring food … tons and tons of yummy food! 

And frankly, tailgating is ALL about the food.

So if you want to score big with your guests by hosting an amazing tailgating party, B & M Catering can help you. We will provide a wide variety of items to suit every football fan’s tastes.

Here is a list of some of our most popular tailgating dishes.

Clam Chowder and Cornbread

Chowders 

  • New England Clam, Red Clam, Fisherman’s, Corn
  • Crab Bisque

 Chilis and Stews

  • Vegetarian chili
  • Beef Chili
  • Chicken Sausage Gumbo
  • Beef Stew
tailgate-tailgating-foods


Appetizers

  • Teriyaki or Chicken Satay Skewers
  • Tomato Mozzarella Skewers
  • Chicken Wings (barbecue, buffalo)
  • Red Roasted Pepper and Ricotta Pinwheels

Meals

  • Pulled Pork 
  • Ribs
  • Steak Tips
  • Sausage and Onions
  • Vegetarian Jambalaya
  • Pasta Salad
  • Baked Mac~n~Cheese

If you want just a few dishes of prepared food to supplement your own special tailgating recipes, we can do that too!  We have a variety of options available for your convenience: 

  • Pick up at our kitchen – hot or cold
  • Delivery to your home or other location – hot or cold
  • Hot foods can keep warm in a cooler.
  • Other foods will come prepared ready to heat up on a small grill.

Hosting a football party at your home?

We offer great catered clambakes, barbecues, pig roasts and luaus, all cooked on site!  Full service options include:

  • All travel
  • Condiments
  • Grilles and other cooking equipment
  • Covered, skirted buffet tables
  • Trash cans, liners, trash removal
  • Liability and workman’s compensation insurance
  • Canopied cooking area
  • Plenty to eat!

Pre-game party B & M Catering can even provide bar services, making you the MVP of the day!

For more BBQ ideas or to customize your menu, contact our outdoor catering and cooking specialists, or view our BBQ page.   Also visit our tailgating board on pinterest for some sporty ideas!