By Nanette Wiser
On 2/11, Super Bowl LVIII will be played at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium, a first-time host city. It’s not too early to plan your party at home or one of the local sports bars featuring drink and food specials, giveaways, and guest appearances! Sea Dog Brewing Co. usually has a big-ticket raffle and lots of hoopla. On the beaches, Caddy’s, Crabby’s, Guilty Sea Sports Pub, The Wharf, Toasted Monkey and Slyce are popular with the locals. Check out downtown’s The Galley, Engine No. 9, Thirsty First, Old Northeast Tavern and Five Bucks Drinkery or Seminole’s Miller’s Ale House and Doc Ford’s in Jungle Prada.
What to serve at your home party? A crockpot of chili or sweet and sour meatballs prepared in advance so you can enjoy the game, and chafing dishes with cocktail franks, pulled pork for sliders and black beans and rice will keep fans roaring for more. You can order ahead and pick up from Pipo’s or Bayou Market & Catering to make it easy. Slyce pizza, Mexican fare from Grand Hacienda, Asian fare from Nori Thai or Basil Thai add international flair to the party. Create baskets of pre-bagged tasty treats such as M&Ms in your team’s colors or Sunshine City Popcorn’s gourmet sweet/salty delights, especially Sunshine City Smoke. Sweeten the deal with a buffet of mini dessert shots, cupcakes, and jello shooters.
Seafood and grilled shrimp skewers are always popular when entertaining a crowd. For the best smoked fish dips, order and pick up from Ted Peters, Nachman’s Seafood Market or Key West Seafood. You can get some expert tips and tricks from RumFish Grill’s Chef Jon Hilton on how to whip up seared scallops or ceviche on the restaurant’s new Get Hooked how-to video series. www.rumfishgrill.com/get-hooked-with-chef-hilton
EASY CHILI
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 15 oz. tomato sauce
- 15 oz. can kidney beans, drained
- 15 oz. can can chili beans, not drained
- 2 tablespoons chili powder, or to taste
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
Directions Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5-7 minutes. Stir in kidney beans, chili beans, and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil and stir in chili powder. Reduce heat to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with chopped onions and grated cheddar cheese. Keep warm in a crock pot.