Tailgating-The SEC, ACC and HBCU

Tailgatng Down South. Original painting by Olivia ThomasonPhoto byDown South Today

It’s the middle of Dog Days when every moment seems to be torture, and Major League Baseball season is just at the half-way point. But check out the magazine racks: the college football pre-season publications are out with rankings, pre-season predictions, lots of color and trivia and more than a little blarney.

What these stories lack is Tailgating, one of the real pleasures of football season. It’s deeply ingrained in the football culture, and offers an opportunity for some truly talented cooks and grillers to strut their stuff. And, it goes without saying that creative drinks are showcased along with wine, beer, soft drinks, lemonade and iced tea.

Over the past 15 years, we’ve visited the crowds outside legendary stadiums and broadcast, podcast, produced TV shows and written about this All-American feast. The focus has been on college and university members of the SEC, ACC, with occasional visits to attractive far away places like Notre Dame and Ohio State.

This year, we’ll continue our tradition but add some of the great feasts served at HBCU’s that dot the football landscape.

Recipes will be featured. Photos of those Gumbo’s, Ribs, Briskets, Casseroles, Stews, Biscuits, Pork Sandwiches, Wings, Cuban Sandwiches, Smoked Salmon, Coconut Cakes, Key Lime Pie will look even better alongside crafted Datil Bloody Mary’s, Jack Daniels, Daiquiris, and Juleps.

Local preferences really stand out at Tailgating. Many have been doing this through generations. New kids on the block bring real surprises.

One constant I’ve noticed through the years is the prevalence of sharing and good-will. Food will do that. At the picnic table, everyone is a winner!

We WELCOME your favorites throughout the season. Send special recipes, photos of revelry, decorations, and even dancing (outside LSU’s Tiger stadium, live music and dancing accompanies great food and drinks.)

Barbecue with the Bulldogs, enjoy a Grouper Burger in Tallahassee, load up on wings at Clemson, have a slab of ribs in Tuscaloosa, sip Jack ’N Coke outside Neyland Stadium, have another Cuban Sandwich before the ‘Canes kickoff, stuff yourself with Gumbo at LSU, devour grilled shrimp with the Gators in Gainesville and take time to enjoy chili dogs and onion rings at The Varsity before of after a Georgia Tech home game.

Educate us and we’ll spread the word. Toe will meet leather soon and it’s getting closer. Send those stories, special memories, photographs and recipes current and archived.