Tailgate

My favorite Gettysburg Address

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I had totally planned that my next post would be about a Jimmy Buffet Concert Tailgate (you may recall, I posted about a Bruce Springsteen tailgate earlier). While I could go on and on about the tailgate itself, it wouldn’t have much to do about eating and boozing but rather more about my visual experience. Full disclosure, I am a Jimmy Buffet Concert novice. The friends I attended with had told me all along that I would see some outrageous stuff and that certainly was the case! From shirtless men sporting coconut bras (women too, but the men were far more comical) to a fake parrot on every other shoulder, a JB tailgate is not so about the food and drink, but more about a homage to the Key West/Tropical Island life style. Don’t get me wrong, tailgaters (to include my own crew) put on a perfectly delicious spread of Cheeseburgers in Paradise and Tequila in many forms (thanks Amanda and Bri-on for the Papaya Infused Tequila Shots!), but fussiness in the culinary realm is surely lacking….which is a good thing at a Buffet Concert.

Dessert at Sidney...Double Chocolate Cake, Milk Chocolate Mousse and Dark Chocolate Mini-Milkshake

Dessert at Sidney…Double Chocolate Cake, Milk Chocolate Mousse and Dark Chocolate Mini-Milkshake


Alas, I feel I must make this post about something near and dear to my heart…the fact that “we” have not one, but two choices in Central Pennsylvania to experience the great culinary artistry of Chef Neil Annis. Neil’s first location, Restaurant Sidney, in East Berlin Pa opened several years ago. Newer still, is Sidney at Willoughby Run in Gettysburg PA. I love them both, but must say that the Gettysburg location has an edge due to it’s small plate format. Our most recent visit not only provided us with a superb meal but gave me the opportunity to re-connect with Chef Neil who truly, truly appreciates support from those of us who reside in Central PA. Please come if you’ve never been before. Both locations will provide culinary experience that can be as informal or upscale as you’d like to make it….just check out the website. You’ll be glad you did!
My meal. Pork Loin and Herbed Spaetzel

My meal. Pork Loin and Herbed Spaetzel


My husband's meal. A beautiful fish dish.

My husband’s meal. A beautiful fish dish.

Who’s Tailgate was Boss?

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A Ladies Tailgate from Baltimore

A Ladies Tailgate from Baltimore

The Tailgate I attended

The Tailgate I attended

I went to the Bruce Springsteen Concert the other night. The tailgate prior to the concert became fodder for my next Blog post not to mention a perfect way to meet folks! When you think about it, a concert tailgate inherently is different from a sporting event tailgate. First off, everyone is cheering for the same team…in this case Bruce and the E Street Band! A Springsteen concert makes it even more interesting in that the age span at his concerts is huge. I saw parents who brought their 9 year old kids and I saw sweet couples in their seventies. My advanced age of 50 something was the median range which was just fine with me.

Likewise, the tailgates I visited were as varied as the concert attendees. I’ll admit up front, I only wandered a little ways down the lane we were parked in. Folks were just that friendly and more than willing to share their tailgating expertise so I didn’t get too far before it was time to pack up and get into the concert venue. Let me comment on the adult beverages of choice first….Beer, Wine and Vodka….in that order (my guess that order will change at the Jimmy Buffet concert. Margaritas anyone?). The tailgate I was actually part of (hosted by Tritty…Thanks) like many, included a grill. The entrée of choice like many other grilling tailgaters was Burgers and Brats. My Brat was fabulous and only made better with my one and only glass of Chardonnay.

Now time to see the world through the eyes of tailgaters in parking location 37-27! I stopped first to speak to Erin and 3 other female companions from the Baltimore area. Their Tailgate had an air of sophistication about it(shown above). As far as I’m concerned Brie, Boursin and hummus screams “I am strong, I am invincible, I am woman! To add an exclamation point to that fact, the ladies chose to include “Loose Cannon” at their tailgate- The flagship beer from Heavy Seas Brewery in Halethrope MD.

Next I stopped by a Cigar smoking, beer drinking tailgate. To my relief, I found after talking to Pattie from Hazelton there was indeed more substance to their tailgate in the form of Pizza and Tito’s Vodka.

Hands down the most impressive tailgate menu goes to Frank and Mario from New Jersey. I’m told they’ve actually been featured for their tailgating acumen previously at a Bon Jovi concert. When I visited, the only entrée on the grill was burgers, however I quickly was shown what came next….Marinated Shrimp and Beef Filet! These guys sported a full bar as well, encouraging especially the females to take a nip (thanks for the orange vodka shot, guys).

The night wrapped up with a amazing performance by the totally electrifying Bruce Springsteen. This was my 3rd Boss concert and probably the best although there was something missing…..prayforjackie.