Killer 1 – The Kilgariff/Dumais tailgates are always epic on game day at The Heights.
For a lot of people, football season is about the game, but for me, it’s as much about the joy of gathering people together around food.
When people reflect on a great day at a football game, they usually don’t bring up third down conversions and how many rushing yards the Patriots had. They talk about the incredible food, the laughs, and the memories that were made before the opening kickoff.
That’s what great food has always done. It brings people together – so let’s make it happen for you.
We can certainly provide the barbecue – or any other theme you’re looking for – but what we’re really serving is an experience.
The biggest mistake I see people make with tailgating is trying to do too much themselves. They spend days shopping, prepping, cooking, transporting food, and worrying whether everything will stay warm. By the time kickoff arrives, they’re exhausted instead of enjoying themselves.
Instead, let someone else do the heavy lifting.
One of the reasons we expanded our catering program is because football season practically demands it. Whether you’re feeding ten people around a portable grill or fifty alumni gathering before a college game, we can build a menu that fits your crowd. From slow-smoked Texas-style brisket and chopped pork to smoked chicken wings, St. Louis ribs, pulled chicken, creamy mac and cheese, jalapeño slaw, baked beans, potato salad, and fresh salads, we’ve created options that travel well and satisfy hungry fans.
One group might prefer our signature sandwiches stacked high and ready to grab between conversations. Another may want chef-prepared sides, fresh deli favorites, or a combination that offers something for everyone. That’s the beauty of having a menu built around flexibility. Every gathering is a little different, and your food should reflect that.
If you’re hosting, here’s one piece of advice I always give people: think beyond the food itself. Create a place where people want to stay. Bring comfortable chairs. Set up a speaker with some music. Have a few games to keep kids entertained while the adults catch up. Tailgating is about creating an atmosphere where conversations happen naturally.
And don’t forget dessert! Trust me, people always remember dessert.
As a chef, I love experimenting with new flavors and techniques, but one thing has never changed. When the food is taken care of, everyone gets to relax, including the host, and a spot in the parking lot feels and smells like home.
As another football season kicks off, don’t spend your Saturday or Sunday worrying about smokers, ovens, coolers, or whether you made enough food. Tap into resources that can make your life easier and spend your time talking with old friends, meeting new ones, cheering on the Pats, and enjoying the kind of meal that turns an ordinary game day into something people will still be talking about long after the final whistle.
Think about it – if teams win because they have a solid game plan, shouldn’t you have a solid game plan for your tailgate to make it a winner? I’ll leave you with that. Let’s talk!
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