You’ve been invited to a neighbor’s house for the big game. What do you bring?
Here are some of my favorite uniquely West Chester game day options from apps to beer to football cupcakes.
Shop Local: Game Day Snacks and Beverages
1. Carlino’s Dips and Bruschetta toasts
Carlino’s has a wide variety dips and cheese spreads from classic bruschetta and spinach and artichoke dip to port wine cheese and cheddar with horseradish.
Need more ideas? They have a whole game day menu.
2. Iron Hill Growler
Go with the Pig Iron Porter – this award winning porter brings the perfect richness for this time of year plus the ABV of 5.4% will make Monday much more doable if you decide to have more than one.
3. Levante Growler or Cans
Because you can never have enough good beer on game day. Try Cloudy and Cumbersome. This slightly citrus-y New England IPA is a crowd pleaser and ABV of 5.9% isn’t too bad for a Sunday. Of course if you start that Sunday at 10 a.m., you may be in trouble…
4. A Taste of Olive’s Buttery Popcorn
To make this you’ll need a jar of popcorn kernels (you can get these at Giant or Acme) and butter extra virgin olive oil from Taste of Olive. Pop corn ahead of time in a big brown paper bag, then toss with the oil or package together as a nice hostess gift.
Directions:
Pour a 1/4 cup of kernels in a brown paper bag. Use the popcorn setting on the microwave and wait for the popping to slow. (If you’re popping a party’s worth you’ll need to repeat a few times.) Add the oil and a little salt if you like. Shake. Delish.
The oil is a little pricey but you can get a whole jar of kernels cheap, so it all works out.
5. Side Bar’s Buffalo Wings
A Super Bowl party is not a Super Bowl party without wings. So may I suggest, Side Bar? I’m partial to their traditional Buffalo but if you don’t know your hosts that well, the peanut butter bacon jalapeno would make a great ice breaker.
Buffalo, Peanut Butter Bacon Jalapeno or Thai Chili $12 for an order of ten.
6. Football shaped cakes, cookies, and cupcakes from Yori’s Bakery
Win or lose, is there really any better way to end the game than with a sweet treat from Yori’s Bakery on Church Street? Ordering is available online but I would call if you want speciality items like football shaped cookies and I would hurry if you want them ready by game day!
What am I missing? Any local finds make it onto your Super Bowl menu?
Plus, heading downtown for the big game? Here’s where you’ll want to be.