
Tailgate is an American English word denoting the door or 'gate' at the back of a wagon, pickup truck, SUV or other similar type of vehicle that is hinged at the bottom and can be opened for the convenience in loading cargo into the rear of the vehicle. (Wikipedia)
Ever since we have been traveling, we have be “TAILGATING”, eating out of the back end of our personal mode of transportation. However, when we mention a “Tailgate Party”, it conjures up visions of sporting event parking lots and mini Weber grills. Guys and gals of all ages festooned in the colors of their favored team. Who hasn’t seen the purple and white painted faces of NU fans?
Tailgating has matured. They don’t always have to be at a sporting event. You can tailgate in your own backyard, concert lawn or beach to celebrate a friendship, birthday, graduation, engagement or even a wedding - from the simple picnic basket filled with homemade sandwiches and salads served on paper plates with lemonade and beer to linen covered tables with silver candelabra. The grill man serving up anything from hot dogs and burgers to steaks, grilled fish and kebobs. These wonderful entrees are accompanied by a wide variety of side dishes. Of course there is always lemonade and beer, but now we add our favorite Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The paper plates and plastic cutlery have paved the way for more upscale and “green” plastic, bamboo or china plates, often eaten with stainless or silver plated utensils. Let’s not forget that cloth napkins have their place in the setting as well!
Whether you are at the first game of the season or at home celebrating a milestone in life, you can tailgate for a fun, flavorful and memorable event.