If you believe the tales of tipsy folks, tailgating and brats were practically made for each other.
At the first ever college football game, the story goes, spectators spent their pre-kickoff time grilling sausages at the "tail-end" of a horse.
Did that really happen? Who knows? Personally, we'd prefer to enjoy our grilled meats and lagers a safe distance away from the possibility of getting kicked in the face by a 900-pound brute animal.
But regardless of when the practice stuck, it's hard to argue that the tradition of football tailgating and devouring casing-laden beef and pork has long gone unchanged. These days, we've traded in the horses for Dodge Rams and the fire pits for electric generators, but at most tailgates across the country, you still can't throw a red Solo cup without hitting a hot dog of sorts _ along with the other staples of burgers, chili, wings and beer.
But if pigskin can evolve _ helmets are, uh, required now _ so can the pre-party. Since American football is no longer exclusively the product of the 50 states, why not add some international punch to the food and drink lineup? It's possible to sling surprising, even sophisticated parking lot provisions without the headache for you or the eye roll from the guy wearing horns for a hat. This grub can be made in mass, easily transported and reheated to perfection. And crowds will dig it.
Hey, no one loves a good brat and beer like us. But sometimes it's nice to have an option play.
