There may be a few weeks before the trees get into their oranges and yellows but, for us, it’s already that time to pull on our favorite team’s colors and represent.  Win or lose, it’s always fun to partake in good food and good company.  Pre-gaming with some delicious bites can often be the best part of the game; at least everyone wins when there is something sizzling on the grill.  So, without further ado, it’s time to tailgate! 
 
You can score a sure touchdown by throwing Coastal Shrimp on the barbie.  The Coastal brand is Fortune Fish and Gourmet’s private label shrimp and comes in many different sizes.  We recommend the 16/20 tail-on option as the ideal grill size, but if you want to go bigger, we have them.  Coastal white shrimp offer a sweet flavor and the perfect crispy snap right off the grill.
 
If you really want to think outside the box, try your hand at grilling Oysters.  Oysters offer a much healthier option than traditional grill fare and can add an exciting twist to your menu.  They hold up to a multitude of toppings, from Co-op  Hot Sauce to creamed spinach, and they are ready in just a couple of minutes.  Consider Grilled Oysters as a protein packed snack alternative the next time you light the fires.
 
The Latest Scallop and Lobster reports are not reading overly positive.  The Scallop landings have trickled in the past weeks and most of the catch has been smaller sized meats.  The quality of the u10 size has been lacking, with too much breakage being reported, so you can expect pricing for the larger sized scallops to rise.  The water has not cooled just yet on the East Coast, retarding the Maine Lobster harvest.  We are still waiting for the Lobsters to get on the move, so expect the high prices to hover for another couple of weeks.
 
If you’re looking for a few standouts for grilled fish, try offering Swordfish, Albacore, Bigeye Tuna, or Ono.  These species offer tasty, firm-fleshed, healthy alternatives to keep you feeling light on your feet even after over-indulging.  If you really want to impress, try grilling whole fish options like Red Snapper, Grouper, Striped Bass, or Black Bass.  The whole fish will present nicely and impress your guests while bringing everyone together at the community table.  Seafood is a vital part of a winning game plan, so don’t miss the chance to seal the next W and walk-off a champion.

Gourmet Grab

Let’s dive into some of our gourmet offerings that will take your tailgate to the next level.

Tasty sandwiches will ensure a successful tailgate.  Lucky for you, we have the pre-sliced Prosciutto Americano and Prosciutto Speck Americano from La Quercia to accommodate your needs. Both are made from Berkshire heritage breed, pasture-raised, non-GMO pork.  Only the “culatello” hind muscle is used, meaning just the delicate meat is used for the 10-12 month curing process. Speck is the smoked twin to the Prosciutto Americano.  It’s smoked over real applewood, giving it a smoky aroma and rich flavor.

Looking to spice up that sandwich or a bratwurst? LocalFolks stone ground mustard is preservative-free and free of high fructose corn syrup.  This 200-year-old German recipe is lightly sweetened with a little honey and red bell peppers. Hot and spicy, a little bit goes a long way!

Lillie’s Q kettle potato chips are another must have for any pre-game antics. Inspired by the BBQ traditions that Chef Charlie McKenna grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, 5 flavors are available to please everyone in the crowd no matter what team they cheer for. Carolina Dirt chips are flavored with their Lille’s Q sugar-based BBQ sauce, while the Hot Pepper Vinegar is made with pickled hot peppers.  The Pimento chips are naturally flavored with the pride of the South (Pimento Cheese).  The Salt and Pepper flavored speak for themselves, and we have the Original available for any just looking for a good honest chip. With so many selections you may find yourself at a flavor crossroads, but don’t worry, you don’t have to eat just one.

No matter who you are rooting for, we have a variety of game day snacks ready for you and your customers.