Super Bowl Sunday – It’s Not Just About Football     

Yes, Super Bowl Sunday is this weekend and we’re pretty excited. The defending champions, the Seattle Seahawks are playing the New England Patriots in Arizona. However, let’s be honest here, the biggest play is the food! The appetizers, chili, drinks, desserts, you name it – it’s the MVP. So don’t fumble the ball, instead take it up a notch and join in the fun at some of the best bars around or fake it until you make it by ordering a feast from your favorite local restaurant. Either way, you’ll come out a champion.

So you’re staying in… sometimes, the best place to watch the game is on your couch (or on someone else’s couch). The game is a lot better when you’re surrounded by an array of appetizers that will last you through all four quarters.

Kick Off

Get the party kicked off with a platter of mixed cheeses from The Cheese Cave in Red Bank. They’ll set you up with a full display of cheeses, charcuterie, baked Brie, and dips. While you’re there, be sure to add an order of their addicting Macaroni and Cheese and some sandwiCHEESES that will leave you wanting more.

Round out the kickoff with some shrimp cocktail platter from Schooner’s Fishery from fourth generation Belford fishermen or if you’re looking for a full seafood dinner, be sure to order the day boat scallops and clam strips. They even have dishes for those land lovers.

First Half

A football party isn’t complete until you supply your guests with a large platter of wings. The newly opened Hansel ‘N Griddle in Red Bank can also set you up with trays of their addictive jumbo wings that are fresh, never frozen, and cooked to crispy perfection. Add a platter of tater tots and a fresh veggie platter to make you feel better about all the food you’re eating!

If you’re feeling Mediterranean, Zoe Mediterranean Bistro in Little Silver can fill your guests up with classic appetizers like tomato bruschetta, hummus, tzatziki and ricotta stuffed mushrooms. They even have sushi platters to satisfy every guest’s taste!

Half Time

The game’s halfway through, so kick it up a notch by bringing out a huge tray of burritos, quesadillas and jalapeno poppers from Bubbakoo’s, with locations in Pt. Pleasant, Jackson, West Long Branch, Manasquan, Toms River, Bayville or Brick. Complement it with a tray of chips, guacamole, and house salsa, beans, and fried Oreos and you’re guests will be rooting for you instead of their team! Or, instead of going Southwestern, go Parisian! Add a little French flair to your Super Bowl party with Antoinette Boulangerie in Red Bank with a sandwich and cookie platter, the perfect snack for the second half.

What’s a superbowl party without pizza or a three foot sub? Dominick’s Pizzeria has you covered with specials featuring baked ziti, wings and a three foot sub, or pizza!

If you’re one who’s happier in the kitchen, head over to Monmouth Meats for the best cuts of meat and food platters in Red Bank. With options like grass fed organic beef rib eye steaks, and boneless Angus short ribs, it’s the place to get your grill on!

Second Half

Make sure the end of your party is just as exciting as the game! Lil Cutie Pops can make your party sweeter with a tray of cake bites shaped into footballs and helmets. Or, wow your guests with a custom Super Bowl cake from Sugarush in Red Bank! With options including confetti cakes, york peppermint patties toppings, and chocolate cream stuffing, why wouldn’t you want to cap off your night with that decadent concoction?

So you’re going out…if the idea of watching the big game on a screen any smaller than 50 inches sounds absolutely preposterous, we’ve got some places where you can watch every play while eating great food and delicious drinks – no clean up required.

If food is your issue, Eventide Grille Sea Bright is the place. They’ve got you covered with game day classics like soft pretzels, pizza, nachos, chili, and mini burgers. They’ve even got you covered with their spicy wings and the classic American hot dog. Or visit Harborside Grill in Atlantic Highlands for an assortment of wine, beer, and great food including 50-cent wings.

The big game means watching it on the big screen, and with 51” HDTVs and a powered up happy hour, Indulge Lounge & Food Bar in Long Branch makes sure you won’t miss a pass. If you’re looking for a place that’s going big, visit Tuscan Bistro & Bar in Toms River for 65” TVs, a special football menu, and drink specials. You can even booth a private room for your own Super Bowl party.

But if the thought of missing one play of the Super Bowl leaves you twitching, visit Bar Anticipation in Lake Como. With over 70 HD TVs in the house and specials on pints, bottles, and pitchers, you can make sure you’ll see every play and commercial no matter where you’re looking!

If you’re a little farther south, stop by with friends at Bum Rogers Crabhouse & Tavern in Seaside Park where you can watch the game on over 20 TVs while enjoying a seafood feast featuring housemade crab cakes and their hot and spicy crabs. Another option is Hemingway’s Café in Seaside Heights. With 25 HD TVs, two 10-foot projection screens, and free billards and darts, the fun will continue long after the Vince Lombardi Trophy is awarded.