September 4, 2021 / Jeff Robinson

Tailgate Tastes Showcases Indy Chefs Through GameDay Inspired Dishes

By Jeff Robinson

Few things pair together better than gathering with friends and family for a Saturday of football while enjoying inventive culinary creations. Walk the lot outside of any stadium and you’ll be seduced by the sweet smells of charcoal-fired meats. Under countless canopies you’ll find delicious dips and savory snacks to set a solid foundation for a day of cheering.

Talgate Tastes

In that spirit, the 2022 Indianapolis Host Committee is partnering with the Indiana Restaurant & Lodging Association to launch Tailgate Tastes. Each week a new chef will be charged with creating a unique tailgate dish inspired by the location of ESPN College GameDay. Every city and state has defining culinary traditions and selected chefs will be tasked with weaving elements from those destinations into their Tailgate Taste.

Week #1 kicks off with the ESPN crew broadcasting a battle between No. 3 Clemson and No.5 Georgia at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. To pay homage to the tar heel state, Chef Terry Anthony from The Block Bistro and Grill has developed Sweet Carolina BBQ Boomerangs. These grilled wings carry forward a uniquely Caroline vinegar zing and will be available on the menu at The Block through the championship game in January.

Sweet Carolina BBQ Boomerangs

Week #2 will see GameDay in Ames, IA, for the Iowa State vs. Iowa game. Tune in to see what Chef Sam Moehle from the Gallery Pastry Shop brings to the game.

The Indianapolis Host Committee invites everyone to follow along as these chefs flex their creativity week to week. They’ll be assigned a destination on Monday and will develop a unique recipe before kickoff the following Saturday. Visit all participating restaurants and get a taste of the championship for yourself.

Follow the host committee on Instagram @2022Indy to see the recipes go live each Saturday morning. @DevourIndianapolis is a supporting partner and will also be posting content in support of Tailgate Tastes.