The Super Bowl is coming up on Sunday. The game is between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. But for many of us, the real competition is between the snack table and the beer fridge. We implore you to not try to handle all the food needs of Super Bowl Sunday at the grocery store, since you’re worth more than your favorite dip. You’re worth more than the veggies you feverishly cut up right before Charlie Puth sings the Star Spangled Banner. Restaurants all over the Twin Cities are hurting right now, and there is no doubt that immigrant-owned restaurants are hurting even more. Throw some business to a great local restaurant and dive in. We recommend you pull up for air to take in the Bad Bunny performance, and then dive right back in for some third-quarter snacking!
One time, my friend had a classic taco box delivered to BlackStack Brewing while we were watching the Timberwolves thrive in the post-season, and it was the first time I thought I could die happy. Hamburguesas el Gordo serves three varieties of taco boxes. Classic, Nortena, and Quesabiria. I haven’t gotten the Birria version, but the other two are amazing. -Sean
Years ago, my friends started raving about a spot on Central Ave. that at the time was called Crescent Moon Bakery. They were raving about football-shaped pizza that was served with an addictive, tangy, green sauce that made Brasa’s green sauce look like a jar of Hellman’s with a sprig of cilantro on the side. And when I got it, I was absolutely floored. The pizzas were shaped like footballs, which can’t hide a bad-tasting pizza, but they didn’t have to try to hide anything because those pizzas were so flavorful and delicious. All the pizzas carry subtle Mediterranean flavors, and when you dip a slice into the green sauce, it’s a touchdown, game over, safety, or offsides. It’s some sort of football reference for sure. Soon, the football pizza became their calling card, and they changed the name of the restaurant to “Football Pizza” and now they have locations in Northeast, Eden Prairie, and Eagan. My jerk friend Chuck once brought a football pizza to a party where I already had pizza coming; he just wanted that football pizza, baby. Plus, my family doesn’t eat pork at home, and sometimes skipping the pepperoni on a pizza can be a bummer. But Football Pizza is all halal, so you can get beef pepperoni. Penalty kick! Blitz! Gridiron! It’s football pizza time, baby. -Sean
I’ve had it with your Pizza Luce slander, longtime Twin Cities residents. I understand that if you’ve lived in the Twin Cities for the past twenty years, you have probably been to at least 35 work events catered by Pizza Luce. Someone will say, “Can you believe this pizza has baked potato on it?” or “Have you tried the Athena, it’s a pizza but with artichokes on it?” and you will roll your eyes. I get it, you’re over it. Well, sorry that cool pizza has been around for a long time in Minnesota. But don’t get just pizza. The Focaccia Katerina is one of the Twin Cities’ greatest appetizers. The chicken wings are also great. I haven’t tried the Jamaican kind, but I’ve done my time with both buffalo and BBQ. Also, they don’t always have it, but if you see a specialty mushroom pizza on the menu, you absolutely have to get it. I am not a dude who typically likes a fancy mushroom pizza, but it won me over. -Sean
🍗 Bucket of Dill Pickle Fried Chicken from Bull’s Horn
In human history, no one has ever complained about a bucket of fried chicken. Maybe someone will say “you shouldn’t have” but the same person will be looking for a wet-wipe twenty minutes later. Fried chicken is amazing. Dill pickles are amazing. Why have they spent so much time in proximity without ever being in matrimony? Well, the Bull’s Horn in South Minneapolis is doing their part to get them together! There’s nothing better to bring to your Super Bowl gathering than a honking bucket of chicken. At Bull’s Horn, the bucket itself is also doing some honking; it’s a big, colorful bucket that immediately shouts, “It’s time for a chicken party!” And don’t worry, the dill flavor is subtle; it just gives a little tart anchor to expertly prepared fried chicken. -Sean (recommendation from Em Cassel of Racket)
🌮 Sopes from El Taco Riendo
It’s never the wrong time to support Central Avenue, but now is certainly the right time to support Central Ave. Central Ave. is one of the most active streets in the resistance of Operation Metro Surge, and restaurants up and down the stretch are struggling. El Taco Riendo is in the heart of it all, and like everywhere, sales are down. Let’s fix that. The sopes from El Taco Riendo are the perfect snack food, particularly for a Super Bowl gathering. Sopes are open-faced, thickish masa patties that are slightly hollowed out to leave a spot for your choice of protein, lettuce, cheese, and sauce. -Adam
Namaste India cuisine (Faheem Amini / courtesy Namaste India)
This might be rude, but I refuse to watch any sport that isn’t the Olympics. Therefore, in defiance of football food tradition, I’m going to suggest an order of Chicken Shahi Korma, Paneer Tikka Masala, and your fill of Peshwari Naan from the unmissable Namaste India in Arden Hills. The food is so delicious that it will distract you from the hundreds and hundreds of commercials you’ll be forced to watch at this horrible sports party! -Anna
