Baseball? Preseason football? Your kid’s soccer tournament? Badminton?

It doesn’t matter. It’s tailgatin’ time all around the U.S.A.!

Wherever you live, whoever your team, we all have one thing in common – we need to cheer on our players and we need to eat.

Preferably at the same time.

Whether you’re actually set up out of the back of your truck or car or you’re in your living room or basement, the food has GOT to be right!

And this takes planning, my friends.

Portable grills are perfect for grilling steak in a parking lot. I’ve been known to dig in to the finest steaks in parking lots all around the country.

It’s about dedication, people.

So be sure to pack up the portable grill, a cooler full of steak and accompaniments and all your sides. Plates, napkins, beverages and trash bags are must-have also. Plus containers to transport the leftovers – if there are any.

So what are the best steak cuts for tailgating?

For us, it’s Kansas City Strips and Sirloin steaks, hands down. No question.

Why?

They’re hearty and meaty and perfect for creating Steak Sandwiches. For tailgating, sandwiches are king! Everybody can personalize their sandwich with their own choices – sauces, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, etc.

Delish!

Plus, the smell of steaks grilling is enough to get any fan riled up – whether it’s in the stadium lot or your own backyard. There’s just something in the smoke.

Maybe throw on some filets for the purists who prefer not to create a sandwich and just want the full steak experience.

I can appreciate that, too.

While you’re planning, take a look at these Tailgating Favorites including the all-important Steak Sandwiches, all-beef hot dogs, burgers, brats, brisket, ribs and more.

You’re sure to find some inspiration for creating the perfect tailgating experience for your crew. Go team!

Okay, I’m competitive.

And when I’m tailgating I want my tailgate experience to be better than the guy next to me.

I want to be the queen of the parking lot.

But you can have the greatest décor, fancy plates, perfect music –if your food doesn’t stand out you don’t stand a chance.

So….

I always have steakburgers and all-beef hot dogs. People love ‘em, kids love ‘em and they’re mainstays. But I like to keep it fresh with maybe some Top Sirloin sandwich steaks. You know, just to keep people on their toes. Expect the unexpected.

Then, I might offer some Wagyu steak. There’s no rule that says tailgating has to be low brow. Give the people what they want!

So while I’m grilling steak I like to glance over at people with their scary sausages and plastic cheese. Maybe they’ll take a page outta my book next time and really get serious.

Hey, a terrific tailgate is all about the food!

Are you a heavy-duty tailgater?

Then you probably have this tailgating thing down!

For the rest of us non-professionals, some tailgating hacks might be useful before heading out to cheer on your team – and eat like a champ!

Tip #1 – Prepare as much food as you can beforehand. You don’t want to spend ALL your tailgate time working away over a hot propane stove.

Tip #2 – Keep it simple. Do you really want a four-course meal with dijonnaise sauce and delicate fritters? No! You’re out in a parking lot for goodness’ sake. Try brisket. Ribs. Burgers. Steak. Bite-sized appetizers.

Tip #3 – Never, ever run out of food. We don’t want a brawl on our hands. Those fans get hungry!

Tip #4 – Since you will be following tip #3, make sure to bring a cooler specifically for leftovers. Tailgate food is great even the next day! But you have to store it properly so it will keep.

Tip #5 – Don’t make it so complicated that you won’t have time to have fun yourself. Try sides – and even meals – you can just heat and eat.

Have fun cheering on your team at your next tailgate party. And eat a rib for me!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.