HUT HUT HUT! It’s the Super Bowl this Sunday and whether you’re into pigskin tossing or not, the game is always about way more than just football. There’s the commercials (watch the teaser for Volkswagen’s “The Bark Side” here), the half-time show (yes, people are STILL talking about that 2004 nip slip) and, perhaps most importantly, the opportunity to consume as many guilty pleasure foods as possible.

So, with hungry bellies in mind, we’ve rounded up the top five food-oriented Super Bowl parties happening in the city for those going out, and five easy and delicious food recipes for those staying in.  

GOING OUT

Drake Supper Bowl

4 pm @ The Drake Underground, 1150 Queen St. W. (416-531-5042)

Two words: lobster nachos. They’ll be showing the game on mammoth, 20-foot HD screen. 

P&L Super Bowl

5 pm @ Parts & Labour, 1566 Queen St. W. (416-588-7750)

Their tailgate menu includes vegan chili fries, American-style double cheeseburgers, chili cheese fries, chicken wings and more. Multiple TVs for game watching.  

Zupa Bowl

5 pm @ Bier Markt, 600 King St. W. (416-862-1175)/58 The Esplanade (416-862-7575)/7 O’Neill Rd. (416-862-7075)

In the spirit of Oktoberfest, they’ll be serving a suckling pig at halftime alongside a special event day menu and Stiegl Bier sampling.

The Chowder Bowl Playoffs

5 pm @ The Céilí Cottage, 1301 Queen St. E. (416-406-1301)

The Sausage Partners are taking on Céilí to see whose clam chowder reigns supreme. Each bowl is $7, with proceeds going to the Gilchrist-Canavan School of Irish Dance.

Real Sports Bar & Grill

15 York St. (416-815-7325)

Considering ESPN voted it North America’s Best Sports Bar, you can bet Real Sports Bar is going to be packed for Super Bowl. The 199 flat screens and two story HDTV are the real draw, but menu items like cheeseburger sliders, chicken wings and nachos are sure to satisfy your appetite.  

Super Bowl Sunday at Clinton’s!

@ Clinton’s, 693 Bloor St. W.

Cheap wings, cheap PBR, Poutine, Chili Fries, Nachos and more!

STAYING IN 

All recipes are good for about 6-8 people. 

Chili

Ingredients: 1.5 pounds ground beef (for a healthier option, choose grass fed ground beef or ground chicken; for a vegetarian option, replace meat with a can of black beans), one can red kidney beans, one can tomato sauce, one can diced tomatoes, one cup chopped onions, ½ cup green peppers, ½ cup celery, 2 finely chopped jalapeno peppers (this is for medium spice, add more or less depending on your tolerance), 1 bay leaf, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon cumin

In a pan, brown beef and sweat vegetables. Combine ingredients in a slow cooker on high for 4 hours or low for 6, or simmer in a large saucepan on the stove top for 2 hours. Top with sour cream and/or shredded cheese.  

Sliders

Ingredients: 1.5 pounds ground beef, turkey or chicken, ½ cup onion, 1 clove minced garlic, salt and pepper to taste, 8 mini burger buns or 4 larger burger buns cut in half

Season meat with salt and pepper and form into equal-sized patties. In a skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat and add onions; cook until caramelized then set aside. Cook patties in a 350 degree oven for approximately 30 minutes then top with cheese and condiments of your choice.

Cheese & Spinach Quesadillas

Ingredients: 1 bunch chopped spinach, 2 cups shredded cheese, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 minced garlic clove, 10 tortillas

Rinse spinach then dry and heat in a skillet on medium heat under wilted. Sprinkle a layer of cheese on tortilla, add cooked spinach, then top with more cheese. Heat in skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side until cheese is melted and tortilla crisp. Cut each into wedges to serve.

Guacamole

Ingredients: 4 large avocados, 1 juiced lime, ½ cup diced onion, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 diced roma tomato, pinch of cayenne pepper, salt and pepper to taste

Mash together avocados, lime juice, salt and pepper in a bowl. Add in onion, tomato, garlic and cayenne pepper. Refrigerate for 1 hour and serve with tortilla chips.

Black Bean Dip

Ingredients: 1 can black beans rinsed and drained, ½ cup chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, ¾ cup chopped tomatoes, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, ¼ cup chopped cilantro, 1 tablesoon lime juice, 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, salt and pepper to taste

Combine ingredients in food processor. Process until smooth. Refrigerate for 1 hour and serve with tortilla chips.

~ Caitlyn Holroyd