Every region is unique to its customs and in Southern California during football season San Diego style tailgating is definitely a combination of the melting pot of the many cultures that make up the population of football and tailgate lovers.
Of course tailgating has definitely evolved from simple dishes to exotic and gourmet treats created to be enjoyed and to compare to the tailgating competition. After attending a San Diego Charger’s game the revelation that tailgating is not only a stroll through gourmet heaven but it is also a cool competition for not only football lovers but also the weekend chef and foodie.
San Diego style tailgating provided a few new additions to the recipe file including Polynesian sliders served on King’s Hawaiian Rolls. The sliders were made from beef and seasoned with salt, pepper, seasoned salt and were brushed with lemon pineapple sauce. The side dish was baked beans with pineapple chunks and scrambled turkey meat or ground meat based on dietary preferences. The Polynesian population also included small paper cups of spinach dip which the rolls were dipped into.
Another great example of San Diego style tailgating included the Hawaiian lunch plates made by the local Hawaiian community. Definitely a favorite the Hawaiian lunch plates consisted of grilled teriyaki chicken, macaroni, and rice with a side of Teriyaki sauce. Beef strips were also an option and also were covered with Teriyaki sauce and garnished with pineapples. Sitting on the side was a Polynesian pound cake that included a buttery rich texture enhanced by coconut, pecans, pineapples and more.
You will of course always find traditional dishes as part of the San Diego style tailgating with great American style burgers, hot dogs and barbecue ribs and chicken. One tailgater was so serious about his tailgating he passed out barbecue beef tip samples on toothpicks to fellow tailgaters that caught whiff of his delicious San Diego style tailgating treats. The melting pot of culture and cuisine along with the beautiful San Diego weather definitely made for a wonderful first time San Diego style tailgating experience.