Surprise your tailgating buddies by swapping the usual football fare with some Latin-inspired dishes. And, don't worry; we're bringing along suggestions for cerveza and music before the big game, too. Go team!
A tailgate with a Latin twistSporting events bring people together to support favorite athletes, cheer local teams, and especially, indulge in sports snacks. Whether it be enjoying a tailgate in the park or on the back of a pickup truck at the football stadium, check out these fun, Latin-influenced recipes to give your sports menu a twist. We've matched the regions of football teams with the Latin countries that most heavily influence (or relate to) their culture. Here's everything you'll need for the party: a menu, a beer selection and a music playlist to match. Game on.
Northern US & the Andean Region (Chile, Argentina and Peru)
Both these regions boast the marked influence of German immigrants in food culture and communities. This tailgate features spicy sausages cooled by an avocado soup with shrimp ceviche and the traditional Argentinean potato salad (ensalada rusa). The tomato and cheese salad calls for Chilean paquehue cheese, which can be substituted for fresh mozzarella. Wash down all this good grub with some of Chile's famous artisan beers, but don't forget to experience the sweetness of Suspiro limeño, a smooth Peruvian mousse dessert. The playlist is all about South Americans' love for Rock Latino-plus it's great music to blast while you grill.
MENU:
Avocado Soup with Shrimp Ceviche 
Grilled sausage
Grilled Sausages with mustard in hearty buns
Grilled tomato and panquehue cheese salad
BEER: Kuntsmann, Pillán, Calle Calle
MUSIC:
Los Fabulosos Cadillacs - Matador
La Ley - El duelo
Soda Stereo - En la ciudad de la furia
Latin Twists on Popular American Dishes
Southeast US & Cuba, Colombia, Venezuela
The southeastern region of the United States counts with long-standing Cuban influence with a dynamic merge with recent Colombian and Venezuelan immigrants. This menu fills two common Latin table requirements: a rice dish and a sweet banana-type side. The list also mixes a Cuban-style burger recipe with Colombian red beans and rice, plus an original recipe that combines Colombian arepas with Venezuelan cachapas: Arechapas. There's also a selection of Colombian beers to match the deep flavors of this menu. We round up the tailgate with a rich Tres Leches cake that will delight the party's sweet tooth. The music suggestions go from Celia Cruz to Shakira, and it's not to be missed!
MENU
Cubano Burgers
Grilling hamburgers
BEER: Aguila, Pilsen, Solera
MUSIC:
Shakira: Loca, loca loca
Juanes: Camisa negra
Celia Cruz: Candela
Grupo Niche: No le pega la negra
Pitbull: Give me everything
US West, Southwest & Mexico
The Spanish and Mexican influence in the southwestern and western regions of the United States is undeniable. The menu for this tailgate is all about the old Mexican experience. It starts with a great "Chile Colorado", considered the granddaddy of all Tex-Mex chili. Tacos are filled with the carne asada to be grilled, while the crisp chayote (similar to jicama) salad can be used as a topping. Bring a pre-made batch of ground walnut cookies, better known as Mexican Polvorones, and you're set. The drinks are already part of American beer culture; just make sure to provide enough for Teams "Corona" and "Dos Equis." Finally, go beyond the expected mariachis, and discover the saucy rhythms of Banda music in our playlist.
MENU
Chile colorado con carne
Tacos de carne asada
BEER: Corona, Dos Equis
MUSIC:
Banda Los recoditos: A toda madre
Los Titanes de Durango: Tuvo que tubo
Chuy L: La peinada
US Eastern seaboard & Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic
The East coast of the United States is vibrant with its large and varied Hispanic community. Yet, there's no doubt that Puerto Ricans and Quisqueyanos (or Dominicans) have left a deep mark on the food and culture of the region. We start this menu with Puerto Rico's most traditional rice dish, arroz con gandules (small, dark green lentil-like bean). The grill will be filled with the aromas of pork kabobs and burgers in a Dominican chimichurri sauce. Grab the greenest bananas you can find at your grocer, boil them and marinate them in an easy escabeche sauce (a great do-ahead dish). Finish up with a delicious Dulce de Leche cake that will make your tailgaters ask for more. A couple of Puerto Rican beers round up the party; just don't forget the Salsa…music that is!
MENU
Arroz con gandules
Kabobs
Puerco al pincho (Pork kabobs)
Green bananas in escabeche sauce
Dulce de Leche cake a lo dominicano
BEERS: Medalla, Magna
MUSIC:
Marc Anthony: Aguanile
Tito Puente: Ran kan kan
Daddy Yankee: Lovumba
Tony Dize: Un chance
