Here at TABLE, we’re mostly folks who joke about “sportsball” to demonstrate our lack of knowledge about game day. But living in Pittsburgh as we do, sports are one of the biggest ways to bring people together, so having a good game day menu is a must.
We got the chance to talk to Eddie Jackson, who once played on the Carolina Panthers, the Miami Dolphins, the New England Patriots, and the Washington Redskins, and now is a professional chef and personal trainer. Jackson owns a food truck in Houston, Caribbean Grill, and has encouraged people to think outside of the box for a game day menu. This includes a wine pairing menu with Bota Box and his own specialty wings to elevate a tailgate or game day watch party.
Chef and NFL Alum Eddie Jackson Shares His Game Day Menu Tips
TABLE: Are there any lessons from football you’ve taken into your career as a chef?
Eddie Jackson: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from my sports days is preparation, which I’ve found is a major key to success in both football and food. It’s clear when all the time, energy and focus that goes into game day pays off on the field, and much is the same as a chef. With the right amount of dedicated preparation, from recipe development to the moment before serving, the final dish will always turn out better.
TABLE: What are some of your tips for elevating a Game Day menu beyond the basics?
Eddie Jackson: Don’t be afraid to get creative and think outside of the box! There’s no set rules for a game day menu. It’s always a good idea to think of dishes that touch every sensory taste bud, so I suggest a mix of options that are sweet, salty, or smoky – something for everyone!
Another tip would be to keep your menu as simple as possible by leveling up classic game day foods with high-flavor upgrades. Plus, up the classic hot dog spread with gourmet bratwurst, or instead of basic burgers, add spicy seasoning (I recommend Caribbean jerk) to ground beef and top with an interesting sauce. The drinks are just as important as the food, so I also recommend pairing game day dishes with a high-quality wine that elevates the flavors of your food. My go-to is Bota Box – super casual, 3L boxed wine—that’s perfect size for a crowd and tastes amazing with a tailgate menu.
TABLE: Could you go into some more detail about the custom wine and wing pairings you have?
Eddie Jackson: Many people wouldn’t think it, but wings pair surprisingly well with wine. My general pairing advice is to go for crisp white wines, which are great at cutting the greasiness of the wings and stand up especially well to the spice. Sauces with a sweet flavor profile can make a dry wine taste bitter, so I made sure the spice shined with my Cajun Sticky wings recipe, balancing out the hot sauce with the sweet chili sauce to pair with Bota Box Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio – both refreshing sips in between hot bites.
Really spicy food can accentuate the alcohol in red wine, so I cut back a bit of the spice on my Molasses Gochujang wings for a subtle sweet heat that tastes delicious with the fruity flavors of Bota Box Old Vine Zinfandel and the juicy boldness of Bota Box’s red blend, “RedVolution.”
TABLE: How do you make Game Day fun for people who aren’t into sports?
Eddie Jackson: I always try to make game day interactive when I’m hosting, even if it’s as simple as making up my own game to keep people engaged. For me, the best part is just seeing people enjoying themselves, whether they’re into football or not. Going all out on the food and drinks is also a great way to turn a day of sports-watching into a guaranteed fun time for everyone, regardless of if they’re a fan or not. It gives people the chance to eat some tasty dishes they may not normally have, so it makes game day feel a little more special.
Story by Emma Riva / Photo courtesy of Eddie Jackson
Take a look at TABLE’s game day menu here! Yes, we are Steelers fans, but no matter who you’re cheering for, there’s something delicious to make!
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