Visiting a college campus on a Saturday in the fall is a feast for the senses. Eyes are treated to the beauty of these institutions and the colors worn by adoring fans. Ears are assaulted by the playing of marching bands and cheering for the home team. For me, however, there is nothing more satisfying that the scents surrounding you during a walk through the pre-game tailgate. The variety of dishes offer up a bounty of smells and flavors and much of that is shaped by where you’re tailgating. For instance, the spread at an SEC tailgate is going to be vastly different than what you’d find at a Big Ten or a Pac-12 school due to each region having unique culinary traditions.
To showcase this contrast, the CFP Indianapolis Host Committee created Tailgate Tastes.
THE IDEA: Local Indianapolis chefs would create a signature tailgate dish each week inspired by the location of ESPN’s College Game Day. For 13 weeks the participating restaurants were challenged to research a destination’s food culture and create a menu item that pays homage while allowing the personality of each chef to shine.
Thankfully, the Big Ten was well-represented on ESPN’s Game Day in 2021. To celebrate the Big Ten Championship this weekend, choose from these conference-inspired dishes as you eat your way around Indy:
Of course, these are just a sampling of the 13 Tailgate Tastes dishes inspired by college cities across the country. If you want to tease your senses, get out and explore these signature flavors for yourself.
