Atlantic County Magazine – GACCA Article
Print Date 1.29.2021
By Judy Brenna
I promise I’m going to talk about Superbowl options, but I have been waiting 10 months to talk about this. For a lot of us, since March 16th, our existence has been virtually one long drawn-out scene from the movie Groundhog Day, which has little to do with the holiday, more so about Bill Murray being trapped in the same day over and over again until he learns his life’s lesson. I don’t know what ours is, but here most of us are, stuck on repeat, day after day, waiting on an appointment for a vaccine that hopefully gives us superpowers. Whether Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow or not is irrelevant. I just ((in my typical A.D.D. fashion)) thought it appropriate to briefly rant about the holiday.
The only reason why I’m sharing this is because I think human beings are hilarious. It all started on February 2, 1887, in Gobbler’s Knob, PA. A savvy rodent meteorologist, wondering if it was time to come out of hibernation, came out of its hole scratching his belly, saw its own shadow, got really scared and ran back into its burrow. The people thought, “Aha!”, interpreting that as an omnificent prediction that winter was still 6 weeks away ((which in actuality it’s ALWAYS 6 weeks away… like, every year, but we will refrain from judgement)), thus birthing an annual tradition. What some people don’t know is Groundhog Day has its roots in the ancient Christian tradition of Candlemas, when clergy would bless and distribute candles needed for winter, the candles representing how long and cold the winter would be. Germans expanded on this concept by selecting an animal, the hedgehog to be exact, as a means of predicting weather. Once they came to America, since hedgehogs were scarce, they thought groundhogs (which were in abundance in PA at the time) would suffice and THAT is where Groundhog Day came from. Fast forward 13 decades, it’s now a 3-day celebration in Gobbler’s Knob, with music and a ton of food and craft stalls; a reason for people to rejoice the impending birth of Spring ((and for us this year a biblically toned swarm of cicadas)). This has nothing to do with anything other than the fact that I have been stuck in the same day since March 16th. Okay, onward.
So, how about Tom Brady, huh? Who saw that coming? The Pats basically push him out because he’s getting old ((that’s only my personal theory, which I’m sure is wrong, they’re reasons are personal beliefs and conflicts)) so he goes to the Buccaneers and takes them to the Superbowl. It’s hilarious. It’s irrelevant who wins the Superbowl ((cough Kansas City cough)). There’s something about coming together to cheer on the annual crowning of a victor ((some watching rarely having a clue about football but love a reason to kick their nutritional beliefs to the curb and gorge on bar bites and booze, sometimes even chiming in a “oh man, did you see that pass?!” and not really knowing what they’re talking about)). Whether you’re staying home or thinking of going out and watching the game, there are some great options.
If you prefer to go out, consider Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall. Why? They have socially distanced inside and outside seating and 8 + large screens TV’s. The game will also be projected inside their large, heated, all-weather, outside tent. Plus, their food is lip-smacking good, and they have over 40 craft beers on hand. They’re offering sandwiches and craft cocktails representing both Tamp Bay and Kansas City, 75 cent wings, $2 Tito’s and Espolon Jello Shots, $2 Miller Lite drafts and $8 Miller Lite pitchers. If you’d rather stay home, you can get everything catered! Check out www.tennaveac.com/football-takeout for Chef Charles’ catering menu.
Resorts is another great idea for Superbowl Sunday, with events at DraftKings Sportsbook (with their monstrous, super high-def video wall, 18 betting kiosks and 5 betting windows), 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, LandShark Bar & Grill ((hi, Debbie!)), and Bar One. They even have a very cool Superbowl “Big Game Room” package that includes an overnight stay, $25 dining credit, $20 beverage credit at Bar One or Sportsbook Bar, $25 table game free bet, and option for late checkout. Call (609) 340-6300 and mention code SUPBOWL.
Feel like staying at home for the game? The upside ((yes there is one)) to this pandemic, is pretty much every restaurant still open offers take-out and delivery, even the ones that never did before. So, your options for a home-catered watch party are virtually limitless. Get creative. Pick a mélange of restaurants and serve up food stuffs from around the world! ((Kicking myself repeatedly for not buying stocks in Grub Hub and Door Dash sooner)). From White House Subs, Tony’s Baltimore Grill, Chelsea II, and Mr. Taco, to Carmine’s, Kelsey’s, The Nizam’s, Vagabond Kitchen & Tap House, ((shameless #opentowork plug)) Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar, Setaara, and SO many more, the list is so ridiculously vast.
And I know I’ve talked about them before, but I cannot stress it enough, and no, they’re not paying me to say this, Stir It Up Catering is a great one-stop-shopping service. From food to staff who will set everything up and serve it, to breakdown and clean-up, all you have to do is literally show up, or rather, walk into your living room, and they’ll do the rest. What I love about Stir It Up is, aside from their impressive list of menu items, they offer elevated, gourmet twists on typical tailgate fair, like slider bars with all the proteins and fixings you can imagine, delectable sides and a ton of different delicious dessert options. Go to https://www.stiritupnj.com/contact/ to place your inquiry or call (609)703-1842.
Granted, Superbowl Sunday will look a little different this year. Social distancing is a factor so long gone are the overly jammed bars packed to the gills with people suffering from the beer sweats bumping up against you every time someone gets a touchdown. But! That doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate and enjoy the night. I think we’ve acclimated enough by now ((for the most part)). Just remember to give any venue as much advanced notice as possible. Remember, social distance means limited capacity, so if you haven’t placed your order or made your reservation already you better get to steppin’. So, go grab a groundhog, slap a football helmet on its head ((gently, so as to not upset PETA)) and go celebrate the Superbowl, covid-style. Until next week… #stayjerseystrong.
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