WITH FOOTBALL SEASON UPON US, KICK YOUR TAILGATES UP A NOTCH WITH THE KING OF GAME DAY GOURMET: MEATBALLS

BY CHEF DAVID BURKE

I love the fall and tailgating. My restaurants keep me pretty busy so when I get a chance to tailgate and spend time with my friends, I sometimes keep my menu simple with dishes that can be prepared ahead of time. That way we can catch up and shoot the breeze, and enjoy great food and drinks before the game.

Meatballs are the perfect tailgating dish. You can prepare them ahead of time, they are versatile, and everyone loves a good meatball. They are economical too. Growing up in an Italian and Irish neighborhood in New Jersey, meatballs were always on our Sunday tailgating menu. Inspired by that tradition, I decided to share my Mini Angry (spicy) Italian Meatball Hero Sliders recipe. The recipe is a nod to retro Italian/American foods with a bit of heat to kick things up a notch or two.

For the “angry” part I add chili flakes to both the meatball and red sauce recipes, just enough to grab your attention and warm you up on a cool fall day. Use the best quality beef you can afford. At THE GOAT in Union Beach we use Wagyu beef that is exclusively shipped to us straight from a Kentucky ranch, but a good quality beef from your local butcher will make great tasting meatballs too.

Meatballs are ever versatile. I love them with red sauce piled high on hero rolls or mini slider rolls. When tailgating, keep them warm in a pot on top of a grill set to low or use a chafing dish and Sterno. Place on your rolls and use a generous sprinkling of freshly grated parmesan cheese on top of the meatballs. When making your meatball mix, make double what you need. They freeze well and are a great dish for the holidays when unexpected guests stop by. Serve them alongside a simple bowl of pasta with a savory red sauce or a tangy garlic aioli, or simply as an appetizer on a toothpick for the perfect finger food.

If you can’t find the time to make your own, you will find meatballs on the menu at both THE GOAT and at DRIFTHOUSE in Sea Bright. You can always order a tray ahead of time to pick up on game day. We can help you create a menu that will make your tailgate party the talk of the parking lot!

DRIFTHOUSE by David Burke
1485 Ocean Avenue, Sea Bright
732.530.9760 / drifthousedb.com chefdavidburke.com