Cal. The current queen of country (and the tabloids) rolls into town with rumours, ballads and anthems for the country set.
MIRANDA LAMBERT September 9th
SMASH MOUTH
Locked and Reloaded Tour Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Free for All at BOA Stadium
TWC Uptown
Ladies still love him despite his post-bedside manners.
JOHN MAYER
August 11th
September 4th Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Saturday, August 10th Tours Begin at 11:30am OPEN STUDIO SATURDAY McColl Center for Visual Art
FROM YOUR
LUCILLE BALL (Sort Of) I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE is the brand-new hit stage show adapted from the most beloved program in television history! It's 1952 and you are a member of the Desilu Playhouse studio...imagine. Knight Theater, S. Tryon St. 8/7 thru 8/18/2013.
Saturday, August 3rd 2pm PANTHER FAN FEST
ADAM ANT
Are you too much of a “Goody Two Shoes” to roll with the unofficial wild child of the 80s? Barring Billy Idol’s “Dancing With Myself” his rollicking tunes are the most audacious throwbacks we can remember. At McGlohon Theater/Spirit Square on 8/12/13.
COOL SHOWS
PAULY SHORE
COMING UP
This ironically iconic Hollywood 90s poster boy is comedy royalty and his brand of humor as funny and ridiculous as ever. At the Comedy Zone at NC Music Factory 8/14/2013.
ON THE PROWL
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THE REIGN OF THE HUMBLE FOOD TRUCK
FIGHT HUNGER: FOLLOW TRUCKS
FIND YOUR TRUCK Coach Wes Long believes the Royals can go all the way again this season.
FRIDAY GOURMETS
F
or a year-and-a-half now residents of South End and visitors from all over the Carolinas have flocked to Food Truck Fridays at the corner of Camden and Park Avenue. They wear shorts and t-shirts, hats and flip-flops—and they come seeking gourmet food. It began as a simple idea and has blossomed into a peep-worthy social phenomenon. Hot food, served in a laid-back atmosphere where you can stand, sit (in your own chairs if you bring them) or laze in the grass or on the hillside—if you can find a spot. There are also a few picnic tables. More or less, it’s like having dinner in the park with several hundred folks of all ages from all walks of life. Go each week and sample fare from one of a dozen or so Food Trucks—all invited by committe to assure quality and safety. THERE’S MORE: THE BEAST FEAST
The Food Truck phenomenon doesn’t start or stop with Fridays. If you’ve been out of doors lately, you’ll know about several festivals in our area. A few have come and gone for the year, but here’s one that looks like a lot of fun:The Beast Feast, at the US National Whitewater Center. On Saturday, August 10th, competiting food trucks will pile into the USNWC with hopes of serving up the grand-prize winning food item. Prior to the Feast, an Amphibious Duathlon will kick-off the festival. Next comes food sampling and live music. www.USNWC.org SEE 30+ RATINGS AT URBAN SPOON http://www.urbanspoon.com/t/38/21/Char lotte/Food-Truck-restaurants STAY CONNECTED
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CHOWDOWN UPTOWN-LIMITED TIME!
This summer-long uptown soire will host one more Thursday event—August 22nd, in the 7th Street Parking Lot, (across from the 7th Street Public Market). Food vendors will be selling gourmet pizza, Italian heroes, pulled pork grilled cheese sandwiches, BBQ rids, pastries, cupcakes and more. It’s rain or shine (barring the T-storm or heavy lightning), so plan to catch one these fine food truck vendors (love the names)! Herban Legend, Southern Cake Queen, The Wingzza Truck, The Roaming Fork, Gourment Goombahs, Roots Farm Food, Clover Joe’s, King of Pops, The Chrome Toaster, Sauceman’s or Smoke and Go— plus many more. For info have a look at: www.CharlotteCenterCity.org
Once you’ve experienced a food truck get together, you’re likely to crave more. A crazy-cool website cleverly called roaminghunger.com tracks your favorite food trucks, gives you directions to where they are at and even allows you to read their Tweets from the event! BRING A FOOD TRUCK TO YOUR OWN EVENT At roaminghunger.com you can view a bio of each truck, see pics, read reviews, and even book a truck for your family or business event. You can read menus, communicate with food truck operators and feel like you are finally, in full command of your food truck cravings. Have a look at everything—and we do mean everything—food truck in CLT at: www.roaminghunger.com/clt Photos top to bottom: Tin Kitchen, Wingzza and
LIKE PROWLER MAGAZINE ON FACEBOOK FOR UP-TO-THE MINUTE UPDATES ON ENTERTAINMENT IN THE QC
58 Luke Kuechly 2012 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
PANTHERS:2013
GIVE
The Panthers are loaded up on D this year and we’re expecting Luke to lead the way along with Thomas Davis, Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy. On offense the receiver situation heats up with Smitty playing the slot (yes, the slot) and LaFell in the apparent lead for go-to wide-out. Go Panthers, Keep Pounding!
HOPE
PRESEASON SCHEDULE Aug. 9 vs. Chicago Bears Aug. 15 at Philadelphia Eagles Aug. 22 at Baltimore Ravens, 8p.m. Aug. 29 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE Sep. 8 vs. Seattle Seahawks, 1 p.m. Sep. 15 at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m. Sep. 22 vs. New York Giants, 1 p.m. Sep. 29 BYE Oct. 6 at Arizona Cardinals, 4:05 p.m. Oct. 13 at Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. Oct. 20 vs. St. Louis Rams, 1 p.m. Oct. 24 at Tampa Bay Bucs, 8:25 p.m. Nov. 3 vs. Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. Nov. 10 at San Fran. 49ers, 4:05 p.m. Nov. 18 vs. NE Patriots, 8:40 p.m. Nov. 24 at Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m. Dec. 1 vs. Tampa Bay Bucs, 1 p.m. Dec. 8 at New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m. Dec. 15 vs. New York Jets, 4:05 p.m. Dec. 22 vs. NO Saints, 1 p.m. Dec. 29 at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. For complete coverage of NFL southern teams look for the annual football edition of our sister publication Southern Sports Journal coming your way on iTunes. For updates and advance coverage, visit our website at:
www.SouthernSportsJournal.com
GO HOUNDS: TAILGATE 2! Saturday, August 3rd from 3pm-6:30pm Charlotte Prowler will be cheering on the home team with our own homegame tailgate event prior to the last home game of the season versus the Hamilton Nationals at Memorial Stadium in Uptown Charlotte. Everyone’s A Winner! at the Charlotte Prowler Magazine and Go!See!Do! Tailgate Event Join us for pre-game madness as we stir up the crowd with a prize for EVERYONE. That’s right, everyone. Our Text-to-Win program offers prizes from The Comedy Zone, Carolina Speedway, Energy Fitness, NC Music Factory, Saddle-Up Saloon and Dance Hall, Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, Pride Resort in Maggie Valley, ESPN 730am, Howl at the Moon at the Epicentre, Pair-A-Dice Travel, the Charlotte Knights, 505E Fusion Restaurant and Lounge, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Atlantic City! It’s all part of Go!See!Do! and Prowler Magazine’s reader rewards program and you can win on August 3rd! It’s All Fun And Games Join the Saddle-Up Saloon Cowgirls and Cowboys for free line dance lessons in the parking lot, cornhole, tailgate games and even more giveaways. Don’t Miss The Prowler/GoSeeDo Tailgate Media Trailer and Simple Solutions Kiosk Here’s where the giveaways begin!
CHARLOTTE KN IGHTS
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GAME SCHEDULE
HIT THE PARK T he Charlotte Knights are at their Fort Mill home at Knight’s Castle for just another month fans, so catch them there while you can! We are all looking forward to the new stadium, yet we’ll miss the Castle.
AUGUST 2013 1 @ Gwinnett, 6:05 PM 2 @ Gwinnett, 7:05 PM 3 @ Norfolk, 7:05 PM 4 @ Norfolk, 6:05 PM 5 vs. Lehigh Valley, 7:15 PM 6 vs. Lehigh Valley, 7:15 PM 7 vs. Lehigh Valley, 7:15 PM 8 vs. Lehigh Valley, 7:15 PM 9 @ Durham, 7:05 PM 10 @ Durham, 7:05 PM 11 @ Durham, 5:05 PM 13 @ Scranton/WB, 7:05 PM 14 @ Scranton/WB, 7:05 PM 15 @ Scranton/WB, 7:05 PM 16 @ Scranton/WB, 7:05 PM 17 vs. Durham, 7:15 PM 18 vs. Durham, 2:15 PM
www.M I LB.CO M
19 vs. Durham, 7:15 PM 20 @ Durham, 7:05 PM 21 @ Durham, 7:05 PM 22 @ Syracuse, 7:00 PM 23 @ Syracuse, 7:00 PM 24 @ Syracuse, 7:00 PM 25 @ Syracuse, 5:00 PM 26 @ Durham, 7:05 PM 27 @ Durham, 7:05 PM 28 vs. Norfolk, 7:15 PM 29 vs. Norfolk, 7:15 PM 30 vs. Norfolk, 7:15 PM 31 vs. Gwinnett, 7:15 PM SEPTEMBER 2013 1 vs. Gwinnett, 7:15 PM 2 vs. Gwinnett, 2:15 PM
Above: Future home of Knights Baseball at BB&T Stadium, Uptown.
AND
MORE
ACTIVE
NC MUSIC FACTORY EVENTS OSSO Osso runs a monthly Thursday night fashion event called "Fashion Forward Thursdays," which has steadily grown over the spring into a very popular occasion. Upcoming Fashion Forward Thursdays on August 8, September 5. FASHION + ROCK + ART The NC Music Factory will host black., the first in a series of cross-genre trunk show-inspired fashion+rock+art events, on September 6 in Fountain Plaza. www.fashionrockart.com LABEL Tiesto, August 29 R. Kelly, August 30 COMEDY ZONE Tom Arnold, August 2-3 Rob Delaney, August 7 Chris D'elia, August 8-10 Pauly Shore, August 14 Arnez J, August 22-24 Jon Reep, August 28-30 Garfunkel & Oates, August 31 Jay Pharaoh, September 1 Craig Shoemaker, September 5-7 Dov Davidoff, September 12-14 Tommy Davidson, September 19-21 Judah Friedlander, October 3-5 Earthquake, October 17-19 Bobby Collins, October 24-26 UPTOWN AMPHITHEATRE Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray, & Gin Blossoms, August 11 Ke$ha, August 15 OneRepublic, August 16 Slightly Stoopid & Atmosphere, August 17 Sound Tribe Sector 9 & Umphrey's McGee, August 28 Steely Dan, September 17 Queens of the Stone Age, September 19 THE FILLMORE Molotov, August 1 Jimmy Eat World, August 13 Scott Weiland, August 18 Jay & Silent Bob's Super Groovy Cartoon Movie, August 25 Kevin Hart's Plastic Cup Boys, August 30 Goodie Mob, September 5 Wintersun, September 6 Rancid, September 10 The National, September 11 Matisyahu & Rebelution, September 12 Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, September 15 Alt-J, September 20 Yellowcard, September 21 The Pretty Reckless, September 22 Anthony Jeselnik, September 29 Portugal. The Man, October 2 Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, October 3 India Arie, October 8 Atlas Genius, October 16 Flux Pavilion, October 18 Ben Rector, October 19
PLAYER
ROSTER
PROWLER PRESENTS
Charlotte is #6
in the nation in human trafficking.
TRAPPED & TRAFFICKED
SHE ROSE TO BECOME A CHAMPION WHO IS LEADING THE CAUSE OF CHANGE READ HER STORY. THEN JOIN US AS WE SUPPORT A CHARLOTTEAN WITH SPIRIT BIG ENOUGH TO CHANGE THE WORLD. AS A FINALIST IN VH1 DO SOMETHING AWARDS YOUR VOTE COULD MEAN A $100,000 GRANT FOR JILLIAN’S FOUNDATION. VOTE NOW.
TEXT “JILLIAN” to 38383 NOW TO VOTE Jillian is one of 5 finalists in the VH1 Do Something Awards. Live, July 31st on VH1. After July 31st, Please visit their website (below) and give your support.
Jillian was 19 years-old when she took a break from college to start her modeling career. One night while sleeping in her hotel room, her manager and his friends raped her, which started a vicious cycle where she was the victim of sexual trafficking and blackmail for six months. After getting out of that dangerous situation, Jillian finished college, studying international genocide and violence against women. She realized she wanted to do something to prevent sex trafficking and provide aid to victims. In July 2012, she started All We Want is LOVE (Liberation of Victims Everywhere) to educate the public about sex trafficking in the U.S., provide training to those who might come in contact with it such as hotel workers and cable companies, and work to rescue sex trafficking victims. All We Want is LOVE assisted in the rescue of three models from sex trafficking, as well as distributed 12,000 bars of soap labeled with the National Sex Trafficking Hotline to hotels during the a major sporting event, which resulted in five cases being reported.
All We Want Is LOVE aims to end modern day slavery through education and awareness. Our goal is to never hear “I didn’t know,” in regards to human trafficking. We live by two methods educate to eradicate and education to liberation. Through community education programs and training, the community can better protect themselves from being victimized and has a responsibility to hold those responsible who victimize others. We strive to create a culture that does not criminalize victims and glorify predators. Jillian and Ashley Going Strong Our organization also feels that education of youth plays an essential role in ending human trafficking. With a large amount of victims being youth and young children, creating education programs in schools and universities allows students to advocate against this huge injustice while learning to protect oneself against being victimized. We pray for a new generation of boys that opens their minds to participate in Student Traffick to understand about the injustice of human trafficking and truly fight this illicit business. Creating a young generation of boys that stands against this will produce a generation of men who does is less likely to participate in pornography, strip clubs, and illicit sexual services which are exploitative to women. The reason we aim to end this is that 300,000 American kids are trafficked every year, There are approximately 27 million people enslaved world wide. NC ranks in the top 10 states in the United States for trafficking cases. We are dedicated to change this and change society's view of what trafficking really is and how to eradicate it. Visit www.allwewantislove.org to learn more.
HELP STOP THE SLAVE TRADE WORLDWIDE.
It’s been an extra-long off-season. It always is for the true football fan and our festive, frantic friends who like to grill and tailgate it up right. But when the 2012 season came to an end here in Carolina many of us felt like we might not be able to sleep until kick-off 2013. Nothing is like being part of a team—bleeding their colors. Even if you’re just the cheering section. After we witnessed Cam & Co. begin to rally behind Coach Rivera and defeat opponents—stunner games where pride replaced Playoff hopes and THE CATS rallied around talent, charisma and showed The League just how nasty the Carolina Panthers could be—we couldn’t wait eight months to see just how menacing they might be— just about NOW. So Prowler Magazine decided to collect some of the best images from the 2012 season by our stalwart duo of photographer friends who also, keep pounding. Photos by Steve Lindenman and Scott Williams
YOUR CAROLINA PANTHERS 2012 Record: 7-9 NFC South Record: 3-3 Postseason: None Head Coach: Ron Riveria DRAFT PICKS 1.14 Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah #8 2.12 Kawann Short, DT, Purdue #45 4.11 Edmund Kugbila, OG, Valdosta St. 5.15 A.J. Klein, ILB, Iowa St. 6.14 Kenjon Barner, RB, Oregon KEY ADDITIONS Ted Ginn Jr, Domenik Hixon, Chase Blackburn KEY DEPARTURES Ron Edwards, Chris Gamble TEAM OFFENSIVE RANKINGS Total Offense: 12th (22.3 points per game) Total Passing: 16th (230 yards per game) Total Rushing: 9th (130.5 yards per game)
TEAM DEFENSIVE RANKINGS
Total Defense: 10th (22.7 points per game) Total Passing: 20th (223 yards per game) Total Rushing: 14th (110 yards per game)
O the
OFFENSIVE
OUTLOOK
The Panthers have a new offensive coordinator this season in former Quarterback's Coach Mike Shula, and Shula's first job should be to continue on the success the Panthers had in the 2nd half of last season with a balanced offensive attack. Once the Panthers established more balance on offense the season turned around and ended on a positive note, winning 5 of their last 6 games. The balance starts with the running backs, DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart (when healthy) running the football successfully and taking the pressure off of Quarterback Cam Newton. In the early part of the season, the Panthers struggled to establish a successful ground game and Newton's struggled trying to make the big and spectacular play every down. Cam has proven he can throw the football all over the field but look for the running game to be a priority. Shula also needs to find a dependable number two wide receiver this season to take the pressure and double coverage off of wide receiver Steve Smith. Two seasons ago, the Panthers had the benefit of having two extremely talented tight ends in Greg Olson and Jeremy Shockey. They both were able to stretch the field especially down and across the middle and also gave the Panthers the ability to run a two tight end set on offense. However, Shockey retired last season and defenses were able to focus more on Olson leaving a glaring need for a dependable big play number two receiver. The job appears to be Brandon Lafell's heading into preseason, but David Gettis, Ted Ginn Jr., Domenik Hixon and few others will try and become the number two receiver this season. This should be Cam Newton's statement year as a quarterback and as a team leader the Panthers really need.
D
D tha
DEFENSIVE
OUTLOOK
When a team that is statistically not bad on defense decides to take two big defensive tackles with their first two picks in the NFL draft, it definitely makes a statement. First, we're going to stop the running game and we are going to try and force you to stop our tackles from penetrating up the middle. If we are successful our defensive ends will have one on one match up's on the outside and our star linebackers will be able to roam freely to make tackles and not have to fight off blocks from the offensive line. Second, we are going to put more pressure on the quarterback and force him to make quick decisions and give our secondary chances to make plays on forced or bad throws. This is what the Panthers want to be able to do on defense this season. The Panthers struck gold in drafting linebacker Luke Kuechly last season and with veteran linebacker Thomas Davis returning to form after three knee surgeries. One question is whether linebacker Jon Beason return to Pro Bowl form after two years of injuries and adjust to playing along side Kuechly. The defensive line with defensive ends Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy should be able to wreak havoc this season with defensive tackles Dwan Edwards and Star Lotulelei. clogging up the middle. However, the other big question comes in the secondary. The Panthers had to cut longtime cornerback Chris Gamble to make room on the salary cap, and decided not to be active in free agency and just go with last year's group. If the season is to be a success this group needs to play well and not give up the deep ball, especially at the end of the game. Game to Watch Nov 18, 2013 Prime time Monday Night Football against the New England Patriots. Prediction: 9-7, the Panthers make improvements but the schedule is quite difficult this season. The Panthers can't afford to come out of the gate slow, because four out the last five games are all NFC South games.
SIX HOT ORIGINALS
BUILT-TO-BURN, BARTENDER-CONCOCTED AND FEATURING
FIREBALL WHISKY |
AS SERVED TO LORI SCOTT
That’s Whisky Anywhere But Here In The States. Fireball Hails From Canada, Thus, Whisky.
Fireball Sour
Kentucky Brush Fire
1 oz. Fireball Whisky 3/4 oz. Amaretto 2 1/2 Fresh Sour Served on the rocks Orange and Cherry Garnish
1 oz. Fireball Whisky 1/2 oz. Buffalo Trace Bourbon 1/2 oz. Pama Pomegranate 1/2 oz. Simple Syrup 1/4 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice Serve on the rocks Lemon Peel On Hot Days, These Go Down Just A Little Too Good.
Red Hot Mama
Cinnamon Apple Martini
Poured by Stachehouse Lounge
Not Your Aunt’s Sippy Martini
1 oz. Fireball Whisky 1 oz. Grand Marnier 1/2 oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream 2 oz. Half and Half Shake hard. Serve up in a Martini Glass. Top with Fresh Cinnamon.
The Trucker
Poured by Stachehouse Lounge
1 oz. Fireball Whisky 3/4 oz. Apple Pucker 2 oz. Fresh Sour Shake hard. Serve up with Cherry Garnish.
Flaming Dr. Pepper
1 oz. Fireball Whisky 1 oz. Amaretto 2 oz. Fresh Squeezed Sour 1/2 oz. Splash of Citrus Soda
G R E AT
DRINK IDEAS?
SUBMIT THEM AT INFO@PROWLERMAGAZINE.COM
1 oz. Fireball Whisky 1 oz. of Diet Dr. Pepper (taken as a shot) Historic Note For Young and Old: The Flaming Dr. Pepper, once the favorite of late night drinkers and simultaneously the least favorite of servers everywhere, has been outlawed for years. We offer a suitable alternative.
Fresh Take
C R E A M Y ,
C R A V Y
A V O C A D O
BY LORI SCOTT
What’s the best way to add fresh taste and juicy good flavor to your tailgate? The avocado, of course.
BACON, LETTUCE, AVOCADO, TOMATO INGREDIENTS
8 slices bacon 4 (10 inch) flour tortillas 4 tablespoons Ranch-style salad dressing 1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced 1 tomato, chopped 1 cup shredded lettuce
DIRECTIONS
WRAPS
Place bacon in a deep skillet. Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes,’til crisp. Drain, crumble, and set aside. Warm tortillas in microwave for 30-45 seconds. Spread 1 tablespoon Ranch dressing in the center of each tortilla. Layer crumbled bacon, avocado, tomato and lettuce over dressing. Roll tortilla around ingredients.
TANGY CUCUMBER AND AVOCADO INGREDIENTS
2 medium cucumbers, cubed 2 avocados, cubed 4 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 1 clove garlic, minced 2 tablespoons minced green onions (optional) 1/4 teaspoon salt black pepper to taste 1/4 large lemon 1 lime
SALAD
DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, avocados, and cilantro. Stir in garlic, onions, salt, and pepper. Squeeze lemon and lime over the top, and toss. Cover, and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
CILANTRO CHICKEN BURGERS INGREDIENTS
1 pound ground chicken 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional) 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 tablespoon black pepper cooking spray hamburger buns 1 avocado - peeled, pitted, and sliced (optional) 1/4 cup ranch dressing, or to taste (optional)
DIRECTIONS
Mix ground chicken, cilantro, soy sauce, garlic powder, lime juice, ground ginger, and ground black pepper together in a large bowl. Form the mixture into 4 patties. Prepare a skillet with cooking spray and place over medium heat. Cook burgers in the hot skillet until cooked through and no longer pink in the middle, 4 to 5 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Serve on hamburger buns with slices of avocado and a 1 tablespoon ranch dressing.
GOOD to KNOW: While the avocado is high in fat, it is fat of the good sort, providing good cholesterol in your diet, needed to reduce the bad. When serving fresh avocado, present unserved portions on a plate surrounding the pit of the avocado, which prolongs the appealing green of your sliced portions.
Expand
YOUR TAILGATING ADVENTURES AT PROWLERMAGAZINE.COM with our Tailgating 101 Archives
PROWLER CHEF STEERS US BACK TO THE BASICS. JUST IN TIME FOR
NEW FAN FAVORITES
G
reetings Prowler Fans! I hope your summer has been amazing with lots of travel, vacationing with friends and family, and indulging in some awesome food and drinks to match every occasion. As we wind down our time with the summer, our daily routine shifts back toward preparing the kids for going back to school, college campuses gearing up for their upcoming semesters, and football insanity is just around the corner. We have experienced some of the most unpredictable rain patterns in our area this summer, hydrating our lawns and nurturing our gardens, which will spring forth some great vegetation when the harvest kicks in. With the season’s changes rapidly approaching, our focus is on some great lunchbox meals, tailgating recipes, and easy comforting suppers to get us through each week.
FALL GATHERINGS: THE “BLOCK PARTY”
Personally, I am head over heels for the new Chinete Campaign “Let’s Get Together!” Block Party. Don’t lose your summer spirit as soon as we see fall peeking its head around the corner. This change of season still allows us to gather together in-between working shifts to
veggies. You can also tuck away some vegetables and fruit inside that pita pocket that many kids might not chose to add to their own plate. Chicken salad prepared using Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise is a great start. Fresh fruit kebabs, peanuts and popcorn (without all the butter) are nontraditional lunch box menu items, but again lead to kids making better eating choices. If you dare, think about adding white bean hummus and some whole wheat crackers or pita chips for a low calorie substitute to potato chips. Another great option would be to make their favorite sandwich into a wrap that would help reduce the carbs they would consume if eating sandwich bread or a hoagie roll. Last but not least, allow the kids to be a part of the new lunchbox planning process—and that includes grocery shopping. They may be less likely to turn up their noses at their new lunchbox menu if they participate in selection. THE TAILGATE MENU
enjoy some great company and mouthwatering recipes with family and friends. My hope is that I can encourage everyone to join in on that “Block Party” concept because it keeps families eating together and our neighborhoods feeling like our own. THE SCHOOL LUNCHBOX MENU
I would like to suggest some really great ideas for the kid’s lunchboxes and opening tailgate recipes as we welcome our guests into our domain to cheer on their favorite teams. For the kids, many of my culinary resources agree, offering a healthy and portion-conscious meal is a great building block for the development of their bodies. Kids benefit most from eating a variety of foods that will help them to later form great eating habits and develop a taste for well-balanced meals. Some great lunchbox ideas are to add their favorite pieces of fresh fruit or whole fruit and vegetables. Eating both of these help to reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, and the onset of Type 2 Diabetes. Pita pockets is an inventive way to get your kids eating some food with more healthy food options such as: grilled, baked, or roasted meats and
For your next tailgating excursion include some healthier sides by grilling flat bread and topping it with your favorite combination of foods and flavors. Get ahead of the game by adding prepared cold salads made with quinoa or couscous, fresh vegetables, dried fruit and nuts combined with a light vinaigrette for an elevated flavor. One of my favorite things is to include some type of fresh, vibrant, fruity, and herbaceous drink. It’s always a crowd pleaser and great opener for greeting your guests with a refreshing break from the alcohol-loaded coolers. For a truly handy appetizer, I like to suggest taking your traditional taco dip and layering it in a 9 oz. solo cup with a few chips stemming from the top for a great presentation and easy pick-up as your guests arrive and begin their meet and greet with one another. These two recipes are easy openers for allowing refreshments to break the ice while you are warming that grill up for your fabulous meats and eats! Remember to always cook with love, passion, heart, and soul! M Chef Smith