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Houston Beard Award winner dishes on his big night, his next restaurant, and more

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Introduction to The Tailgate

Heads up, Houston sports lovers. CultureMap’s signature sports celebration, The Tailgate, is almost here. The event kicks off on Thursday, September 11, at 8th Wonder in EaDo, and it’s an event you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re into football, hockey, soccer, basketball, baseball, or just great food and drinks, this party is for everyone.

What to Expect

Every Tailgate ticket includes delicious bites from local restaurants, premium complimentary beverages, and plenty of fun activities. For the ultimate experience, snag a VIP ticket for early entry, a private VIP bar, a special meet-and-greet with some of Houston’s top athletes, and extra perks to make the night even better.

Top Taco Tournament

Before the big night, you can get in on the competition by voting in the Top Taco Tournament. Local taco all-stars go head-to-head in an online bracket showdown, with the champion revealed live at The Tailgate. It’s a foodie Sweet 16 that you won’t want to miss. Click the link to cast your vote and help choose the top taco.

Food and Drinks

Some of Houston’s hottest restaurants and chefs will be serving up tailgate-inspired creations that you’ll get to taste during the event. Here are a few of the dishes you can expect:

  • Assorted sandwiches from Antone’s Famous Po’ Boys
  • Chicken tenders and cheesy chicken sandwich sliders from Bad Chx
  • Dry-aged beef kielbasa-stuffed pierogis with honey jalapeño sour cream from Bayou Butchers
  • Smoked boudin links and Maw Maw’s chicken and sausage gumbo from BB’s Tex-Orleans
  • Pork and chicken sliders from Christian’s Tailgate
  • Classic Chubbies and Sweethearts from Chubbies Sliders
  • Motherland pizza from Coastline Pizza
  • Shrimp & grits from Common Bond
  • Savory crawfish beignets from Crawfish Cafe
  • Carnitas street tacos from La Calle Tacos
  • Wood-grilled chicken and steak tacos from Little Rey
  • Gulf shrimp and Texas peach ceviche from Local Foods
  • Pulled pork sliders with pineapple adobo from Loro
  • Oxtail and mac & cheese egg rolls from Peachez HTX
  • Malaysian chicken curry from PHAT Eatery
  • Smashburgers from Pincho Burgers + Kebabs
  • Cheese and pepperoni pizza from Pizaro’s Pizza
  • Sicilian arancini and cup char pepperoni al vodka from Russo’s New York Pizzeria
  • Pickled green tomato crawfish salad on a roll from Saint Arnold Brewing Company
  • Lamb chops and mini empanadas from Savoy
  • Lamb chops from TASTE Kitchen + Bar
  • Nashville Hot chicken sliders from The Waffle Bus
  • American Roadside sliders and peri peri "pulled" chicken sliders from Traveler’s Cart
  • Breaded and fried chicken wings in homemade sauces from Wing It

Beverages and Activations

To wet your whistle, there will be THC seltzers, beer from FLIGHT by Yuengling, and other fun beverages. Expect activations and appearances from your favorite Houston teams, including the Texans, Astros, and Dynamo and Dash football clubs.

Tickets and Sponsorships

General Admission tickets start at just $25 for early birds and jump to $35 at full price. Want the VIP treatment? Lock in $45 early bird VIP tickets before they sell out, or pay $60 full price for the all-access experience. The Tailgate is sponsored by FLIGHT by Yuengling, Puttshack, Mizzen+Main, Sysco To Go, Antone’s Famous Po’ Boys, NXT LVL Events, and more to be announced.

Conclusion

The Tailgate is an event you won’t want to miss. With great food, drinks, and activities, it’s the perfect way to kick off the sports season. Get your tickets now before they sell out, and we’ll see you on September 11. Don’t forget to vote in the Top Taco Tournament and help choose the top taco in Houston. It’s going to be a night to remember, so mark your calendars and get ready for The Tailgate.

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