Super Bowl 50 is only a couple of weeks away.
But we started thinking about what to eat a month ago. That’s just how we are.
While pizza and wings no doubt make up the bulk of most Super Bowl party playbooks, the five options described below definitely have what it takes to win — leaving you with plenty of time in front of the TV to watch (hopefully) some good football and even better commercials.
Boca Tacos
828 E. Speedway, 777-8134, bocatacos.com
A few years back, Boca came up with its own Super Bowl special — Big Dude Nachos ($17). Piled on top of freshly-made chips are such goodies as beans, grilled onions, cheese, Anaheim chile and guacamole. It is, in essence, a mountain of food fit for football fans. Or anyone else. While we’re talking finger foods, there’s also the Boca Balls, little bites of chipotle mashed potatoes rolled in panko bread crumbs and then deep fried to a crunch. Boca is also known for its salsas, and if you want to go the simple route you can pick up a jar for $8.95. Don’t forget the chips.
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Brushfire BBQ Co.
2745 N. Campbell Ave., 624-3223 and 7080 E. 22nd St., 867-6050, brushfirebbq.com
We admit to a big weakness for the baby back ribs here — spicy enough to satisfy but not dull the taste buds, fall-off-the-bone tender pork. And the sides are plentiful. We’re partial to the creamy slaw and the sweet pork and beans. The brisket is mighty flavorful, too. You can get a “family ribs” meal that includes a rack of ribs, one pound of brisket, pork chicken or sausage, two sides, sauces and loaves of garlic bread, and four cookies for $44 — add $4 more for the baby backs. It’s worth it. If you are willing to make an even bigger mess eating, dig into the Messy Fries — an oversized serving of fries topped with your choice of meat, as well as barbecue sauce and cheese. Regular size is $7.99 (two of us were unable to finish it) or the hungry size for $9.99. Whatever you decide on, have lots of napkins available and let everyone know that finger licking is necessary.
Beyond Bread
421 W. Ina Road (461-1111); 3026 N. Campbell Ave. (322-9965), and 6260 E. Speedway (747-7477), beyondbread.com
As far as we’re concerned, Beyond Bread rules when it comes to sandwiches. They are made fresh, are bookended by bread that’s transcendent, and they are fat and interesting. Make it a party by ordering the Pretzel Sandwich ($68), which comes in five varieties and serves up to 25. Beyond Bread also does a sandwich box with a dozen half sandwiches, each individually wrapped, for $42. Get some chips for the side, whatever drink appeals, and don’t worry a bit about cleanup.
Za’atar Mediterranean Restaurant and bakery
2825 N. Country Club Road, 323-4074
Walk into this tiny restaurant and glance to your left. If you are early enough, you will see fresh pita bread, golden and puffy, piled up. Also out of the oven come fresh samoon breads, which are literally shaped like footballs. Get them to-go along with the house vegetable dips, like a tahini-rich hummus, eggplant baba ghanoush and an earthy “mashui” with roasted tomatoes. Also, the restaurant puts together special take-out family meals, including a 10 kabob meal for $25, a chicken or beef shawarma meal for $25 and 20 falafels for $10. That’s enough to distract any football-loving person.
Roma Imports
627 S. Vine Ave., 792-3173, romaimports.com
Roma is closed on Sundays, but no matter: you’ll find some glorious dishes made there and then frozen, ready for you to defrost and pop in the oven. The lasagna with sausage, spinach and mushrooms is enough for four people ($15.50), as is the cheese tortellini with vodka sauce ($12.99). But if you prefer grazing, consider the homemade Italian meatballs ($7.50 a pound — around 11 meatballs), beef or chicken turnovers ($4.50 each — and fresh on Saturdays). Or, opt for an array of deli meats, such as prosciutto d’Parma ($22.99 a pound), bresaola ($22.99 a pound), or wine-cured salami ($13.99 a pound). A pound of the salami or bresaola will serve around eight; prosciutto is sliced so thinly that you won’t need a whole pound for that many people. One warning — you may be so engrossed in the food you’ll forget about the game.
