I have season ticket to the Patriots, have for about 7 years now. Don’t get too jealous, I have some of the worst seats possible; section 303 – the very last row. Not Kidding. I love going nonetheless.

Going to the Pats is a blast, always exciting, and this year with Brady out winning is not a foregone conclusion, but the games are still fun.

A week before the game emails start to fly discussing what the food will be and who is doing what. Last year for the playoff we did hot dogs. I know hot dogs sounds boring, simply, easy, a lay-up. But we dive deep into what is a hot dog, what brands, and the condiments, and how to cook the bun. We plan and argue, insult each other, plan some more, divide up who’s getting what, FYI the best way to do a bun is in a hot pan with butter and cook until golden brown on the outside, it gives a nice crunchiness on the outside leaving the inside creamy and ready to receive the condiments inside.

Ahh, but I digress, two weeks ago we went to the Pittsburg game. Emails circled around about what we would make. Chili? BBQ? Chris suggested Philly Cheese Steaks, sure it’d be more fitting if we were playing the Eagles, but it sounded good to me.

For us it’s the condiments and accompaniments that go with whatever we are making. We had mushrooms, onions & peppers, garlic, pickles, ketchup, kim chee, provolone, salt, pepper, chili flakes, olives, canned cheese (snotty cheese as Ed calls it) and most important mayonnaise. I really think pickle and mayo is what makes a good cheese steaks: the acid (vinegar) from pickles gives it a pleasant high note while the mayo gives it a full creamy richness.

The game was horrible, wet, cold, and we got killed. The Cheese Steaks and friendship was the best part of the day.

Some pictures for you.

Ed opening a beer with a trailer hitch