According to the National Football League (NFL), the annual Super Bowl peaked at 127.7 million viewers last year, making it one of the most popular sporting events worldwide.
Simultaneously, with this popular event, many fans make various foods to entertain guests and host watch parties. Some popular foods that have emerged with the event include buffalo chicken dip, wings, and nachos.
In fact, according to Louisiana State University’s E.J. Ourso College of Business, last year’s Super Bowl in Louisiana brought in around $1.25 billion to the area’s economy, positively impacting food vendors and employees.
Like the rest of the country, Foran is no exception. Numerous students and staff members each have their own preferences for their Super Bowl celebration.
History teacher Mr. Zachary Phelan usually hosts around 14-20 people at his house each year, and he looks forward to “all of [his] friends bringing their signature dishes.” His personal favorite dish is buffalo chicken dip.
Phelan is not alone, as according to Newsweek, buffalo chicken dip stands alongside strawberry shortcake as the most popular Super Bowl foods.
Annually, Phelan makes his signature pork belly bites, which are slow-cooked or smoked, then baked with barbecue sauce; it is typically very popular with his guests.
In addition to homemade treats, many local Milford businesses are providing catering services for members of the community. Local sandwich shop R&M Cutlet Co. is offering its signature chicken cutlet sandwiches, while other restaurants such as Bonfire Grille are offering large wing portions for gatherings.
However, with the theatrics of such a contentious sporting event, fans such as Phelan may not be as focused on the yearly food festivities.
Phelan adds, “With the Patriots being in the Super Bowl this year, I will probably be pacing the entire time. I’ll probably watch it separately.”
This may be true for many people across Foran and the broader Milford community, with 7.4% of Connecticut residents identifying as Patriots fans according to Fox 61 News.
Overall, the Super Bowl is a time to enjoy food with family and friends, but for some, it is a time of excitement as they root for their favorite team. Whichever way you personally celebrate, be sure to enjoy some delicious food along the way.
