Brightest Young Things

It seems there are two teams playing against each other this Sunday, in a game involving the ol’ leather pigskin. Perhaps you’ve heard of it: Super Bowl XLIV, or Super Bowl 44, if you don't remember your Roman numerals. Supposedly, it's to be a match of epic proportions. Or something.

I’m just going to say it. I see the Super Bowl as little more than an opportunity to drink irresponsibly, eat bad snack foods, and curse and point wildly at the television, which in a way makes it no different from everyday. I grew up in LA when we had no football team, so I am bitter. BITTER. For those of you who are opting to go to a Super Bowl-themed event this Sunday, you won't have trouble finding endless variations of beer towers and cheap wings, though, most notably, Acadiana has an all-you-can-eat N'awlins spread for $29. And then for those of you who care to throw a themed party, there are plenty of food traditions associated with both Indianapolis and New Orleans (but let’s face it, mainly New Orleans). Also, in Columbia Heights, The Social Super Beauxl celebration will include half off beers, $1 Angus Sliders, $1.5 Fish Tacos, $.50 Mudbug Beignets and gumbo.

For a place with the motto, “there’s more in Indiana than corn,” it turns out they mix it up and have sweet corn sometimes. To be fair though, Indianapolis is well-known for its breaded pork tenderloin, with food blogs and facebook pages dedicated to it (see: here, here, and here). In a further homage to a German-American heritage, you will find steak and potatoes in the many steakhouses located throughout the state. Finally, who doesn’t love a simple fried fish sandwich, topped with raw pickle and onion on white bread? Delicious.

Down the Mississippi River, New Orleans with its tradition of Louisiana Creole cuisine is an obvious delight. With clear touches of the French, Spanish, Canarian, Caribbean, the South, and a myriad of other influences, New Orleans cuisine is a remarkable melting pot of food cultures. Dishes range from jambalaya (of Spanish paella origins), red beans and rice (bearing resemblance to Latin American rice and beans dishes), and the po’boy (served on French bread). Now, you can definitely make these for a party, or you can find all these favorites at your local Popeye’s, which is a really great restaurant. And you can finish with the most royal of cakes: THE KING CAKE. After eating a slice, you may be lucky enough to find a baby.

Now, the question you've all been waiting for: if we were to pit the foods of these two cities against each other in a football match, who would win? I'm pretty sure we would have a bunch of spoiled, really delicious food just sitting on a green grassy field, not eaten. But I don't know, we'll have to see this Sunday.

Another match up to watch, the one at Hello Cupcake. Where Colts vs. Saints cupcakes are being sold through Sunday, with a winner being announced three hours before the game. Metrocurean has the details.

For other ideas of places to watch the game:

• Metromix DC has a comprehensive list of Super Bowl parties. Their favorite picks are the Cinema Drafthouse, Ventnor Sports Cafe  and Public Bar.
• About.com has a good list, including the Positive Black Men's Coalition party which is featuring Chuck Brown

For other Superbowl food ideas, since you'll likely be trapped at home:

• Thrillist has some great recipes from local chefs.
• Epicurious has "Super Feasts for the Super Bowl"
• Food TV has "Big Game Menus"

Any other ideas or suggestions? Drop 'em in the comments!