Yeah, this is only going to last one game . . .

 

Texting ServiceThe University of Arkansas' Athletics Department will provide a fan text messaging service inside War Memorial Stadium. The service allows fans to communicate directly with event management personnel in important security and guest issue situations. Fans needing assistance should text HOGS your issue and location to 69050. Standard text message rates and other charges may apply. Razorback fans are reminded that they also can contact the nearest usher or security personnel, or stop by the nearest guest services location to report an issue.

Little Rock may not have Dickson Street

Image: TownMapsUSA.com

But you shouldn't have any trouble finding great spots near War Memorial to eat, drink, and socialize before and after the game! 

Are you looking for a great burger, a cold beer (or cocktail), or maybe some delicious sweet potato fries?  Try The House Gastropub, located in Hillcrest at 722 N. Palm St., less than a mile from the stadium.  The House is a short walk (15 minutes!) from War Memorial, and you can rest your feet, sip hand-crafted cocktails or choose from their great beers on tap, and chow down on really good fresh local food - everything is hand made daily and is really yummy!  The tzatziki platter is a great option - hummus, tzatziki, feta, peppers, olives, pickled red onions, and a hefty drizzle of olive oil served with focaccia bread.  A snack for two or a meal for one!  You can check out The House on Facebook and view their menu.  Oh, and The House has a great patio, and their kitchen stays open late - usually until at least 10, if not later.  Try their awesome brunch from 10-2 Saturday or Sunday (hair of the dog . . . ?), and their happy hour from 11-7 every day. 

Another great option, especially for post-game drinks, is Ciao Baci in Hillcrest.  Ciao Baci has an amazing wrap-around porch, tasty cocktails, and it is definitely a see-and-be-seen spot for young professionals.  While Ciao Baci can be a bit pricey, and you shouldn't be surprised to see girls in full-on cocktail dresses and heels, you'll also fit in just fine post-game in jeans and flats or a sundress and sandals.  Ciao Baci makes amazing sangria (both red and white), and if you have a sweet tooth (and were lucky enough to snag a table), their s'mores are a huge hit, complete with open flame to toast your marshmallows.  Ciao Baci is also less than a mile from the stadium - you can walk there in less time than it would take to get your car out of the parking lot after the game!

If you're looking for something much more casual - think jeans, pool tables, and canned beer - try The Fountain in Hillcrest.  They have a small but lively back deck, but be warned: The Fountain is always super smokey.  You can't walk through there without smelling like an ash tray when you leave.  My personal opinion is that The Fountain is basically a smokier, more expensive indoor version of tailgating, so why leave the golf course?  But, it tends to be very popular, especially with the college-age crowd, so if you'd like to check it out, directions are available here. 

Do you need a bit of crunchy greasy fried food to sop up the, ahem, liquid refreshments you've been enjoying all day?  Try The Oyster Bar, 1.4 miles east of War Memorial on Markham Street.  It's an easy walk, but the street is fairly busy, so watch for traffic.  While The Oyster Bar obviously has great oysters, I recommend the ice cold pitchers of beer and their po'boys.  Make sure you try their fried asparagus appetizer - you won't regret it! 
 

Weatherman: layers, with a chance of jeans

What if meteorologists told you what you really wanted to know, like whether the temperature will drop so much by the end of the game tomorrow night that you should forgo the sandals in favor of  flats, or whether you need to pack your rain jacket? 

Well, the website Daily Dress Me does just that.  This great website, shows you the high and low temp for the day, the chance of rain, and a sample outfit idea perfect for those condition.  Not crazy about the outfits they are showing? Hit refresh on your browser and the page will reload with all new outfits.  (All outfits are from Forever 21).  Tip: If your page somehow gets reset to the Los Angeles location, go up to your address bar, delete "Lost+Angeles, CA" and replace it with "Little+Rock, AR" - easy as pie!

So, for example, on a sunny day with a high of 91 and a low of 68, they suggest that you wear this:

 

 

 

 

 

We all heart bacon

Image: The Paper Mama

Are you planning on serving BLTs or bacon cheeseburgers at your next tailgate or watch party?  Take two minutes to make these cute bacon hearts, which not only look adorable, but serve the very practical purpose of creating a solid disk of crispy bacon to top a sandwich, and your guests will be blown away.  I mean, who doesn't love bacon?!

Instant party

Photo credit: Nearness of Distance

So, usually I like to recommend tailgate gear and decor that you can use year after year.  It's better to invest in a gorgeous red serving platter to set the theme rather than buying dozens of Razorback paper plates each football season.  The exception to the rule: BALLOONS!  Yep, simple red (or red and white) helium-filled balloons are available at just about every grocery store, are unbelievably cheap, and set a party atmosphere better than almost anything else (okay, so booze and music probably come in first and second, but balloons are a close third!).  For a recent party I got a dozen helium balloons from my neighborhood Kroger - six red and six white - for only 99 cents!  Now, the cashier seemed a bit confused, so I can't guarantee that that's the standard price, but according to the Internet, you should easily be able to get a dozen balloons just about anywhere for under $3.  Mine came already decked out with tons of curly red ribbon and held down by heavy clips, which made decorating with them a breeze.  Another great source for simple helium-filled balloons: the dollar store!  There is pretty much no easier, faster, and cheaper way to turn your house into an instant watch party.

 

Easy game day tabletop

 

 

Last weekend, Ross and I threw a fun Razorback-themed wedding shower for my brother and his fiancee.  Here are a few (instagrammed - yes, that's a verb now) photos of the table.  We served a simple spread of fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans, tomato basil tortellini salad, yeast rolls, cupcakes, and brownies.  The table setting was simple, too - black tablecloth, red and white runner, and a white pitcher filled with glads and pom-poms for the centerpiece.  Finishing touches were Razorback plates, a Razorback tin bucket for serving the rolls, and cute homemade cupcake toppers in red, white, and black. 

Southern Living Tailgate Checklist

Image courtesy of Southern Living

Seems a bit much to me - I say, bring an insulated soft cooler of food and cocktails (premixed in a water bottle), and weather-appropriate layers if necessary.  Done!


But here's what Southern Living recommends:

Game-Day Checklist

Don't leave home without these outdoor essentials. Shop at www.tailgatetown.com for some cool tailgating toys.

• Outdoor chairs and folding tables
• Tailgate tent or canopy
• Packed coolers
• Matches/lighter and charcoal (for a portable grill)
• Cookware and utensils
• Condiments
• Bottle opener
• Paper towels, napkins, and wet wipes
• Plates, cups, plastic ware
• Trash bags
• Extra blankets
• Rain gear (umbrella, poncho, boots)
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Bug repellent
• Bottled water
• Camera, binoculars
• First aid kit
• Your tickets!

Food safety may not be exciting

 

but when you're planning your next tailgating party, keep these essentials in mind:

Photo credit: click here.

Which Foods are Safe to Serve?

Single-serving, pre-packaged portions are the safest. Consider offering sandwiches, cookies, or other food items in individual, food-grade plastic bags or film wrap. This will minimize the number of people who come in contact with the food.

Dry foods or those high in sugar are almost always safe. Breads, rolls, cakes (without cream filling), fresh fruits and vegetables, cookies and crackers are safe. Use caution when serving cooked or processed foods such as lunch meat, hot dogs, vegetables and salads.

High-protein foods like meat, milk and dishes containing egg are potentially hazardous.

Be cautious with marinades.

Potatoes, rice, custards, puddings, pies, gravies and stuffings should be served with extreme caution. Time and temperature control of these foods is extremely important.

The life of most deli meats and foods is short. Roast beef, chicken breast, and turkey have a shorter refrigerator life than processed meats or cold cuts.

Follow these simple steps to ensure safety:

• Buy reasonable quantities.
• If food won't be served soon, store in a cooler immediately.
  When you get home, properly wrap and freeze deli meats that won't be eaten within two to four days.
• REMEMBER most food poisoning bacteria can NOT be seen, smelled, or tasted.
• Bacteria multiply fastest between temperatures of 40 and 140; it's what we call the Danger Zone

If in doubt, throw it out! Keep hot foods HOT (above 140° F) and cold foods COLD (40° F or below)

More food safety resources from the Food Safety Project:

• Picnic Safety
• Time Out for Take Out if you use take-out foods for your tailgate party
• Special Care for Special Foods: Ground Beef, Poultry, Hot Dogs, Luncheon Meats, Eggs and Mayonnaise