Host a Rose Bowl party!

 Third in our bowl series is "The Granddaddy of Them All"...the Rose Bowl!

Besides the longevity of this Big 10-Pac 10 match, the Rose Bowl's popularity is largely due to the elaborate festivities surrounding the actual game.  Who doesn't love to watch the Rose Parade?  There are bands from around the country (camera crews, I'm begging you based on previous years' viewings...please give the auxiliary units some air time), and the amazing floats are beyond gorgeous.  An entire industry surrounds the Tournament of Roses, and it generates revenue for the city of Pasadena upwards of $150 million.

Oh, right...there's also a game!  This year it's the Oregon Ducks vs the Ohio State Buckeyes.  Whether you watch the parade, the game, or both, choose offerings from the region's fusion cuisine:

Food

California's car culture popularized the fast food burger, but is also the birthplace of the veggie burger.  Try making one from scratch.

Sample SoCal's Asian influence with egg rolls (fabulous step-by-step photos and recipe here) and sushi.  Add Mexican-American carne asada fries, or go for a Santa Maria style BBQ tri-tip (read more about Santa Maria style BBQ here).

Drink

For a theme-appropriate cocktail, serve this drink by master mixologist Junior Merino:

Coming Up Roses
3/6 Lime
3 Rose Petals (be sure they are pesticide-free!)
1/2 oz Rose Syrup
5 drops of Rose Water
2 oz Bacardi Razz
2 oz Moet & Chandon White Star

Directions: Put the first four ingredients in a mixing glass then muddle them. Pour the Moet & Chandon in a highball glass. Add Bacardi Razz and ice into the shaker with the muddled fruit, shake and pour into the glass with the Champagne. (source)  Rose Syrup and Rose Water can be found in some ethnic grocery stores or online.

Decor

Decorations are a no-brainer: Roses!  If you're feeling ambitious, take inspiration from this arrangment, substituting the word "love" with your team's mascot.  Crystal letters can be found in the scrapbooking section of most craft stores.  Browse your craft store's floral department for small berry sprays or other accents in team colors.

Comments

[Nancy Loo]

Great ideas, Jen. Thanks so much, especially for leaving out any dishes with duck. : ) GO DUCKS!!!