AUBURN -- Fans of football and food were getting ready for the Super Bowl in a variety of ways Sunday afternoon. From the shoppers raiding snack aisles and end cap displays to the pizza shops and service clubs serving up eats en masse, it wasn't difficult to find evidence the clock was ticking closer to the National Football League's mid-winter classic.
While a majority of grocery shoppers were taking care of weekly staples, many were also packing trunks and car seats with a variety of football fair.
"Let's see, we've got some chips, some dip, a little Michelob," said Bill Kushyk of Auburn while taking stock of his cart outside Wegmans, where the parking lot was packed by about noon. "This year's a little bigger affair."
The teams competing were of less importance than the opportunity for food and fun with family at his father-in-law's place. With his son visiting from North Carolina and daughter on hand, Kushyk was looking forward to sharing game time and face time -- and a package of those little cocktail wieners wrapped in pastry -- with kin.
"I love these things," he said while admiring his purchase.
Super Sunday is a good reason to eat all types of once-a-year specialties. Carol Morris of Auburn planned to prepare her homemade chili and chicken wings for the occasion.
"It's more of a stew than a chili," Morris confessed while unloading two full carts with "a little bit of everything" at P&C on West Genesee Street.
The low-key Super Bowl viewing with her children has become a tradition of sorts in recent years.
"It's a good excuse to eat," Morris said.
At least one Auburnian already had an excuse to celebrate Sunday. Jean Winne planned to keep things simple while simultaneously observing her son's birthday.
"It just happened to work out that way this year," she said while pushing ingredients for guacamole toward her car.
In numerous other friend and family circles, demand for the time-honored pigskin companion of pizza keeps pie makers plenty busy.
Much like the holiday gift-buying rush makes the day after Thanksgiving "Black Friday" for retailers, pizza purveyors are treated to a flood of orders that they begin taking as much as a week in advance of the big game.
"We'll be rocking all day," said Tom Parker of Mark's Pizzeria while giving a rare rest to the phone that had been ringing through the morning.
"It's pretty hectic," said Gaetano's Pizzeria owner Jerry Ferguson. "Pretty much non-stop after kickoff."
While a typical Sunday would see 50 to 60 pizzas out the door, Ferguson expect to sell more than 200 on this game day The 12-year pizza business veteran has sound strategies for serving football fans and viewing the game himself.
"I've got the DVR at home, I'll watch it later -- If I can walk by then," he said.
Social clubs like the Knights of Columbus keep casual annual plans for the game.
"It's not like a major event," Jack Conway said. "Some of the members will get together and we'll serve up some food."
He expected about 70 to 100 of his 700-member club to show up at 47 Market Street for the game and grub.
"Let's see, we've got some chips, some dip, a little Michelob," said Bill Kushyk of Auburn while taking stock of his cart outside Wegmans, where the parking lot was packed by about noon. "This year's a little bigger affair."
The teams competing were of less importance than the opportunity for food and fun with family at his father-in-law's place. With his son visiting from North Carolina and daughter on hand, Kushyk was looking forward to sharing game time and face time -- and a package of those little cocktail wieners wrapped in pastry -- with kin.
"I love these things," he said while admiring his purchase.
Super Sunday is a good reason to eat all types of once-a-year specialties. Carol Morris of Auburn planned to prepare her homemade chili and chicken wings for the occasion.
"It's more of a stew than a chili," Morris confessed while unloading two full carts with "a little bit of everything" at P&C on West Genesee Street.
The low-key Super Bowl viewing with her children has become a tradition of sorts in recent years.
"It's a good excuse to eat," Morris said.
At least one Auburnian already had an excuse to celebrate Sunday. Jean Winne planned to keep things simple while simultaneously observing her son's birthday.
"It just happened to work out that way this year," she said while pushing ingredients for guacamole toward her car.
In numerous other friend and family circles, demand for the time-honored pigskin companion of pizza keeps pie makers plenty busy.
Much like the holiday gift-buying rush makes the day after Thanksgiving "Black Friday" for retailers, pizza purveyors are treated to a flood of orders that they begin taking as much as a week in advance of the big game.
"We'll be rocking all day," said Tom Parker of Mark's Pizzeria while giving a rare rest to the phone that had been ringing through the morning.
"It's pretty hectic," said Gaetano's Pizzeria owner Jerry Ferguson. "Pretty much non-stop after kickoff."
While a typical Sunday would see 50 to 60 pizzas out the door, Ferguson expect to sell more than 200 on this game day The 12-year pizza business veteran has sound strategies for serving football fans and viewing the game himself.
"I've got the DVR at home, I'll watch it later -- If I can walk by then," he said.
Social clubs like the Knights of Columbus keep casual annual plans for the game.
"It's not like a major event," Jack Conway said. "Some of the members will get together and we'll serve up some food."
He expected about 70 to 100 of his 700-member club to show up at 47 Market Street for the game and grub.
The Citizens' Say
There are No comments posted.