March Madness: Teaming Up Seafood & the Top 12
While anyone who has ever filled out a bracket for the annual NCAA college basketball tournament—aka March Madness —knows, a top-seeded team does not always emerge victorious. In fact, the odds are more in favor of an upset. One aspect of March Madness you can control, however, is the food you serve during the games. When planning your menu, whether for an at-home get-together or as a restauranteur/bar owner, you have plenty of creative options. Below are just a few of the many innovative seafood options that will delight your friends and customers. We based them on the geographical locations of the Top 10 ranked schools.
GONZAGA, Spokane Washington. When you are ranked No. 1 and home to Hoopfest, the world's largest basketball tournament, you have to take basketball seriously. And you can bet Gonzaga's hometown does. The state also is serious about its standing as one of the top producers of apples and cherries. This status makes an apple, dried cherry, and lightly dusted calamari salad the perfect choice for revelers looking to eat lighter as they root for their team.
ARIZONA STATE, Mesa, Arizona. Spring in Arizona means perfect patio weather for grilling. This salt block-grilled seamami shrimp recipe will have even the biggest B-ball fans willing to miss a few moments of the game.
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY, Waco, Texas. Everyone knows Texas is known for its BBQ. Add to this Waco's claim to fame as home to the famed Dr. Pepper soda and Balcones Distilling, makers of award-winning bourbons, rums, and whiskeys—the perfect choice of beverages to complement large, firm, tasty (cholesterol-free) shrimp served BBQ style.
DUKE, Durham, North Carolina. No one who visits North Carolina should pass up a plate of shrimp and grits considered a Top-10 not to be missed dish. What better to serve as fans watch Duke duke it out?
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Auburn, Alabama. It doesn't get much farther south than Alabama, where shrimp creole and shrimp po'boys are top dishes—and two game-day dishes are sure to score big with fans.
KANSAS STATE, Lawrence, Kansas. Kansas is known for ribs, specifically burnt ends. To compliment this staple, add some lightly breaded calamari for the perfect pre- and post-game match-up.
KENTUCKY STATE, Lexington, Kentucky. No one hasn't heard of the Kentucky Derby—and its signature drink, the mint julip. Whip up a batch on game night and pair it with a mint-adorned calamari salad followed by baked branzino with Thai lemon-mint sauce, and you have the perfect three-pointer.
PURDUE UNIVERSITY, West Lafayette, Indiana. Anyone who has visited Purdue University knows the area is home to some fine breweries. Why not serve an appetizer that highlights the area's brewpubs like drunken shrimp?
PROVIDENCE COLLEGE, Providence Rhode Island. For a New England tradition with a twist, try serving a New England-style branzino chowder followed by a calamari roll for a game-changing duo.
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN, Madison, Wisconsin. Unless you want to be booed, you have to serve cheese for those cheering on the No. 1 cheese state on game day. But dress things up a bit with tempura shrimp lettuce wraps with artichoke hummus, and you'll have the whole team on your side. Then add cheese and branzino balls to score extra points with fans of all ages.
VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY, Villanova, Pennsylvania. Philly cheesesteak sandwiches are almost as famous as the liberty bell in this state. But two increasingly popular selections gaining ground are the seafood Philly cheesesteak and surf and turf Philly cheesesteak. Make it with calamari or branzino to ensure diners stay for the final minutes.
TEXAS TECH, Lubbock, Texas. Who doesn't love Tex-Mex food, such as easy fish tacos made with a firm and flavorful fish like branzino that can stand up to strong condiments like salsa and hot sauce?
These are just some of the delicious seafood meals and appetizers that you can quickly whip up to accompany your games. Serve these on game day, and no matter what the final score is, you'll be the winner!