This year why not be inspired by the city and host a Super Bowl shindig in the comforts of your cozy home? Traffic is predicted to be a nightmare, so avoid the hassle of having to get someplace by throwing your own party. If you’re not that into the game, you can indulge in lively conversation throughout the first half and turn up the tele when the Coldplay and Beyonce halftime show begins. Call up your favorite friends now and make plans to host the hautest Super Bowl soiree. Here’s where to find everything you’ll need for the most memorable event in town.
Food
Your favorite Michelin-star neighborhood restaurant, Spruce, will not be open for Sunday brunch on February 7. Why? Because they are helping you host a spruced-up Super Bowl celebration. Chef John Madriaga has come up with an amazing menu of dishes that can be picked up at the restaurant before your party or delivered by Caviar, the day of your event. Menu items include kale Caesar salad, duck sausage chili, buttermilk fried chicken, and double chocolate chip cookies. They’ve even added wine pairings so if you want to skip all the guesswork, purchase the wines that go with each course. Hurry: your menu must be preordered by 5 pm on Thursday.
Over at the Presidio Social Club, executive chef Wes Shaw is serving up only 50 complete barbecue dinners. The order includes 1/2-rack slow smoked beef rib, 1/3 pound succulent pulled pork, and half a grilled chicken. Sides include the Presidio Social Club’s decadent macaroni and cheese with breadcrumbs, fresh coleslaw, and pull-apart dinner rolls. Deviled eggs and kale salad are optional add ons. The ordering window will close on Friday, February 5th, so act fast.
Black Bark Barbecue, the new Fillmore Street eatery from chef David Lawrence and Monetta White, is only a couple of weeks old, but they’re offering a finger-licking good spread of food for the Super Bowl. Choose brisket, hot link sausages, full slabs of ribs, and smoked turkey legs. Sides are baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, and cornbread. Sweet potato fries, smoked Portabello mushrooms, mac ’n’ cheese, and apple cobbler are also available. Order now through Thursday, the 4th, at noon.
Drink
If you want to pair your game day eats with wine, Haute Living recommends you get the fine folks at K&L Wine Merchant to help you out. Ask to speak with one of their knowledgeable wine staffers and pull out your menu. They will be able to tell you that dry Champagne pairs well with fried chicken; a trendy Pétillant Naturel cuts through the richness of creamy dips, and a brawny Syrah will go with sticky barbecued ribs.
For local beer, head to one of SF’s fine-brewing establishments. Both locations of Magnolia Brewing—the Haight Street gastropub and Dogpatch’s Smokestack—have growlers available for pickup. Download their app and you’ll be able to track their rotating beer menu, order beer to go, and know the second when limited-editions brews are tapped. 21st Amendment, Southern Pacific Brewing Company, Thirsty Bear, and Beach/Park Chalet are other breweries where you can pick up growlers of the beer that’s on tap.
Want to let the professionals take over? Rye on the Road is our go-to cocktail catering company. For the past seven years, the owners of Rye and 15 Romolo have operated a mobile bar facility. Their services include everything necessary for a home bar operation from the bartender to hand-cut ice and mint sprig garnishes. Select the menu or allow Greg Lindgren and Jon Garparini to come up with the libations for your party.
Decor
For beautiful floral arrangements, Bloomers is your best bet. The full-service florist is located in Pacific Heights and features seasonal fresh blooms in classic, yet artistic arrangements. If you’re hoping the North Carolina Panthers will triumph, decorate with chic white bouquets and add accents in black, white, silver, and blue. Use silver platters, white and black napkins and serving ware, and bright blue pillows and throw blankets. Rooting for the Denver Broncos? Have Bloomers arrange the prettiest orange flowers in vases. Use a navy tablecloth and white platters.
If you’re in need of a few stylish and upscale pieces to freshen up your living room, Jay Jeffers The Store, Gump’s, Hudson Grace, and March are our go-to boutiques for elegant entertaining and home ware.
Commercial Bingo makes for a fun game that guests can get involved with. Simply print the bingo cards on cardstock and pass out (with Sharpie markers) to your friends as they arrive. While the game is on, have everyone pay attention to the commercials. Cross out the brands as their commercials air. The first person to get five in a row wins! Stock up on fabulous prizes (a magnum of Champagne, a gift certificate to the Spa at Cavallo Point, a set of Glassybaby candles) that will entice your friends to play.
