McCormick Grill Mates Reveals Top 10 Tastiest Tailgate Cities

SPARKS, Md., Sept. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Football season is here – and it's time to recognize those who transform regular tailgates into pre-game feasts packed with unbelievable flavor. In a joint venture with Bert Sperling, the leader in "Best Places" research, McCormick® Grill Mates® analyzed 31 cities in the U.S. with professional football teams to identify the Top 10 Tastiest Tailgate cities in the country.¹

"We scored each city based on the Tailgating Food Index, which took into account regional foods and flavors, and the Tailgating Experience Index, which focused on stadium atmosphere and traditions," said Sperling. "Other criteria included team success over the years and tailgating rules and regulations."

10 Tastiest Tailgate Cities

Houston grabbed the No. 1 spot with high scores in both the Tailgating Food Index and the Tailgating Experience Index. Gargantuan barbecue smokers serving up ribs and brisket and tailgating contests generate an overall vibrant, flavorful and energetic scene.

Coming in at a close second, Kansas City tailgaters pride themselves on their pork ribs, paired with the city's trademark barbecue sauce. At number three, Green Bay, with its die-hard yet familial atmosphere, achieved the highest experience rating yet fell a few points when it came to variety of foods featured. But on game day, few can resist the city's signature brats.

Bring Top Flavors to Your Tailgate

Whether you already have touchdown-worthy game day fare or you're looking for new inspiration to take your tailgate to the top, these recipes inspired by the top 10 cities will help you cheer on your home team deliciously:

• Texas BBQ Brisket Sliders – Enjoy the smoky flavor in this Texas style game-day sandwich, seasoned with Grill Mates® Slow & Low Smokin' Texas BBQ Rub.
• Grilled Sweet and Smoky Baby Back Ribs – Grill Mates® Sweet & Smoky Rub can help you create that finger-licking Kansas City taste.
• Grilled Bratwurst with Spicy Mesquite Peppers and Onions – Try your own version of Wisconsin's famous brats with Grill Mates® Mesquite Marinade.
• BBQ Potatoes – Grilled potato wedges, made with Grill Mates® Barbecue Seasoning, are a no-fuss side dish to hold over hungry tailgaters.

Share your game-winning tailgate specialties – from tried-and-true grilling tips to pictures of your tastiest result – with other fans by joining the Grillerhood on Facebook, the largest social media community dedicated to helping you score big on the grates. For more grilling recipe ideas this tailgate season, visit www.McCormick.com and find us on Pinterest.

About McCormick

McCormick & Company, Incorporated is a global leader in flavor. With more than $4 billion in annual sales, the company manufactures, markets and distributes spices, seasoning mixes, condiments and other flavorful products to the entire food industry—retail outlets, food manufacturers and foodservice businesses. Every day, no matter where or what you eat, you can enjoy food flavored by McCormick.  McCormick brings passion to flavor™.  Visit mccormick.com, mccormickcorporation.com and Facebook.com/McCormickSpice for more information.

About Bert Sperling and Sperling's Best Places

Bert Sperling is widely acknowledged as the leader in the field of "Best Places" rankings and research, with profiles in The New York Times and Wall Street Journal regarding his studies of quality of life in cities and towns. He and his studies appear regularly in the media, and he is the author of bestselling books, such as "Cities Ranked and Rated" and "Best Places to Raise Your Family." His research firm, Sperling's BestPlaces, operates the website www.bestplaces.net, which provides information and features to over 1.5 million visitors each month.

¹ Top Tastiest Tailgates, McCormick & Bert Sperling Best Places, August 2013

SOURCE McCormick & Company