While the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles prepare to battle for supremacy in Super Bowl LIX, fans and food lovers are ready to tackle their own competition. A food battle is brewing at the Pepsi Super Bowl boil and Andrew Whitworth is up to the judging challenge.
With his own Super Bowl ring and record, Whitworth knows what it means to earn the ultimate NFL victory. Before he felt the confetti rain down in that big game moment, Whitworth basked in the glory of Tiger Stadium as an LSU player. That Louisiana connection runs deep, especially with his love of New Orleans food.
On February 7, Whitworth will host the Pepsi Super Bowl boil. The special event will crown one local restaurant king of cuisine.
Through his partnership with Pepsi, Andrew Whitworth graciously answered some questions for FoodSided.
Cristine Struble: We heard that you're helping crown the greatest local seafood boil restaurant at the first ever Pepsi Super Bowl boil. Can you share some info about this event?
Andrew Whitworth: Pepsi has created this event, and we are going to have a big blast. The event is on February 7th in Woldenberg Park from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. I get a chance to judge, but I'm looking forward to eating more than I'm worried about judging it. We will have a big spread. Two restaurants in the city of New Orleans, Mr. Shrimp's Kitchen and Crawlins Seafood are going head to head to see who can be labeled the best in the city. In Louisiana, we take a lot of pride in our food. I am going hungry, even though I was advised not to. I'm more worried about how much of this food I can take down, first and foremost, but it will be a lot of fun.
CS: What do you think the key to a great seafood boil is?
AW: “When it comes down to it, you're talking about crawfish, shrimp, some corn, and potatoes. Obviously, how you season it is very important, but it's not just about that. When you're talking about doing a boil, that really is something that originated from people wanting to get together and have fellowship.”
“In my mind, you get a foldable table, throw some cloth over it, and put all the food out over the table. You need some type of paper towels because you are going to get messy. And, you cannot forget your favorite drink. For me, it is an ice-cold Pepsi Zero Sugar.”
“It is the fellowship, the conversation, the food. It all blends together to create that experience. That is really what a bowl is all about.”
CS: What is your favorite Pepsi flavor and do you have a favorite Pepsi and food pairing?
AW: “For me, it's definitely Pepsi Zero. And, I’m a big burrito guy. A Pepsi and a build your own burrito is my favorite.”
CS: With the Super Bowl headed to New Orleans, what are some of the classic big easy cuisine items that visitors should put on their must eat list?
AW: “There’s a lot of good food in New Orleans. You definitely must get a fried shrimp po boy. There's a lot of good places to go do that. Then, there's got to be maybe some kind of catfish almondine or go to a good French restaurants to order good fish dish. Also, there are some great steakhouses that have some good Cajun flair to them that I would enjoy. Obviously, you got to get some crawfish, some shrimp and seafood - even some fried food. In Louisiana, they fry everything. Some of those big fried spreads you can get are pretty special. Louisiana food is something everyone will remember.”
CS: You made Super Bowl history with the Rams. What do you think about the Chiefs and could a three-peat be in store?
AW: “I would say this (game) will be unbelievable to watch. If it (a three-peat) happens, you’re talking about NFL history and being a part of something that's never been done before. It is unbelievable to think the first team to ever to even actually get to the game and have the chance for that three-peat. I think that it's really a special thing in our history of the game. Anyone who is a sports fan can appreciate that. It'll be a lot of fun to see if it happens.”
“At the same time, there's a lot of people that love this Philadelphia Eagles team. They are back in the Super Bowl for the second time in five years. For them to have a chance and potentially get their first win under Nick Siriani would be a huge. This is a rematch game from a couple years ago, so there's going to some emotions from last time. The Eagles are coming out on the short side of it and then the Chiefs winning. I think it's going to be awesome to see the Chiefs chase this three peat, but at the same time I think the emotions from these Eagles that want that Super Bowl, they feel like they lost out on.”
While the big game is going to be a hard fought battle to the last seconds one thing is certain about Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, the Pepsi Super Bowl boil is a winning event for all those who feast on the delicious food. And, the other win for the weekend is having plenty of ice cold Pepsi on hand because every meal deserves a Pepsi.