When I say football, what food comes to mind? Chili! This NFL playoff season leading up to our beloved Detroit Lions’ run for the Super Bowl, elevate your chili game by borrowing from the charcuterie world and curating a chili board.
The secret to creating a touchdown tray? Balance! Avocados, sour cream and cilantro temper the spice; corn chips, oyster crackers and garlic croutons create texture; and sharp cheddar, jalapeños and pickled onions add zing.
Here are a few restaurants that can assist you in presenting the perfect chili board!
Brady’s Tavern
- Address: 31231 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills
Why not do a battle of the best chili at home? Brady’s Tavern in Beverly Hills offers two types: “The Award Winner” traditional chili and Chicken Chili. The menu also boasts bread bowls — what better addition to your chili board than an edible bowl? Add in onions, cheese and sour cream to complete the experience. The best thing about chili? It tastes even better the next day! Although Brady’s Tavern isn’t open on Sundays, you can pick up the day before and reheat in a Crock Pot.
Jim Brady’s
- Address: 1214 S Main St., Royal Oak
Travel back in time with a bowl of chili, an item that was on the 1954 menu, the year the original Jim Brady’s Detroit opened. This bowl brings a bit of heat — chef Dave Ogren worked on it for months — so pace yourself and savor each bite. Make it easy and order the charcuterie board to go alongside the chili for an elevated spread. Guests can add the gourmet cheese and artisan toast atop the chili, snack on the meats and pickled veggies and the dark chocolate pretzel bark will pair perfectly for dessert.
Coney Island
- Locations: Roseville, Detroit, Fraser, Grosse Point, St. Clair Shores, Utica, Warren, Clawson, Clinton Township, Macomb Township, Rochester Hills, Southfield, Royal Oak and Shelby Township
We aren’t here to solve the debate about which Coney Island is best, but we would like to draw inspiration from this restaurant style to introduce a Chili Dog Board! National Coney Island does sell its chili to independent coney businesses, so when in doubt, order takeout. They have a Coney Kit with everything you need — hot dogs, buns, award-winning chili, mustard and onions. Serve your fare in retro red and white striped hot dog trays, and condiments in squeeze bottles.
Ford’s Garage
- Address: 21367 Michigan Ave., Dearborn and 44175 W. 12 Mile Road, Novi
Although the first Ford’s Garage opened in Fort Meyers, Fla., near Henry Ford’s winter home, it has opened two locations in the metro area that pay homage to the Model T inventor. Known for the burgers, the Angus Beef Chili gives burgers a run for their money in the winter months. This special blend is topped with Tillamook Cheddar Cheese, diced onions, cilantro and sour cream. Add jalapeño cream corn as a unique topper and Piston onion rings or Ford’s classic tots to your chili board to put smiles on your guests’ faces.
Follow Metro Parent on Instagram.
, Bowl with the perfect chili board. Start with delicious to-go chili offered at these local spots.){kind=link}