NEW ORLEANS (September 1, 2011) – The start of football season kicks off fall tailgating parties and game-watching gatherings. While the battle on the gridiron may be competitive, the real action is at the tailgates in the parking lots and backyards across the country. Avoid penalty flags for serving the same basic fare at your next gathering by jazzing up the menu with the big flavors of New Orleans.

New Orleans is known for its festive celebrations and great food. Take a page from the Big Easy’s playbook and create hearty, crowd-pleasing dishes that can be made in advance of gameday and brought to the party. Fans from opposing teams may even put aside their differences to celebrate a satisfying and flavorful meal.

“My ultimate tailgate get-together starts at home with family, friends and great food,” said John Besh, a New Orleans native and Executive Chef/Owner of Besh Restaurant Group.  “I like to serve up less-traditional fare that’s got big flavor and is portable enough to bring with us if we decide to head to the stadium. That’s why Zatarain’s rice mixes like Dirty Rice and Jambalaya are my go-to’s for gameday entertaining.”

A Big Easy Tailgate
Give traditional tailgating items like chili, hamburgers and hot dogs a break this football season and amp up the flavor with Dirty Jambalaya. The dish starts with flavorful and easy-to-prepare Dirty Rice, and can be customized to each fans’ unique tastes with meats, seafood and vegetables.

Ensure victory at your next gameday gathering with these Dirty Jambalaya tips:

• Set up a Dirty Jambalaya bar with different add-ins, like chicken, beef or sausage, and vegetables, like peppers, mushrooms and onions, for fans to customize their own perfect party plate.
  
  
• Seafood lovers can mix in shrimp or crawfish along with the meats and veggies for the ultimate flavor experience.
  
  
• Tailgating at the stadium?  Prepare Dirty Jambalaya in advance and take it with you to the game. It’s easily eaten off paper plates, so no extra equipment is needed and clean-up is a breeze. All you need is a fork to enjoy!

Visit www.Facebook.com/Zatarains for more exclusive tailgating tips and recipes, as well as a chance to win a trip to the 2012 Allstate® BCS National Championship in New Orleans. And be sure to follow Zatarain’s on Twitter (@MyZatarains).

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About Zatarain’s
Since 1889, Zatarain's has been the authority on the fun and flavor of New Orleans. From its humble beginnings producing root beer extract, the company has grown to make more than 200 food products from Rice Dinner Mixes, Frozen Entrees, Pasta Dinner Mixes, Breadings, Seasonings and Spices to Seafood Boils, Creole Mustard and other products based on authentic New Orleans–Style recipes and seafood preparation. Now, people around the world recognize that to capture the true flavor of New Orleans cuisine, you have to "Jazz It Up with Zatarain's." For information, recipes and Zatarain’s online store, visit www.zatarains.com.