🍫 Chicken Wings (the moral center of the party) ☕️

Every proper bowl-watching gathering begins with wings. Not negotiable. During Fan Fest, Ava’s has Organic Smart Chicken on sale… and yes, it actually is the best. Smart Chicken is air-chilled (not waterlogged), which means real chicken flavor, better texture, and skin that crisps instead of steaming into puddles of shame. They’re raised without antibiotics, humanely handled, and taste like chicken used to taste before everything went wrong with the world.

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We’ve got wings, thighs, and drumsticks, so no one has to choose. The correct move is one of each. Or, as some guests will do, quietly eating an entire chicken’s worth while pretending they’re “just grazing.” Sauce matters too: Frank’s Red Hot is the classic (it’s basically required by law), but for a little Louisiana swagger, try Crystal Hot Sauce. Fun fact: Crystal has been made in New Orleans since 1923, uses aged cayenne peppers, and is beloved for its thinner, brighter heat… perfect for people who want flavor and bragging rights.

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Pro-tip for non-sports fans: Casually mention that one team is known for heritage while the other is very into recent dominance. Say it like you didn’t rehearse.

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🌽 Chips (the salsa delivery system)

The choice of tortilla chip matters. This is not a drill. Ava’s carries local, organic, premium chips, which immediately puts you above anyone who grabbed a mystery bag from a gas station.

• Taco Works Tortilla Chips (from San Luis Obispo): Extra-sturdy, deeply corn-forward, and built for scooping without structural failure. Ideal if your dip situation is aggressive (or competitive).
• Blue Corn “Home Made” Chips: Earthier, nuttier, and visually superior. These are for people who want to look cultured without saying anything out loud.
• Deli-Style Corn Totoro Tortilla Chips: Thinner, lighter, and dangerously snackable. Best for guests who claim they’re “not hungry” but are on chip number 37.

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And unlike with the Game, you don’t have to pick sides! Variety signals competence. So spread them ALL out like the hot mess that is the rest of your house (We know your secret, and the anxious-ridden yell of "Don't open that door!").

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Pro-tip for non-sports fans: Drop the line: “Wild that it was basically a West Coast vs East Coast vibe.” This lets Bay Area people feel smug and East Coast people feel defensive, which is the traditional balance.

🍅 Dips (escape from mass-produced slop)

If your salsa traveled farther than you did this week (bottled in New Jersey??!), it’s time to level up.

• Oaxaca Mama Salsa: Rich, slow-crafted, and inspired by traditional Oaxacan flavors: deeper chiles, more complexity, and zero sadness.
• Casa Sanchez Salsa: A Bay Area classic with serious taqueria credibility. Balanced, fresh, and quietly excellent in that “of course this is good” way.
• Fresh Cravings Salsa: Bright, chunky, and fresh-tasting… great for people who want salsa that feels alive.

Bonus round: Yucatan Organic Guacamole. Different color, different vibe, green so it’s technically healthy. Also a great way to show range. Mention “avocado-forward” like you’re on a cooking show.

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Pro-tip for non-sports fans: Here's another line for you: “Seattle getting back here is kind of wild, considering how the season started.” This sounds informed without naming a single stat or player. If pressed, say, “Injuries, man.” That ends it.

🥨 Pretzels (the underrated sensory experience)

You cannot have game day without salty, crunchy pretzels. Ava’s has them in every shape, and yes, shape matters. Just like a wine glass affects aroma and taste, pretzel shape affects salt distribution, crunch pattern, and mouthfeel (casually drop the word “mouthfeel” into conversation, and watch people nod in jealous awe).

• Mini Twists: Maximum surface area → more salt per bite → classic, reliable joy.
• Pretzel Crisps (thins): Wider crunch, faster snap, excellent for dips and for people who like efficiency.
• Skinny Sticks: Straight-line crunch, sharper salt hits, and a more dramatic eating experience. Ideal for nervous pacing during close plays.

It’s science. Pretzel science.

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Pro-tip for non-sports fans: If someone questions you about anything game-related, just say, “Honestly, I’m more interested in how the coaching decisions shake out.” No one will ever ask you to elaborate. Ever.