Jay DiEugenio - The Tailgate Guy
Who is The Tailgate Guy? As a lifestyle expert on one of the hottest trends in sports and recreation, Jay has tailgated at every stadium in the NFL, as well as numerous colleges, ball parks, racetracks, and even a Hollywood game show. He has friends and fans in parking lots across the country.
Jay's "expert" status earned him a spot as one of the celebrity panel judges on Food Network's Tailgate Warriors with Guy Fieri.
He has appeared on television and radio, been featured in numerous newspaper and magazine articles, and makes live appearances at stores, trade shows and local events all over America. He's been called ”Uber-Chef and Ambassador to the Blacktop," and has two tailgating cookbooks to his credit. His nationally syndicated radio program, The Tailgate Guy with Jay DiEugenio, was the first live talk show dedicated to the tailgating lifestyle.
Where'd he get those mad grill skills? Jay was schooled on the blacktop by the best damn chefs and grill masters you can find. Having tasted food from coast to coast, he was a natural to become a KCBS certified BBQ judge. And between it all he honed his culinary skills at The International Culinary School at The Art Institute.
What does he do in the off-season? In 2010, Jay took some of his favorite eats to the streets, jumping into the sizzling Gourmet Food Truck biz. He opened BACON MANia in Orange County CA, which in less than a year has become one of the most followed trucks in The OC. The oft-changing menu, described as unapologetically American man-food, features many dishes pulled from the parking lots. Check it out: BACONMANiaTruck.com
What is the Tailgating Lifestyle? Family, Friends, and Food. Contrary to popular misconception, it’s not all about the beer. While alcohol is present at nearly all tailgate parties, it is not the primary focus for the majority of tailgaters.
Family: Most tailgaters are married, and they often tailgate with their spouse. Kids come out and party on the blacktop with their parents, too. Multi-generational tailgates are not unusual, for some it’s a tradition that’s been bringing them together for decades.
In 2005 & 2006, Jay traveled with his own family (his wife and 3 sons) to tailgate at every stadium in the NFL!
Friends: For many tailgaters, their crew is their closest circle of friends. They stay together for years, growing and changing through life events that are sometimes celebrated on the blacktop. We’ve seen engagements, weddings, and even memorial services take place in the pre-game parking lot.
Food: Tailgate food has a wide range, from the simplest deli platters to elaborate multi-course meals. But there are some common factors:
* Regionality
* Lots of food
* Cooked in the lot
* Many cooks
* Specialty dishes
* Planned, prepped, coordinated
Mission Statement: The Tailgate Guy strives to promote, unite, and entertain the tailgating world through tailgating events, books, websites, radio, television, and live appearances.
Messages: Tailgating is a uniquely American past time that brings together sports fans from all walks of life. For a few hours before the game, people enjoy a casual “neighborhood” atmosphere that’s hard to find in today’s busy world. Tailgaters are educated and loyal, generous and gracious hosts and happy to share their party with anyone who wanders by. They are responsible, law-abiding people who value the 4 "Fs" food, fun, family and friendship.