Welcome to this week’s edition of The Examiner’s “Tailgater of the Year” contest, where The Examiner selects the best tailgaters from college and professional football games in the Baltimore area.
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This week’s winner » Troy Stratakes, 46, and Ravens’ Nest No. 2
Location » Lot at the corner of W. Ostend and Scott streets about three blocks southwest of M&T Bank Stadium
Setup » Several tables with food in warmers, a box truck that’s used a movie screen to show NFL games, a grill and a chopping block for beef and oysters.
On the grill » Garlic mashed potatoes, pasta, barbecue chicken, chicken noodle soup, barbecue pork, pit beef, salad and cake.
Attendance » 120
Signature dish » Oysters
Experience » Stratakes said the group tailgates each week to help raise money for a local charity and was holding a hat and glove drive to support St. Rita’s Church in Dundalk this past Sunday. He said the group likes to serve breakfast on gamedays, but the late kickoffs have changed the menu. “It’s a booming crowd for the Steelers and the lot was really crowded today,” Stratakes said wearing his Ravens Christmas hat and Joe Flacco jersey. “It’s just a great time to come out and enjoy this with your friends every home game.”
This week, we were very impressed by Troy Stratakes of Cockeysville and Ravens’ Nest No. 2. The Pasadena-based fan club put on a party complete with pit beef and an oyster bar that consumed several parking spaces before the Ravens played the hated Steelers.
Think you can top Stratakes? Let us know where to find you when we attend the Ravens’ game against the Jaguars at M&T Bank Stadium on Dec. 28.
We’re not looking for a small grill with hot dogs and hamburgers on it. We’re looking for extravagant, like a portable sports bar with menu items you can’t get for a dollar at a fast food joint.
We have high expectations for you, football fans. Please, don’t let us down. Think you have what it takes? At the end of the season, each of the weekly winners will be posted on baltimoreexaminer.com and the one with the most votes gets bragging rights and a prize.
If you think you can tailgate with the best of them, please e-mail: [email protected].