Celebrating the NFL in Munich: A Culinary Journey Through New York and North Carolina Flavors

The big game is around the corner

As the NFL game in Munich approaches on November 10, 2024, featuring the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers, the city is gearing up for more than just football. Fans will have the chance to immerse themselves in the iconic flavors of New York and North Carolina — two regions with rich culinary traditions shaped by their unique geography and agriculture. 

New York Flavors: From Urban Streets to Upstate Farms

Located in the northeastern United States, New York State is a land of contrasts. While many immediately think of the fast-paced, cosmopolitan lifestyle of New York City, the state is also home to vast rural regions that boast incredible agricultural wealth. Upstate New York is known for its beautiful landscapes and fertile farmland, producing apples, dairy, and wine that have become central to the state’s food culture. 

The state’s five major wine regions—the Finger Lakes, Long Island, the Hudson River Region, Lake Erie, and the Niagara Escarpment—are renowned for their cool-climate wines, such as the crisp Rieslings of the Finger Lakes and the robust Merlots of Long Island. These areas benefit from diverse terroirs, allowing for a wide variety of wines that reflect New York’s rich agricultural heritage.

New York offers a long history of diverse food traditions

In addition to wine, New York’s agricultural abundance plays a key role in shaping the city’s dynamic food scene. The connection between upstate farms and urban kitchens is strong, with farm-to-table restaurants flourishing in both the city and rural areas. New York City is celebrated for its food diversity, from street vendors selling iconic hot dogs and pretzels to high-end restaurants offering international cuisine. 

And when it comes to desserts, no dish is more closely associated with the city than the classic New York cheesecake, made with rich cream cheese and often finished with a fruit topping like this No-Bake Montmorency Tart Cherry Cheesecake. This dessert reflects both the simplicity and elegance that define New York’s culinary identity, drawing on the state’s dairy production and a long history of diverse food traditions.

North Carolina Cuisine: Southern Comfort Meets Coastal Flavor

North Carolina offers a completely different yet equally rich culinary experience. Located in the southeastern U.S., the state stretches from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, providing a unique blend of mountain, farmland, and coastal influences. The state's diverse landscape is reflected in its cuisine, which is a perfect balance of hearty Southern comfort food and fresh seafood. 

North Carolina’s coast, particularly the famed Outer Banks, is known for its seafood, with blue crab, shrimp, and oysters being regional specialties. The state's seafood is celebrated in both simple, down-home dishes like shrimp and grits and more refined preparations, often seasoned with the state's signature Eastern North Carolina vinegar-based barbecue sauces. Alongside its seafood, North Carolina is also a major agricultural powerhouse. The state leads the nation in sweet potato production, while also growing significant amounts of peanuts, pork, and tobacco.

Sweet potatoes are a vital ingredient of many traditional recipes

Sweet potatoes are perhaps the most beloved ingredient in North Carolina’s food traditions, finding their way into everything from pies to savory casseroles. The classic Sweetpotato Casserole is a staple at family gatherings and holiday feasts, blending the earthy sweetness of mashed North Carolina Sweetpotatoes with butter, sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Often topped with either crunchy pecans or marshmallows, this dish exemplifies the comforting, home-cooked style that defines Southern food. 

North Carolina’s pork industry also plays a vital role in its barbecue culture, with whole-hog barbecue being a tradition deeply rooted in the state’s history. Whether slow-cooked over wood fires or prepared as crispy pork shoulder, North Carolina barbecue is famous for its tangy vinegar-based sauces, setting it apart from the sweeter, tomato-based styles of other Southern states. 

Touchdown Menu at Brenner Restaurant

To celebrate this NFL showdown, Munich’s Brenner Restaurant will host a special "Touchdown Menu" in the week leading up to the game. This gourmet experience brings the best flavors of New York and North Carolina together, offering diners a chance to explore the unique culinary traditions of both regions.

The menu kicks off with a Manhattan Clam Chowder, a flavorful, tomato-based soup that reflects New York’s coastal roots and bustling harbor history. From North Carolina, diners can savor Sweet Potato Patties paired with a tangy cranberry salsa, showcasing the state's prized sweet potatoes in a creative, modern twist.

For the main course, prime American steaks combine the hearty, urban steakhouse traditions of New York City with the Southern flair for well-seasoned, comforting meat. This fusion of high-end urban dining with rustic Southern flavors truly captures the essence of both states’ culinary identities.

For dessert, culinarians will have the choice between two iconic treats: a rich, creamy New York-style Blueberry Cheesecake, or a traditional North Carolina Pecan Pie, offering a sweet taste of both regions to finish off the meal.

Wines, Beers, and Game-Day Festivities

A celebratory meal isn’t complete without the perfect pairing of wines and beers. Brenner will feature a selection of American wines and beers, including brews from Brooklyn Brewery and wines from some of New York’s finest vineyards. German-American winemakers Peter Weis and Roman Roth will introduce their award-winning wines from New York, giving guests a taste of the state’s exceptional wine heritage, with a personal touch that connects the local German culture with the rich traditions of American winemaking.

To elevate the experience, Munich will feature an NFL-themed tram that will allow fans to explore the city in true NFL spirit, bringing together the excitement of the game and the cultural exchange between Germany and the United States.

Bring the Game-Day Feast Home

If you’re watching from home, you can still capture the excitement of the NFL showdown by preparing your own game-day snacks. Check out this article for easy-to-prepare recipes that will keep your watch-party guests satisfied and add to the match-day fun.

To dive deeper into the United States’ culinary traditions and explore even more recipes, visit the DelicioUS! website, where you’ll find a treasure trove of insights into American food culture, like this article on Classic New York Recipes and their Stories.