This Is New England’s Fan-Favorite Football Food

As football fans prepared to watch the many opening day games this weekend, one common question was asked in every household. What are we going to eat? The Food Network compiled a list of what the fan-favorite item in each state is, that pairs perfectly with football games.

In this feature, many local elements were considered when selecting the football food for each market across the country. Food (and beverage) is a universal must-have that can unite fans of various teams, even when they square off against each other. For example, a large tray of overloaded nachos would be served for all gathered around the TV to share, regardless of which team they are rooting for. Perhaps you were at the bar or a get-together for the Patriots vs. Eagles game. Was the platter of chicken wings served for only Pats fans (though that's not a bad idea)?

The food choice enhances your gameday experience. It adds to the excitement and anticipation of those four hours each week when you sit and watch the big game.

Here, the Food Network recognized that love for gametime food, while also considering the local flavors of your home state. When you put that together, the result is a fan-favorite football food with a hometown flavor. It's as unique to your market as the logo on your team's helmet.

What is the fan-favorite football food in New England?

Fish and chips combine nicely with a pint of draft beer. It is a plate that can be ordered at your favorite sports pub, picked up for take-out, or made fresh at home. Better yet, the Smokehouse Grill within Gillette Stadium serves fish and chips. So you can eat your New England fan-favorite football food while taking in the gameday experience live.

As a father of four, my mornings are always a bit hectic. I enjoy being an early bird; however, I rarely have the time to prep a good breakfast. Therefore, I was quite thrilled to see that Tasting Table recognized three New England restaurants for having the best breakfast sandwiches in the country. I'm always looking for a good quick breakfast.

A morning in my world usually consists of a sunrise workout, followed by a scramble to get myself and the kids out of the house. Then I embark on an hour-long drive to the office. On the weekends, it's taking one of my kids to their sports game. Let's focus on the latter for a moment.

While I am more lenient on my breakfast choice (a banana or shake will do), I insist upon a healthy start for the little guys. Driving them all around New England on weekends requires a few drive-thru meals that you eat in the car. My preference is for the kids to have something substantial, with a protein they enjoy. A breakfast sandwich is often the choice.

The perfect breakfast sandwich should follow three simple rules. It's quick, both to order and make. It's fresh (not a microwaved egg slab pulled out of plastic). Finally, it's a balanced hand-held item that is not too heavy, processed or sugar-filled.

When trekking through interstates and unfamiliar towns at sunrise, it's easy to settle upon the quickest Dunkin' Donuts. Now, there are some other options that you (and I) should know about. These three New England restaurants ranking among the best breakfast sandwiches in the country.

Before we get into the list, it is necessary to give one other shout-out. The Portland, Oregon establishment named by Tasting Table has both the best restaurant and sandwich name. The "Yolko Ono" by Fried Egg I'm In Love.

Sofra Bakery and Café in Cambridge, MA, is the first stop. Tasting Table calls out "Geno's Egg Sandwich." This is a brioche bun filled with egg topped with halloumi cheese, feta butter, tomato concasse, and spicy green cilantro.

Next, we hop on 95 North and pull into the Elephantine Bakery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Here the selected breakfast sandwich is called the "Egg Simit." It's the healthiest of the three choices based on pure ingredients. This sandwich consists of egg, hummus, beat pistachio spread, feta, and spinach on a sesame simit.

I actually had a very hard time securing a quick bacon, egg, and cheese this past spring while in Maine for a lacrosse tournament. Now I know I need to go to a coffee shop next time. Tandem Coffee has something so good, it doesn't even need a clever name. "The Breakfast Sandwich" is simply egg, American cheese, and smoked paprika. However, when you rest it upon a homemade buttermilk biscuit, you reach a new level.