Food for thought.

Lets talk about what fuels our nights out. Yes, alcohol makes it more interesting but food is what fuels us. What kind of bar food is a must and what can I make that will let me stand out from the crowds?

Some of the givens that I know will have to be on the menu.

Chips and Salsa, always a crowd pleaser and with homemade salsa. You can't go wrong. What are you waiting for, order these and keep the vultures at bay.
Basket of Fries or Tots, nothing screams building a base for a good night of drinking like a basket of fries between friends. Top them off with chili, cheese, sour cream, and green onion if you're looking for something substantial.
Nacho's, no explanation needed, EVER! cheese, meat (chicken, beef or shrimp), jalapeno, salsa, guacamole, green onion, and sour cream in any combination you want. Pay by the layer, Single, Double or Triple!
Hummus Plate, Veggies and pita bread with homemade hummus. Something for the healthy drinkers.
Wings, if there is a game on you have to have wings. Your choice of flavored sauces. Hella Hot!, Smokin*, Spicy BBQ, BBQ, Sweet and Sour, and Naked. No breading on these wings. We will keep these treats Gluten FREE!
Bruschetta, Simply dressed and drizzled with a balsamic reduction. A quick bite for the casual person stopping for a drink and a snack before heading home.

The Items that will need the most work will be the entrees.

The Bar Burger, the style, meat, the toppings will all have to be worked on until the right combo can be made and it will have to also fit the bar. I know that I hate it when I go to a bar and order a bar burger and I get a frozen mechanically processed patty with the standard lettuce, tomato and onion. Don't get me wrong, in the right place and at the right time that is what everyone has craved but it says nothing about the bar. If you have a Bar Burger it needs to be original and super tasty. So the jury will be out until some test runs can be performed.
Meat and Potatoes, 8oz. NY strip and garlic mash with seasonal vegetables.
Chicken and Broccoli Fettuccine, need I say more.
Skinny Wrap, Homemade hummus on a flour tortilla, with mixed greens, pickled onions and white balsamic vinaigrette. your choice of side, Mixed seasonal veggies or fries. Go gluten-free and put this on GF bread.
Baked Mac&Cheese, Homemade three-cheese M&C topped with herbed bread crumbs and baked golden brown.
(Needs A Name), BBQ chicken breast on a toasted brioche bun with mayo, lettuce, tomato, fried sweet onion straws, fried pickle chips and melted swiss and cheddar cheese. Its a heart stopper for sure but the flavor is enough to blow you mind!

All of these are standard items I think would have appearing on my menu possibly at different points through the seasons. I am still working on nailing down solid recipes and additional items for a great menu. If you think I missed something that is a must have I would love to hear about it.

Here's to chasing the first pint! Bottoms Up!