How to Throw a St. Louis Cardinals Opening Day Party

Food

It's the end of March, so there's the possibility of full-on winter weather or mild spring temperatures. Still, who said you couldn't start the Cardinals season off with a little barbecue? Pork ribs, pork steaks, bratwurst and salsiccia are beloved backyard staples in St. Louis. If it is too cold to properly man the grill, simply sear the surface of your ribs and steaks and finish them off by simmering them in the oven in some Maull's barbecue sauce. Serve them along classic sides like baked beans and coleslaw and transport yourself to the height of St. Louis summer as you listen to the roar of the crowd.

Beverages

The obvious choice here would be an ice-cold Budweiser, a beer brewed in St. Louis that predates even the baseball team. Although Budweiser is still brewed in the iconic brick complex where it was born, the company was recently sold to a Belgian conglomerate, much to local dismay. Those preferring to drink beer brewed locally by fellow St. Louis residents can rest easy drinking a Schlafly or an O'Fallon. Don't forget to buy some Vess for the kids and nondrinkers!

Camaraderie

With the food, a cold one, your friends, and the game on television, you're bound to be in baseball paradise. Baseball reminds us of the simplicity of life's pleasures--spending the day with great friends rain or shine. On Opening Day, celebrate the beginning of another baseball season in true St. Louis spirit: backyard barbecue, friends, and baseball. Don't forget your red!