Taste of the Game: Ole Miss at Arkansas

All Aboard, Rebels! It’s time to hit the road and take our gameday show to Fayetteville as Ole Miss takes on Arkansas. While our tailgating may be different this season due to COVID-19, it doesn’t mean we still can’t enjoy it.

The one thing about being in the Southeastern Conference is no matter where you are traveling, you can be sure there is always going to be some damn good football, a place to wet your whistle, and savory down-home eats.

This week our “Taste of the Game” feature is making a stop at one of Fayetteville’s staples, Penguin Ed’s BBQ. 

From tents on Hwy 245, to two locations and paper mache penguins (take some time to read about it or let them tell you the story), Ed and his family have been serving up delicious barbecue for over 25 years. 

This is more than just a BBQ joint; you can literally find something to satisfy every gameday craving — even if you’re a vegetarian — as there’s something on the menu for the entire family. With two locations and even a pop-up location this week, you won’t have to worry about getting your hands on some good eats on this Rebel road trip.

Here are some of my favorite eats from Penguin Ed’s – Bon Appetit, y’all!

With a 2:30 kick-off, you know Rebel Nation will be ready to go early and will need the proper fuel to get there. Start off with some of Penguin Ed’s signatures smoked BBQ wings, or if you need something with a “bite” go for that BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos. 

Who says you can’t stay healthy and indulge during a tailgate? Let me recommend y’all try one of their scrumptious Smoke Meat Salads. You choose your indulgence from their chopped chicken, beef, pulled pork, or chopped pork to top your fresh salad pickings. Kick it up with one of their homemade house dressings!

Cheezy tators

Now, this is where it gets tough because, like I said, there is literally so much to choose from at Penguin Ed’s. In the sandwich or sub arena, I hear the Arkie Cheesesteak is something you must try.  Smoked sliced pork with farm-fresh grilled peppers, onions with melted-swiss chess on Texas Toast—yes, that’s a winner.

For our vegetarians in the group, do not fret! Ed and his crew will take care of you right. Go for that Black Bean Veggie Burger and finish it off with a side of their signature “cheezy tators.”

And for those of y’all bringing a big crew from Oxford, go with one of the family packs that can feed four to 50+, filled with everything from ribs to brisket and some of their delicious, signature made-in-the-South sides. Whether you dine in or are looking for the perfect food at your tailgate, let the folks at Penguin Ed’s show you that Southern hospitality this weekend in Fayetteville.

This week, Rebels are in luck because you can also order ahead and pick up one of their Gameday Family Packs that feeds up to eight for just $45 ready to go on Saturday. 

Penguin Ed’s makes their cookies fresh each morning.

If you can’t make it to one of their main locations or are just looking to grab some good BBQ and libations, you can also swing by George’s Majestic Lounge and grab a cold one starting at 11 AM and pick up some Penguin Ed’s BBQ   there at their pop up while also enjoying some live tunes by  The Juice Duo. That sounds like some of the closest tailgate normalcy you can have under these circumstances!dddd

Rebels, if you’re on the road and looking for a good place to grab some grub, then support a great local business in Fayetteville this weekend. #HottyToddy #All Aboard.

Make sure to visit the Penguin Ed’s website for full menus, daily specials, and more at https://www.penguineds.com. For all the latest like and follow them on their Facebook at Penguin Ed’s or on their twitter at @PenguinEds

Team Penguin Ed’s all masked up and ready for a good weekend! Open for dine in (Patio dining also at Historic B&B) and curbside from 11am-9pm on Saturday! pic.twitter.com/ngLDPT7hVL

— Penguin Ed's (@penguineds) October 10, 2020

Penguin Ed’s Locations & Hours

Mission
2773 E Mission Blvd.
479-587-8446
Sun-Thurs: 11 AM-8 PM
Fri & Sat: 11 AM-9PM

Historic B&B
230 S. East Ave
479-521-3663
Mon-Thurs: 11 AM-8 PM
Fri & Sat: 11 AM-9PM
Sun: 11 AM-3 PM

Lee Ann Herring-Olvedo

Lee Ann is the Director of Recruiting for The Rebel Walk. She is a veteran SEC sports journalist and NFL content writer. She is also the Sr. Editor for MESPORTS digital. Herring-Olvedo is a Brown University graduate who loves good cigars, good games, and a smooth glass of bourbon — not necessarily in that order.