"super bowl" news and stories

So who had the best Super Bowl commercial? It's easy to say that the Volkswagen's "The Force" commercial certainly struck a cord with a lot of people. However, in the realm of food and TV, we just weren't that impressed. One thing is for sure, there was a lot of hitting going on -- between the violent stunts of the Pepsi Max spots and Wendy's "slap in the face" new Asiago Chicken Club campaign, we were left with only one favorite: Doritos "Healing Chips" ad.

After the jump, vote for your favorite food commercial from the Super Bowl.

<a data-cke-saved-href="http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=92bf7e1a-0ed9-4305-97b5-8ab0b40faf2f" href="http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=92bf7e1a-0ed9-4305-97b5-8ab0b40faf2f" target="_new" title="">Doritos: Healing chips</a>

Whether you're rooting for the Steelers or Green Bay (or just the commercials), it's likely you'll tune into the Super Bowl this Sunday. (More than 106 million Americans watched the game last year.) Restaurant owners know the big game equals big business, so you can find all sorts of deals this weekend in honor of Sunday's big showdown.

Hosting a game-day party? You might want to consider serving pizza, since Papa John's, the "official pizza" partner for Super Bowl XLV, is conducting a sweepstakes for anyone who places an online order between 10am and 9:59 pm EST. As reported in Nation's Restaurant News, the chain is giving away $45 gift cards every 45 seconds, and offering $10 large pizzas all day. In addition, registering for "Papa Points" will win you a free large pizza if the game goes into overtime. Pizza Hut, too, is introducing a party option with its "Big Dipper" pizza, $12 for 24 strips of pizza and 4 cups of tomato sauce for dipping.

Looking for an alternative to beer during the big game? Check out these high-octane cocktails from Scotch whisky expert Heather Greene. We've got two drink recipes for each team, so throw on your favorite jersey and raise a glass.

Pittsburgh Steelers – Blood and Turf
This variation of the classic Blood & Sand cocktail represents the Steelers' ability to push the ball over the goal line.

3/4 oz Glenfiddich 12
3/4 oz Lillet Rouge
3/4 oz Pear liquor
1oz Lillet Rouge

Shake over ice and strain into martini glass. Garnish with orange.

Get more cocktail recipes after the jump.

Beer is considered game-day imbibing but really, it's okay to sip wine too. Here is your guide to pairing wine with typical Super Bowl snacks -- from bowls of hot chili to bags of potato chips. And because we know you might be buying for a crowd, all of the recommended wines are budget-friendly (costing no more than $15 a bottle).

Layered taco dip
This is a complex dish, with layers of guacamole, chopped lettuce and tomatoes, corn kernels and spicy-hot taco meat or refried beans. An equally complex wine to help you wash it all down is key. Ditch the Napa Cabs and try a something from a new, up-and-coming Cabernet Sauvignon region: Chile.
Our budget pick: Vina Aquitania 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Valle del Maipo, Chile

Pizza
Syrah's peppery notes bring out the acidic nuances in a pizza's tomato-based sauce.
Our budget pick: J. Lohr Winery 2006 South Ridge Syrah, Paso Robles, California

With the Super Bowl but a week away, it's time to start stocking your fridge with your favorite beer. But instead of reaching for a Bud, opt for a brew hailing from the state of your favorite team.

If you're rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers, try one of these Pennsylvania-based beers:

Troëgs Hopback Amber and Nugget Nectar: If you like your beers with a fragrant hop profile, try these two amber-hued beauties from Harrisburg's best brewery. The caramel-nuanced Hopback is suitable for four quarters of sipping, while the imperial-strength Nugget Nectar (a seasonal released in February) packs a piney, earthy punch that'll hit you like a Troy Polamalu tackle.

Victory Brewing Prima Pils: As a hopeful indicator of the game's outcome, order a case of Downington-based Victory's pitch-perfect pilsner. It's plenty effervescent, with a snappy hop bite that'll keep you coming back from kickoff to the final whistle. Hopefully, Ben Roethlisberger will take a knee in the, yes, victory formation.

Yuengling Lager: If you dig the Steelers' time-honored tradition, try this traditional lager from America's oldest brewery. Since 1829, Pennsylvania's Yuengling has been pumping out this balanced, smooth-drinking amber lager that has a touch of caramel sweetness -- unlike any members of the Steelers, mind you.

Our picks for Green Bay Fans after the jump.