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    Players Tailgate Recap

    Guy Fieri headlines lavish pre-Super Bowl Players Tailgate party; talks H-Town restaurants

    Eric Sandler
    Feb 5, 2017 | 9:15 pm

    Super Bowl partying reached its peak on Saturday night with events like Taylor Swift's concert at Club Nomadic, Taste of the NFL, and the Playboy party, but those who are actually going to the game had their own high roller affair Sunday afternoon when The Players Tailgate took over Mike Calvert Toyota for a bash that featured all-you-can-eat food, plenty of beer and alcohol, and, true to its name, lots of current NFL players.

     

    Celebrity chef Guy Fieri worked with his friend chef Aaron May and the Bullseye Event Group to create a culinary experience worthy of the event's $700 tickets. Offerings ranged from classic tailgate fare like barbecue and burgers to Tex-Mex and an extensive raw bar. The sold out crowd of 2,000 people waited in long lines, but the attendees, roughly two-thirds Patriots fans to Falcons fans judging by jerseys, looked to be enjoying every bite.

     

    Fieri tells CultureMap that he first became involved with the event a couple years ago, and he quickly realized the potential for an event that takes a classic tailgate and gives it some Flavortown magic. The event draws visitors from out of town who otherwise wouldn't have anywhere to party before attending the game.

     

    “Most people just sit in the lobby bar,” Fieri said. “I said, ‘I want to create a kickoff that really goes to the next level.’”

     

    In addition to the food and drinks, the players tailgate featured music by DJ Irie, an extensive memorabilia auction — items ranged from the expected signed jerseys and helmets to pop culture items signed by actors and musicians — and the opportunity to buy official game merchandise. Attending players included New York Giants All-Pro Landon Collins, Seattle wide receiver Tyler Lockett, Kansas City running back Spencer Ware, and Houston Texans players including Kenny Hilliard and Jeff Allen.

     

    Fieri also shed some light on how he picked the six Houston restaurants he visited last month for upcoming episodes of his signature television series, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

     

    “Lot of research. Lot of advice,” Fieri said. “We went to the Triple D joints that we had done back in the day and asked their advice. There’s a certain thing about a Triple D spot. It’s not just, hey, everybody likes it. It’s got to have all the right pieces.”

     

    Told that a CultureMap article about his visit had inspired a tremendous response, Fieri described the show’s ability to motivate viewers to support the restaurants that are featured.

     

    “Being a chef and a restaurant owner myself, what the show does for people, it changes lives. We call it the Triple D effect,” Fieri said. “I’m just a dude going to cool joints. They make it easy on me. All I do is shine the light. I appreciate all the accolades, but it’s not about me at all. It’s really about these amazing places. We need to support these mom and pop joints.”

    Guy Fieri hosted the Players Tailgate.

    Players Tailgate Guy Fieri
      
    Photo by Eric Sandler
    Guy Fieri hosted the Players Tailgate.
    chefstvcelebritiessuper-bowl
    news/restaurants-bars

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    Shaquille O'Neal leaves $1,000 tip at Houston Tex-Mex institution

    Eric Sandler
    Jul 8, 2025 | 5:00 pm
    Shaquille O'Neal Ninfa's Uptown
    Courtesy of Ninfa's
    Shaquille O'Neal had lunch at Ninfa's Uptown.

    NBA Hall of Famer and media personality Shaquille O’Neal surprised the crowd at The Original Ninfa’s Uptown when he stopped by for lunch over the weekend.

    The Big Aristotle declined the restaurant’s offer to sit in its private dining room, preferring to eat among fans and admirers. O’Neal posed for pictures with customers and staff, including a shot that Ninfa’s shared on Instagram.


      
     
     
     
     
     
     
    View this post on Instagram
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    A post shared by The Original Ninfa’s (@ninfasoriginal)


    “He was so kind and generous, offering to take pictures with anyone who wanted one and giving everyone high fives," executive chef Patti Delgado said in a statement.

     Ninfa's El Eddie taco plate Shaq ordered his tacos without the lettuce and tomatoes.Photo by Sergio Trevino

    Instead of Ninfa’s signature fajitas, O’Neal opted for the El Eddie, a plate of three crispy tacos. According to the restaurant, Shaq kept it simple by ordering the tacos with only meat and cheese. Delgado served the star personally, which led to a hilarious exchange.

    “I took him his plate and when I set it down he said, 'Wait a second, what is this?' and I said, 'The crispy tacos you ordered.' and Shaq looked at me and said, 'I didn't order that," Delgado recalls. "Then he said, 'No, I'm just kidding! Look at your face!' He's very funny and so down to earth."

    Not only did O’Neal pay for the meal of a neighboring table, he tipped his server $1,000. Of course, his generosity shouldn’t come as a surprise. After all, he’s in the restaurant business, too.

    celebritiesnews-you-can-eatshaquille oneal
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