If you’ve ever spent a minute talking to me, you know I’m a die-hard fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. You also know I’m a self-diagnosed glutton. So mix football Sundays with hot-fudge sundaes, and welcome to Steve’s dreams.

Right before kickoff, Sarah and I usually cook up some elaborate tailgate food. Homemade Primanti Brothers sandwiches and pierrogies go great with Miller Lite, vintage 2009.

Back in the day, we used to carryout pre-game rituals – draping a Terrible Towel over Mario, our spastic cat. Nothing like beer and a tormented feline to heighten spirits for the big game. No one throws down a pep rally like the Bons!

You know it’s a good time when someone blurts out, “Look at that stupid cat running around with the towel over its head. Anymore beer in the fridge?” Wow, looking back at it now, I think I might have been a hillbilly?

Nevertheless, that was a long time ago. Today, it’s all about food and football. During a recent trip to Pennsylvania to visit friends, we broke from our traditional game-time fare. My buddy reintroduced me to Buffalo wings. Yes, it had been some time since I enjoyed the delights of fried chicken flaps doused in Tabasco sauce.

I had forgotten about my affinity for grease. I’m celebrating my rediscovery of fatty foods with a fresh harvest of chin pimples. It’s just like junior high school again – except with the heart of an out-of-shape 70-year-old. This is funny – I think – because I’m only 31.

The point is I’m on a mission to find the best wings. Better yet, I want the recipe so I can throw together a batch on game day. While we live in NC, we travel to the Northeast quite a bit. If anyone knows of a wing joint within driving distance that we must check out, please post below. I can’t expand my belt size without your help.

Out of frustration, this past weekend I kicked one of the many anthills taking over our lawn. I don’t know what got into me. I just lost it. So, I hulled off and slung my foot right into the sweet spot of their little home.

Blades of grass, dirt and hundreds of red bodies flew skyward. Yeah, it was probably the most spectacular show to take place in our backyard since “Steve’s Night of a Thousand Sparks.” – 4th of July 2009.

There I stood in the aftermath, staring down at this mound of dirt and a mob of displaced insects.  “Uh oh, I got my flops on.”

You know the kind of sting that burns so much it almost feels icy cold? To my surprise, fire ants have an extraordinary adhesive quality.  In a matter of seconds, my macho anger turned to utter fear. Dozens of biting insects clung on for dear life to my right ankle. I let out a 12-year-old-girl shriek and began frantically running around in a small circle – my mind’s best response when facing danger.

The whole time I shook my entire body, making large sweeps downward with my hands – pretty dramatic stuff. Some of the littler ants even wove their way through my leg-hair jungle. The whole thing was intense.

After about a minute of terror, I collected myself. I took a quick look in all directions to make sure none of the neighbors saw what just happened. I even mumbled something out loud to downplay my reaction. I think it was, “That’s crazy. Those little guys are quick. That’s crazy.”

I went inside and tried my best to put the episode behind me. The next day, three more hills stood where the initial demolition took place. I actually think they’re kind of neat to watch, from a respectable distance. I’m going to leave them there.

There are many reasons we love living and working in Wilmington. Historic downtown, mostly sunny days, choice of beaches, eclectic restaurants, a strong business community, compassionate and creative people… I could go on and on.

Being out and about – whether it’s for shopping, filling our bellies or meeting with our fantastic clients – we’re constantly witnessing just how creative businesses are when it comes to marketing. We’d like to recognize these companies somehow. So until we come up with an awards event where we give out golden bonsai trees, we’ll give them some airtime on the Bon’s Eye blog.

On a recent trip to Islands Fresh Mex Grill (260 Racine Drive/ Right near UNCW) it was hard not to notice the restaurant’s latest marketing push. Signs plastered everywhere – where you order and pay, at the drink machine and salsa bar, on the walls by the bathroom – enticed patrons to sign up for weekly mobile coupons. Sweet! I’m all about coupons, so I dug out my Blackberry from the pantry/medicine cabinet/diaper bag that is my purse. I punched in my text, receiving our first coupon before I even finished my meal.

I’m hooked – on the coupons and burritos.

Owner Lucas Jones started using mobile coupons through Coupons to Your Phone about six months ago, and the results have been good.

“It’s definitely worked well,” Jones said. “It helped us develop a client base. People started coming in for the coupons. Now they come in all the time.”

Since opening about 16 months ago, Islands has been written up in the press and Jones has run radio and TV spots. But, he said, the mobile coupons have been one of the most effective forms of advertising.

He did have a word of caution, though, about using the service.

“You have to be careful about what you’re offering,” Jones said. “If you don’t put something that’s worth it, they won’t come in. But you also don’t want to give away your restaurant.”