It's the last Super Bowl Friday party at WTOP's Idaho Avenue location. See photos of what's on WTOP's beloved football table.
The WTOP newsroom celebrated the Super Bowl and its last weekday in the D.C. glass-enclosed nerve center Friday.
(WTOP/Nahal Amouzadeh)
WTOP/Nahal Amouzadeh
WTOP Editor Mike Jakaitis slices salami for the newsroom.
(WTOP/Brandon Millman)
WTOP/Brandon Millman
For the 2014 party, midday Editor Mike Jakaitis made the “Mile High Cholesterol Stadium.” He says he loves to cook in his free time and it shows.
(WTOP/Mike Jakaitis)
WTOP/Mike Jakaitis
This year, cookies, cake and lemon bars are seen on what WTOP refers to as “the football table.”
(WTOP/Brandon Millman)
WTOP/Brandon Millman
Crackers, pepperoni, cheese and fake cheese. Have your pick.
(WTOP/Brandon Millman)
WTOP/Brandon Millman
Now that her plate is full, WTOP Traffic Reporter Reada Kessler is ready to take on the day.
(WTOP/Brandon Millman)
WTOP/Brandon Millman
Broccoli and cauliflower go untouched next to the cheesecake.
(WTOP/Brandon Millman)
WTOP/Brandon Millman
Morning Drive Editor Joslyn Chesson tries a bite of food while Traffic Reporter Reada Kessler checks out the goodies.
(WTOP/Brandon Millman)
WTOP/Brandon Millman
Digital Editor Colleen Kelleher and Morning Anchor Joan Jones are ready to dig in.
(WTOP/Brandon Millman)
WTOP/Brandon Millman
Digital Editor Colleen Kelleher brought in meatballs. They were a hit.
(WTOP/Brandon Millman)
WTOP/Brandon Millman
Chili and cheese dip stay warm in the crockpot.
(WTOP/Brandon Millman)
WTOP/Brandon Millman
Assistant Editor Teddy Gelman prepares his plate to get the proper energy to take on his shift.
(WTOP/Brandon Millman)
WASHINGTON — Cheesy, meaty, sweet and salty deliciousness overcrowds the beloved and aptly-named “football” table Friday, as the WTOP newsroom celebrates its annual tradition before the big game.
As usual, newsroom staff trickle in throughout the day bearing goodies — either homemade or store-bought — that hungry newsers munch on throughout the day.
But this year’s party, as delectable as it all is, also is very bittersweet as it marks the last Super Bowl Friday party to take place at 3400 Idaho Ave.
“It’s funny how this tradition has continued,” said WTOP Midday Editor Mike Jakaitis, who brought in a salami. He explained that the party itself was his brainchild, along with Entertainment Editor Jason Fraley, who was a writer at the time.
“For us, this (6 a.m.) is lunchtime,” explains Jakaitis, who worked as the 1 a.m. to 10 a.m. on-air editor for almost 10 years.
WTOP’s Brandon Millman organized this year’s party, sending out email reminders of the final morning blowout.
“The football (table) is figuratively and literally the center of the newsroom,” said Millman, who brought in a Crock-Pot of chili to the table early in the morning. “It’s a meeting place, yes, but it’s also a spot where there is always some happiness. Sometimes it comes in the form of free food, other times, it’s swag or other goodness.”
As for Friday’s celebration, Millman said every contribution complements one another in a “beautiful blend of the sweet and savory, the salty and spicy. There’s something to please every palate. That’s what makes the Football (table) so special.”
