In a tailgate pan, which side of the liner should face up?

The shiny side of the liner in a tailgate pan is intended to face up. This design reflects heat, making it an effective choice for maintaining the temperature of the food contained within the pan. The shiny surface helps to keep dishes warm for a longer period and also enhances the presentation of the food, as it creates a visually appealing sheen.

In contrast, the other options do not provide the same benefits. The matte and textured sides may not adequately reflect heat and might absorb it instead, which could lead to food cooling more quickly. A colored liner, while it may have visual appeal, does not serve the functional purpose of heat retention as effectively as the shiny side does. Therefore, using the shiny side facing up ensures both optimal heating and presentation for food served in a tailgate setting.