Hey tailgating pros...

[Mollie_Bailey]

I posted this in racing, but perhaps the hunting folks would like to chime in…

With point-to-point season right around the corner, who’s not looking forward to enjoying some tasty spreads while watching all the action? To celebrate, the Chronicle of the Horse is hitting up restaurants who do brisk business catering to equestrians for their tailgating tips and recipes. It’s for a feature in the Chronicle Connection, and we’d love your input.

So how about it: Do you have any favorite horse-friendly restaurants who cater lots of tailgates, particularly during racing season? Who’s the local tailgating pro in your neighborhood?

Thanks so much,
Mollie Bailey
Editorial staff, The Chronicle of the Horse

[Beverley]

Mollie,

Admittedly I no longer live where I can tailgate on a weekly basis. But when I did, mid-70s to 1995, everything from Casanova to Md Hunt Cup and VA Gold Cup, I never hosted or attended a tailgate that was catered. We did it all ourselves, pot luck to some extent (and okay that might invariably have included a bucket o’ KFC), but hey, I always brought the ice sculpture and the flowers! And do have a ton of good recipes.

I would ask- has it changed that much over the years- except I’ve been to Hunt Cup and Foxfield and VA Hound Show in recent years and it hasn’t changed among folks I know!

I would add that even the time at Oatlands where I was in charge of guarding the trophies and thus mooching off of Jack Kent Cooke’s nearby tailgate at his cordial invitation, his wasn’t catered, either. But he (well, okay, his attendant) served a tasty chicken salad sandwich and a lovely Bordeaux (though sadly the latter had been transported in the cooler, had to let it warm a bit before consuming).

I guess I’m concluding that catering is more likely amongst the corporate types of gatherings?

[Mollie_Bailey]

Thanks Beverly,

It’s certainly been my experience as well that most—and certainly my favorite—tailgates boast homemade food. I have spoken to restaurants who do brisk business during point-to-point season—maybe some people are passing off those tasty treats as their own!

Either way, if anyone has favorite restaurants in horsey areas that serve a dish or two that would work well for tailgating, I’d be happy to speak to that chef and try to nab the recipe for publication.

Thanks again for your input!

Mollie Bailey
Editorial Staff, The Chronicle of the Horse

[SteeleRdr]

Santoni’s in Glyndon, MD does a pretty good business for catering during race season (helps that there are 3-5 races that are local to them). Santoni’s is a grocery store (kinda gourmet-ish, and also does catering). I know lots of people who also buy platters and salads from Wegman’s (in Hunt Valley). Have also seen people at HC and GN with food from Andy Nelson’s BBQ which is also Hunt Valley/Cockeysville.

Don’t remember the catering company, but did go to a lovely tailgate spread at Loudoun PTP last spring that was amazing. Lots of champagne and great food. The spread was paid for/sponsored by the Oatlands Foundation, if I remember correctly.

As expressed by Beverley, my own tailgates, and most of the one’s I have attended are “catered” by those that are partaking in the food, or hosting the tailgate.

Hope that helps!

[wateryglen]

JMHO!

Yup we all do our own cooking most of the time however…it’s often supplemented by items pre-made at the local grocery stores. For example: who hasn’t been to a tailgate with the IGA (in Marshall) fried chicken ?!! :winkgrin: The party platters from the stores are popular…like sandwiches, meats/cheeses, veggies/dip. I see Costco prepared hors d’hoerves you can buy. Often premade spreads. Horsepeople are often too busy to actually spend the time cooking so there’s the MOST POPULAR tailgating method of POTLUCK!!! :yes: Those are often the best because everyone brings their best stuff. Only the really rich can afford to cater and most of us ain’t rich! Just sayin’!!

[JSwan]

Cafe Torino in Warrenton. Wonderful food, great caterers. I think you can also pick up your order to do your own tailgate. It’s not too expensive.

The owner is a hoot.

Or if you want to grab lunch before heading to the races it’s a great sit down place too. Reservations are required for dinner. Only one seating.