A member asked me if it’s “traditional” to have subscribing members take turns (co)hosting the hunt breakfast.
Wondered how other hunts handle the breakfast or tea to follow? We usually have a tail gate with everyone just bringing a dish during our cubbing season. Once we start formal season each member takes a turn at hosting a breakfast. I like this system because I don’t have to think about something to bring twice a week. I don’t mind taking my turn when I’ve so enjoyed all the hunts when others treated me.:winkgrin:
At my hunt during cubbing those who want to eat afterwards hit a local eatery. Once formal season starts subscribing members host the weekend breakfast- usually a two or three members which makes it really nice. The mid-week hunt is back to the local eatery.
I don’t know what is traditional, but, at our hunt, many meals are provided by the owner of the place we hunt, with help from neighbors. Other meals are provided by riders. My wife and I provide one meal each season.
We started the rotation this year. Before that we had someone in charge of brunches and they had to try to get people to do it. There were some people who did it when asked but others that never would do it. The rotational schedule makes it pretty fair. We’re just starting so we’ll see how it really works this season but so far it’s been good.
This thread makes me hungry. Lex approves. Carry on.
After cubbing we hit the local cafe. During formal we have “teams” doing stirrup cups and breakfasts. We have tried to tone it down (lots of members were using caterers and it became pricey). Now we have more tailgates. The masters host opening and closing B’fasts. We even self-published a cookbook as a fund raiser this year!
I think this thread needs photos!
Loves it!
Surprisingly, in our area, there are many hunts that don’t regularly tailgate or have breakfasts every weekend or during the week. Those that do; during formal season they are usually hosted by landowners and/or members and are quite elaborate & wonderful. One hunt has a clubhouse and hosts every weekend. Their entire membership is divided into teams that host on a rotating basis including joint meets. Some local hunts tailgate afterwards at the meet site. This ranges from a pickup hoodtop, true tailgate or tables set up or even tents. Foods are usually a soup or finger foods. I like to bring quiche!!! 
Many hunts don’t tailgate during cubbing much. Some hunts are more social than others. It varies quite a bit. For formal breakfasts; sometimes there’s a bit of “one-ups-manship” involved too!! It’s a wonderful opportunity to see some of the gorgeous Virginia estates & mansions where they are held.
Food is often catered by folks who do hunt breakfasts as their specialty. Personally I think a formal meet w/ a big estate breakfast is the ultimate experience!! I’m extremely grateful to all I’ve ever been to!! :yes:
There’s always a bar with wine, beer, liquor. Usually appetizers laid out or brought around by their help. Then a full tilt dinner usually buffet style and a dessert bar. It’s always hearty food, comfort food, filling food! The folks that rode don’t stay long. They wanna get Dobbin home and are tired themselves hopefully. Ditto for the staff.
Just came back from mine! Broccoli Asaigo soup, meatloaf with tomato chutney, unmashed garlic potatoes, good ol’ stringbean cassarole. My team mates made the most awesome fresh bread, scones, stickey buns, raspberry squares. Beer, wine and Mary’s flowed. The big bummer was we were rained out so our usual copious appetites were somewhat dulled.
I’m gonna get fat from reading this thread.
Tailgating
Probably because we are a small hunt and the weather is pretty mild in Virginia, we tailgate after hunting during cubbing and the formal season. Everyone brings something and we have some very talented cooks. My contributions typically come from Costco.
Opening and Closing Hunts are catered and attending members are asked to pay.
I would really miss the social time after hunting if everyone just loaded up and left.
