Published Tuesday, July 8th, 2014   ( 9 years ago )

TASTY TREATS, GRILL FEST AND GOURMET FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL, SET TO RETURN IN 2014

GRILL FEST BACK IN 2014 AT DEL MAR AFTER TASTY DEBUT LAST SUMMER

Bar-b-q and racing, a parlay that proved a natural winner in its debut at Del Mar last summer, is back on the books for 2014 in a get-together that’s likely to be even better the second time around.

This year’s lip-smacking Grill Fest session is scheduled for Saturday, August 9 and features the flavorings of more than 25 seasoned B-B-Q pros wrapped around an afternoon of exciting Thoroughbred racing.

Just as it did for its bow in 2013, the “Fest” will present off-the-grill goodies that include meat, seafood, veggies and desserts. Five different sample-size portions will sell for $10. The catch-phrase for the day will be:  “Come hungry, leave happy.”

The grilling festival will be held in the track’s Seaside Stage area on the western end of the facility. And, if you stick around after the races, you’ll be able to catch one of California’s great rock bands – Counting Crows – who’ll perform as the sun sets in the Pacific just behind them.

The Grill Fest goes from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m., or until the food runs out. The 10-race Saturday card, which will feature the La Jolla Handicap for 3-year-olds, has a first post of 2 p.m.

Del Mar’s Grill Fest once more will benefit Kristie’s Place, a children’s end-of-life care organization headquartered in Southern California.

The track’s 36-day racing season is from Thursday, July 17 to Wednesday, September 3.

GOURMET FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL SET FOR RETURN ON AUGUST 16

Del Mar’s biggest and best food truck extravaganza is on the summer racing calendar for Saturday, August 16. The fourth edition of the Gourmet Food Truck Festival will feature as many as 55 trucks from throughout Southern California, all gathered in the track’s spacious Seaside Stage area west of the grandstand.

The smells alone are a tantalizing delight and the range of fine fare – from spicy Cajun treats to savory salads to oh-so-sweet desserts – are sure to please foodies from the fine to the fulsome.

The variety of truck names provides a ready clue to the full-spread offerings that will be available, among them Babys Badass Burgers, Cousins Maine Lobster, Greengo Grilled Cheese, New York on Rye, Pierogi Truck, Rolling Sushi Van and The Inslider.

The food trucks will be open and serving from noon to 6 p.m. and regular racetrack admission puts you right in the middle of the action.

Track gates will open at noon and racing that afternoon begins at 2 p.m. The feature event on the 10-race program will be the Grade I Del Mar Oaks.

7/8/14    ###