Bloody Mary Queens at Middlebar (Photo by Christy Kane)
I’ve been involved with thoroughbred horse racing in one way or another for about 8 years and been brunching for many years before that, so LA Weekly’s inaugural Brunch at the Races was right up my alley. Judging from the sold out event it was up other people’s alleys too, and attendees definitely got their money’s worth. Upon entering the infield we were presented with a commemorative coffee mug, recyclable fork and free program for that day’s races. We turned the corner and…nirvana! Tents from more than 30 LA area restaurants and beverage (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) producers beckoned us, and everyone descended upon them like seniors descending on slot machines in the last scene of ‘Casino’.
Standouts were french toast with butterscotch and cherries from Beachwood Cafe; smoked salmon on squid ink rye from Status Kuo; and a succulent little fried chicken sandwich with homemade dill pickle from Poppy + Rose. Stella Artois was the popular tent, handing out full beers with the glass; you could also get your drink on with Bloody Marys from Middlebar, or for a refreshing break from the heat, one of the many sparkling non-alcoholic fruit drinks vying to get on our radar. Attendees enjoyed tunes from a very swinging jazz combo in their midst, and browsed cute crafty items from the SoCal Etsy Guild.
Fortified with tastes (in very generous portions) from these great food emporiums, we grabbed one more Stella and headed for the grandstand, strategizing our bets along the way.
Photo essay after the jump
All photos by Christy Kane and The Offalo
