With summer inching closer, the Meadowlands Racetrack has already lined up several different food events featuring some of the state’s finest foods from participating restaurants, vendors and food trucks.
“These are some of our most popular on-track events,” said Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “We want to make sure these dates are marked on our fans and food vendor calendars, it is never too early to think about enjoying a night at the track while enjoying delicious local food!”
Annual BBQ Extravaganza, July 8
The Annual BBQ Extravaganza returns to the Meadowlands Racetrack on July 8, the same day as eliminations night for the Meadowlands Pace.
A total of $2,500 in prizes is at stake, with a top prize of $500 for best brisket, chicken, pulled pork, ribs and people’s choice. Entrants must prepare six plates for judging.
The contest is open to area food trucks and restaurants. The $100 entry fee must be paid prior to July 8. Entrants must be ready to sell by 4 p.m. and can sell any food items in addition to BBQ. Anyone interested in participating can register by sending an email to Raryan@playmeadowlands.com
The event is free and runs from 5-11 p.m. Fans can enter to win a spot at the Judging Table – 1 entry per person. Two fans will be selected as judges.
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Food trucks at the event will be:
- Who Cut the Cheese Lady Food Truck
- South Jersey BBQ Boyz
- Clydes Homemade Italian Ice & Ice Cream
- Latin Bites
- Cat Like Reflexes
- Beared One BBQ
- Antojitos de mi Tierra
- Big John’s Gourment Burgers
- Magic Mike’s Smoked Meats
- DAW Concessions
- Rods Fish N Chips
Previous food truck champions Magic Mike’s Smoked Meats, Latin Bites and Antojitos di mi Tierra are returning to defend their crowns. South Jersey BBQ Boyz, Cat Like Reflexes, Beared One BBQ, Big John’s Gourmet Burgers, Rods Fish and Chips, DAW Concessions and Clyde’s Homemade Italian Ice and Ice Cream will also be in attendance at the event.
The event is open to area food trucks and restaurants. To register send an email to Raryan@playmeadowlands.com
Burger Battle, July 15
On Saturday, July 15, Meadowlands Pace night, the free Meadowlands Racetrack Burger Battle takes place from 5-11 p.m.
The winner of the contest will receive $1500, while second place will receive $1000 and third place will receive $500. Fans can enter to win a spot at the Judging Table – 1 entry per person. Two fans will be selected as judges.
The contest is open to area food trucks and restaurants. The $100 entry fee must be paid prior to July 8. To register, email Raryan@playmeadowlands.com
Entrants must be ready to sell by 4 p.m. and can sell any food items in addition to burgers. Entrants must prepare six burgers for judging at 7 p.m., which can be any combination of meat and toppings.
The judging will be based upon: 60% taste, 40% presentation
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Participating food trucks include:
- Who Cut The Cheese Lady Food Truck
- Why Not Burgerz
- Clydes Homemade Italian Ice & Ice Cream
- Latin Bites
- Cat Like Reflexes
- Spanky’s Gourmet Grub
- Antojitos de mi Tierra
- Big John’s Gourment Burgers
- Rods Fish N Chips
- The Mozzarella God
- DAW Concessions
Seafood Festival, July 29
The free Seafood Festival takes place on Saturday, July 29, from 5-11 p.m., when the live race card for the day begins at 6:20 p.m. featuring eliminations for the $1 million Hambletonian and the $500,000 Hambletonian Oaks.
Fresh seafood will be available from area food trucks and restaurants. The Backyard Grill and Bar will be open and will feature shrimp cocktail, lobster rolls, fried clams, fried fish, grilled shrimp, shrimp tacos, crab fries and more.
Anyone interested in being a vendor should send an email to Rachel Ryan, raryan@playmeadowlands.com and include your food truck name and menu offerings. The cost to participate is $100.
Other participating food trucks at the event include:
- Angry Archies
- Clydes Homemade Italian Ice & Ice Cream
- Latin Bites
- Cat Like Reflexes
- Antojitos de mi Teirra
- Green Dog Mobile
- Rods Fish N Chips
- The Mozzarella God
- DAW Concessions
Hambletonian Day, Aug. 5
Hambletonian Day is on Saturday, Aug. 5. Doors open at 10 a.m. with the first race posting at 12 p.m. The $5 admission includes a commemorative 98th Hambletonian Hat for adults and kids.
There will be a selection of food trucks, as well as other dining options. Food trucks so far include:
- House of Cupcakes
- Clydes Italian Ice & Ice Cream
- Latin Bites
- Chick Wings & Things
- Cat Like Reflexes
- Beared One BBQ
- Antojitos de mi Teirra
- Hadez Food Truck
Other dining options include:
- $300 Promenade Table. Seats four people. Table purchase includes admission.
- $100 Cafe Table. Seats four people. The $100 goes towards food Cafe credit. Admission is not included.
- 2nd Floor Lounge Seating. Tables available for two and four, as well as a couch to seat four. Purchase is beverage and food credit for Victory. Admission is not included.