Spring has sprung and the Meadowlands Racetrack is already thinking about summer and encouraging fans to mark their calendars for its popular foodie events.
First up on the 2024 event calendar is the second annual Stakes and Steaks on Saturday, May 18. Think you cook the best steak, hot dog or make the best cocktail? Prove it! Anyone over 13 years of age can enter the competition (must be 21+ to enter cocktail division). For registration details, click here.
Fans just looking to eat delicious food can come out and dine on items from great area food trucks including Delicious Lola Josefa’s, Rods Fish N Chips, Cat Like Reflexes, Clydes Homemade Italian Ice & Ice Cream, Bitch’n Bacon, Eat My Balls, The Mozzarella God and Antojitos de mi Tierra. As an added bonus, one lucky fan will win a three-night stay at Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas.
On Saturday, June 15, the annual BBQ Extravaganza returns to the track, sponsored by Knob Creek. A total of $2,500 USD is up for grabs in the Extravaganza with $500 top prizes for the best brisket, chicken, pulled pork and ribs and people’s choice. This free event runs from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and fans are encouraged to come out for some of the best BBQ in the area. Two lucky fans will win a spot at the judging table and help determine the top BBQ in each category.
Past food truck champions Magic Mike’s Smoked Meats, Latin Bites, and Antojitos di mi Tierra are returning to defend their crowns. Bitch’n Bacon, Cat Like Reflexes, Fire and Coal BBQ Grill, Green Dog Mobile, Freakin Empanadas, Totally Nutz, Delicious Lola Josefa’s, Rods Fish and Chips, DAW Concessions and Clyde’s Homemade Italian Ice and Ice Cream will also be at the event.
The annual Meadowlands Racetrack Burger Battle is slated for Saturday, July 13, Meadowlands Pace night. The contest offers a $1,500 USD grand prize with $1,000 USD for second place and $500 USD for third. There is also a $500 USD prize for best tasting burger patty. This free event runs from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and fans are encouraged to come out and taste some of the best local burgers. Two lucky fans will win a spot at the judging table and help determine the top three burgers.
Nineteen area food trucks are already signed up to participate in the Burger Battle including: Rolling Pita, Latin Bites, The Why Not Burgerz, Magic Mike’s Smoked Meats, Rods Fish and Chips, Cat Like Reflexes, Antojitos di mi Tierra, Green Dog Mobile, Carnival Concessions, Uncle Bob’s Kettle Corn, Bitch’n Bacon, Delicious Lola Josefa’s, DAW Concessions, Freakin Empanadas, Fire and Coal BBQ Grill, The Mozzarella God and Clyde’s Homemade Italian Ice and Ice Cream.
The always popular Seafood Festival is scheduled for Saturday, July 27 with the live race card featuring eliminations for the $1 million USD Hambletonian and $500,000 USD Hambletonian Oaks. Fans will have a chance to grab some delicious seafood bites including fish tacos, crab fries, lobster rolls, fried clams, fried fish and much more. This free event runs from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Already registered vendors include Latin Bites, Angry Archie’s, Magic Mike’s Smoked Meats, Green Dog Mobile, Antojitos di mi Tierra, DAW Concessions, Uncle Bob’s Kettle Corn, Naya Shushi on Wheels, The Mozzarella God, Eat My Balls, Cousins Maine Lobster, Bitch’n Bacon, Rods Fish & Chips, Fire and Coal BBQ Grill, Clyde’s Homemade Italian Ice and Ice Cream and Cat Like Reflexes.
Hambletonian Day on Saturday, Aug. 3 will also feature numerous food trucks to keep fans happily stuffed while watching some of the world’s greatest harness racing.
Details on all Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment events can be found at playmeadowlands.com. Restaurants, food trucks and vendors interested in participating at these events can reach out to Rachel Ryan at [email protected] to secure a spot.
(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)