While the annual Deighton Cup event at Hastings Racecourse is famous for its fashion, fascinators and fashionistas, food is also a fascinating part of the day.
Deighton Cup producer and co-founder Tyson Villeneuve says the food and drinks served at this year’s day-long event will be better than ever. He notes last year’s lunch offerings of Asian-inspired dishes with a southern twist were so popular, they decided to continue continued the theme. A complimentary lunch is included in the price of a ticket to Deighton Cup, which takes place July 22.
“He’s doing South Asia meets the south, starting with southern tuna poke,” says Villeneuve, partner at the Social Concierge. “Poke is so hot right now.”
What brings a southern taste to the dish is the Louisiana Creole sauce and crispy corn bread croutons. Also on the menu is a flank steak soba noodle salad with a Louisiana mustard sauce and okra. Villleneuve says the fact both lunch dishes are being served in a bowl this year will make it easier for guests to walk while around holding them. A sauce station will allow race goers to spice up their lunch as much — or as little — as they want.
Villeneuve has some advice for anyone who plans to spend the entire day eating and drinking at Deighton Cup.
“The gates open at 11 [a.m.], so if you’re getting up early to get ready, have something to eat before you arrive,” says Villeneuve. “And if you haven’t eaten, grab some lunch as soon as possible. There are 6,000 people attending this year, so it might take some time.”
Villeneuve says hydration is also very important because Deighton Cup weather is traditionally warm and sunny. He notes it’s particularly important to drink water before you arrive — and before you start drinking alcohol — especially if you’re a guy wearing a three piece suit in the sun.
Speaking of alcohol, Villeneuve says the popular Cocktail Jockey Mixology Competition has outgrown its usual space at the racetrack, so instead the annual bartending contest will take place the night before, July 21, at Reflections Garden Terrace at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia on West Georgia Street. More details about the cocktail competition will be available shortly on the Deighton Cup website.
Villeneuve said a limited number (250) of $25 Bulleit Bourbon mint juleps, created by Alex Black from Nightingale, will be sold and served in limited-edition, satin-finished silver cups with $5 from each sale dedicated to charity. Partial proceeds from Deighton Cup go to Variety the Children’s Charity and Imagine 1 Day, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping educate children in Ethiopia.
As well, a Champagne and vodka bar will be set up for the day adjacent to the Fanny Bay oyster bar, where the first annual Deighton Cup oyster shucking competition will take place. When it comes to Champagne this year, partiers won’t find the distinctive yellow flutes of Veuve Clicquot dotting the landscape. Instead, it will be Piper Heidsieck Brut Champagne served in red long-stemmed glasses that will be the most popular accessory of the day.
Also new this year is access for all race goers to sections previously exclusive to VIP ticket holders, including the Mile’s End Motors Field of Dreams, picnic area, cigar lounge and champagne stage.
The Deighton Cup takes place July 22 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Hastings Racecourse, 188 Renfrew St. Visit deightoncup.com for more information.
@sthomas10
