It’s no coincidence that the newest dining venue at Saratoga Race Course is named for one of its biggest stars.
Curlin, winner of the 2008 Grade 1 Woodward Stakes at Saratoga – not to mention two-time Horse of the Year and all-time leading money-earner in North America with more than $10 million in purses – is in a class by himself. Befitting the stallion’s long list of accomplishments, so is the new Curlin Café.
A private trackside dining room located just steps from the Winner’s Circle with a clear view of the Finish Line, the climate-controlled café features butler service, a private bar with ultra-premium wine and spirit selections, and fine dining from two extensive menus.
Designed for groups of 20-24, the Curlin Café offers upscale accommodations and premium guest benefits right in the midst of all the action. The $200-$250 per person cost includes trackside parking credentials for up to twelve vehicles and clubhouse admission and Post Parade programs for all guests. For more information about the Curlin Café, contact The New York Racing Association Inc.’s Group Sales Department at 1.888.285.5961 or visit http://nyragroupsales.com/
A fan favorite, Restaurant Row, returns for a second year with local flavors in the courtyard near the Executive Offices.
Four restaurants are featured at Restaurant Row in 2009:
• Hattie’s: The landmark Saratoga restaurant, whose legendary fried chicken is the cornerstone of a menu showcasing fine Southern cooking.
• Brindisi’s: Specialty dishes named for friends and family adorn a traditional, but exhaustive Italian menu.
• Grey Gelding: Regional ingredients are featured in bistro-style Cajun, Tuscan and California cuisine.
• 1 Caroline Street Bistro: American favorites and French Quarter cuisine from New Orleans.
And that’s only the beginning.
Overall, there are five kitchens and seven dining areas in the Saratoga grandstand. More than 100 concession points of sale offer everything from Saratoga Chips to Manhattan Clam Chowder, and 20-plus bar stations serve a plethora of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
The Saratoga Sunrise Buffet Breakfast is one of the track’s most popular dining experiences. While top-class thoroughbreds put in their morning workouts, diners enjoy the full breakfast buffet. The breakfast is served every race day, including Travers and Alabama Days, from 7-9:30 a.m. on the Lower Porch. The price is $14.95 for adults and $7.95 for children under 12.
Full-Service Restaurants
• The Turf Terrace is located on the third and fourth floors of the Saratoga clubhouse. Featuring an a la carte menu including appetizers, entrees and desserts, the tiered Turf Terrace boasts wonderful sightlines of the course and closed-circuit television monitors throughout the dining area.
• The Lower Porch Restaurant is located below the Turf Terrace at track level. It offers a wide-ranging menu and an up-close view of the horses.
• The At the Rail Pavilion is an upscale buffet located in a huge air-conditioned party tent opposite the Lower Porch Restaurant.
• The Carousel Restaurant and Lounge is a casual spot that specializes in lighter fare like salads and sandwiches.
• The Club Terrace also offers casual dining with daily entrée specials.
• The Paddock Pavilion offers a daily buffet and views of the saddling area from inside an air-conditioned tent – a popular destination for groups.
• Luxury Suites on the clubhouse turn offer unparalleled views of the live racing, with a wide variety of cuisine; from gourmet sandwiches to fancy finger foods to traditional and custom buffets featuring upscale culinary selections and full bar service.
Most on-track restaurants require reservations and some have seating charges. For restaurant reservations call 516-488-1740 through July 19. Beginning July 20, please call 518-587-5070.
Special rates on dining packages, including admission tickets and track programs, are available for groups of 20 or more. Contact NYRA Group Sales at: 1.888.285.5961 or visit http://nyragroupsales.com/
Concessions
• Planned for the 2009 season is the opening of Saratoga Sliders. Located in the Lower Carousel it will feature baby burgers, little chicken sandwiches, petite crab cake sandwiches and a variety of deli minis. Freshly made Saratoga Chips will accompany the sliders.
• A fan favorite, Restaurant Row (see above), returns with local flavors served by Hattie’s, Brindisi’s, One Caroline Street and the Grey Gelding.
• UK and SoCal racing, presented by Hendrick’s Gin, the preferred gin of Saratoga Race Course, is located in the backyard, and will offer food and beverage throughout the day and after live racing.
• Burgers and Buckets of Fries
• Philly Cheese Steaks and Saratoga Chips
• Chowder Bar: freshly made Manhattan clam chowder and soup du jour
• Lobster rolls
• Sausage and peppers with waffle fries
• Furlong Franks with choice of toppings
• Carolina Bar-B-Q southern-style fare including barbecue beef, chicken and pork sandwiches
• Funnel Cakes
• Saratoga Chicken Company grilled chicken and chicken salad sandwiches
• Ice cream from Carvel, Ben and Jerry’s and Haagen-Dazs
• Fresh-squeezed lemonade
• World-famous Nathan’s hot dogs and fries
• Sbarro’s Pizza
• Popcorn, peanuts and cotton candy
• Numerous concession stands offer hot dogs, pretzels, soda, bottled water, beer, coffee and cake. Coca-Cola® is the official soft drink of Saratoga Race Course and is available for purchase at restaurants and concessions throughout the property
Alcoholic Beverages
The Saratoga Sunrise is the signature drink of Saratoga Race Course. It is made with orange juice, vodka and grenadine and served in a take-home souvenir glass at all restaurants on track. Grey Goose® is the preferred vodka of the Saratoga Sunrise. The cocktail is also available in many concession bars, though premium spirits and the souvenir glass are not included.
Other drink options include:
• Public bars serving full line of spirits, wine and beer
• Beer gazebos serving Coors®, the preferred, domestic malt beverage of Saratoga Race Course and Heineken® is the preferred, imported malt beverage of Saratoga Race Course, among other selections
• Hard Lemonade and alcoholic lemonade and iced tea.
• Frozen drinks such as mud slides, margaritas, strawberry daiquiris and others.
