A Taste of the Steeplechase of Charleston!
Let’s talk about one of the best parts of race day. The food!
At the Steeplechase of Charleston presented by Lexus, the horses may be the main attraction, but what we’re eating, drinking and sharing with friends is a pretty big part of the fun, too.
Whether you’re planning a tailgate spread, exploring our food trucks or letting someone else handle everything in the Lexus VIP Lounge, we’ve got plenty of delicious ways to enjoy November 15.
And because nobody wants to spend race day digging through a cooler looking for the mustard, we’ve gathered some tips to make your day a whole lot easier!
Tailgating Trends We’re Loving
Today’s tailgates are getting creative, and we’re here for it!
Grazing tables with cheeses, fruit, dips and bite-sized snacks are perfect for sharing. Mini sandwich bars and sliders are another favorite because everyone can grab a bite without missing the racing action.
And don’t forget the drinks! Signature cocktails, mocktails and favorites from local breweries are a fun way to bring a little Charleston flavor to your tailgate.
Our advice? Keep it simple, easy to share and delicious!
Pack Smart, Eat Happy
A little preparation goes a long way when you’re feeding a crowd outdoors.
Use separate coolers for food and drinks, plenty of ice packs and airtight containers. Keep cold foods at 40°F or below and hot foods at 140°F or above.
Small Sterno cans with appropriate trays are permitted for keeping food warm. Some guests also use their vehicles with compatible power adapters and extension cords for suitable warming equipment. Just remember, grills and fire pits aren’t allowed, and food should be fully reheated before going into warming trays.
And don’t forget the little things! Serving utensils, plates, napkins, bottle openers, trash bags, hand wipes and plenty of water can save the day.
Easy Recipes for Race Day
You don’t need to spend all weekend cooking to put together a great tailgate.
Mini Southern Ham & Cheese Sliders: Layer ham and Swiss cheese on Hawaiian rolls, brush with melted butter, Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce, then bake until golden. Make ahead, refrigerate and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Pimento Cheese Cups: Serve individual portions of this Southern favorite with crackers, pretzels or fresh vegetables. Keep chilled until serving.
And remember, there’s no rule that says everything has to be homemade!
Let Hamby Catering Handle the Cooking!
Love a great tailgate spread but not the grocery shopping, chopping and cooking? Hamby Catering has you covered!
A longtime Charleston favorite, Hamby Catering offers convenient pickup options that make entertaining a whole lot easier. From party platters and sandwiches to Southern favorites and crowd-pleasing bites, you can order ahead and arrive ready to enjoy the day.
Whether you’re hosting friends or planning a family tailgate, it’s a great way to spend less time in the kitchen and more time having fun.
And here’s a little secret: Nobody needs to know you didn’t spend all weekend cooking. We won’t tell!
The Lexus VIP Lounge: Come Hungry, Stay Awhile!
If packing coolers and setting up a tailgate sounds like too much work, we have another delicious option.
The Lexus VIP Lounge!
This year, Hamby Catering is serving up an incredible menu of Southern favorites, and trust us, you’re going to want to come hungry.
And Wait Until You See What’s on the Menu!
We’re talking slow-roasted Carolina pulled BBQ with homestyle mac and cheese, smoked brisket tacos with chipotle crema, Kentucky Hot Brown sliders with applewood bacon and BBQ shrimp served over Carolina Gold rice middlins.
And that’s just part of the delicious lineup!
The best part? Food, snacks and beverages are served throughout the day. Grab a bite, catch a race, mingle with friends and come back for more whenever you’re ready.
Add elevated views of the racing action, private restrooms and a relaxed lounge atmosphere, and suddenly that VIP ticket starts looking like a pretty delicious deal!
No grocery shopping, no packing coolers and no cleanup. Just great food, drinks and a full day of fun.
Food Trucks & a Little Shopping
Maybe your cooler is packed to the brim, or that sandwich you brought just isn’t sounding so exciting anymore. No worries! Our food trucks will have plenty of delicious options throughout the day.
And while you’re out grabbing a bite, stop by the Merchant Market for a little shopping between races.
Little Appetites, Big Race Day Fun
Anyone who’s spent an entire day outside with kids knows somebody is always hungry. Usually five minutes after you’ve packed everything away!
Keep a separate snack bag filled with easy favorites like pretzels, fruit, crackers and granola bars. Individual portions make snack time easier, and plenty of water is a must.
Between snacks, let the kids enjoy the Family Fun Zone, cheer on the Corgi Cup and explore the grounds.
And remember, children 12 and under receive free General Admission, but every child still needs a ticket!
Good Food, Great Company & a Day to Remember
Some of the best Steeplechase memories happen around the tailgate table, sharing food and catching up with friends.
And don’t forget your tailgate neighbors! Around here, offering someone a plate of food or inviting them over for a drink is a pretty good way to make a new friend. You might just leave with a few new names to add to next year’s guest list.
Whether you’re showing off a family recipe, discovering a new food truck or enjoying everything the Lexus VIP Lounge has to offer, good food makes race day even better.
The Steeplechase of Charleston presented by Lexus returns November 15. Gather your favorite people, bring your appetite and get ready for a day full of racing, food, friends and Charleston tradition!