Judging Tailgates at the 74th Running of the International Gold Cup

jockeys post-race

This past weekend’s weather reminded as to why I love Washington.  Actually, the weekend prior was just as perfect.  I took myself on a 3 hour tour of Roosevelt Island for the first time and down the Virginia side of the Mount Vernon Trail.  Talk about being at peace. All I needed was my iPod mini and I was off.  This past Saturday, you couldn’t have begged for a better sky, temperature, scent in the air. It was all about autumn in The Plains as thousands gathered for the 79th running of the International Gold Cup.  Personally, I’m a fan of the fall Gold Cup over the spring event.  I think it’s more sedate and smaller, where spring brings everyone and I mean everyone, all ages, out of hiding to escape whatever dreary weather we’d experienced that winter.  It’s like a huge dressed up frat party with hats and seersucker.

horse owners John and Mark

gentlemen wearing hats

So Saturday, WJLA’s Cynne Simpson, Michael Birchenall of “Food Service Monthly” magazine, Kate Michael and I were Tailgate Judges.  What a hard job that was.  The judges have the esteemed responsibility to meet with all who enter themselves to be judged on overall theme, decor, food, drinks, and originality and yes, you got it. Eat. And drink.  I mean it’s a difficult job but someone’s got to do it.  We covered 11 locations from the North to the South rail and in between and by tailgate number nine, I had come to terms with my over indulgence.  These tailgaters took their entries extremely seriously and the spreads were astounding.  Themes included Mardi Gras, vampire prey, autumn harvest, foxy trotty, Chesapeake Bay, Tuscany and more.  The winners were the Keeney/Nix-Gomez group who did a British Parnham House upstairs/downstairs theme complete with costumes, and not only was every dish and pastry homemade, but we received a history lesson as well.  Kate Sandhoff’s group came in a strong second with a delightful homemade spread and a huge “gold cup” and Greg and Amy Yadzinkski’s tented 40′s theme came in third place.

the terrier races are always entertaining before the horse races commence

the host of the House of Parnham gives us an extensive background on their theme, food and drinks

The judged were well (over) fed and our thirst was quenched with a variety of bourbon cocktails, wines, and bubbles and maybe someone who shall remain nameless did a green Jello shot at the Mardi Gras tailgate.  So congratulations to the winners and to all of the excellent entries.  After the races, I was off in Reston Limousine to Freedom Plaza for Light the Night benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of the National Capital Area.  All I can say was I was glad I was headed to a 2 mile walk after that much indulging.

the "downstairs" or what the help ate

the "upstairs" or what the elite ate

wines of the "upstairs"

home baked desserts

Keeney/Nix-Gomez win 1st place yet again

another spread

vampire prey (check out her neck)

President of Gold Cup Board of Directors Dr. William H. Allison and Scott Stephens of Bendure PR

Kate Sandhoff spread who came in 2nd place

the vegetable trifle at Kate Sandhoff's tailgate

Kate Sandhoff who came in 2nd place pose with their Gold Cup

a Tuscan themed entry includes Tuscan flatware and dishes with olive bread

a theme of "It's About Time..."

their Hot Apple Pie drink

a Mardi Gras theme

the Mardi Gras theme continued

Fox Trotty ladies

Greg and Amy Yadzinski 40th theme complete with pin up girl cupcakes comes in 3rd place

The Greg & Amy Yadzinkski 40's theme group

they even had a tiki bar

the 40's theme continued