Belmont stakes peeps partay… New yawk style!
Here it is, the third jewel in the triple crown. We brought you celebrations for the Kentucky derby and the Preakness. Now that the weather is better, it’s time to move north to the big Apple. In fact, the name the big apple was first made popular by J Fitz Gerald, a sports writer, referring to the prize money sought by horse owners and jockeys at race courses in and around New York city as big apples. In the 1970’s, the name became a slogan in response to dwindling tourism due to New York being a cesspool of crime. The name stuck. To this day, people flock to the “big apple” and crime has definitely declined. Of course, the criminal activity surrounding horse racing is still a thing, though. So, let’s celebrate horses and crime. Belmont stakes peeps partay…
Although it is the last of the triple crown races each year, Belmont was actually the first. In 1867, the first Belmont stakes was won by a filly named Ruthless (the Preakness and Kentucky derby were inaugurated in the 1870’s). At 1 1/2 miles, it is the longest of the 3 races in the triple crown. The first horse to win the triple crown was Sir Barton in 1919. But, the term “triple crown” wouldn’t become popular vernacular until the second horse, Gallant fox, won it in 1930. And, the award for the triple crown only became a thing in 1950. in over 100 years, only 13 horses have won all 3 races. So, it’s a pretty big deal.
Belmont stakes peeps partay for another rich guy…
The Kentucky Derby is famous for running continuously at the same track since its inception. The Belmont moved locations several times, but was always in the New York area. It was named after August Belmont, who was a well connected international politician, banker, entrepreneur, and generally untrustworthy person. He worked for the Rothschild family, who have been the center of a number of conspiracy theories. Originally from Austria, he ended up in New York, where he saw to the Rothschild fortune, making himself rich and connected in the process. He entered domestic politics, serving as the chairman of the democratic party during and after the civil war. He was the consummate partisan player, placing loyalty to party above service to country as he promoted loser after loser to run for president.
Belmont was a financier, real estate magnate with a busy social life and ties to politics. He had connections to southern secessionists and was hyper partisan. He made his fortune in and around New York city. And, he had ties to foreign oligarchs. Sound like anyone we know today?
It’s all about the racing and the partay!
Putting politics aside, the race is the important thing. Horses are magnificent creatures. And, the ones that make it to the third leg of the triple crown are prime examples of the breed. So, we celebrate the grandeur, tradition, and spirit of the occasion.
Today, the race is held at Belmont park in Elmont New York (not technically in Queens, but next door). For a long time it was held at Aqueduct racetrack, just a few miles down the belt parkway. Either way, You are in New York and that calls for an all day party, Cocktails, and a classy meal. Festivities begin with brunch, and, continue through the night.
The neighborhood around Belmont park is mostly suburban with a large Jewish population. So, the food we eat for our celebration should hearken to that community. Since festivities begin with brunch, that will be our focus for the day. Our menu will have a decidedly Jewish influence in honor of the neighborhood, and, to bring the flavor of the borough home.
The Menu
First, we must have the signature drink of the Belmont. All three races of the triple crown incorporate Bourbon into their drink. And, the Belmont is no exception. The Belmont Jewel is a fitting counterpart to the Mint Julep of Kentucky and the Black eyed Susan of the Preakness. The recipe is pretty simple:
- 3 oz high quality bourbon
- 4 oz Lemonade
- 2 oz pomegranate juice
- Soda water for a sparkle is optional
- Lemon wheel and cherry for garnish
Mix all ingredients with ice. Serve in a rocks glass with lemon and cherry garnish. Drink. Repeat.
For the menu, we are going to need some bagels, cheese, and egg dishes. Although smoked salmon is a common item, it tends to be a bit too cliche. Feel free to add it to your menu. Lox are a style of smoked salmon. But, play to your own tastes.
- Apple and Cherry Strata with Macerated Strawberries and Whipped cream
- Eggplant, Spinach, and Goat Cheese Frittata with Tomato basil salad
- Savory Herbed Potato Latkes with Chive Cream fraiche
- Homemade Bagels with Cream Cheese schmear (and Lox)
- Minted Cucumber and Watermelon Salad with Feta
