As Melbourne settles into the warmer months of spring there is only one thing on their minds – the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival.
Kicking off the season is the Stella Artois Caulfield Cup Carnival which will host over 60,000 guests across two weeks of show-stopping racing, food, fashion, art and entertainment at Caulfield racecourse – featuring Tommy Collins by Atlantic Group, who will host two of the carnival’s favourite hot spots.
The inspiration behind this year’s event the eclectic energy of New York City – in other words, think high glamour, the best of everything and of course experience that never sleeps.
The action-packed Carnival kicks off with the Ladbrokes Caulfield Guineas Day on Saturday 12 October, and the Carnival’s flagship event, Stella Artois Caulfield Cup Day, on Saturday the 19th October, will see the world’s leading trainers, horses and jockeys come together at Caulfield for the 142nd running of the $5 million Group 1 Stella Artois Caulfield Cup.
So what is the best way to enjoy the Caulfield Cup this year?
That magic is left in the hands of the most talented team at Tommy Collins, who this year will take the foodie reigns at both the Moet & Chandon Lawn, where guests will enjoy Moët Champagne and treat taste buds to a gourmet grazing menu. And the MRC Young Members Jockey Club, offering Gordon’s Pink Gin matched with a Brooklyn inspired menu, that is sure to please Melbourne foodies.
It was really exciting to sit down with the man himself, Tommy McIntosh, Creative Director at Tommy Collins, to get a behind the scenes glimpse into what we can expect this year …
Congratulations on coming back to the Caulfield Cup Carnival for 2019! You must be so thrilled, what gets you excited about this iconic Melbourne event?
It is now our 3rd year out on track at the Fabulous Caulfield Racecourse, the team always let us get as creative as we can with our menus & service.
Caulfield has an amazing carnival vibe, which speaks to all ages.
We love the vision of the Team at the Melbourne Racing Club, no matter if you are in GA or on the Moet Lawn, they always make sure there is quality catering & entertainment.
This year it’s all about taking inspiration from the bright lights of the Big Apple. What comes to mind when you think of New York? And how has Tommy Collins translated that idea?
For me it’s the streets, people & food.
The menu is inspired by place’s business partner Ben & I have visited New York through out the years.
The items are inspired by restaurants & street vendors.
If there’s one thing we’ve come to know from Tommy Collins it’s ‘expect the unexpected’ in the best way possible – can you give us a little sneak peak into what’s in store?
We are always looking at ways of bridging the gap between, restaurant and catering. In a world where it is very easy to jump on the social & imitate, we are always trying to stay ahead of food trends.
Look out for some fun interactive food offerings.
Let’s talk food – what’s on the menu at the Moet Lawn and The Jockey Club?
Items on the menu resonate with a time or experience – with our own spin of course!
- Some of the items featured will be …
- Katz’s Deli pastrami
- Peter Luger steak + Frites
- David Chang’s Momo Fuku Chicken burger (remember the chicken has to be bigger then the bun)
- Yankee Stadiums Corn Dog on a Stick (One for the Vego’s)
- Coffee & Cruffin’s to wrap up
How would you describe the Caulfield Cup Carnival vibe?
It is top end without trying to hard to be.
Every year we hear more & more people say how amazing their experiences in our areas are.
So get your back side track side!
To book your tickets:
