Local Wally's Guide to San Diego

Local Wally's Guide to San Diego

del mar racetrack

Del Mar Racetrack to Host BBQ State Championships Sunday, July 17th, 2016

eventsLocal WallyComment

Let's get Smoking!

BBQ Competition at the Del Mar Racetrack!

I am addicted to BBQ. I love the smell of the smoke in the air, I love the artistry behind great BBQ, and I love to try it all, from perfectly tender spare ribs to juicy brisket. I've been to BBQ joints in Kansas City that look like something in a Blues Brothers movie, I've done Texas BBQ, and love the tang of Carolina.  Wherever there is BBQ is where I am at. So you know where I will be on July 17th - at the Del Mar Racetrack where the 2016 BBQ Championships are taking place.

More than 40 of the nation's top professional BBQ pitmasters, local restaurants and chefs will be competing in the State Championship for more than $15,000 in cash prizes. Best yet, those attending can purchase BBQ samples to see for themselves how good BBQ can be. Four 2 oz competition ready samples of brisket, pork, ribs, chicken and steak are only $10 and include a People's Choice ballot so you can vote for your favorite. 

Del Mar San Diego Fair BBQ Championship coming July 17th

Come for the races, stay for the BBQ - or the other way around!

The competition, sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society, also features local craft beer options and live music and is held at the Seaside Concert Area west of the Grandstand, tickets included with track admission of $6. Oh yeah, the Del Mar horse races will be going on at the same time so dang this is going to be a great day!

You want a bite?  I know you do.  And you can, at the Del Mar Racetrack BBQ Competition

Here are some BBQ rating tips from your favorite local expert, Local Wally.

1.  Fall off the bone = fail.  Ribs should be tender but still have some bite to them. If you take a bite and all the meat falls to the plate and you're left holding the bone then you overcooked them.

2.  Sauce should never be the star.  It's the meat that needs to shine. Bad BBQ is over-sauced to hide mediocre BBQ. 

3.  Too much smoke is as bad as crockpot BBQ.  Smoke should be there but not overpowering. If it sort of tastes like an ashtray smells it was oversmoked. And don't get me started on cooking BBQ in a crockpot!

THE DETAILS

Where:  Del Mar Racetrack

When:  July 17th, 12 to 5

Cost:  Included with $6 track admission, get four samples for $10

VIP Pre-Sale Package
Gain early entrance to sample the mouthwatering BBQ from noon - 1 p.m. Includes four BBQ samples, racetrack admission and Peoples' Choice ballot, for $25 now through July 10th. 

Pre-Sale Package
Includes four BBQ samples, racetrack admission and Peoples' Choice ballot, for $14 now through July 10th.

LINK TO BUY TICKETS

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN SAN DIEGO: Del Mar Beer and Cider Fest Nov. 28, 2015

Local WallyComment

THINGS TO DO IN SAN DIEGO:  DEL MAR BEER AND CIDER FEST

Get hoppy at Del Mar’s Fall Beer and Cider Fest that will be held at The Racetrack Saturday, November 28 starting at noon in the Seaside Concert area. This month, cheers to Bing Crosby Season by sampling a variety of 100 local and international craft brews including seasonal ales and ciders.

GET TICKETS NOW!  $22 GETS YOU ADMISSION AND 5 DELICIOUS 7 OZ TASTINGS!
 
San Diego brewers will set up camp and serve tastes of their signature craft brews – five seven-ounce frosty samples for $20. Come out, grab a beer or cider and catch some world-class Thoroughbred racing. The races begin at 12:30 p.m., gates open at 11:00 a.m. Entrance to Beer and Cider Fest area is free with admission.
 
Confirmed seasonal brews include:
 
-       Anderson Valley Wild Turkey Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout
-       Tieton Cider Cherry Cider
-       Mission Brewing Hard Root Beer
-       Uinta Brewing Company Oak Jacked Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Pumpkin Ale
-       Delirium Noel
-       St. Bernardus Christmas Ale
-       101 Cider House So Cal Scrumpy
-       County Cider Company- Waupoos Cider
-       Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin
-       Ballast Point Pumpkin Down
-       Dogfish Head Punkin
-       Port Brewing Santas Little Helper
-       Alpine Duet IPA  
-       Nickel Beer Co. Pearfect Apple Pie Ale
-       Angry Orchard Crisp Apple
-       Magners Pear Cider
-       Washington Gold Hard Cider
 
Pair your beer or cider with gourmet food truck offerings. The event is free with racetrack admission of $6. Stay after the festival and races to catch a free concert by Sublime with Rome.


WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN SAN DIEGO: Thousands Expected to Attend Del Mar Racetrack for Pacific Classic Weekend

Local WallyComment

DEL MAR, Calif. – Next weekend the 25th running of the $1 Million TVG Pacific Classic at Del Mar, the Seaside Track’s signature and most prestigious race, is set to bring the elite summer racing season to a peak. The high stakes weekend will be packed with events and entertainment, starting off on Friday, August 21, with a free performance by San Diego based reggae fusion rock band Pepper. 

Harrah’s Friday Concert Series with Pepper – Friday, August 21, island-rhythm rock band Pepper will perform a free concert. The concert will start following the final race of the day, approximately scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Concert is 18 and up. 

$1 Million Pacific Classic – Saturday, August 22 – Del Mar will draw some of the nation’s most talented Thoroughbreds for the most esteemed race of the season: the $1 Million TVG Pacific Classic. The Pacific Classic will bring horse racing enthusiasts out in their finest summer suits, sundresses and spectacular hats for a day much like Opening Day at the historic Seaside Oval. First post is 2 p.m., gates open at 11:30 a.m. 

Daybreak at Del Mar – Every Saturday and Sunday fans have the chance to view racehorses galloping on the track during Daybreak at Del Mar from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.  Early risers can watch the morning workouts while enjoying hot breakfast sandwiches, fresh coffee, juice and more for purchase. American Pharoah fans can also catch the Triple Crown champ galloping around 7:45 a.m.

Family Weekends – Every weekend is family weekend at the track, where children can enjoy activities in the Infield such as: inflatable games, pony rides, jockey stilt walkers and more while catching a 360-degree view of the track. Children receive FREE racetrack admission, adults are only $6. 

Racing at Del Mar happens Wednesdays through Sundays, July 16 - September 7, with post time for the first race on most days at 2 p.m. On Fridays first post is shifted to 4 p.m. For more information, call 858-755-1141 or visit www.delmarscene.com. You can follow the Del Mar racetrack on Twitter and Instagram @DelMarRacing or become a fan on Facebook/DelMarRaces.

Guest Blogger:  Corrinne Bolendorf

What to Do in San Diego this Weekend: FOOD TRUCKS AT DEL MAR RACETRACK!

Local Wally1 Comment

I have to be honest.  I love going to the Del Mar Racetrack but the only time I have ever won big was when I was looking at the wrong racing form and bet on the wrong horse!  But this weekend everyone wins because on AUG 15th the racetrack will host 50 food trucks in the 5th Annual Gourmet Food Truck Festival. 

WHAT IS IT:  50 food trucks at the Del Mar Racetrack, Seaside Concert Area

WHEN IS IT:  Aug 15th, Saturday, noon to 6 PM

WHAT IS THE COST:  FREE with admission to the racetrack

From Korean to burgers, lobster to sausages, just about every type of food truck will be there with most items in the $4 to $8 range.  This is a winner of an event, if you haven't been to the races this year then this is your weekend!  50 trucks!  It's another Best Thing to Do this Weekend in San Diego!  

Click for more info on Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.