Degustations, Hot Wings, Pies Under $10: What’s on the Menu at the Sportsbet Caulfield Cup Carnival

Honestly, how good is sunshine? Now that we’re close to ditching our winter coats and enjoying the outdoors again, it’s hard not to get excited for another classic spring activity: the races. In Melbourne, the headliner of spring racing is the Sportsbet Caulfield Cup Carnival, which kicks off at Caulfield Racecourse on October 11.

While it’s the action on the track that brings the crowds, we’re just as interested in tasting our way through the carnival’s extensive selection of food experiences. Whether you’re in GA, have tickets to premium marquees or a member with added perks, there are plenty of restaurants, premium pop-ups and cocktail bars to choose from. In that spirit, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite food and drink options to try between races at this year’s carnival, from Nashville-style hot chicken to fine-dining degustations.

Beverly

At the South Yarra end of Chapel Street, Beverly owns a view like no other. The enviable 270-degree city vista (taken in from the 24th floor of Goldfields House) would be enough for most of us, but it’s Beverly’s swish, refined menu and signature cocktails that really set it apart.

For its trackside marquee pop-up in the Avenue precinct, head chef David Ball is curating an eclectic and snackable menu featuring some of the restaurant’s signature dishes. The Sportsbet Caulfield Cup tickets are sold out, but you can still get a number of Sportsbet Caulfield Guineas tickets for $625 – included in the ticket are prawn dogs, spinach gnocchi and lamb pasta, with the option to add on Moet & Chandon Champagne and a caviar bump. Add free-flowing cocktails and DJs and you’re set.

Tennessee Wingboys

The action on the track is hot, but the chicken’s hotter. With Tennessee Wingboys, Atlas Dining chef Charlie Carrington has turned his attention to spicy, saucy Nashville hot chicken, but you’ll also find traditional fried chicken, smash burgers and classic, Southern-style sides. Tennessee Wingboys is an exclusive pop-up just in the general admission area – keep some room for the signature Charlie’s Caulfield Crispy, a one-off Southern fried chicken burger with a special sauce.

General Admission

Aside from Tennessee Wingboys, there are other highlights at the GA section this year. Wonder Pies is getting in on the action, with a race-ready number filled with braised beef brisket and bacon (called the Champions Pie) among the full gourmet pie selection. All pies on the menu are below $10, with other hot food like fish’n’chips, load fries and sausage rolls available.

On the drinks side, there’ll be branded pop-up bars from big names like Smirnoff, Canadian Club and Carlton Draught, plus the Squealing Pig bar is bringing the Squealini Zesty Lemon Spritz to Caulfield for the first time.

The Promenade

The carnival really comes into its own for Melbourne Racing Club members, reinforced by exclusive restaurants like the Promenade. This year, the premium venue is offering a fully curated dining experience for MRC members and guests. The tickets (from $285 to $575) include a four-course menu, wine and spectacular views of all the action. You’d almost never need to leave your table.

Black Caviar

You’d have to go way back to Phar Lap to find a more iconic racehorse than Black Caviar. This Caulfield fine diner of the same name than pays homage to Black Caviar’s legacy. From $185, you’ll get table service for a six-course degustation menu, access to a premium wine list and uninterrupted views of the track – including the home straight. Even if your winner doesn’t come through, you’ve got the best seat in the house.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Melbourne Racing Club. Discover all the best food and drinks on offer this Sportsbet Caulfield Cup Carnival – tickets are available now.