BELLINIS, FLAPJACKS AND FRANKFURTERS!

Memorial Day Weekend is without a doubt one of my favorite weekends. Starting with racing’s pinnacle event, the Grand Prix de Monaco, it’s a champagne start to a weekend of non-stop racing … and food!

You can’t enjoy Monaco’s Grand Prix without first enjoying a few luscious Peach Bellinis from the famed Hotel Du Cap, in nearby Cap D’Antibes. Known for its celebrity clientele, gourmet menus and luxurious surroundings, Hotel du Cap sits only 17 miles from the picturesque Principality. With its winding narrow streets, hairpin turns, and elevation shifts, the Circuit de Monaco is considered the ultimate test of a driver’s skills. For the fans, the event is a blur of speed, sea views and celebrity – an event unmatched by any other.

How often do you mingle over cocktails with Robin Williams, John Travolta, Cuba Gooding, Jr., HRH Prince Albert and others – my husband even sang opera in the hotel’s mensroom with Paul Sorvino! This is the fun of Monaco’s Grand Prix, and the power of Hotel du Cap's famous Peach Bellinis!

Luckily, the drivers are tucked away quietly as they prepare for the biggest race of the season. It will be interesting to see if the miracle workers are able to pull off another win for Brawn GP that the Honda Team never could. I love it when the underdogs are victorious – and relieved that the “diffuser gang’s” technical regs comply with The FIA’s applicable regulations.

Back in the states the INDY 500 cranks its engines soon after the F1 Victor’s anthem is celebrated on the podium in Monaco – and you know what that means, PANCAKES!

In addition to the Indy 500’s famous “Flapjacks at the Track” the event bills itself as the “Greatest Spectacle in Tailgating”. Zillions of enthusiastic fans pride themselves in creative food (and drink!) concoctions. More exotic offerings include Mango Jalapeno Slaw and Barbecued Catfish Sandwiches, while aromas of Andouille Stuffed Porkloins, Mocha Java Rubbed Grilled Sirloins, and Hickory Smoked Ribs tempt the appetites of hungry fans. Don’t worry, there are also plenty of hot dogs, hamburgers and funnel cakes for the traditionalists ...

…but if it’s Hot Dogs that really rev your engine, nobody does it better than NASCAR! The Coca Cola 600 oval shaped quarter-mile grill at Lowe’s Motor Speedway this weekend definitely takes the checkered flag. Assembled on the racetrack’s frontstretch and pit road, the girl will be manned by celebrity chef and Food Network star, Tyler Florence, host of “Tyler’s Ultimate” and author of “Dinner at My Place” and “Stirring the Pot”. Joining Chef Florence will be some of NASCAR’s most popular drivers, including Clint Bowyer, Bobby Labonte, Kyle Petty and racing legend Bobby Allison.

Thousands of families will also celebrate speed and smorgasbords trackside at their favorite local dirt tracks, drag strips and Quarter Midget Tracks.

So “CHEERS!" to all the race fans and food fans!
This is our weekend for Track Chics to crank up the grills and cheer our favorite drivers to the finish line … no matter what track, country, circuit or driver … Memorial Day Race Weekend promises something for all the mothers, wives, sisters, daughters and faithful fans to celebrate our passion for Speed, Sisterhood and smokin' summertime grills!

Bon Appetit et Bon Courage!

(Images courtesy of Alpha-B-fr and Worth Canoy)