Fried Polenta. Truffle Risotto, Hot Browns, and Pork Rillette. Nope, not entrees in the Kentucky Derby, but light bites served to guests at the Second Kentucky Derby Day at Virginia Hotel‘s Ebbitt Room in Cape May, N.J., on Saturday, May 7th – the day of thoroughbred racing’s biggest day.
Although the Ebbitt’s Room event didn’t select a chapeau winner, there were enough ladies wearing some unique bonnets to have selected a winner.
Guests purchased tickets for $10 at the door. Tickets allowed each purchaser a chance to select a thoroughbred entered in the race and the time of finish. The price included served hors d’oeuvres (light bites and a $20 dining voucher for the Ebbitt Room, which can be used at any time during the month of May).
“The contest winner was Michael Westhead, who correctly selected Nyquist as the winner and picked the correct winning time at exactly 2 minutes and 1 second. ” Jordan Rowan, the hotel’s general manager later told Explore NJ. Mr. Westhead received a $50 gift card to the Virginia & Ebbitt Room, Rowan noted.
“What a great event, indeed! Turnout was higher than expected and it seemed that people really enjoyed the event,” Rowan added.
Prior to the start of the “Greatest Two Minutes” in sports, guests sang a rousing rendition of “My Old Kentucky Home”, mint julep in hand, accompanied by pianist Paul Sottile, who also entertained guests at the Emmitt bar, which many who stay at the hotel claim it’s like Cheers where everyone knows your name. Cheers to a great racing day at the Virginia Hotel in Cape May, indeed!
Can ExploreNJ readers select a winning chapeau at the affair even though this horse race aficionado didn’t place a bet?
Sun flowers adorn the straw of Jean Fleming, a Cape May woman.A swashbuckling straw sits on the head of Mary Bevan, of the Villas.Lazy daisy straw was selected by Rose Pearce, of Cape May.An eye catcher was the choice of Yvonne Heitz, of the Villas.Six year veteran bartender Leo holds a mint julip, the drink of the day.A bar decoration commemorating the day.Husband Georgeadjusts wrist band to wife Frances, as friend Donna Bramell poses for Explore NJ. All are Ocean City residents.Kathy McDonnell, of Montclair, shows off her chapeau.Grace Rodriguez, of Maryland, wore a straw hat for the derby event.Karen and Bryan McSherry, of Bergen County.Karen McSherry displays her bonnet.Stephanie and Chris Carideo, of Cape May. She’s a twin and a basketball coach..Stephanie Carideo, close up.Twin sisters Stephanie and Lindsey Shelby pose for Explore NJ.Lindsey Shelby, close up.Pianist Paul Sottile sooths the guests at the Emmitt bar.Guests enjoy a mint julep at the Emmitt bar, which reminds hotel guests of the Cheers bar where everyone knows one another.Seated at the bar minus chapeau were Erica Kapcha, a therapist, and John Manning, a pharmasist, both from Cherry Hill. The couple told Explore NJ they were announcing their engagement that evening. Congratulations to you both.Barbara and Wayne Mehlman, of Cape May, enjoy the races.Barbara Mehlman poses for Explore NJ.Peggie Richards, a Jersey lady, with Patrick Delany, restaurant manager, shows off her elegant chapeau.Peggy Richards poses for Explore NJ.The Richards family pose. They are Peggy, James, and Lauren.Lauren Richards look stunning in black.Guests were served assorted lite bites.Pork Rillette with Napa Cabbage Slaw on a lit bite tray.New York chef Glenn Haag, with his mother, Janice Haag, of Cape May, came for the event as a Mother’s Day gift.Red becomes Janice Haag.Anita Franklin, of Point Pleasant, enjoys Derby Day at Virginia Hotel.Diane Strangfeld, of Cape May, in front of the large tv screen where the Derby will be seen.Stephanie Oscarson, of Valley Forge, makes a selection on the derby.Stephanie and Bryan Oscarson, Valley Forge residents, enjoy staying at Virginia Htel because it reminds them of the Cheers bar on TV.The twins graciously pose in front of the Virginia Hotel where Kentucky Derby Day drew a crowd.
A porch scene at Virginia Hotel on Derby Day.Radnor, Pa. residents Aimee Alexander, and her mother, JoAnne. Aimee looks ready to ride the winning mount in the Derby.JoAnne Alexander, looking elegant.Bridget and Bill Saracco, of Cape May Court House.Looking stunning in pink and blue, Bridget Saracco poses for Explore NJ.Irene Lapinski, of Cape May, was among guests at Derby Day.Derby Day guest Carol Donovan, wears a superb chateau for the event.A server offers a lite bite to guests.Truffle Risotto Balls were served by this employee.
