Bobby Flay may have gotten to call a horse race, but for restaurateurs, the real coup is catering one. That’s why Frank Castronovo and Frank Falcinelli (Prime Meats, Frankies, etc.) must be psyched to be joining Centerplate in catering the Belmont Stakes — after all, they used to break into Belmont Park and ride their dirt bikes around the track when they were kids. The Frankies menu will include sliced rib eye, meatballs, cavatelli with hot sausage, and buttermilk fried chicken. Meanwhile, Danny Meyer’s people tell us that Hudson Yards Catering will now be known as Union Square Events, and the new company will bring a Shake Shack and Blue Smoke, along with a bar, to the Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs.
Also in the works: A version of the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party coming to Aspen on August 28 and 29, and a gig at the upcoming Polo Classic on Governors Island on June 27. “USHG Culinary Director Michael Romano will create special menus for both the VIP Marquee and Ticketed Picnic spaces. In addition, the area open to the general public will feature Blue Smoke and Floyd Cardoz’s El Verano Taquería, marking the first time El Verano’s menu is outside of its home at Citi Field ballpark (www.vcseason.com).”
