Hastings Park Racetrack
It was a gorgeous Saturday in Vancouver, and I was headed for the ponies. A friend of mine was hosting a going away party at Hastings Park, Vancouver's destination for equestrian racing. As the #4 trolley bus rolled along Powell Street, I thought about the history of this voyage, and how many people have made the same Saturday afternoon trek via the overhead cable lines...
This was my maiden journey to Hastings Park. I had been invited to take in the races on several occasions in the past, and for some reason was never able to attend. However, I have previously visited Stampede Park in Calgary, Alberta, and Los Alamitos Race Course in Long Beach, California.
Our group had a reserved section of tables in the patio level; providing us with a full view of the circuit, backdropped by Burrard Inlet, the North Shore Mountains and the Iron Workers Memorial Bridge. We were already in the shade, though, so some of us headed down to track level to bask in the warmth of the sun, and to see the competitors up close.
As I stepped out into the balmy blanket of light, the smell of barbecue wafted into my nose. Of course!, I thought, Track meat! I wandered over to the concession stand, parked in the middle of the track level concourse, beckoning betters from all sides. I entertained the notion of trying out their turkey dog, but having already lost on my first race, I went with the old-fashioned jumbo dog ($4).
There are times when a hot dog seemingly tastes better just from it's surrounding environment. It's not for lack of quality or preparation, but rather the extra stimulation your brain is already experiencing.
My Hastings Park hot dog was simply a dog grilled on a barbecue. It didn't possess a wow-factor or prolonged audible food enjoyment noises, but sometimes that's ok! You don't need to hit a home run with every at bat.
Instead, this track dog was the perfect snack, at the perfect time, on a perfect day. It is difficult to align those three factors. When they are, however, it makes for a scrumptious pleasure. Also, the stand had a southwest chipotle sauce and banana peppers.
follow me on Twitter: @bowserings
It was a gorgeous Saturday in Vancouver, and I was headed for the ponies. A friend of mine was hosting a going away party at Hastings Park, Vancouver's destination for equestrian racing. As the #4 trolley bus rolled along Powell Street, I thought about the history of this voyage, and how many people have made the same Saturday afternoon trek via the overhead cable lines...
This was my maiden journey to Hastings Park. I had been invited to take in the races on several occasions in the past, and for some reason was never able to attend. However, I have previously visited Stampede Park in Calgary, Alberta, and Los Alamitos Race Course in Long Beach, California.
Our group had a reserved section of tables in the patio level; providing us with a full view of the circuit, backdropped by Burrard Inlet, the North Shore Mountains and the Iron Workers Memorial Bridge. We were already in the shade, though, so some of us headed down to track level to bask in the warmth of the sun, and to see the competitors up close.
As I stepped out into the balmy blanket of light, the smell of barbecue wafted into my nose. Of course!, I thought, Track meat! I wandered over to the concession stand, parked in the middle of the track level concourse, beckoning betters from all sides. I entertained the notion of trying out their turkey dog, but having already lost on my first race, I went with the old-fashioned jumbo dog ($4).
There are times when a hot dog seemingly tastes better just from it's surrounding environment. It's not for lack of quality or preparation, but rather the extra stimulation your brain is already experiencing.
My Hastings Park hot dog was simply a dog grilled on a barbecue. It didn't possess a wow-factor or prolonged audible food enjoyment noises, but sometimes that's ok! You don't need to hit a home run with every at bat.
Instead, this track dog was the perfect snack, at the perfect time, on a perfect day. It is difficult to align those three factors. When they are, however, it makes for a scrumptious pleasure. Also, the stand had a southwest chipotle sauce and banana peppers.
follow me on Twitter: @bowserings
HAHAHAHA When you told me you were getting a "track dog" I thought you meant a greyhound!!!
ReplyDeleteLet's hope that jumbo track dog has NOTHING to do with dog racing. Eep.