The thoroughbred racing world will focus in on Chicagoland and Arlington Park on Saturday, August 17 for the annual International Festival of Racing and world famous Arlington Million race. In keeping with the horse racing tradition of great food and drinks, the park is rolling out the carpet with unique fan interaction, elevated food and beverage packages, and classic Chicago and race track favorites. This year, race fans helped shape the tastes of the Million by voting online for the official cocktail and cupcake of the Arlington Million. Upon arriving, fans will be able to savor those tastes, as well as enjoy iconic Chicago dishes at Cobey’s Food Court, sample specially paired food and drink meals at Cowboy Grille or live it up in luxury in the new Million VIP Lounge. Beyond the big hats and world class racing, Million Day at Arlington means tasty food, refreshing drinks and great friends.
Official Tastes of the Arlington Million
The Kentucky Derby has the Mint Julep. The Preakness has the Black Eyed Susan. And this year, the Arlington Million has the Million Trifecta Tea, thanks to race fans who help select the Million’s signature cocktail from two options featuring Jim Beam bourbon. Fans with an eye for something sweeter also helped choose the “One in a Million,” a delicious concoction from GiaVia Sweets, as the official cupcake of the Million. This year’s drink and cupcake finalists included:
Official Drink
Million Trifecta Tea: Jim Beam bourbon, DeKuyper Raspberry, cool lemonade and iced tea mixed together and served with a lemon wheel and juicy raspberries (Winner)
Million Sour: Jim Beam bourbon, DeKuyper Triple Sec, Fresh Sour shaken with orange marmalade and garnished with an fresh orange slice
Official Cupcake
One in a Million: A commemorative white chocolate disk with the race’s logo floating on a bed of bourbon, surrounded by toffee pecans, over a ganache-filled chocolate cake (Winner)
24 Carrot Horseshoe: A candy golden horseshoe, surrounded by white chocolate shavings and gold sprinkles covering a dreamy carrot cake
Winner’s Circle: A silver trophy of icing sitting atop a smooth mint buttercream topping covered by chocolate chips on top of a decadent chocolate cake filled with mint truffle
Million Lounge
Arlington Million fans looking to enjoy the race in style should dress their best and make way for the brand new Million VIP Lounge. This year, the VIP Lounge kicks up race track dining to a new level of luxury, with mouthwatering specialty items, including:
Seafood Cocktails: Choice of Shrimp and Horseradish Cocktail, Lobster Mango and Crab Louie, served in mini Martini glasses
Antipasto: Assorted cured Italian meats and cheeses, grilled and marinated farm stand vegetables with a crispy garlic crostini
Sizzling Satays: Thai chicken and Szechwan beef skewers served with assorted dipping sauces, cool soba noodle salad and sesame marinated cucumbers
Sea Salted Red Potatoes Bar: Traditional baked potatoes, cooked to order with an array of classic toppings
Dessert Shooters: Including Million Cheesecake Crunch, Red Velvet and Chocolate Cake
Cowboy Grille, Mr. D’s and Million Room
For mature taste buds, Arlington Park’s Million Room and Mr. D’s Sports Bar will tantalize audiences with exciting beverage experiences. Those looking to quench thirst and hunger can also head to Cowboy Grille for perfectly paired food-drink selections. Food and beverage offerings with an adult flare include:
Ditka’s Polish Sausage: Plump Polish sausage link, covered with beer braised sauerkraut, served on a warm pretzel roll and accompanied by Batch 19 beer
Apple Ale Glazed Chicken Wings: Crispy wings covered in tangy apple ale glaze and accompanied by Redd’s Apple Ale
Million Mary: Traditional chilled Bloody Mary shaken up with Ditka’s Kick Ass Blood Mary Mix
Million Mosa: Refreshing Mimosa featuring Korbel Champagne
Pinnacle Ice Luge: Featuring a custom cocktail made with Pinnacle Vodka (Mr. D’s only)
Champagne Toast: Including Korbel Champagne served by the famous Korbel Models (Million Room only, first 200 guests)
Race Day Favorites
Racing fans of all shapes and sizes will be able to gobble up some of Chicago’s favorite dishes, as well as special food and beverage items inspired by Chicago icon Mike “The Coach” Ditka at Cobey’s Food Court and Picnic Grove. Options include:
The Big Mike: A trio of classic Chicago staples, including juicy Italian beef, and Polish and Italian sausages
Prime Rib Carved Sandwiches: Delicate carved prime rib sandwiches made to order at Cobey’s Carvery
Ditka’s Italian Beef Pizza: Delicious cheese pizza covered with Chicago Italian beef
Arlington Fresh Roasted Corn: Farm to fork roasted corn on the cob with all the trimmings