What to eat at the Golden Slipper, Rosehill Gardens

The champagne flows, but so does the cuisine and carnival fare at the Golden Slipper where foodies are set to have as much a field day as punters.

The Flying Fish’s executive chef Adam Hall will serve seafood galore at the Golden Slipper.

Racegoers are traditionally preoccupied with placing bets and glamorous attire when it comes to the Golden Slipper, but the Australian Turf Club culinary ambassador is making sure they leave Rosehill with fond memories of their lunch too.

Adam Hall, who helms The Star’s fine dining restaurant Flying Fish, is curating a Mediterranean-inspired a la carte menu at Rosehill Gardens’ Winning Post restaurant on Saturday and for the Autumn Racing Carnival.

Up to 350 guests will sample Flying Fish’s signature Spencer Gulf king prawns with oxheart tomato and salted blood lime with a feast of seasonal vegetables that are abundant thanks to the extended summer.

The Spanish mackerel Hall is about to introduce to his restaurant will also be served to revellers at the Golden Slipper and Stakes Day on March 25.

“I sort of design these menus around what I think people would like to enjoy on race day,’’ he said.

Adam Hall will share his culinary flair at Rosehill Gardens for the Autumn Racing Carnival.

“I think when you’re down there at race day, being that it’s a lunch and it’s a beautiful day, you can’t really go past grilled prawns.

“I think that’s a very Australian kind of thing and then Spanish mackerel is one of my favourite fish to cook and eat – something a little bit different.’’

Of course, beverages will flow and be paired nicely with seafood.

“Thankfully seafood is one of those really adaptable food items that you can drink with,’’ Hall said.

“No matter what people are having to drink – whether it be fruity cocktails, whether it be some really sort of sweet dry whites, whether it be a hoppy beer, they all kind of really match with the seafood that I’ve chosen.’’

Flying Fish's Spencer Gulf king prawns will be served with oxheart tomato and salted blood lime at Rosehill Gardens.

Those who did not score an invitation to Hall’s feast need not worry – there will be food and drinks galore trackside, including food trucks Greek Street, which will belt out lamb and chicken cooked over charcoal and Kentucky Fried Wing King.

Caminito will sell authentic Italian street food and Wally’s will dish out artisan hotdogs.

Pop-up bars will keep the thirst at bay for punters attending Australia’s richest race for two year olds, the $5m Longines Golden Slipper.

Hall had already served diners at last week’s Chandon Ladies Day and expects the buzz to continue on Saturday.

“It’s such an excitement, there’s a lot of energy in the room,’’ he said.

“Everyone’s really happy and super keen to be here. After the last few years of everything that went on, you start to see people getting back into it and celebrating, which is a nice feeling.’’

Top 5 eats

Seafood feast: Along with the Spencer Gulf king prawns and Spanish mackerel with smoked peppers and wild olives, Winning Post diners will savour a mouth-watering lemon myrtle parfait with almond crumb and torched meringue.

All you can eat: Racing aficionados rub shoulders with each other at the Slipper Luncheon, which boasts a buffet lunch laden with a charcuterie and seafood table, carvery, pastas, salads and sourdough bread. Diners will have access to the trackside lawn to watch the horses thunder towards the Winning Post. The luncheon package includes general admission entry and a beverage package.

Moet and Chandon Gold Room: The opulent Gold Room is on the upper floor of the Grand Pavilion, where racegoers witness the horses thunder down the final straight while they dine on a five-course degustation menu. Seared duck breast and poached crayfish with dill meringue opens the dining, followed by saddle of lamb or King George whiting. Mango sorbet will be the palate cleanser before the feast continues with cheesecake and Valencia orange dessert while the experience concludes in style with triple cream brie, poached apricots, house-made pear paste and crispbreads.

Porchetta roll: Caminito keeps punters fuelled with its popular pork bread roll, dressed with rocket salad, gravy and onions on a long white roll. “It’s amazing, it’s very nice and people appreciate it very much,’’ Caminito’s Andrea Paglialonga said.

Wally’s Hot Dogs: Before you cringe at the thought of gorging on a hot dog in your finest frock or suit, keep in mind Northmead-based Wally’s is more fresh fast food than a quick bite from the servo. Gourmet dogs are served with ingredients including delicious kransky and chorizo sausages. Load them up with cheese, capsicum, onions or go adventurous and try the Mexican dog with guacamole and corn chips.