The Piedmont Virginian headed to Great Meadow on Saturday for the event of the season. And what a day to watch the International Gold Cup races! The foliage was almost as splendid as the hats we spied along the rails. Our very own Margaret McCann served on the committee that judged the tailgates. The competition was stiff, but only one lucky winner could reap the top prize provided by the Goodstone Inn and Estate. (A dinner for six at Hilltoppers prepared by award-winning Inn chef Tarver King.) As described by Food Service Monthly’s Sauce on the Side:

The North Rail location of James Nix-Gomez stood out to the judges for its British hunt food theme and the thoroughness that they showed in remaining committed to fun and hospitality … from the pasties, the sausages and especially to some judges the shepherd pie. Fine wines flowed … and even the hood decorations of pumpkins had artichoke leaves and other food greens to keep the food connection tight. Second place honors went to Gold Cup regular Sharon Galzarano.