By Lauren Dickinson
Watching polo can really whet your appetite, Pimms Cup and tea sandwiches anyone?
Thinking of heading to your local polo club for a few chukkas? It would really only be polite to bring something to share. You could do it British style with Pimms Cup (Pimms Cup is so closely linked with polo there is actually a Pimms Book of Polo), which is more or less fruit (strawberries and oranges are popular) soaked in a combination of Pimms, gin, and ginger ale, always with cucumber and frequently with mint. Tea sandwiches and strawberries and cream would be excellent here. Might as well bring a bottle of champagne while you’re at it- Veuve Clicquot has their own polo tournament both in England and now in New York.
You could also go Argentine style with a post-polo Asado (Argentina is the polo capital of the world). Grill a large amount of beef and or lamb, Argentine chorizo and morcilla (blood sausage), toast pieces of baguette, and you are set. Salad is nice but not strictly mandatory. Preferred beverages here are Quilmes (Argentine beer) and Malbec.
Another thought is wines produced by polo players. There are number of fantastic choices from California- Bilo Zarif’s Summerland Pinot Noirs, Tom Barrack’s Happy Canyon Bordeaux style blends, and in Rob Mondavi’s Folio Wine Company, there is something for everyone, although personally I am somewhat partial to drinking the I’M Rosé by the pool after polo.