Carmine’s Partners with Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment for One-Night Tribute Honoring Carmine Abbatiello

Thursday, April 9, 2026

Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment and Carmine’s NYC will host An Evening with Carmine’s at the Meadowlands, a one-night dining experience on April 18th honoring the legacy of the late Carmine Abbatiello. The event brings Carmine’s iconic family-style dining to the Meadowlands for a special evening rooted in tradition, community, and giving back.

This limited-time pop-up will feature a Carmine’s buffet of beloved classics, offering guests the brand’s signature “big plates” in a shared, celebratory setting. The evening will also include a tribute moment and photo opportunity commemorating Abbatiello’s legacy and the connection that inspired the partnership.

Carmine’s, founded in 1990 and named in honor of Carmine Abbatiello, has long been synonymous with generous portions, Italian-American tradition, and meals meant to bring people together. This special event reflects those values while celebrating the personal connections that inspired the restaurant’s name and enduring spirit.

“I’m pleased we are partnering with Alicart/Carmine’s, a restaurant my close friend and track companion, Artie Cutler, opened and named for the great Carmine Abbatiello,” said Jeffrey Gural, Managing Partner of New Meadowlands Racetrack LLC. “I was able to introduce Artie to Carmine one night here at the Meadowlands. It was a really special connection for both of them. To now host a Carmine’s at the Meadowlands pop-up is a full-circle moment.”

A portion of proceeds from the evening will benefit the Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program, supporting the care and rehoming of Standardbred horses and extending the event’s impact beyond the table in honor of Abbatiello.

Event Details

• What: An Evening with Carmine’s at the Meadowlands (In Honor of Carmine Abbatiello)
• When: April 18, 2026 at 5:00 PM
• Where: Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment, East Rutherford, NJ
• Tickets: https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/meadowlandsracetrack/carmines

Experience Includes:

• Carmine’s family-style buffet featuring guest favorites such as Caesar salad, spaghetti & meatballs, a chef’s featured entrée (lasagna or chicken parmesan), and tiramisu
• Tribute moment honoring Carmine Abbatiello
• Dedicated photo opportunity, including a “legacy table” experience

About Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment

Since 1976, Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment in East Rutherford has been a staple in American racing. Since then, the Meadowlands has evolved into a premier entertainment center, undergoing major changes such as a newly constructed a state-of-the-art grandstand in 2013 and the addition of FanDuel Sportsbook in July of 2018. The racetrack features year round harness racing, simulcasting from around the globe, and sports betting at FanDuel Sportsbook. Bettors and non-racing fans alike can enjoy the exciting environment buzzing with live racing and sports action, as well as a calendar full of festivals, events, and family-friendly activities- complete with an array of indoor and outdoor dining options.

About Carmine’s NYC

Carmine’s is a celebrated Italian-American restaurant known for its abundant, family-style dining experience. Since opening in 1990, the restaurant has become a beloved destination for guests seeking classic dishes, warm hospitality, and a lively atmosphere centered on sharing. With locations in New York City, Atlantic City, Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas, Carmine’s continues to bring people together over its signature “big plates,” creating memorable dining experiences for generations.

For more information, visit https://www.carminesnyc.com/ and follow @CarminesNYC on Instagram.

About Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program

PURPLE HAZE STANDARDBRED ADOPTION PROGRAM, INC. is a New York State Not-For-Profit Class “B” Corporation with Federal 501(c)3 tax exempt status.  The organization is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.

PHSAP has been formed to ensure that retired Standardbred horses find a second calling and profession. Many times owners and trainers send these horses to livestock auctions due to a lack of resources, farmland or funds necessary to maintain the retired horses. In some circumstances, the livestock auctions sell the horses on the open market and the retired “non-productive” horses frequently end up in the slaughterhouse in exchange for payment.