Our resident Gastro-Man Brian Lambæk has created eight fantastic recipes that will keep you and your friends well fed throughout the Le Mans 24 Hour race.
By Brian Lambæk
Saturday 11th of June, 15.00 CET
For nearly a year, motorsport fans around the world have anticipated this moment. One of the oldest and most tradition-rich motorsport events begins. The TV signal reaches hundreds of millions of viewers and about a quarter of a million spectators line the 13.629 km Circuit de la Sarthe to follow the fleet of supercars over the next 24 hours.
Despite its long history, culinary traditions tied specifically to Le Mans aren’t as obvious as those for events like the Super Bowl or World Cup finals. So I decided to create a 24-hour food plan tailored to a Le Mans party. If you’re open to French bistro classics instead of pizza, noodles, or burritos, these dishes are designed to minimize kitchen time during the race while delivering excellent flavor.
Here we go!
15.00
The race starts and so does the steady stream of food your guests will enjoy over the next 24 hours. Begin with a glass of Crémant de Loire — a fitting choice from the region around Le Mans. Pair the bubbles with a light bite that evokes the forested surroundings of the track:
Smoked Scallops on a Forest Floor
Two hours in — the initial nerves have eased and the race is finding its rhythm. With driver swaps finished and the pace settled, it’s time for the next bite. Guests are still lively, so serve a handheld take on a French classic that’s easy to eat while watching:
Sandwich Rossini
20.00
Five hours down — nineteen to go. The cars are spread out and the evening settles into a steady pace. Serve the first course of a relaxed three-course meal: an elegant take on the classic moules marinières. It’s social, shareable, and gives you time to linger over dinner conversations between race highlights.
Moules Marinières Extravaganza
22.00
The race is entering a quieter stretch as night approaches. Now is the time for the evening’s main attraction: 24 Heures du Steak — a long-cooked steak served with béarnaise butter. It’s an indulgent centerpiece that fits the nocturnal mood.
24 Heures du Steak
00:00
Night has fallen over the Circuit de la Sarthe. To keep energy up without weighing everyone down, serve a not-too-heavy Tarte Tatin accompanied by vanilla ice cream or crème chantilly. It’s a comforting sweet spot that restores blood sugar and keeps spirits high.
Tarte Tatin
04:00
Past the halfway point — much of Europe sleeps, but your party is still going strong after the sugar boost. For simplicity and comfort, serve Croque Madame: familiar, satisfying, and easy to prepare even when energy is low.
Croque Madame
09:00
Morning arrives and you’ve passed more than three-quarters of the race. With six hours to go, celebrate the progress and the leaders with a classic brunch dish. Eggs Benedict is the perfect choice: elegant, restorative, and celebratory after a long night.
Eggs Benedict
13.00
Two hours left — fatigue is settling in, so choose a lighter pit stop to carry you to the finish. Salade Chèvre Chaud is a perfectly balanced option: fresh greens, warm goat cheese, and a crisp texture that won’t overwhelm.
Salade Chèvre Chaud
15.00
Pop! Time for bubbles — you made it. The day ends with a toast to the winner, the race, and your hosting. After a full day of cooking and sharing, raise the last cold bottle of Crémant de Loire and celebrate a successful Le Mans party.
Enjoy your meal and a toast to a great race!