Phantom Gourmet Safari returns to Suffolk Downs

The Phantom Gourmet Safari returns on Sunday, May 23, from noon to 5 p.m. at Suffolk Downs in East Boston with the proceeds going to benefit Cystic Fibrosis/The Joey Fund.Former sports-radio host Eddie Andelman created the “Hot Dog Safari” 21 years ago, and it has steadily grown each year. Last year alone more than $250,000 was raised, increasing the grand total to more than $3,500,000 raised since its inception.Last year, Andelman passed the torch to his three sons from Phantom Gourmet fame – David, Michael and Dan – and they have made several key changes this year.”The ‘Phantom Gourmet Safari’ will serve-up more food and fun than ever before,” David Andelman promised. “The hours are now noon to 5 p.m., which is better for eating and watching live horse racing. The menu goes beyond hot dogs, too. We’ve got more fun stuff for kids and beer for adults.””Phantom Gourmet and the Andelmans receive no compensation from this event,” said Joe O’Donnell, whose young son Joey died from Cystic Fibrosis (“The Joey Fund”). “All the proceeds go directly to the Joey Fund and Cystic Fibrosis, and by planning and promoting the event, they help keep the overhead extremely low.”The Phantom Gourmet Hot Dog Safari includes plenty of food and soft drinks, as well as a wide variety of activities for children, a full card of live horse races (12:45 PM post time) for adults. 2010 Phantom Gourmet Hotdog Safari vendors include: Pearl, Kayem, Smart Water, Sausage Guy, Harrows and Pepsi.”Our father, Eddie, got this great event going and he’s still a big part of it,” David Andelman said. “His sons are going to keep it going, even stronger through our Phantom Gourmet connections, for at least another 20 years.”Tickets are $15.00 per person in advance and $20.00 at the door (children 6 and under are free). They’re available by going to www.aceticket.com, Finagle A Bagel or Fuddruckers.Also, the 4th annual Phantom Gourmet Hot Dog Safari Comedy Night featuring three comedians, will be held Thursday, May 20 (6-10 p.m.) at Kowloon in Saugus. The $50 general admission ticket includes the world’s first hot dog pu-pu platter and a light Chinese buffet; as well as a live auction to go along with the entertainment.In addition to all of the aforementioned amenities, a $500.00 VIP ticket entitles the holder to special seating among some of the leading business leaders in the country, including Joe O’Donnell, plus a special menu including lobster and drinks.Go to www.phantomgourmet.com for more information.