Chef Ian Gresik
There are many stories behind the Kentucky Derby – the horses, jockeys and races, the hats (oh the hats), the bourbon, the food and more. It’s a lot to soak in. So, in several installments we will unroll the Kentucky Derby beginning with, since it is Saturday and we have a weekend sojourn here, the incredible Taste of Derby headliner chef event on Friday night, and the amazing Day 1 of Derby festivities.
Taste of Derby; courier journal
At Churchill Downs, famous race track with equally as famous surroundings in the lush Blue Grass state, one of the most amazing races in the equestrian world takes place –surrounded by a ton of pomp and circumstance. Friday night was the Taste of Derby event, wherein nearly two dozen top chefs from around the country bring in their best dish for tastings that last for hours. Among the standouts (IMHO): Ian Gresik with his Garganelli Pasta with pork and rapini; chef Patrick McMurray who brought in two East Coast and two West coast oyster types in a West meets East Oyster bar; Mark Abernathy who created an incredible croissant bread pudding with moonshine sauce and bacon-pecan brittle (Yes, I had seconds of this!); Bon appétit ambassador Chef Tim Love, who made lamp lollipops with Yuzu Aioli. Paired with wines such as 14 Hands and top bourbons from the Kentucky region – this is a night that will long be remembered (especially by your scale). This celebration of cuisine
Willett Distilleries Bourbon
Then, yesterday and last night, we attended the Longines Kentucky Oaks race, the Longines Oaks Fashion Contest –hats, hats, hats (but that’s another story), and interviewed Simon Baker, celebrity ambassador for Longines, which, by the way, if you haven’t figured it out yet, is not only the official timekeeper of not just the Kentucky Derby, but also the entire triple crown: Derby, Preakness, Belmont. We will be bringing you that interview here soon.
Exquisite scallop entree’ at 21C
We ended the night at 21C Museum Hotel with a bourbon tasting from Willett Distillery and an amazing dinner presented by Chef Levon Wallace (with Tim Love) and bon appetit. Next installments on the Kentucky Derby coming soon!!!! Stay Tuned
