Food and Fashion from the Bluegrass State
The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports
Ask anyone that has ever watched it and they will tell you that the above comment holds true for the Kentucky Derby. And while, yes, the main attraction is the horse race that spans 1 mile of dirt track, living in Kentucky I’ve learned that the race that happens on the first Saturday of May every year is just the beginning. It’s also called the Run for the Roses and it’s the first race in what is known as the Triple Crown, the other races being the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. But here in the Bluegrass State, you also learn that food and fashion play just as much of an important role in the weeklong celebration leading up to the big race.
Food That Shines
- Hot Browns: I know it sounds super simple and “Plain Jane”, but let me reassure you that this sandwich is anything but. It resides in the family of “open-faced sandwiches” and it’s a meal all on its own. With its origin dating all the way to the 1920s at the famous Brown Hotel in Louisville, it is a must have for anyone wanting the Derby experience. If you want to have an authentic Hot Brown at your own supper table, The Brown Hotel has been so gracious as to share their recipe.
- Burgoo: If you stop in over at Hunter-Angler-Gardener-Cook you can find not only a great breakdown of what Burgoo is, but a phenomenal recipe for the Kentucky dish. This stew will stick to your ribs and quickly be a Sunday favorite.
- Pimento Cheese is one of those things you either love or you just can’t stomach…..I’ve yet to meet someone who rode the fence on it. When I want to make some for my husband, I use this one from Loaves and Dishes.
- Mint Juleps have become a right of passage for those in attendance on race day at Churchill Downs. If you would like to attempt making your own, might I suggest this Alton Brown recipe?
- Pecan Pie:Although many versions of this southern staple exist, I absolutely love this Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie.
Fashion Tips To Follow for Race Day
The two biggest fashion do’s for the Derby are simple: Big Hats and Bright Colors. The third rule to remember is bold patterns are encouraged.
As the Kentucky Derby used European Horse racing as its basis to build upon, so did its spectators mimic the fashion of their European counterparts. This means a lady needs her hat. Now don’t get me wrong, a hat or fascinator is not required for admittance, but it has become an almost expected part of the outfit. Dresses can be understated or the main attraction when it comes to the Derby wardrobe. Derby fashion truly is all about expressing your own personal flair.
Until you go to Kentucky and with your own eyes behold the Derby, you ain’t never been nowhere and you ain’t seen nothin’!
-Irvin S. Cobb
Have you ever attended the Kentucky Derby? Do you have a favorite dish you experienced from the state of Kentucky? Comment down below and let me know how you enjoyed your time.
