By Suzanne Corbett, STLSportsPage.com Food/Travel Editor
It may be too late to drive to Louisville but it’s not too late to celebrate this year’s Kentucky Derby in style, especially here in St. Louis. Much like this year’s crowned field of contenders, there are lots of options to go to catch this year’s Derby action. Of course, I have a trifecta of winning options.
To win, place and show, my bets are on Westport Plaza, Fairmount Park and your own backyard.
The Run for the Roses will be broadcast live on the big outdoor screen at Westport Plaza. Presented by Four Roses Bourbon, the event includes live music by the Blake Garder Band, a full bar where Mint Juleps is favored to be the winning drink of the day. Don’t forget to dress for the derby and wear your best hat. You could win the prize for the best hat for men and women
An extra thrill Westport plans for Derby fans is the traditional trumpet call to post. The signal when all eyes to the outdoor screen and watch the fastest two minutes in sports. Don’t forget to bet. Betting squares on the plaza will give race lovers a chance to pick a winner and a chance to win prizes.
Historic Fairmount Park, now Fairmount Park Casino & Racing, is the natural pick to gather to watch the race. Celebrating 100 years of horse racing this venue is the closest track near St Louis where fans can feed off the excitement of the Kentucky Derby.
Fairmount Park also encourages Derby fans to dress to impress. Wear your best Derby attire, place your bets, and enjoy the day’s entertainment. Doors open at 9 am and the first live races begins at 1:30pm.
Finally, your own backyard is the winner for me. The perfect setting for family and friends to gather and party while celebrating the race. Best yet, it doesn’t take a lot of planning to set a Derby inspired menu. Think southern. Country ham, fried chicken and biscuits. All ready to eat specialties you can pick up at the local supermarket. Or go for a classic, the Kentucky Hot Brown. The king of open faced sandwiches, Hot Browns looks as fancy of a Derby Day hat but is easy to make.
It was created back in 1926, at Louisville’s legendary Brown Hotel by Chef Fred Schmidt as a late night supper to satisfy hungry patrons who worked up an appetite trotting across the dance floor.
Today, the Kentucky Hot Brown is found throughout the state. It’s great with the day’s signature drink, the Mint Julep, Kentucky’s favorite libation that on Derby Day over 120,000 are downed at Churchill Downs.
While the Derby serves its juleps in a variety of commemorative glasses, the classic mint julep is traditionally served in a silver cup. The design is based on a pattern created by a 19th century Shelbyville silversmith that featured beaded top and bottom borders. To view a vintage julep cup take a tour of the Campbell House Museum, located in downtown St. Louis. On display, General U.S. Grant’s silver julep, engraved with the letters U.S.G.
¼ cup butter
¼ cup flour
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
½ Cup of Pecorino Romano Cheese, plus 1 tablespoon for Garnish
Pinch of Ground Nutmeg
Salt and pepper
14 oz. thick sliced roasted turkey breast
4 slices of Texas Toast (Crust Trimmed)
4 slices of Crispy Bacon
2 Roma tomatoes, sliced in half
Parmesan Cheese
Paprika
Parsley
In a two‑quart saucepan, melt butter and slowly whisk in flour until combined and forms a thick paste (roux). Continue to cook roux for two minutes over medium‑low heat, stirring frequently. Whisk heavy cream and whole milk into the roux and cook over medium heat until the cream begins to simmer, about 2‑3 minutes. Remove sauce from heat and slowly whisk in Pecorino Romano cheese until the Mornay sauce is smooth. Add nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste.
For each Hot Brown, place two slices of toast with the crusts cut off in an oven safe dish – one slice is cut in half corner to corner to make two triangles and the other slice is left in a square shape – then cover with 7 ounces of turkey. Take the two halves of Roma tomato and two toast points and set them alongside the base of the turkey and toast. Next, pour one half of the Mornay sauce to completely cover the dish. Sprinkle with additional Pecorino Romano cheese. Place the entire dish under a broiler until cheese begins to brown and bubble. Remove from broiler, cross two pieces of crispy bacon on top, sprinkle with paprika and parsley, and serve immediately.
Makes 2 Hot Browns.
3-5 mint leaves
1teaspoon Powdered Sugar
2t teaspoon Water
2 oz. Woodford Reserve Bourbon
Crushed Ice
Muddle (stir/gentle crush) four mint springs and sugar in the bottom of a julep glass. Add water, continuing to muddle contents to a paste. Add Woodford Reserve Bourbon. Pack the julep glass with crushed ice. Garnish with a mint spring for and don’t forget the sipping straw.
1 ½ ounces Woodford Reserve Bourbon
2 ounces lemonade
1 ounce cranberry juice
Lemon twist for garnish
Combine the bourbon, lemonade and cranberry juice in a rocks glass filled with ice. Stir and garnish with a lemon twist.
About the Kentucky Derby: CLICK HERE
