As if you didn’t already know, Saturday is Kentucky Derby Day, when what’s been described as the sports world’s most exciting two minutes goes down, albeit with quite a bit of bourbon, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Closer to home a bunch of bars and restaurants are celebrating the annual Run for the Roses with drink and food specials. The Khyber Pass Pub in Old City will put on the Southern hospitality at 11 a.m. with its New Orleans-inspired brunch that this week will include Kentucky classics like Benedictine dip, Kentucky Hot Brown, Burgoo Stew, Bourbon Balls, and Thoroughbred Pie. In the afternoon, frozen and classic mint juleps, hurricanes, and Abita beers will flow while the TV’s are tuned to the race.
Across town, newly minted Rex 1516 is getting in on the action with a mint julep and fried okra with jalapeno aioli combo for $9.00. Chef Regis Jansen will also serve his special Burgoo Stew, a duck-based, spicy vegetable stew with cornbread croutons. The staff will also be judging a “best hat” contest, with the winner taking away their choice of beer in a growler.
Lemon Hill is also hosting a hat contest, awarding the best with gift certificates and other prizes. In addition to judging hats, the restaurant and bar will also run a special on mint juleps all afternoon and into the evening.
Out in the burbs, Paramour at the swanky Wayne Hotel will host a Kentucky Derby party on its gorgeous veranda with complimentary passed hors d’oeuvres and miniature mint juleps, plus prizes throughout the afternoon including best his-and-hers hats.
