The 151st Kentucky Derby will host hundreds of thousands of well-dressed patrons, but the action happening behind the scenes to feed the fans is already underway.
Churchill Downs head chef Robert Lopez is in charge of setting the menu and testing recipes.
Lopez is infusing this year’s gastronomic lineup with locally sourced ingredients and traditional Southern flavors, which will be served for the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 2, as well as the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3.
“With our with our Mint Julep especially, our Kentucky braised beef tips with Kentucky peppercorn sauce is going to be a very, very good pairing,” Lopez said, adding that they “took into consideration knowing that the Mint Julep is the staple cocktail here.”
Here’s a look at some of the offerings:
– Grilled Corn & Tomato Salad
– Bluegrass Fields Salad
– Duck Fat Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
– Lemon Honey Harvest Brussels Sprouts
– Brown Butter Farro & Roasted Root Vegetables
– Pan Roasted Chicken Breast
– Old Forester Butter Shrimp & Orzo
– Slow Cooked Beef Tips with Kentucky Peppercorn Sauce