144.0...The Kentucky Derby!

The Kentucky Derby. Amazing. An experience that will stay with me forever. My husband and I had a blast. 

We arrived Thursday night to our hotel, the iconic Brown Hotel. There was a Derby goodie bag waiting for us in our room:

IMG 6558

Although it was late, the lobby bar was bustling and we were able to grab a table for dinner. 

IMG 6560

I ordered the open faced steak sandwich, complete with arugula, sunny side egg and chimichurri. 

IMG 6561

It hit the spot. Nothing like some late night fries! 

We couldn't pass on the Derby Pie (walnut & chocolate chip pie) for dessert!

IMG 6562

Breakfast Friday morning was room service while we got ready. Two eggs, bacon, potatoes and toast.

IMG 6563

It was time to hit the road for Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Oaks (Friday's race) events!

IMG 6568

 

IMG 6571

IMG 6573

IMG 6572

IMG 6574

IMG 6577

There was a delicious buffet complete with a cheese bar:

IMG 6580

Prime rib and corn and shrimp:

IMG 6583

IMG 6582A

Our friends, Alan and Colby, were also there so we were able to snag a photo with them:

IMG 6579

Of course, I had to order a Mint Julep!

IMG 6588

IMG 6587

Tastes a bit like Mint Jet Fuel to me. :) Not a fan. 

Dessert was good, though!

IMG 6590

So were the celebrity sightings! If you've read my blog for awhile, you know I have no shame when it comes to the celebrity photo op!

Scottie Pippen:

IMG 6592

Ndamukong Suh (plays for the Detroit Lions):

IMG 6595

 And just like that, the Kentucky Oaks race day was over.

IMG 6597

My husband and I headed to our dinner reservation at Vincenzo's, an Italian restaurant in downtown Louisville. My husband and I split a couple of appetizers. 

Crepe Agostino (delicate crepe wrapped around a blend of beef, veal and chicken baked in a béchamel glazed marinara sauce):

IMG 6599

Pomodoro E Mozzarella (slices of fresh mozzarella cheese layered between a fresh vine-ripened tomato with olive oil, cracked pepper and fresh basil):

IMG 6600

At Vincenzo's, they finish cooking and plate your meal right in front of you!

IMG 6601

I ordered the Vitello Saltimbocca (scaloppine of veal with sage, thinly sliced prosciutto ham and fresh mozzarella cheese presented in a light white wine sauce):

IMG 6602

For dessert, we shared Tiramisu: 

IMG 6603

We really enjoyed our meal at Vincenzo's and the staff could not have been friendlier!

Saturday morning it was rise and shine! Time to get ready for the Kentucky Derby! Breakfast was coffee and an English muffin. 

IMG 6605

 

IMG 6607

We enjoyed several different appetizers throughout the day:

IMG 6612

IMG 6613

IMG 6614

There was some of the best people watching ever. I loved seeing everyone's hats! 

When it was time for the Derby horses to come into the paddock, we found a great viewing spot!

IMG 6624

IMG 6626

Here's the winning horse, California Chrome (#5). We didn't know, at that point, that that horse was going to win but he was the favorite.

IMG 6629

IMG 6630

IMG 6631

IMG 6633

Right before the race, I snagged a picture with Bob Baffert, a famous horse trainer:

IMG 6634

The race was so exciting to watch! It was two minutes of craziness!  

After the race, we stayed a bit to let the crowds leave. I'm glad we did otherwise I would have missed this picture with Joey Fatone!

IMG 6638

Good stuff.

Dinner was at Morton's Steakhouse. I enjoyed one of my favorite salads, the wedge:

IMG 6639

My husband and I shared creamed spinach, twice-baked potatoes au gratin and a filet. 

IMG 6641

IMG 6640

By the end of the night, my feet were killing me. Two full days in heels was plenty. 

Breakfast yesterday morning was the buffet brunch at the hotel. 

IMG 6642

And just like that, it was time to head to the airport. Our trip went too fast but I hope to one day return to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby. It was an experience I'll never forget. 

Breakfast this morning was scrambled egg beaters with salsa and cheddar cheese.

IMG 6645

I missed Monday's Cardio Muscle class reluctantly because I had to go to a PTO meeting after I took the kids to school. I did make it to the gym afterwards though for some cardio and weights. Time to get back on track after all the deliciousness from this past weekend!

Happy Cinco de Mayo, by the way! I celebrated with fish tacos at Wahoo's!

IMG 6646

 Do you have any Cinco de Mayo related plans today?

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Comments

Popular Posts