Kentucky Derby Brunch Ideas

I come from Thoroughbred country… not Kentucky Thoroughbred country … but still Thoroughbred country… the thing about living were thoroughbreds reign supreme is that the appreciation for these fabulous animals is a way of life. I live in upstate New York… Saratoga Springs… racing season is from the last week in July to Labor Day… it is the August place to be. While I like to wager… I really don’t go for that as much as to watch the horses… they are truly magnificent… poetry in motion.

The Saratoga track is restored … they’ve taken great care to preserve the history and tradition that is horse racing…freshly painted white… wooden grand stand… striped awnings… beautifully manicured gardens… fountains.. and those magnificent horses… just an absolutely fantastic day outing…so I have a special place in my heart for thoroughbred racing.

Best of all… on those dewy early mornings in August… you can go to the clubhouse for a terrific breakfast and watch as they exercise the horses… a definite “must do” on your list of things to do. I will definitely blog more about that area in upcoming blogs… but for now.. it’s all about the Derby…

I’ve been to Churchill Downs.. on a business trip that happened to be during their racing… a vendor that flew my boss and myself out to Louisville to view their operations.. knew we had never been to Churchill Downs and also knew we lived where track season is a main event… so they took us to an afternoon at the races… we ate in the clubhouse… a fabulous buffet… and got to see the race from a fabulous vantage point… we had our special tellers in the club house… the dining room overlooked the track… even though at the time Churchill Downs was undergoing a major renovation… it was a very special afternoon.

Tickets to Derby Day are difficult to get … so it’s nice to watch the action at home… invite some friends over… and have a lovely brunch buffet. The post time for the first race is at 10:30… the actual “Run for the Roses”… the Kentucky Derby Race is set for post time of 6:24… check the official Kentucky Derby site for updates.

So here are my Brunch suggestions for Kentucky Derby Day…










Grand Mimosas










Bloody Marys






The Early Times Mint Julep – The Official Mint Julep of the Kentucky Derby




Asparagus and Crab Quiche








Cheddar and Chive Scrambled Eggs in a Puff Pastry Shell with Garlicy Cream Sauce

OR






Bacon Cheese Fritatta








Baked Ham with Rum and Coke Glaze or Jack Daniel's Glazed Ham











Baked Garlic Cheese Grits








Peach Upside-Down Muffins

Corn Fritters.. serve these with honey...











Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon and Shallot Dressing









Peach Gelato





Coffee

Sweet Tea




Fresh Lemonade