Today is a special day for horse race fans. There is a vibe in the air if you are anywhere near Louisville, Kentucky. Today is the day that we’ve been building to all week as fans, and all year as competitors. The Kentucky Derby is today, and we are ready. We have the look snapping heads. We have the knowledge of the horses ready for our bets. And, maybe most importantly, we have the mint julep ready to go (and even a little backup). But there is one thing we have yet to indulge, the food. Maybe you have a pretty decent spread at home, but what about at Churchill Downs? Wanna know what the other half is eating today? Chef Robert Lopez is here to give us a sneak peek.
Over the course of my career, I’ve had the privilege of overseeing the culinary experience at many major events, and I can tell you there’s nothing quite like the Kentucky Derby. – Chef Robert Lopez, Senior Executive Chef for Levy at Churchill Downs
Overcoming the logistics of feeding thousands
I don’t even like planning what to eat for the week. If the concept of weekly meal prep has you eating out more often than you should, you might take a page from Chef Lopez’s book. He has overcome obstacle after obstacle to make sure the entire menu goes off without a hitch. When I asked him what the hardest part of this was, he actually smiled. My hair would have turned gray. He smiled. He is clearly the man for the job.
“The biggest challenge on Kentucky Derby day is synchronizing every aspect of preparation to ensure every dish comes out at the highest quality at just the right moment. We prepare and practice for months, so when the gates open, it’s go time, and our team executes the highest caliber.”
Every year is a little twist
If you are the kind of guy who loves consistency for your trips to Churchill Downs, no fear, things will look similar. If you are the kind of guy who likes a little surprise and a little twist when you hit the restaurants and concessions, guess what, you are in for a treat. Chef Lopez has made sure to bring back all of the fun and exciting items from previous years without slipping into the trap of being boring. He has a few twists up his sleeve.
“No Kentucky Derby experience is complete without a Mint Julep. It’s iconic for a reason and part of the fabric of the fan experience. On the food side, we take pride in changing things up each year to feature the best, in-season ingredients. Some popular dishes may return with subtle twists. For example, shrimp and grits have been very popular over the years. This year, we swapped in a fava bean relish to showcase the abundance of fresh produce cultivated in our region.”
This year’s star
Of course, I cut straight to the chase. I want to know what the most beloved thing each year is. Of course, the mint julep will always be the star, but what food are people going to flip over? Who better to predict what will be the hit during today’s derby than Chef Lopez himself?
“Each year, we try to set the bar even higher, creating moments that introduce fans to new, bold flavors and culinary techniques. There truly is something for everyone on the menu. One dish I think will be popular is the Char-Grilled Short Ribs with Pomegranate and Fennel. It’s such a complex and layered dish, blending rich, savory, and sweet with a little bit of bitterness and crunch. It’s a great mix of textures and flavors, I think fans will really enjoy.”
There you have it, you have all you need to eat and drink your way into a solid Derby day. The festivities kick off at 2:00 pm Kentucky time, so enjoy the show.
