The Kentucky Derby by Bill Doolittle
There are a whole lot of great things about springtime in Kentucky. There's basketball and beautiful weather and spring festivals, but absolutely nothing else compares to Derby! The Kentucky Derby puts Louisville in the international spotlight every year on the First Saturday of May. For Kentuckians, Derby is everything -- it's pageantry, it's history, and it's a whole lot of fun. And, as we all know, it's Decadent and Depraved!
I just got my copy of The Kentucky Derby -- Derby Fever, Derby Day, and the Run for the Roses, a fabulous new coffee table book by Bill Doolittle, and I couldn't be more excited about Derby, even though it's still 67 Days away! Mr Doolittle is a longtime track writer and Derby Historian, and his book delves into the history of the race itself. I love the book's message that the Derby didn't grow into something big; it's always been planned as the premier event for American racing, patterned on the huge horse races of England.
Of course, no book about Derby can leave out the traditions that surround the race -- the mint juleps, the roses, and the festivities. It's all there: Mr. Doolittle covers the blanket of roses, the bourbon cocktail we traditionally only drink on Derby Day, and the participants from the Infield to Millionaire's Row.
The coolest thing about Mr. Doolittle's book is that the experience isn't just limited to the pages of text. You can download the Digimarc app on your smartphone, scroll over photos that feature the Digimarc logo, and instantly pull up associated video and blogs! I love this interactive feature that takes you straight to the track to experience races and interviews.
The Kentucky Derby Book is available for purchase online and in Louisville at Dolfinger's and Carmichael's. It's the perfect way to get ready for Derby season, and would make a fantastic gift for the Derby fan in your life!
{Disclosure: The Kentucky Derby Book has an advertising relationship with HerKentucky.com, and I was provided a copy of the book for review. All opinions are my own. I truly do love this book, y'all.}
Shop Local for Valentine's Day!
Great Valentine's Day presents from local Louisville artisans!
Happy almost-Valentine's Day, y'all!
If you're still looking for an amazing gift for your sweetie, here are some absolutely gorgeous pieces made by local Louisville artisans that are fun, romantic, and unique!
Louisville Stoneware Mug
I debated putting this one on the list, because I want one myself, and I've heard a rumor that there are only a few remaining. But, these are absolutely the most adorable pieces of locally-made pottery! If your Valentine really, really loves coffee, this is the perfect gift. Available in-studio only at Louisville Stoneware.
Anchal Project Scarf
The Anchal Project is an AMAZING Louisville-based company that trains and employs former sex workers in India to create stunning, one-of-a-kind textiles. I had the good fortune to hear Anchal founder Colleen Clines talk about empathy a few months ago. After watching her speak, I'm OBSESSED with Anchal and their mission!
Elva Fields Necklace
Elva Fields is one of my favorite, favorite local companies. Owner/ designer Emily Wheat Maynard is one of the sweetest ladies you'll ever meet, and she is crazy talented. She scopes out lovely antiques and one-of-a-kind gemstones to make every piece an experience. Check out this Elva Fields necklace and this necklace!
Cellar Door Chocolates
This may be my all-time favorite take on the perennial "sweets for your sweet" gift. It's Phoebe Buffay's lobsters, reimagined in locally-made chocolate.
Just as a reminder of why this is so awesome,
A piece from Cuteopia!
Revelry Boutique Gallery in NuLu has some of the most fabulous pieces every day, but their Cuteopia exhibit is over-the-top fabulous. Who could say no to these declarations of love?
Here's to a perfect Valentine's Day with your sweetie!
5 Words You're Saying Wrong if You Aren't A Native Louisvillian
Louisville has its own language more than any other Kentucky city. Here's a few words that only natives know how to say propertly.
Seelbach: Pronounced in Louisville as Seel-bæk to rhyme with the synonym for spine; pronounced by everyone else as Seel-bahk to rhyme with family of German composers. The storied downtown hotel where Fitzgerald's Daisy married Tom Buchanan. Now a Hilton property, but nobody mentions that part either.
Valhalla: Pronounced in Louisville as Vaal-haal-a, with the first two syllables rhyming in their very long a's; pronounced elsewhere as Vaal-ha-la, with the middle syllable sounding like an exclamation for a mildly funny joke. It's the real deal PGA golf course; it may also have something to do with Greek mythology.
School: The pronunciation is pretty standard -- skōōl -- but somehow native Lousivillians intone the word to indicate that they're precisely referring to high school. Where did you go to school? usually leads to a discussion of private vs. public schools.
Benedictine: Another word with a standard pronunciation, but with vastly different meanings. To the rest of the world, it's an order of Catholic monks, or the herbaceous liqueur originally produced by those monks. Here in Louisville, it's a green sandwich spread.
Louisville: Perhaps the most disputed word of all. Kentuckians know it's Lew-a-vill. We've heard "Leweee-ville", "Lou-vill", and all sorts of foolishness.
Did we leave any out?
Royal's Hot Chicken
Nashville Hot Chicken done right in the Derby City!
My beau and I LOVE Nashville-style hot chicken. We make as many trips to the Music City as possible to feed our addiction. We've waited in line at the Hot Chicken Festival. And we've waited in line at Hattie B's more times than we can count. We take our chicken seriously.
So, we've been a little skeptical as hot chicken has made its way up I-65. Rumors that KFC and O'Charley's are test-marketing mass-produced versions of our beloved crispy, cayenne pepper-coated delicacy left us with more than a little trepidation. You can't get GREAT, authentic hot chicken outside of Nashville, can you?
Well, it turns out you can.
Royal's Hot Chicken hosted their soft opening over the weekend, so we took the opportunity to test their spin on Hot Chicken. (For those who've never tried hot chicken before, the legend goes back to Thornton Prince, whose ladyfriend wasn't happy with his "extracurricular" affairs. After a particularly late night, Thornton asked his girlfriend to fry him some chicken. Going for revenge, the girlfriend coated the fried chicken in cayenne pepper. Prince loved it, and 90 years later, his family-run hot chicken restaurant is a must-visit Nashville attraction.)
We had high expectations of Royal's, because of the care and expertise that owner Ryan Rogers puts into every item on his Feast BBQ concept. We went to Royal's expecting "very good"; we had no idea we'd be in for "great."
First, let me get it out of the way. The chicken is done right. Not "right for Kentucky." Not "right for someplace outside Davidson County, TN." It's just right. The meat is juicy. The breading is light and crispy. And the seasoning... Well, the seasoning reminded me of Prince's. That's a big compliment. It wasn't a sauce; it was a heavy coating of chili powders and pan drippings. It was deliciously spicy without any acidic aftertaste. When accompanied by a zingy house ranch dressing, it was just about perfect!
The sides were pretty amazing, too. Bob went with delicious cold sides -- the cole slaw and cucumber salad; these provided a great palate cleanser with his X-hot level tenders. I couldn't pass up the hot potato wedges or the pimento cheese grits. Both were amazing! The grits were so creamy, and the wedges were perfectly crisp with a fluffy center.
Next time, we plan to make room for soft serve ice cream or milkshakes. The cold desserts looked and sounded great, but we were stuffed after such a delicious meal!
Thanks to Royal's Hot Chicken for bringing real Nashville hot chicken to Louisville! We can't wait to visit again soon!
Royals Hot Chicken is located at 736 E. Market St., Louisville, KY 40202.
(502)919-7068
Open TUESDAY-THURSDAY 11:30AM-2:30PM, 5:00PM-9:00PM
Open FRIDAY 11:30AM-2:30PM, 5:00PM-10:00PM
Open SATURDAY, 11:30AM-10:00PM
CLOSED SUNDAY & MONDAY
Corner Restaurant & Bar
Louisville's newest hotel bar offers unique flavors and amazing craft cocktails!
One of the questions I'm asked most frequently is "Where is a really great hotel in Louisville? I'd like to stay in a nice hotel with good food and a good bar."
Of course, my answer is that the perfect Louisville hotel varies wildly upon your destination, purpose for traveling, and budget. My new favorite to add to the list is the brand-new Downtown Louisville Aloft, especially Corner Bar & Restaurant, across from Whiskey Row.
My beau and I visited Corner on a recent Saturday afternoon. The lively crowd were clearly still celebrating a U of L win from earlier that day -- your Cards ticket stub serves as a ticket for one free drink at Corner! -- and the mood was festive and fun. We may have even seen a local Congressman in the crowd...
The coasters at Corner feature my favorite local mural!
We sat down for a drink and some appetizers, and were impressed by the attention to detail. The whiskey menu was broken down by distillery. We ordered a pair of Old-Fashioneds. Mine, with Maker's Mark, featured delightful details like house-made maraschino cherries. Bob's, with Woodford Reserve, paired the whiskey's high vanilla note with the orange peel garnish for a deliciously smooth finish.
We ordered a pair of appetizers from the Game Day Menu. The beer cheese fondue from the three dips and chips trio was outstanding, but the real star was the brussels sprouts with candied jalapeno and apple vinaigrette.
We then moved up to the bar for a cocktail lesson from Ashley, Corner's resident mixologist. Let me tell you, this lady knows what she's doing.
Ashley worked with her patrons' flavor profiles to create drinks she thought they'd enjoy. She put so much care into every detail of the drinks, from basics like bloody marys or pina coladas on up to more complex libations.
The presentation was stunning, and the cocktails were amazing.
Thanks so much to Corner for the opportunity to come visit! We'll definitely be back soon!
Maker's Mark Give Cozy, #GetCozy Holiday Tour
Help others stay warm with Maker's Mark's #GetCozy Holiday Tour.
I hope y'all are having a great holiday season!
The truth is, by this point, most of us have had a little too much to eat, and have received more presents than we possibly can use. And, we're all probably looking for a little more closet space to hang that new coat or jacket that we just love.
The fabulous folks at Maker's Mark can help y'all out! Throughout December, a Maker's Mark truck has traveled across the country on the “Give Cozy, #GetCozy” mobile coat drive. The Maker’s Mark Give Cozy, #GetCozy truck is a donation site for lightly used or spare jackets and coats, all of which will go toOne Warm Coat, a non-profit organization which provides those in need with a warm coat free of charge. The Give Cozy, #GetCozy truck will have some treats for you, including hot chocolate and Maker’s Mark inspired gingerbread cookies. I hear there might even be some Maker's swag on board as well!
Louisville is the final stop in the Give Cozy, #GetCozy Holiday Tour. You can find the Maker's Mark truck at restaurants, bars, and Liquor Barn locations all this week.
Check out the Maker's Mark Give Cozy, #GetCozy Tour at these stops here in Louisville this week:
• 28-Dec 2:00pm – 7:00pm Liquor Barn Springhurst, 4301 Towne Center Dr.
• 28-Dec 8:00pm – 9:30pm Hilltop Tavern, 1800 Frankfort Ave.
• 29-Dec 12:00pm – 5:00pm Liquor Barn Hurstbourne, 1850 S Hurstbourne Pkwy.
• 29-Dec 6:00pm – 8:00pm Garage Bar, 700 E Market St.
• 30-Dec 12:00pm – 2:00pm Liquor Barn Hurstbourne, 1850 S Hurstbourne Pkwy.
• 30-Dec 6:00pm – 7:30pm Drake's, 3921 Summit Plaza Dr.
• 30-Dec 7:30pm – 9:00pm Martini’s Italian Bistro, 4021 Summit Plaza Dr.
For folks who do not have a coat on-hand, but would like to Give Cozy to #GetCozy, One Warm Coat® will offer a text-to-donate option in which every dollar raised translates into two warm coats for those in need. To make a donation, text "COAT" to 80100 to donate $5 to One Warm Coat. (Standard data and messaging rates may apply. For additional information please visit mobilegiving.org or onewarmcoat.org/privacy.)*
Maker’s Mark will also be working with select retail liquor stores to place coat donation bins on-site for those looking to drop off a coat.
Follow Maker’s Mark on Twitter @MakersMark or MakersMark.com/Holiday-Truck-Tour page to stay up to date on the Give Cozy, #GetCozy truck stops and please make sure to visit OneWarmCoat.org to learn more on how to #warmamillion people with new and gently worn coats.
5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Diane Sawyer
Celebrating the 70th birthday of Louisville native and broadcasting legend Diane Sawyer.
On December 22, 1945, Lila Diane Sawyer was born in Glasgow, Kentucky to Jean and E.P. "Tom" Sawyer. Her parents moved to Louisville soon after her birth. As Jean taught elementary school and Tom studied law and moved up the Republican political rankings to an eventual judgeship, Diane and older sister Linda seemed destined for great things in bigger cities than Louisville. Linda would go on to become a fashion editor at Vogue, while Diane became a groundbreaking television journalist. In celebration of one of our very favorite Kentucky women, here are 5 facts you probably didn't know about Diane Sawyer.
1. Diane Sawyer was a cheerleader for the The 1963 State Champion Seneca High School Red Hawk basketball team, which boasted future Boston Celtic Mike Redd and future Washington Bullet Wes Unseld.
Diane with her mother Jean and father, County Attorney Tom Sawyer, before the 1963 National Junior Miss pageant.
2. Diane's beauty has always commanded attention. The 5'10 blonde was crowned National Junior Miss in 1963 and Queen of the 47th annual International Flower Show in 1964.
Photo via AP.
3. She earned an undergraduate degree from Wellesley College. She initially planned to follow in her father's professional footsteps, but after one semester at U of L Law, decided she wanted to pursue a career in journalism.
Photo via NY Daily News
4. Diane Sawyer worked as a staff member in the Nixon White House. She drafted several of his speeches, and later collaborated with President Nixon on his memoirs.
5. Ms. Sawyer's journalism career has been groundbreaking. She was the first female correspondent on 60 Minutes, political correspondent for several national political conventions, and has served as an anchor for evening news and morning shows. She has interviewed a wide array of personalities, from heads of state to 9/11 widows to Bruce Jenner.