The HerKentucky Interview with Taste of Derby Chef Jennifer Jasinski

One of the things I love most about Louisville at Derby Time is that there is always something fun to do. As Cristina told us earlier this week, there truly is something for everyone on every budget. You can watch the fireworks for free, or you can head out to the track in style. You don't even have to like racing to enjoy the steamboats and balloons, or to stop by the Chow Wagon or Taste of Derby.

I was recently contacted by the folks at Skuna Bay Salmon about  spreading the word Thursday's Taste of Derby event to HerKentucky readers. Now in its fourth year, Taste of Derby is a tasting event that brings some of Louisville's top chefs together with award-winning chefs from across the country. Skuna, an environmentally-conscious brand of Vancouver Island craft-raised salmon (and the "Salmon of Choice" for the Kentucky Derby), is showcasing chefs Jennifer Jasinski and Stephanie Izard at this event. 

Jennifer, a California native, runs three restaurants in Denver, CO -- Rioja, Bistro Vendôme, and Euclid Hall Bar and Kitchen -- along with her business partner Beth Gruitch. She was a James Beard Award finalist in 2012 and 2013, and is the author of the cookbook The Perfect Bite. I had the pleasure of speaking with Jennifer about food, business and inspiration this week.

HerKentucky: When did you know you wanted to become a chef?

Jennifer: Growing up in California, I loved cooking for my family. I just always knew that I wanted to be a chef.

HK: What flavors/ types of cuisine are your main inspiration?

JJ: Our flagship restaurant, Rioja, is inspired by Mediterranean flavors. Bistro Vendome is a fusion of French, Spanish and Italian influences. It's really "California cuisine", but I don't really call it that in Denver. Euclid Hall is a craft beer hall that serves food. It's so much more than a gastropub -- we make our own sausage, we serve poutine. I'd say that the first two restaurants are more "girl" menus, and Euclid Hall is a "boy" menu.

HK: What advice do you have for women who want to become chefs?

JJ: It's really the same advice I'd give anyone: Love the Business. Love working when others aren't. Get allies, because it's hard to do on your own. 

HK: Tell us a little more about what you'll be doing in Louisville this week.

JJ: We'll be cooking Skuna Bay Salmon, which is delicious. Stephanie and I will be mentoring a couple of other chefs. And I'll be attending the Derby on Saturday. I'm really excited; I love horses and I have my hat and a pretty dress! 

HK: What wine pairings do you suggest for Skuna Bay Salmon?

JJ: I'd suggest a non-oaked chardonnay, preferably French.

Jennifer was also kind enough to provide us with a salmon recipe to try at home.

Roasted Skuna Bay Salmon, Romesco, Pine Nut Butter serves 8*

The romesco sauce always piques our guests’ interest; some are not familiar while others want to taste our take on the Spanish classic. The quality of the sweet smoked paprika is key. We source our spices from a Denver spice vendor, Savory Spice Shop.

Romesco Sauce

(yields 1 quart)

1 red bell pepper, halved, seeds and stems removed

1 yellow bell pepper, halved, seeds and stems removed

2 Fresno chile peppers

7 Roma tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup peeled garlic cloves

1/2 cup quartered red onion

1/4 cup pure olive oil

1/2 cup whole almonds, toasted

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

Pine Nut Butter

1/2 pound softened butter

1 cup pine nuts, toasted and cooled

Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Assembly and Plating

Canola oil, as needed

8 Skuna Bay salmon fillet portions (about 6 ounces each)

Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

1 cup speck ham (preferred) or prosciutto cut into 1/4-inch-thick strips

2 cups marinated artichoke hearts, cut into quarters

3 cups asparagus batons cut on a bias (1-2 inches long), blanched

Zest of 2 lemons

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

*This recipe yields 8 entrée portions. If you are serving the dish as part of a tasting menu, cut the ingredient amounts in half.

Romesco Sauce:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a roasting pan, toss the first 6 ingredients (peppers, chiles, tomatoes, garlic, onion) with the pure olive oil and place in the 350-degree oven. Roast until tender and slightly charred. Use the garlic as a gauge for how the roasting is going. When it is golden brown, pull the veggies out of the oven.

Put the roasted vegetables and almonds through a meat grinder or pulse in a food processor (you want it chunky) and then stir in the other ingredients (extra-virgin olive oil, salt, pepper and paprika), seasoning to taste. Hold the sauce at room temperature if you are serving it soon; refrigerate if not.

PINE NUT BUTTER:

Blend the butter and 1/2 cup of the pine nuts in a food processor until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Fold in the remaining 1/2 cup pine nuts.

ASSEMBLY AND PLATING:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Heat 2 large oven-safe sauté pans and 1 large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Place 2 tablespoons canola oil into each of the pans. Season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper and place 4 pieces into each of the oven-safe sauté pans. Cook on high heat for 3 minutes or until a golden crust forms before flipping and placing them in the 400-degree oven to roast. They may only take 2-5 minutes to finish cooking. Test doneness by pressing gently; if the fish gives slightly, it’s done. Do not overcook.

Meanwhile, add the speck strips to the third pan and cook until crispy, stirring often (2-3 minutes).

Add the artichoke hearts and asparagus to the speck. When all of the ingredients are hot, add the lemon zest and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Remove from heat.

While the salmon is roasting, place 1/4 cup of the romesco sauce in the bottom of each of 8 entrée-sized bowls. Drizzle each portion with extra-virgin olive oil. Place equal portions of the artichoke/asparagus/speck mixture on top of the romesco.

When the salmon is done roasting, place in the center of the bowl. Garnish each portion with a 1/2 tablespoon of the soft pine nut butter and serve.

Chef’s Notes: The romesco sauce and pine nut butter can be made a day in advance. 

Thanks so much to Skuna Bay Salmon and Chef Jennifer Jasinski for taking time to talk to us. Check back tomorrow for an interview with Chef Stephanie Izard!

{No member of the HerKentucky writing staff was compensated in any way for this post.}

A Decadent and Depraved Derby Present

So, I've been thinking. I believe Derby Presents should become a thing.

Why not? The Kentucky Derby is the greatest day of the year. It's a (usually) beautiful day in May, when people wear their prettiest clothes, drink bourbon, and watch a horse race. It's the day when every major English-speaking news outlet turns a collective eye toward Louisville. And, it comes ready-made with plenty of accoutrements. There are souvenirs to purchase, and keepsakes to treasure. There's a new logo every year. There's... well, a lot of stuff. Why not give a gift on The First Saturday in May?

Now, the Holy Grail of Derby Presents for 2013 (the inaugural year of the Derby Present) is going to be this "Kentucky Derby is Decadent and Depraved" poster, designed by Rachel Sinclair for the brilliant guys over at Kentucky for Kentucky. (Yep, the kick-ass guys.)

It's a visual representation of Hunter S. Thompson's 1970 essay "The Kentucky Derby is Decadent and Depraved", reimagined as silks. It's a visual reminder of the greatest sports essay ever written. You can hang it in your office or den, and constantly be reminded “that almost everybody you talk to from now on will be drunk. People who seem very pleasant at first might suddenly swing at you for no reason at all.”

The references are all there, if you've read closely enough. But, whether you back Colonel Sanders or Chemical Billy, you should act fast. The limited-edition poster has been featured on Buzzfeed and Deadspin. It's already sold out online; follow Kentucky for Kentucky's Facebook page for info on pop-up shop availability.

Derby Style from Vineyard Vines

As soon as you decide to attend the Derby, you start thinking of what you're going to wear. I think that's a rule that applies to most everybody. Whether you're concerned with dressing for the weather conditions, staying comfortable, or standing out in the crowd, you give it some thought. Maybe even a test run or two. 

The folks over at Vineyard Vines were kind enough to send us some photos of their 2013 Kentucky Derby Collection. I love the bright colors, preppy vibe, and fun attitude! I especially adore the neckties -- the mint juleps, fleurs de lis and silks are so perfect for anyone who loves Louisville or a trip to the track!

Mint Julep tie

Fleur de Lis

The Vineyard Vines fun doesn't stop with their clothing selections. As the Official Style of the Kentucky Derby, VV is going to be all over Louisville this weekend. Look for them at 4th Street Live!, the Barnstable Brown party, and at both Oaks and Derby. There will be plenty of swag, live entertainment, and lots of fun Derby style. There's even a tractor in a fun VV patchwork print!

In the meantime, here are a few of my favorite looks from the Vineyard Vines Derby Collection:

Run for the Roses Ruffle Dress

Horseshoe Gingham Breakers Pants

What are y'all wearing to Derby this year?
{No member of the HerKentucky writing staff was compensated in any way for this post.}

HerKentucky Derby Days: Smathers and Branson Needlepoint Flask Giveaway!

It's still a few days until the actual Derby, but HerKentucky Derby Days are in full effect!

We've partnered with Smathers and Branson to bring y'all another great giveaway.

The winner can choose to celebrate the Kentucky Derby's signature drink,

display silks,

celebrate a favorite label,

or display some Derby style.

In fact, you can choose among any of their non-personalized flask designs.

Enter to win below. Good luck, and Happy Derby Days!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

{No member of the HerKentucky writing staff was compensated for this post. The giveaway runs from April 29-April 1. Winner will be announced Thursday, April 2.}

W&M Custom Jewelry and Derby Week Style

As all Kentuckians know, there is no time quite like Derby. I won't go on too much about how I'll be here in North Carolina, settling for a measly two hours of Derby coverage and absolutely no local news flavor. I did not see a single Thunder firework, won't be out at the mini admiring the balloons floating overhead (although I understand the balloon race has moved to Friday since I have been gone, so I guess none of us will be doing that), have not partaken in a single chuckwagon treat.

One of the best features of Derby Week is the fashion. If you are like me, usually running around town in your yoga pants, you relish the opportunity to dress the heck up. One thing Kentuckians know is how to do it up right for Oaks and Derby. Start with a hat or fascinator, then find your dress, and don't forget to choose the perfect accessories. Speaking of perfect accessories, you need look no further than Louisville's own wonderful W&M Custom Jewelry.

If you haven't heard of W&M Jewelry (And if you haven't... WHAT? Get with it!), you can learn more about Megan Walz and Becky McClellan, the remarkable duo behind the brand, on their website or here in this article by StyleBlueprint Louisville. (By the way, I recommend the entire StyleBlueprint blog, so read through it when you have time and subscribe. My favorite amongst favorites is my dear friend Heidi, who wrote the W&M article.) Take a moment to peruse the lovely W&M website, and you will quickly discover that picking a favorite is simply not possible. Perhaps you could try to narrow down which bauble you want to get your hands on first, second, third... thirty-seventh, and so on. Here's a peek at just a few pieces that caught my eye.

Turquoise disk with silver starfish, $165

Three strand tortoise agate on gold chain, $155

Three strand peach jade on gold satin chain, $145

Two strand mint jade with removable vintage brooch, $185

Laborite and gold disk chain, $98

Gold tulips on vermeil, $59

Aqua sun drops on vermeil,  $79 Coral Enamel Rose studs $49

Gold on gold wire cuff, $95

So let's get down to business. You have The Hat. Your dress is ready to go. Do your accessories measure up to the rest of your outfit? If there are two women whom I trust to accessorize me and have a blast doing it, certainly they are Becky and Megan. I mean, just look at these lovely ladies!

Here's Megan... photo credit: Adele Reding Phototgraphy

... and this is Becky photo credit: Adele Reding Photography

I hope you didn't miss Christa Ritchie's feature about Becky in the Courier-Journal! In addition to that inspiration, Becky offers excellent advice for your time at the track.

• Derby is the event where bigger is better. Big Jewelry, Big Hats, Big Fashion. This is the day where you want to show off your inner Derby Diva!
• Don't forget it's a "Pink Out" for the Oaks. W&M's variety of stones come in many shapes, sizes, hues, and styles that allow easy incorporation into any outfit.

Megan also has some perfect style tips for this quintessential Kentucky experience...

• Spring in Kentucky and Derby Season are such a colorful time of year. Accessorize with a big, colorful W&M necklace and pair of earrings to finish off your perfect track attire. Don't be afraid of color!
• The perfect pairing for any fascinator are our classic tulip earrings. Not only are these the perfect match for any fascinator, but you'll get plenty of wear out of them, from the track to watching your kids' sporting events.
• Above all, don't forget to accessorize with W&M, drink a mint julep, and pack a comfortable pair of shoes!

What's that you say? You wish someone would just give you a magnificent pair of W&M earrings to wear for Oaks or Derby or any other day? You're in luck! Becky and Megan have kindly provided us with a beautiful pair of gold peacock dangle earrings, and you can win them! (Notice that Becky is wearing a pair in her photo above.) I hereby promise in writing not to run off with them and pretend they were "lost in the mail." 

W&M Gold Peacock Earrings

Not everyone can win, however, so seek out W&M in several Louisville boutiques. For my hometown honeys, head over to Owensboro and shop at Studio Slant. I even have good news for my local North Carolina friends! You'll be pleased to know that you can find W&M at several Monkee's locations, including Charlotte, Greenville, and Wilmington. For us Raleigh girls, let's head to Monkee's of Chapel Hill. 

Since this Kentucky expat will be attending a fancy North Carolina pig pickin' fundraiser (no joke) while the Derby is taking place, I'll ask y'all to sing "My Old Kentucky Home" loudly enough for me to hear you over the Appalachians. I will also take this opportunity to point out that any piece of W&M jewelry makes an ideal Mother's Day gift. (You listening, Mr. Townsend?)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{Drawing runs through 12 a.m. Monday, 4/29. Winner will be announced Monday morning. No member of the HerKentucky writing staff was compensated for this post.}

Dogwood and Redbud Winters

Have y'all noticed how cold it's been lately? The flowering trees are in bloom, and  the temperature is dipping down into the 40s at night. Of course, there's an old-timey mountain tradition to explain the phenomenon. Here's an essay, first posted here on HerKentucky last year, about just that. -- HCW

When I was growing up in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, I rolled my eyes at a lot of conventional mountain wisdom.  Some of that was, of course, the traditional child's prerogative; parents and grandparents simply can't know what they're talking about with their old-fashioned perspectives.  And, to this Muppets-and-Madonna-loving child of the '80s,  old-timey mountain traditions seemed a relic of a long-gone era. 

As an adult, I've had to rescind quite a bit of my know-it-all scorn. The twangy mountain music that my granddaddy played on his vintage Martin guitar sounds curiously like the hipster-standard Raconteurs and Avett Brothers tracks that fill my iPod.  My grandmother's Crisco-and-butter cooking turned out to be far healthier than the fake food revolution of my childhood.  And, so many pieces of folk wisdom -- the most embarrassing, "unscientific" observations of the natural world -- have turned out to be true.  I've been forced to eat my words time and again.  The most dramatic example is Redbud Winter and its close, usually later, cousin Dogwood Winter.  

Now, when I was a kid, I hated hearing about these supposed weather phenomena.  When the first warm spring rolled around, it should be warm and pretty and springy from then on.  Without fail, someone would note "Oh, it'll get cold again.  We haven't even had Redbud or Dogwood winter yet.  Don't put your coats away." That was surely just an old wives' tale.

Except, it wasn't.  Every spring, the pretty, delicate blooms on the flowering trees brings a dramatic cold snap.  This year was no different -- last week brought 85 degree days, then the redbuds and dogwoods started to peek out.  As I started to unpack my spring dresses and shorts, I immediately thought that I'd better leave out a few cold weather items, just in case.  Of course, redbud winter came a few short days later, bringing cold mornings and brisk days.  

I guess the old-timers are right after all.

{all photos taken in my mom's Floyd County backyard}

HerKentucky Story: Photographer Priscilla Baierlein

This HerKentucky story features a guest post by Central Kentucky-based photographer Priscilla Baierlein. I am lucky enough to be best friends with the man who was smart enough to marry this incredible person. When Cilla started her photography business, she asked to take pictures of my daughter for portfolio. I had absolutely no idea how incredibly talented Cilla was. I've always loved photographs. Memories mean everything to me. I am a hugely sentimental person. However, it's completely accurate that I didn't "get" photography as an art until I saw Cilla's work. Aside from her ability to turn everyday moments into art, she's also an amazing wife, mother, and friend. I've never met anyone who doesn't adore her from the moment they meet her, and I can't wait for you guys to get to know her too! - Megan Whitmer

Many photographers develop a passion for photography that is born out of their love for their children. They realize just how fleeting each moment is and want to hold on tight to every little memory. My love for photography came at a time that I thought I may never be able to experience motherhood. I may never experience the gentle (and not so gentle) nudges of a little one growing inside me. I may never experience the hard work of birthing my baby into the world. I may never experience holding him for the first time or watching my husband ever so carefully swaddle him snuggly. I may never experience the intense and overwhelming love, fear, and feeling of responsibility that comes with having a child. There would never be bath times with water splashed every where or bedtime stories and snuggles. I would never have sweet little afternoon naps or squeezes around my neck. I would never hear that pitter patter and laughter fill my house. I would never have kisses that would heal any boo boo. It took a while for us to realize that although we may not be able to experience those things with our own biological child, there were other options. Then something happened. After a series of medical interventions and what, to me, can only be explained by the love of God, things turned around. We started getting good news. Before we knew it, I was pregnant.

Now, I find myself falling in love with photography all over again. It's my way of holding onto this time of his life. I get sick to my stomach just thinking about high school graduation and college. Although this chapter of parenthood can be trying at times, it is beautiful and perfect and will only last a short while. I feel extremely thankful. Thankful for all the things I thought that I may never experience. Thankful for the things we experienced that only prepared us to be the parents we are. Thankful that not only were we able to have a child, but we are able to watch him play, hold him, and protect him. He's not sick. He's healthy. And wild. He's wild and crazy and sweet and perfect.

My most favorite photography captures...well...everything. It captures the laughter, the tears, the pitter patter, the bath time, the first breaths, the swaddles, the naps, the neck squeezes, the cuddles, every moment...every chapter...every season of our lives. It's all picture worthy (even in our pj's, with our messy hair, dark circles under our eyes and pounds we need to lose) because it's our lives and it's what we're going to wish we had just a little bit more of when our end comes. I know that although many days seem less than perfect, one day I will hope for just a few more moments with the ones I love. These types of photos, these are the ones that will show my son how much he was loved just in case we're not around to show him.

I'll leave you with a few of my favorites from the most recent chapter in our family's story.