Taxi Appreciation Day in Paristown Pointe

The 140th Kentucky Derby is in the books. The rest of the world has moved on from horse racing to baseball and the NBA finals and current events. Here in Louisville, we just need a little rest. For Louisvillians, Derby isn't just about big hats and mint juleps and bets. It's a week-long festival. No wonder Louisville has declared May as Hometown Tourism Month -- after that big party this weekend, we're all too tired to go anywhere!

Now, the Derby wore us all out, but the folks in the tourism and service industries worked extra hard this weekend. With all the parties, and all the reservations, and all the "can't miss" plans, the city's servers, hotel clerks, and bartenders were swamped. And I can't even imagine what the cab drivers had to put up with.

A specially designed 2014 Derby Cab, sponsored by Early Times and Louisville's Yellow Cab Co.

Tomorrow, May 6th, our favorite businesses in the Paristown Pointe neighborhood, Louisville Stoneware and The Cafe, are hosting a Taxi Appreciation Day to thank all the drivers who have endured bad directions, bad attitudes, and over-served patrons over Derby weekend. From 9 to 11 tomorrow morning, taxi drivers can stop by The Cafe and Stoneware to pick up special gifts.

I love the sense of community that The Cafe and Stoneware lend to Paristown Pointe -- they're adjacent to Downtown, the Highlands, and so many "must-see" Louisville areas; it's great that they're building a commercial identity for that area! As you're recovering from Derby, be sure to stop by The Cafe for their fantastic hot brown, and the newly renovated Stoneware factory for unique art pottery.  

Five Must-Have Items for the 140th Kentucky Oaks

The Kentucky Derby is a world-renowned event. With crowds reaching over 150,000 people and a cavalcade of celebrities descending on Louisville, Derby has become a bit of a production. Derby is one of those events that should be on everyone's Bucket List, but it draws larger crowds than the Super Bowl. That can be fun, but it isn't everyone's cup of tea bourbon.

Here in Louisville, folks know that The Kentucky Oaks has a longtime reputation as The Locals' Race. In recent years, the Friday event, with its signature Grade I stakes race for three year-old fillies, has become a celebration of all things pink. The Stargazer Lily adorns everything from the race's logo to the garland awarded to the winning horse. The race celebrates survivors of breast and ovarian cancer. The race's signature drink -- as Glenda told us last Oaks Day -- is The Oaks Lily. And, you can rest assured, most everybody in Louisville will be at Churchill Downs for Oaks. Louisville schools dismiss for the day and most offices close early. This morning, my barista was even getting into the spirit, pairing a festive pink fascinator with her Starbucks-issued green apron.

In the spirit of all things Oaks, Pink, and Louisville, I've rounded up a few must-have items that commemorate the 140th running of The Kentucky Oaks. 

Louisville Stoneware Oaks Lily Julep Cup

Available in-store only, this gorgeous cup is a beautiful addition to your Stoneware or julep cup collection.

Oaks Lilly Julep Cup from Louisville Stoneware

Rebecca Ray Design Oaks Tote Bag

I love this bag! So springy and fun, with an equestrian twist.

Kentucky Oaks Tote from Rebecca Ray Design

Beau Ties LTD. Kentucky Oaks Bow Tie

Deck your beau out in style!

Kentucky Oaks Bow Tie from Beau Ties Ltd.

Kentucky Oaks Poster and Glass

The Oaks poster and glass are gorgeous this year. I think this poster would be so fun for a guest room or office!

140th Kentucky Oaks Poster 140th Kentucky Oaks Glass

Happy Oaks Day, y'all!

The Berry Cobbler Mint Julep

A couple of weeks ago, on a rare date night with my husband (we have a two-year-old, after all), we were strolling around downtown Lexington all footloose and fancy free when I noticed a "new" mural on an old, familiar wall, only to be informed it has been there for a long time.  Like I said, I don't get out much.

Herekut Mural on Market Street; 2012 Lexington Mural Project

My eyes drifted around the corner, to the front of the building, and straight into Belle's Cocktail House. True to the hip and cool image we were portraying after we ditched the decidedly un-cool mini-van in a parking lot, we decided to go inside and check it out.  I assumed the name had a connection to Lexington's infamous Belle Brezing, on whom the character Belle Watlingin "Gone with the Wind" was modeled.  Much to my delight, the portrait of Belle Brezing hanging in the downstairs bar confirmed this connection.

Gatewood's Manhattan caught my eye.  I loved Gatewood Galbraith and a Manhattan is my favorite drink. The perfect marriage. (Okay...I must confess I asked the bartender to drop most of the liquid smoke since I dislike smoke flavor.  I felt guilty about it, but reassured myself that Gatewood would tell me to do whatever the heck I wanted.)  

Although not on the menu, our bartender told us about Belle's own Josh Naylor's prize winning Berry Cobbler Mint Julep, People’s Choice Winner 2014 Four Roses Mint Julep Competition.  He had me at "berry cobbler."  If you're looking for a new julep recipe or find yourself in Belle's neighborhood, I highly recommend this delicious beauty.  (It may not be on the menu, so be sure to ask for it.)

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The Berry Cobbler Mint Julep Recipe

People’s Choice Winner 2014 Four Roses Mint Julep Competition

(Published by The Bourbon Review)

Recipe by Josh Naylor of Belle’s Cocktail House (Lexington, KY)

Ingredients

• 15-20 mint leaves (depending on size)
• 8-10 blueberries (depending on size)
• 1/4 lemon
• .75 oz blackberry simple syrup
• .25 oz vanilla cinnamon simple syrup
• 1.75 oz Four Roses Small Batch
• Crushed ice
• Plum bitters
• Mint sprig (for garnish)
• Lemon twist (for garnish)

Preparation

Add mint leaves, blueberries and the juice of a 1/4 of a lemon into the bottom of a double rocks glass. Gently muddle just enough to break up the blueberries and release the oils of the mint. Add the blackberry syrup, vanilla cinnamon syrup and the bourbon directly into the glass. Fill halfway with crushed ice. With a bar spoon stir the contents in order to pull the muddled ingredients up away from the bottom of the glass. Fill the rest of the way with crushed ice mounding it as much as possible. Add 1-2 dashes of plum bitters on top of mounded ice. Garnish with a lemon twist and fresh sprig of mint.

Vanilla Cinnamon Simple Syrup

In a sauce pan add 16 oz. light brown sugar, 16 oz. distilled water, 1 whole vanilla bean split in half, 1 whole cinnamon stick and 1 whole allspice berry. Bring all ingredients to a boil making sure to stir constantly in order to help the sugar completely dissolve and not burn. Once a boil has been reached, reduce heat to a simmer. Let the liquid reduce by half (about 30 minutes) stirring occasionally. Let cool and strain into a resealable container or storm pourer ready for use.

Blackberry Simple Syrup

In a sauce pan add 16 oz. light brown sugar, 16 oz. distilled water, 8 oz. fresh blackberries and 1/4 tsp. of freshly grated nutmeg. Bring all ingredients to a boil making sure to stir constantly in order to help the sugar completely dissolve and not burn. Also use the spoon you are stirring with to help break up the berries and release their juice. Once a boil has been reached, reduce heat to a simmer. Let the liquid reduce by half (about 30 minutes) stirring occasionally. Let cool and strain (making sure to press the berries to get out all the liquid leaving nothing but the seeds and pulp in the strainer) into a resealable container or storm pourer ready for use.

Derby At Belle's

The Bourbon Review is hosting its first annual Bourbon Review Derby Party,  Derby At Belle's. $30 tickets include brunch with Wild Eggs, 3 drinks and giveaways for best Derby Hat and Dapper Dressed Guy.  Proceeds go toward the Friends of the Lexington Mounted Police.  

Off Broadway Shoes Derby Hat Trunk Show

I was so excited to join Off Broadway Shoes for their Derby Hat Trunk Show last Saturday.

I always thought of Off Broadway as "The Place We Go To Look For Bob's Dress Shoes"; I had no idea they would have such an awesome selection of Kentucky Derby Hats!

Hat designer Carole Amper was on hand to help customers create the perfect hat for their Derby Ensembles. Now, as a Kentucky Girl, I've always thought that I was "just born knowing" how to add feathers, flowers, and embellishments to make a hat perfect. And, while I may be good at it, Carole was spectacular. She just had a gift for adding a little pop of coral or navy to set off a hat buyer's eye color or pick up the right tone in her dress.

Carole Amper adds the perfect touch to one of her hats.

It was really fantastic to see all the squeals of glee when these ladies realized that they had found the perfect hat for the occasion. The right hat makes you feel special and pretty and unique; isn't that what Derby is all about?

It was fun to see the silent auction hats on prominent display, as well. The hat I made looked so much better on a proper mannequin than it did on my dining room table! 

If you follow HerKentucky on Instagram (and, let's face it, you should), you know that I simply fell in love with this hat at the event. It was so gorgeous! (They also had it in turquoise, aqua, and purple, for those of y'all who love cool/water tones.)

I couldn't help but try it on. Isn't it perfect?

Thanks so much to Off Broadway Shoes for inviting me to their Trunk Show! If any of y'all are still looking for a hat, I suggest running out to their store at 4600 Shelbyville Road, Suite 201 for a fantastic selection!

{Photos 1-6 courtesy Off Broadway Shoes. Photos 7-8, in their grainy iPhone glory, are my own. I was a host for the Off Broadway Shoes event, but did not receive any compensation for this post.}

Peach Raspberry Mint Julep

Race Day is almost here, y'all. Can't you just taste the mint juleps? Lexington-based blogger Jennifer of a girl eats world was kind enough to share a delicious, fruity take on Derby Day's favorite cocktail.  It sounds delicious! -- HCW

Hey everyone!

I'm Jennifer, the mad-woman behind

a girl eats world

, who is bringing the world to your kitchen table one recipe at a time. I love and adore this beautiful state of Kentucky and all she has to offer. I use local ingredients especially in the summer when the farmer's markets are open! Using those KY ingredients for international cuisines is pretty perfect in my world!

We all know what's right around the corner--the Kentucky Derby! One race tradition is to have the famed

Mint Julep

! According to

The Kentucky Derby Museum

, the Mint Julep has been sold at the Derby since 1938. Mint Juleps are traditionally served in silver or pewter cups, but this recipe is too beautiful to place in anything but a Mason jar!

{Peach Raspberry Mint Julep}

Traditional mint juleps are just simple syrup, bourbon, mint and ice, but I wanted something a little different this year. I was speaking with a bartender, and they made some suggestions that I had to try! For instance, using honey instead of simple syrup and adding some fruit. At the last minute, I decided to pour some sparkling cider in this drink which gives this a light, crisp finish. Watch out though! Those peaches pack a bourbon punch!

{I used

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon

(seriously delicious, and I am not a bourbon drinker!)}

{Peaches soaked in bourbon overnight}

{Muddle fruit and mint together to release and mingle the flavors}

Peach Raspberry Mint Julep 

Serves 8 

Prep time: 10 minutes 

Stand time: 1 day 

Assembly time: 10 minutes 

•  2 peaches, cut into bite-sized chunks 
• 1 cup Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon (or whichever bourbon you prefer)** 
• 1 pint raspberries 
• 1 package mint leaves 
• 8 tablespoons KY Proud honey, divided (one for each drink) 
• Ice 
• 1 liter sparkling cider 

 1. The day before your event, mix peaches and bourbon together and allow to set overnight. 

 2. Place a few peach chunks, a couple of raspberries, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 4-5 mint leaves in each glass. 

 3. Take a spoon and muddle the fruit together. 

 4. Add 1 oz of bourbon to each glass. 

 5. Top with ice. 

 6. Pour cider over ice. 

 7. Stir drink with a spoon. 

 8. Serve! 

**Bourbon is a form of alcohol so please be responsible while consuming any beverage containing it.** 

 To say that this was delicious was an understatement! I can see making this beyond just for the KY Derby, during those hot summer days, when we have fresh peaches (we used peaches that we froze from last year) and mint that we planted.

Celebrating Derby Days at the Kentucky Derby Festival Chow Wagon.

This weekend, my beau and I took our littlest dog down to Louisville's Waterfront Park to visit the Chow Wagons.

All Kentucky'ed out -- Bluegrass Tee by Old Try; KY Necklace by Southern Belle Glitz; Derby Festival Pegasus Pin.

The Chow Wagons are part of Fest-a-Ville, a week-long carnival of music, food, and fun associated with the Kentucky Derby Festival. Admission is free with your Pegasus Pin.

You can purchase tickets for food and drink. 

And, of course, there are awesome carnival prizes!

We managed to pass up the beer and funnel cake tents, but these gyros were pretty awesome.

It was a perfect day to celebrate the Derby City before the madness of Race Day sets in.

Have you taken in any of the Kentucky Derby Festival events this year?

Southern Belle Glitz Kentucky State Love Necklace Giveaway!

I love the Commonwealth of Kentucky a lot.

Well, of course I do. My friends and I have been blogging and pinning and facebooking and instagramming about the Bluegrass State for nearly three years now. 

I was so excited to find a Georgetown-based company called Southern Belle Glitz that lets me take my love of the Commonwealth with me wherever I go!

The State Love Necklace is a gorgeous, delicate little outline of the state of Kentucky. (They have a few more states, if you're so inclined...) I love wearing this -- it draws so many sweet compliments, and it looks great with everything!

Receiving a package from Southern Belle Glitz is such a special treat! When my beau told me that "a large, pink package" had arrived in the mail, I knew it would be great, but I had no idea how much care Natalie takes with every order. The packaging is so fun, and even includes a quote from Harry Winston!

I just know y'all will love this necklace as much as I do, so HerKentucky has partnered with Southern Belle Glitz to give one lucky reader a Kentucky Necklace of her own!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(Southern Belle Glitz is an April sponsor of the HerKentucky blog. I received a State Love Necklace for review purposes. All opinions are my own.)