Kentucky Derby Museum Cafe, Louisville

The 2017 Kentucky Derby, the 143rd running of this historic race, is coming up in a few weeks – what better time to talk about the Kentucky Derby Museum Café.

The first Saturday of May is always a red-letter day on my calendar – I haven’t missed the television coverage, ever – or at least as long as I can remember. At least 50 of the last 142 races, for sure.

In October 2010 I traveled to Louisville especially to visit Churchill Downs racetrack and the Kentucky Derby Museum. And the Kentucky Derby Museum Cafe...

The Undefeated Barbaro

The forecourt of the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs is also the site of a magnificent statue honoring Barbaro, winner of the Kentucky Derby in 2006. After his six-length Derby victory, a “sublime performance,” according to the famous race call, he was injured in the Preakness Stakes. He battled through eight months of surgeries, recoveries and complications, with unprecedented world media coverage and the attention and prayers of millions, but could not be saved. The horse that was never beaten in the six races he finished is buried beneath the statue that depicts his greatest victory.

Down the Homestretch

To enter the gallery areas of the Museum you can walk through a real starting gate, an effective and creative idea. And the Museum's location right at Churchill Downs enables the starry-eyed visitor to take a tour of the actual racetrack as well. I was excited to place my toe (we weren't allowed to walk on it!) on the soft dirt of the long, famous homestretch, thrilled to be up in the actual race caller’s booth at the top of the stands, and delighted to be allowed on the upper deck so close to the famed Twin Spires that I could almost touch them.

Another Kentucky Classic

Of course an additional highlight of my visit was the Kentucky Derby Museum Café. I had looked forward to trying a famous Hot Brown. Almost as popular as the local bourbons, this "sandwich" originated at the Brown Hotel in Louisville back in the early 1900's, created by Chef Fred Schmitt. What is it? As the Museum Café Menu describes it:

This hot open-faced sandwich is a Kentucky classic! Sliced turkey on toasted bread smothered with a blend of bechamel and mornay sauces, then topped with bacon and fresh sliced tomatoes. Garnished with Parmesan cheese and bourbon-smoked paprika.

Photo:  Derbymuseum.org — Photo: Derbymuseum.org

Yes, it was as good as it sounds! The Café's windows look out onto a plaza and the paddock area that houses a Thoroughbred racehorse who has run in the Kentucky Derby. The Museum arranges for a retired Derby runner to be temporarily stabled there – along with a small pony for company – so visitors can see living history. A Derby veteran spends a few months at the Museum and then leaves for greener pastures (don't worry - not what that sounds like!) and another former racer arrives. You can see the paddock in the photo below. While I enjoyed my lunch and coffee I watched the current occupant rolling in the sunshine. An appropriate view for a Derby Museum!