Award-winning chefs lined up for Taste of Derby

Last updated: 4/15/11 8:31 PM

Churchill Downs has finalized its all-star roster of premier chefs for its
second annual Taste of Derby on May 5 at the Mellwood Arts & Entertainment
Center.

After its inaugural success last year, Taste of Derby returns bigger and
better with 16 award-winning chefs from some of the country’s top culinary and
Thoroughbred racing destinations: Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver,
Detroit, Lexington, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York, San
Diego, and, of course, Louisville.

Last year, the celebration helped raise $75,000 to directly benefit hunger
relief organizations. More than 750 guests attended a year ago, and Churchill
Downs officials are planning for a 60 percent increase in attendance this year.

The second annual Taste of Derby will be held May 5, the eve of the Kentucky
Oaks (G1) and two days before the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Tickets are $275 each and include red carpet entry, elaborate food stations,
wine tastings by 14 Hands Winery, premium open bar featuring Woodford Reserve
bourbon, live entertainment by Burning Las Vegas and complimentary valet
parking.

Also, there will be special appearances by celebrity chef and horse owner
Bobby Flay as well as Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks personalities. For more
information and to purchase limited Kentucky Derby and Taste of Derby ticket
packages, visit
TasteOfDerby.com or

ChurchillDowns.com/Tickets.

This year’s line-up and their savory dishes:

Nicolas Bour of San Diego’s El Bizcocho (representing Del Mar): Maple Leaf
Farms Duck Rillettes with Foie Gras

Andrea Curto-Randazzo of South Florida’s Garden Cafe (Calder): Braised Beef
Short Ribs with Chorizo-Corn Tamale, Florida Orange Gremolada and Queso Blanco

Jo-Jo Doyle of Levy Restaurants (Churchill Downs): Churchill Downs
signature BBQ shrimp

Ricky Estrella of New York’s NOBU (Belmont Park): Black cod with Miso

Troy Guard of Denver’s TAG (Arapahoe Park): Colorado lamb loin with
fruition farms sheep ricotta, bean salad and kau’u orange vinaigrette

Mark Haugen of Minneapolis’ Franklin Street Bakery (Canterbury Park):
Flourless chocolate cake with bourbon butter sauce, whipped cream and
berries

Anthony Lamas of Louisville’s Seviche (Kentucky Derby): Aji Rocoto wild
shrimp with horseradish chimichurri and pico de gallo

Nancy Longo of Baltimore’s Pierpoint Restaurant (Pimlico): Maryland
crabcakes with warm bacon and Dijon slaw

Tory McPhail of New Orleans’ famous Commander’s Palace (Fair Grounds):
Creole cream cheese gnocchi with mushroom “bacon”

Ouita Michel of Midway, Kentucky’s historic Holly Hill Inn (Keeneland):
Slow cooked Stonecross pork roast over Wesienberger white polenta with white
beans and organic greens, black jack BBQ and crispy fried onions

Carrie Nahabedian of Chicago’s NaHa (Arlington Park): Glazed Medjool dates
with Capriole Farm goat cheese, Marcona almonds and Burton’s Farm maple syrup

Paul O’Connell of Boston’s Chez Henri (Suffolk Downs): Citrus and ahi
glazed Maple Leaf Farms duck breast with cilantro ride and Spring pea greens

Brian Polcyn of Detroit’s Forest Grill (Pinnacle): Hand crafted orange and
fennel cured copa ham with roasted red pepper, artichoke, onion and basil salad

Kent Rathbun of Dallas’ Abacus (Lone Star Park): Molasses glazed Nueske’s
applewood smoked bacon with scrambled eggs

Nancy Silverton of Los Angeles’ Campanile and Pizzeria Mozza (Santa Anita):
Butterscotch Budino with Woodford Reserve Carmel, Crème Fraiche and Roland Sea
Salt

Aaron Stordeur of Louisville’s The Oakroom at the Seelbach Hilton Hotel
(Kentucky Oaks): Hazelnut Dacquoise with Blueberry Sorgum Compote (and bourbon
balls)

A welcome addition to Kentucky Derby Week festivities last year, Taste of
Derby showcases an exquisite mix of culinary flavors prepared by masterful chefs
from regions in which Thoroughbred racing is conducted.

Each station’s dish is accompanied by a unique wine pairing and a racing
celebrity from each region that will join the chefs, mingle with guests and sign
autographs.

The official Kentucky Derby 137 Winner’s Gold Trophy will be on display along
with the Longines watches that will be presented to the Kentucky Derby-winning
owner, trainer and jockey.

Also, Churchill Downs has partnered with the Culinary Arts Program at nearby
Sullivan University to have a student cook-off at the event in which the winner
will receive tickets to attend this year’s Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby.