LOUISVILLE AND

THE DERBY EXPERIENCE

Oakroom at the Seelbach

Hilton, a favorite hangout
of Al Capone

Photo courtesy Seelbach Hilton

Story and photography by Judy Crowell.

When asked by a waiter if he wanted a

second mint julep, General MacArthur
wisely declined, saying, No, thank
you. I think Ill stop now while I still
know who is President.
Louisville, during the other eleven
months, has much to offer. Waterfront
Park reconnects Louisville to the history of the Ohio River; Main Street
corridor boasts lovely 19th century
cast-iron facades and contemporary
galleries along Market Street showcase
an outstanding arts community.
The Seelbach Hilton Hotel, opened in
1905, oozes golden era charm and
has hosted countless celebrities, including nine U.S. Presidents, Al Capone and F. Scott Fitzgerald during his
Kentucky bourbon swilling, expensive
cigar smoking days. The Grand Ballroom was the inspiration for Tom and
Daisy Buchanans wedding in The
Great Gatsby. Theres even a ghost,
the Lady in Blue, awaiting you.

Churchill Downs

he Kentucky Derby is touted

as being the most exciting
two minutes in sports. True,
but the Run for the Roses
experience goes on for a month. Mint
juleps, hot-air balloon races, lawn parties, steamboat races, Kentucky Oaks,
preliminary horse races, riverside concerts, celebrity sightings, private galas
and more mint juleps. Legend has it
that, on a hot day in 1935, President
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Brigadier
General Douglas MacArthur, arrived at
West Point to give the commencement
address. Mint juleps were being served.
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Colquhoun
Glass Artistry

The Walk
Stephen Fosters
My Old Kentucky Home

A lavish Derby gala

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For Southern comfort and fine dining youll want to try Jack Frys, Porcini, Jeff Rubys Steakhouse where O.J.
Simpson and his entourage were refused
service and Vincenzos, for Italian at its
finest. Owners Augustino and Vincenzo Gabriele both have strong ties to St.
Louis Little Augustinos and Tonys.
Im not the Fashion Editor, but I must
tell you about my hat. You absolutely
have to have a hat for the Derby. The
bigger the better. Mine was brown
horsehair (appropriate) with brown
tipped white feathers around the wide
portrait brim. Suffice it to say, Ill never
wear it again, unless I travel to London
for a story on the Ascot races.
Im also not the Food Editor (actually,
I dont think we have one), but I feel
compelled to share this coveted recipe
for mint juleps:

Brunch in the garden

at Farmington
Derby finery

2 Tablespoons superfine sugar

2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
24 mint leaves, plus 4 for garnish
2 cups finely crushed ice
1 cup Kentucky bourbon
Combine sugar, lemon juice and mint
leaves in a pitcher. Crush with a wooden spoon. Add ice and bourbon. Mix
well. Pour into frosted silver cups and
garnish with mint.
Nor am I a sportswriter, but, in case
you missed out on the two most exciting minutes in sports, the winner was
Big Brown. Time: 2:01.82. Odds:
2 to 1.
It was all a blast. A blur of extravagant parties, sleek thoroughbreds, red
roses, celebrity entourages of Michael
Jordan and Chelsea Clinton, unforgettable Southern hospitality, clouds of
white dogwoods, fiery azaleas in beautiful suburbs, wild infield shenanigans,
amazing hats and a tragic end to a magnificent filly who ran bravely with the
big boys, beating all but one. Oh, and
did I mention the mint juleps?

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