Talk “Derby” to Me

If you fancy yourself as a southern belle or gent who enjoys sipping a mint julep on a warm spring day, then you’re ready to celebrate the 136^th Kentucky Derby.

I’ve been a horseracing fan since my parents took me to the track as a kid.  Even though my father bought racing forms to research the condition of the track, the horses age, its winning record, etc. he couldn’t pick a winner if it fell in his lap.   On the other hand, my mother knew her ponies and chose winners by their silks – or colors, their name and color; gray horses being the luckiest.  Before placing her final bet we would go to the paddock to see the horses.  If she liked what she saw, she put her money (or more accurately my father’s money) down.  Needless to say, she was the only one with money in her pocket at the end of the day and always bought dinner.  That’s where I get my love for horseracing.

A stylish lady at the Kentucky Derby.

With these great memories, comes my fascination for the granddaddy of them all, The Kentucky Derby.  I haven’t made it to Churchill Downs yet, but with this year’s contenders Awesome Act, Devil May Care, Lookin at Lucky and Make Music for Me, I’m already placing my bet.

If you are as dazzled by the “Run for the Roses” as I am and would like to don your most fabulous hat or chime in when they sing “My Old Kentucky Home,” then check out these soirees around town on Derby Day, Saturday, May 1.

And they’re off!

Bourbon Steak
The Fairmont Scottsdale steakhouse (map) will be hosting the “Millionaires’ Row Kentucky Derby Lawn Party” from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. While guests sip on bourbon or mint juleps, they can play a traditional game of horseshoes on the lawn or make a wager on the big race. Ladies can bring their most stylish hats, in hopes of winning wonderful prizes. Try their featured drink, the“Seersucker Cocktail” created just for this event. Tickets are $65 and all benefits go to Thunderbird Charities. 480.513.6002.

The Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa (map)
“A Derby Affair” will take place on the lawns of the resort from 1-4:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy delicious Southern food while viewing the race from the big screens. All of the proceeds will go to Homeward Bound, an organization that provides transitional housing to people who are homeless or fleeing domestic violence. Tickets are from $350 to $50,000 for a private bungalow. 602.374.8710.

Try the traditional mint julep in honor of the Kentucky Derby.

BLT Steak
The new restaurant at Scottsdale’s Camelback Inn, BLT Steak (map) will host an event from 1-5 p.m. with prizes for the Best and the Zaniest Derby Hat . The chefs have also cooked up a special Kentucky menu featuring dishes like a delicious Beef Short Rib Burgoo and Rock Shrimp and Cheesy Grits. Prohibition-era cocktails for $12 including Racing for Roses, featuring Woodford Reserve Bourbon and the Bluegrass Moon, which includes Grey Goose Le Orange will be available. Tickets are $36. 480.905.7979.

Cinco de Sandbar
For a fun twist on the Derby and a kickoff to Cinco de Mayo festivities check out Cinco de Sandbar (map) in Chandler. As Island Magic Steel Drum Band pounds out some tunes, you can watch a race of your own—a Chihuahua race! There is also a $300 prize in the Derby Hat Contest. Drink specials include$3.50 for Dos Equis and $5.00 juleps served all day. 480.961.1700.

Photos courtesy of flickr, Horserace, Lady in hat and Mint julep