It may be only the second annual, but this year’s Taste of Derby is shaping up to be quite the Louisville happening. The 2011 event promises to be bigger and better than last year—and with top chefs from around the country, horse racing celebrities and 1,000 guests, that’s quite an undertaking.
In its inaugural year, Taste of Derby donated $75,000 in proceeds to two hunger relief organizations; locally to Dare to Care, and on a global scale to the World Food Programme. This year, the event again plans to contribute partial proceeds to worthy organizations.
Creator Wayne Kostroski and Churchill Downs partnered last year to model the Taste of Derby after the nationally known Taste of the NFL, which is held in the host city of the Super Bowl on the eve of the championship game.
In the Louisville version, nationally renowned chefs from cities with strong horse racing ties are brought in to showcase the unique flavors of their area. This year, sixteen chefs from fourteen different cities will bring their skills and signature dishes to Louisville.
With representatives from locales such as Miami, Dallas, Denver, San Diego and Detroit, foodies and horse fans alike may find that their new favorite Derby event might just happen before the horses even leave the gate.
The Taste of Derby will be held Thursday, May 5, 2011 at the Mellwood Arts and Entertainment Center and is open to the public. Tickets are still available via here. The $275 admission includes:
- Red Carpet entry at 7 p.m.,
- Food and wine tastings
- Premium open bar until 11 p.m.
- Valet parking
- Live entertainment by Burning Las Vegas
- A full stomach
Image: Courtesy Taste of Derby
