Woodford Reserve Bourbon Dinner at Capital Grille

I recently attended a media dinner event hosted by The Capital Grille and Woodford Reserve. It was a wonderful way to kick off Derby Season, try the menu and Derby-inspired cocktails at Capital Grille, and hear from one of my very favorite people in the distilling industry, Brown-Forman Master Distiller Emeritus Chris Morris.

We started the evening with a Woodford Spire (the most popular cocktail at the Derby), while Mr. Morris signed 2024 Kentucky Derby Woodford Reserve bottles for the attendees. This year’s Woodford bottle, which commemorates the 150th running of the Derby, is absolutely stunning! I’m thrilled to add it to my collection!

We then enjoyed a five course dinner, paired with Woodford Reserve bourbon cocktails. It was my first time dining at the Louisville location of the Capital Grille, and everything was so delicious!

The first course was a prosciutto wrapped scallop, over heirloom tomato salad and a Grand Padamo Tuile, served with a Derby Spire. This was a perfect pairing. The acidity of the tomatoes cut the saltiness of the prosciutto and the briny note of the scallop beautifully. The bright, citrusy notes of cranberry and lemonade in the Spire were a lovely accompaniment!

The second course was a roasted chicken breast accompanied by a risotto stuffed mini bell pepper, paired with a Woodford Reserve mint julep. This was a light, refreshing and lovely course. I especially enjoyed the risotto, which was rich but not overpowering.

The third course was a gorgonzola-crusted double-cut lamb chop with pomp puree and a red wine reduction, paired with a Manhattan, made with equal parts Woodford Reserve Double Oaked and Woodford Reserve Rye. This was my favorite meal of the evening. The flavors were rich and complex, and the chop was perfectly prepared. The gorgonzola stood up to the rich flavor of the meat, and the inclusion of both sweet (Double Oaked) and spicy (Rye) whiskies provided a very balanced cocktail that complemented the course.

The fourth course was a sliced filet over roasted Japanese sweet potato, topped with chimichurri and paired with a blackberry bourbon sidecar. Oh my, was this one delicious! The filet was flavorful, and the bright garlic-and-parsley notes of the chimichurri worked with the rich berry notes in the cocktail. If you find yourself at a Capital Grille location this spring, you definitely should try the sidecar. It’s a lovely cocktail.

The final course of the evening was a flourless chocolate espresso cake with mixed berry couli, paired with a fat-washed bourbon espresso martini. This was an absolute treat, with strong notes of chocolate and coffee paired with a complex note of smoky bacon and a bright berry sauce. The cake and cocktail made a lovely ending for the evening!

The Capital Grille was so gracious — the restaurant’s GM and chef talked us through each course, the servers were efficient and friendly, and the meal was terrific. Mr. Morris reminisced about past Derby seasons and Woodford Reserve’s long history with the Kentucky Derby. It was such a wonderful evening of great food, great company, and great bourbon. Thanks so much to Woodford Reserve and the Capital Grille for their hospitality!

5 Fun Facts about Hi-Five Doughnuts!

It's National Doughnut Day, an observance dating back to the 1930s, which honors the Salvation Army "Lassies" who served doughnuts and other treats to U.S. Troops during World War I. Here in Kentucky, we take our doughnuts pretty seriously. In fact, the New York Times once traced a doughnut trail across our great Commonwealth. One of the state's most beloved doughnut stops is in a gas station!  That's the great thing about doughnuts: they're inexpensive, accessible, and enjoyed by almost everybody! My favorite doughnut spot is Hi-Five Doughnuts, which serves amazing creations with a Kentucky flair. You absolutely MUST try the bourbon caramel glaze, and if you're really brave, you can try the Kentucky Fried Buttermilk Chicken Doughnut.

Hi-Five Doughnuts is one of my favorite Kentucky businesses, combining local ingredients, awesome female entrepreneurs, incredible marketing, and a fabulous product. Let's celebrate National Doughnut Day with five fun facts about Hi-Five Doughnuts!!!

1. Hi-Five is woman-owned and operated. Leslie Wilson and Annie Harlow began their business running a food truck, affectionately named Shelby, then opened a storefront in Louisville's Butchertown neighborhood. 

The bacon-glazed doughnut is amazing, y'all.

2. The business name pays tribute to the legend that the custom of giving a high-five was invented in a U of L basketball practice in the 1970s.

3. Hi-Five has trademarked their hashtag! When you talk about the #ladiesofthemorning, then according to to the US Patent and Trademark office you're referencing Hi-Five Doughnuts!

4. The Hi-Five business model is so cool, a book has been written about it! Dr. Lyle Sussman of U of L's College of Business wrote "Breaking the Glaze Ceiling: Sweet Lessons for Entrepreneurs, Innovators and Wannabes", which establishes 12 business principles based on Leslie and Annie's success. In interviewing the Doughnut Ladies for a prior article, I was so impressed that they built the entire enterprise on a no-debt model, opting instead to purchase only what they could afford at any given time.

That's cinnamon glaze + Cinnamon Toast Crunch. You need it in your life.

5. Everybody loves Hi-Five! The Travel Channel has visited them, they're a staple at local events like the Forecastle Festival, and they're often served as a finishing touch at local galas and weddings.