Brunch with the Babies at Shaker Village

A few years ago, I went on a press trip to Shaker Village. My childhood memories of Shaker Village were of a particularly joyless class trip when I was in 5th or 6th grade, and of the long-held family story that I behaved terribly at Shaker Village when I was around 2 years old. It was pretty nice to revisit the spot as an adult and see how beautiful and historic and fun it can be!

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill was established by the Shakers, a communal Christian society rooted in celibacy, equality of race and sex, and freedom from prejudice, in 1805. The original buildings have been restored, and the site features hiking and riding trails, a working farm and an excellent restaurant. A fun fact they did not teach us in 5th grade is that, while the Shakers personally abstained from drinking, their longstanding tradition of hospitality extended to honoring their guests’ choice to imbibe. In the spirit of that tradition, you can find a surprisingly good cocktail at Shaker Village, as well as an absolutely amazing slice of lemon pie.

In addition to that pie (seriously, it’s ridiculously good!), Shaker Village offers some absolutely stunning views of central Kentucky, the simple and beautiful architectural style for which the Shakers are famous, and a full working farm with a petting zoo. I seriously never turn down the opportunity to hang out with baby goats or farm dogs, so this was one of my favorite parts of the trip!

If your family would like to get in on the great food and sweet animals portion of the Shaker Village experience, they’re offering a “Brunch with the Babies” experience this April (every Saturday and Sunday, except Easter Weekend). It would be such a fun way to enjoy the Shaker Village experience without traumatizing the kids.

What You Need to Know About Your First Kentucky Derby

With my cousin Amy, Derby 2004.

The first time I attended the Kentucky Derby was in 2004. I was a young professional, living in Lexington, and I had a great opportunity to sit in a first floor box with some relatives and family friends. It was a tight stretch on my budget at the time, but it was such an incredible experience. I’m so glad I thought to take a disposable camera with me, since we didn’t have camera phones at the time! Back then, I didn’t know much about Derby protocol, since the only racetrack I’d visited back then was Keeneland. I had a great time, and of course have spent Derby week taking in races several times over the next two decades. And, the Derby has changed a ton in that timeframe — it’s so much bigger and crazier, and the track itself has expanded several times. It feels like such a different event!

I recently stopped by  WFPL to tape a segment on the On Track Talk Show. We chatted about the Kentucky Derby experience, and what to expect for your first Derby. I’ve put together some tips and suggestions that I’d thought I’d share with y’all as well.

“The Derby” isn’t just the Derby race or even Derby Day.

When I first moved to Louisville in 2005, I really thought that Derby Day was what people meant when they referred to “Derby.” It could maybe be stretched to include Oaks Day as well. It didn’t take long to realize that Derby is Louisville’s equivalent of a Carnival Season. Derby events start in mid-April, and include several weeks’ worth of official and unofficial events. I love this tradition because it really gives so many people from so many backgrounds an opportunity to celebrate our city and its heritage. The Chow Wagons and Derby Festival events are a huge part of Derby. Thunder, Pegasus Parade, the mini-marathon and informal parties are Derby. It’s a long party season, with something for everyone!

Your most important Derby accessory isn’t your hat… it’s your shoes!

Formé Millinery x Vineyard Vines Fascinator, Derby 2019

Here’s the thing. Your Derby hat is very important. It’s the first thing a lot of women think of when we make plans to attend the Kentucky Derby. It’s such a memorable tradition. I’m a fan of local miliner Formé Millinery and designers The Hat Girls for custom pieces to accent your Derby Day look. But, at the end of the day, you’ll be glad if you put some effort into selecting shoes that are both stylish and comfortable. Keep in mind that you’ll be standing in line a lot. Block heels are more comfortable than thinner heels. Take some time to try your shoes on and test the straps and soles. The gates to Churchill Downs open at 9 a.m. and the last race is run at 8:33 p.m. You’ll be walking, standing in line, and standing on your feet.

Speaking of hats, it’s easy to get carried away with your chapeau. Now, that’s a very good thing, because the Derby is all about excess and flair. At the same time, you need to exercise a bit of discernment in choosing your headwear. Don’t wear a hat that’s so big that it hits your seat mates or obstructs their view. Don’t wear something that’s going to hurt your head or neck — you’ll be miserable all day. And don’t commit the number one rookie mistake of purchasing a hat whose brim points downward and obstructs your face. That’s a great feature for gardening or a beach day, but it also keeps you from being able to actually watch the races! These days, I generally opt for a fascinator or hatinator since I'm usually working with spirits or hospitality partners when I’m at the track and I don’t want to have to keep up with elaborate headwear. If I’m there just for fun, I’ll choose something a little more elaborate!

Pack your bag carefully!

You’re allowed to bring one bag no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ into the track. You’ll want to pack it carefully. Bring more cash than you think you’ll need. There will be ATMs on premise, but the lines are long and you’ll miss something. You’ll want to pack a small “emergency kit”, including some hair ties and safety pins, band-aids, Tylenol or your OTC pain reliever of choice, sunscreen and tissues. If you’re prone to allergies, you may want to include some Claritin, but remember to use extreme caution when drinking! Since this is Kentucky and we literally never know what spring weather will bring, a small disposable poncho is helpful as well! (Review the full list of guest restrictions here!)

Shop wisely!

When I go to a sporting event or a Derby week race, my self-control reverts back to when I was 8 years old and shopping for Barbies. I want it all. When I walk past the Vineyard Vines tent and the Fanatics tent at the Derby, I suddenly NEED baseball caps, sweatshirts, water bottles, and everything else that sports a Derby logo. Now, I’m not saying that you don’t need Derby keepsakes. I am, however, suggesting that you shop wisely. Anything you buy, you’ll have to hold onto all day. And, you risk losing a bag in a huge crowd.

Unless you’re purchasing something you need immediately, like a cap or visor for full sun or flip-flops for aching feet, I strongly suggest that you either plan to purchase as you leave the track, or order online! Vineyard Vines and Fanatics both have fantastic online stores that let you commemorate the event while enjoying it!

I know that some folks are very committed to the idea of holding onto a Derby glass as a souvenir. In fact, I’ve done this myself. It does get awkward to try to walk back to your bus or rideshare with a stack of glasses. If you aren’t just in love with the idea of collecting Derby glasses from the track or being able to say you drank a mint julep at the track, remember that you can order a Derby glass or pick one up ahead of time!

Plan ahead!!

Finally, remember that the more you plan, the better your Derby experience will be. Plan if you’ll be eating food from the track or bringing a box lunch. Remember to stay hydrated, especially if you’re enjoying a few mint juleps or Oaks Lilies. Figure out your rideshare situation, or how you’ll be getting home. Set a budget for Derby Day expenditures and, at least TRY, to stick to it. The more you plan ahead of time, the more you will enjoy your day at the track!

Most of all, have fun and take lots of photos! Happy Derby, y’all!

I’m writing a book!

Hey y’all!

I am so thrilled to announce that I’m writing a book!

I recently signed with The University Press of Kentucky to publish The Women of Kentucky Bourbon, a series of profiles about women who have impacted the bourbon industry.

I’m so excited to provide a nuanced and thoughtful insight into these women who have helped create our Commonwealth’s signature industry. I’ve also worked a long time to become an expert on this industry and topic. I am so excited to share these stories with you all and I really hope that I do justice to the amazing women whom I’m profiling.

Of course, I probably won’t be updating the website or socials very much while I finish my manuscript draft over the next few months. You can follow along on Instagram as I provide some daily updates, and I will update a few blog posts for racing season, just because we all look forward to Keeneland and Derby!

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!

Pelo West Spa at the Galt House

I recently had the opportunity to visit Pelo West Spa at the Galt House Hotel. This is not your typical generic hotel spa, y’all. It’s much, much better.

The edgy decor catches your eye immediately — black walls and green velvet sofas paired with local art. As you check in, you’re offered a choice of water, coffee, champagne or White Claw. I went with bubbles, since I was there to pamper myself!

Beyond the bubbles and the pretty decor, the spa treatments are wonderful! The esthetician, Andrew, was very attentive to my skincare needs and concerns, and he provided an absolutely fantastic facial. I was especially pleased with the microcurrent device treatment which left my skin feeling firm and fresh, as well as the take-home skincare samples. It was an absolutely wonderful experience!

If you’re staying at the Galt House or visiting downtown Louisville, book a visit with Pelo West. In addition to the fantastic facial, they offer massages, hair, nails, and a special Derby Weekend IV Hydration package! Cheers to Pelo West for offering fantastic spa services!

Did Y'all Hear Joe Bologna's is for Sale?

“Did y’all hear that Joe Bologna’s is for sale?”

Over the past day or so, I’ve gotten several variants of that message over a variety of media — text messages, DMs, Facebook tags and just about any other medium you can imagine. This week, several news outlets have reported that Mr. Joe Bologna intends to retire by summer’s end, with the hope that a buyer will take over his iconic Italian restaurant. He’s reportedly already received a few serious offers.

Now, I make no secret about the fact that I’m a big Joe B’s fan. I stop by for dinner any time I get a chance, and I frequently grab takeout when I’m in Lexington, trying my best to not eat the entire meal on the drive back to Louisville. Of course, I’m not alone. I assume these sentiments are pretty universal for most anyone who has a tie to Lexington. Nearly everyone who went to college at UK or Transylvania, or who’s ever worked near campus or downtown, or who’s had a little time to grab dinner before a Kentucky game has a memory of Joe B’s. It’s a memorable place.

First of all, there’s the building. You have to start any conversation about Joe B’s by mentioning the building at 120 West Maxwell. It was built as a Presbyterian church in 1890, was rededicated as a Jewish synagogue in 1914, and became a restaurant complex in 1989. It’s served a lot of Lexingtonians’ needs over the years.

And, of course, there’s Mr. Bologna himself. He opened his eponymous restaurant in 1973 and has been at the present location since the late 1980s. Fifty years of feeding Lexington great food at a reasonable price point — that’s an incredible legacy. At one point, there were three Joe Bologna’s locations across Lexington. The restaurant is an institution, and its namesake is a legend. It’s impossible to think of the restaurant without visualizing Mr. Joe Bologna wearing his signature suspenders and carrying a pan of breadsticks.

And then there are those breadsticks. Y’all know exactly what I mean. Huge, fluffy breadsticks the size of an adult’s forearm, served in a dish of garlic butter. The pizza is pretty great, too. I’m partial to the Sicilian pan pizza with generous slices of Italian sausage and delicate flakes of mushroom. The Stromboli sub is another favorite. In fact, I’ve never really had anything bad from Joe B’s.

For so many folks who’ve spent time in Lexington, there are also the memories. Fifty years’ worth of memories — many of which take us back to younger and more carefree days. Memories of pizza, maybe a beer, and definitely a conversation about the next basketball or football game. Good times, good company, and garlic butter in a place that hasn’t changed, even as the city and campus outside those hallowed walls have grown to previously-unimaginable proportions.

Thanks so much to Mr. Bologna for creating such an incredibly special spot, and here’s hoping the new owners don’t change a single thing.

Curling Class at Louisville Curling Club

Bob and I always enjoy watching curling on TV. We’re glued to every Winter Olympics, and seek out any other televised curling matches we can find. So, last winter, when we saw that Derby Curling Club was offering Learn to Curl Classes, we had to give it a try! I just saw that a class is going to be held on Saturday, February 10, so I wanted to share all the details with y’all!

Y’all, curling is hard. Like, really hard. And it was so much fun.

It turns out that curling takes a lot of flexibility, a lot of strategy and some fast footwork on the ice. It’s also pretty cold! The class is broken down into teams of four. The first hour is focused on fundamentals. You learn how to throw the stone and how to sweep. The second hour is reserved for matches between the teams.

I loved sweeping — it was so fascinating and fun to see how applying friction to the ice can alter the stone’s trajectory.Bob has watched the sport closely and understands the game’s strategy, so he was a great skip. It was such an entertaining (and humbling!) experience. You basically have to go from a deep runner’s lunge to a standing position. On ice. While throwing the stone. I may have fallen on the ice a time or two. I also would LOVE to try it again!

Derby City Curling Club classes are held at Alpine Ice Arena, 1825 Gardiner Ln. in Louisville. You can sign up for the next class on the Derby City Curling Club website! If you go, dress in warm layers, wear tennis shoes, and stay hydrated!