My infatuation with the Kentucky Derby dates back to my youth, when my love of all things horse bordered on compulsion. For years the first Saturday in May was spent sitting cross-legged three feet from the television. Clutching my favorite stuffed horses--Filene (yes, named after the department store) and Dynamite (whose legs resembled sticks of TNT)--I watched day-long coverage of the horses, the jockeys, the owners, and of course, the “Run for the Roses” itself and all post-race reports from the winner's circle.
As I grew, so too did my appreciation for the Derby and its culture. Hats and pageantry. Twin Spires. Mint Juleps. Bluegrass Music. "My Old Kentucky Home." So I couldn’t resist hosting my first Derby Party on May 2 in celebration of two birthdays--my dear friend Meredith's and my own! Photos from the "birthday obesrved" celebration appear below, courtesy of friend and photogapher Jessica Del Vecchio!
Birthday girl Meredith, the Derby hat contest winner! "Mine that Bird" on her hat brim. She made it herself!
Mere's dapper husband Keith, with mint julep in hand...
Dawn in her Derby best, with a flower tucked in her hair...
Special thanks to my best friend and culinary/mixology wizard Tara Novotny for her help in making this a day to remember (or not, depending on the number of Marker's Mark mint juleps consumed).
Starters included assorted crudites, parmesan and gruyere sticks, charcuterie and proscuitto wrapped bread sticks, and Bobby Flay's baked "brie delight," baked with Honeycup mustard and toasted sliced almonds.
Hearty afternoon snacks included Barefoot Contessa's oven-baked fried chicken wings, crab cakes with Martha Stewart's chili lime aioli (and cocktail sauce), and Mere's baked "ham sammies." Delicious!
For dessert, Joanna Hiatt baked raspberry filled chocolate cupcakes with chocolate ganache. Decadent!
Red roses in silver mint julep cups provided added additional Derby flare to the buffet table.
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