Sixth Annual ‘Taste of Derby’ Presented by Stella Artois April 30th is Perfect Pre-Derby Party

Apr 30, 2015

Expanded VIP Experience Enhances Access to Renowned Chefs, Exciting Cuisine that Represents ‘Road to the Kentucky Derby’ Destinations

The Official Kentucky Derby Event of Churchill Downs, the Sixth Annual Taste of Derby presented by Stella Artois, will take off in style on Thursday April 30, 2015 at 7 pm. The celebrated Kentucky Oaks Eve event provides plenty of opportunities to mingle with horse racing celebrities and award-winning chefs, savor an incredible array of exquisite cuisine and sip exceptional beer and wines. Due to popular demand, the 2015 Taste of Derby presented by Stella Artois, will offer additional VIP amenities including increased lounge space and bar service. 

Once again, a stellar selection of nationally recognized chefs will prepare samples of their regional specialties, all designed to represent the ‘Road to the Kentucky Derby’ destinations. The list of destinations ranges from Hollywood to Houston, New Orleans to New York, and San Francisco to Santa Fe. Guests sip, sample and savor, all against the backdrop of the latest live entertainment. 

Churchill Downs created Taste of Derby presented by Stella Artois to expose Louisvillians and the thousands of out-of-town guests who visit for the Kentucky Derby each year to these great racing communities across the country and the regional flavors that make them as unique as Louisville. More than 1,500 guests attend the event each year. 

Presenting sponsor Stella Artois also the Official Beer Sponsor of Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby, is the number one Belgian beer in the world. The brand will feature James Beard Award Winner, Chef Debbie Gold at their flagship footprint, where she will heat things up by preparing a Stella Artois-inspired dish for guests. Stella Artois will also be paired with the various signature dishes created by Taste of Derby’s nationally renowned chefs. 

The state of Washington’s 14 Hands Winery returns as a Gold Plate Sponsor of Taste of Derby and will showcase its 14 Hands Limited Release 2012 Kentucky Derby® Red Blend, a one-of-a-kind wine experience created specifically to commemorate its proud partnership with the Kentucky Derby. In addition to several 14 Hands wines being poured and paired with the signature dishes, several of the brand’s specialty “The Reserve” wines will be featured at the 14 Hands lounge and wine bar as well. 

Additional Taste of Derby partners include Kentucky’s own Woodford Reserve, the Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, which will allow guests to sample different flavors of mint juleps.  The Swiss watch brandLongines, the Kentucky Oaks Title Partner and the Official Timekeeper of the Kentucky Derby, will showcase the three elegant timepieces that will be gifted to the winning owner, trainer and jockey of Kentucky Derby 141,and will feature chef Tim Love back at their station this year. Bon Appétit, the Exclusive National Epicurean Media Partner of Taste of Derby, will feature renowned Chef Chris Cosentino. Hendrick’s Gin will be serving two signature cocktails at their station, while guests have the opportunity to participate in a photo op inside their indoor hot air balloon. Stetson will be selling their very own hats, while giving out complimentary shoeshines to all guests. The Voice-Tribune, the Exclusive Local Lifestyle Media Partner will host the new VIP lounge, which will offer increased lounge seating and bar service. 

Creekstone Farms Premium Black Angus Beef & Premium Natural Pork will present the fifth annual “Creekstone Farms Chef Showdown” at Taste of Derby where three culinary student finalists from Sullivan University in Louisville will compete for a $5,000 scholarship by creating an award-winning Creekstone Farms Antibiotic Free Duroc Pork Tenderloin dish in 20 minutes in front of celebrity judges. Bon Appetit’s very own Digital Food Editor, Dawn Perry will emcee the Chef Showdown. Also, the Kentucky Derby 141 solid-gold winning trophy is scheduled to make an appearance. 

The star-studded evening holds court in the North Wing Lobby of the Kentucky Exposition Center and includes a red carpet entry starting at 7 p.m. (EDST), food and wine tastings until 9:30 p.m., premium open bar until 11 p.m., complimentary valet service, and live entertainment by one of Atlanta’s popular dance band, City Heat. 

Taste of Derby presented by Stella Artois also raises funds and awareness for hunger relief organizations. To date, over $235,000 has been contributed to hunger relief locally and around the country, as well as Sullivan University. Dare to Care Food Bank will be the beneficiary of this year’s event.

For More Information and a detailed list of Chefs and what they'll serve, please visit the Taste of Derby website.