144.0...The Kentucky Derby!

The Kentucky Derby. Amazing. An experience that will stay with me forever. My husband and I had a blast. 

We arrived Thursday night to our hotel, the iconic Brown Hotel. There was a Derby goodie bag waiting for us in our room:

Although it was late, the lobby bar was bustling and we were able to grab a table for dinner. 

I ordered the open faced steak sandwich, complete with arugula, sunny side egg and chimichurri. 

It hit the spot. Nothing like some late night fries! 

We couldn't pass on the Derby Pie (walnut & chocolate chip pie) for dessert!

Breakfast Friday morning was room service while we got ready. Two eggs, bacon, potatoes and toast.

It was time to hit the road for Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Oaks (Friday's race) events!

 

There was a delicious buffet complete with a cheese bar:

Prime rib and corn and shrimp:

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Our friends, Alan and Colby, were also there so we were able to snag a photo with them:

Of course, I had to order a Mint Julep!

Tastes a bit like Mint Jet Fuel to me. :) Not a fan. 

Dessert was good, though!

So were the celebrity sightings! If you've read my blog for awhile, you know I have no shame when it comes to the celebrity photo op!

Scottie Pippen:

Ndamukong Suh (plays for the Detroit Lions):

 And just like that, the Kentucky Oaks race day was over.

My husband and I headed to our dinner reservation at Vincenzo's, an Italian restaurant in downtown Louisville. My husband and I split a couple of appetizers. 

Crepe Agostino (delicate crepe wrapped around a blend of beef, veal and chicken baked in a béchamel glazed marinara sauce):

Pomodoro E Mozzarella (slices of fresh mozzarella cheese layered between a fresh vine-ripened tomato with olive oil, cracked pepper and fresh basil):

At Vincenzo's, they finish cooking and plate your meal right in front of you!

I ordered the Vitello Saltimbocca (scaloppine of veal with sage, thinly sliced prosciutto ham and fresh mozzarella cheese presented in a light white wine sauce):

For dessert, we shared Tiramisu: 

We really enjoyed our meal at Vincenzo's and the staff could not have been friendlier!

Saturday morning it was rise and shine! Time to get ready for the Kentucky Derby! Breakfast was coffee and an English muffin. 

 

We enjoyed several different appetizers throughout the day:

There was some of the best people watching ever. I loved seeing everyone's hats! 

When it was time for the Derby horses to come into the paddock, we found a great viewing spot!

Here's the winning horse, California Chrome (#5). We didn't know, at that point, that that horse was going to win but he was the favorite.

Right before the race, I snagged a picture with Bob Baffert, a famous horse trainer:

The race was so exciting to watch! It was two minutes of craziness!  

After the race, we stayed a bit to let the crowds leave. I'm glad we did otherwise I would have missed this picture with Joey Fatone!

Good stuff.

Dinner was at Morton's Steakhouse. I enjoyed one of my favorite salads, the wedge:

My husband and I shared creamed spinach, twice-baked potatoes au gratin and a filet. 

By the end of the night, my feet were killing me. Two full days in heels was plenty. 

Breakfast yesterday morning was the buffet brunch at the hotel. 

And just like that, it was time to head to the airport. Our trip went too fast but I hope to one day return to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby. It was an experience I'll never forget. 

Breakfast this morning was scrambled egg beaters with salsa and cheddar cheese.

I missed Monday's Cardio Muscle class reluctantly because I had to go to a PTO meeting after I took the kids to school. I did make it to the gym afterwards though for some cardio and weights. Time to get back on track after all the deliciousness from this past weekend!

Happy Cinco de Mayo, by the way! I celebrated with fish tacos at Wahoo's!

 Do you have any Cinco de Mayo related plans today?

Technorati Tags: Bob Baffert, Brown Hotel, Egg Beaters, Everyday, Joey Fatone, Kentucky Derby, Louisville, Ndamukong Suh, Scottie Pippen, Vincenzo's, Wahoo's