Weekend Recap: Talk Derby to Me

The first 75-degree day of the year + Cinco de Mayo + Kentucky Derby = absolute mayhem in Chicago. Tacos on a patio followed by baseball in the park was a great start to the day. Next up was a Derby party organized by Chicago Magazine and sponsored by Woodford Reserve in which you guessed it – whiskey was free-flowing in all forms.

Even though my ability to talk “derby” is limited to “hey ya’lls” and “bless your hearts” (I am a Southerner after all), I donned my Derby best which included a hat purchased at the last-minute from Macy’s (similar style here and here).

Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, and I quickly found out why. With the proceeds benefitting the James Beard Foundation, the event, held at the Venue West event space in West Loop, turned the most famous two-minutes in sports into an afternoon affair.

The James Beard Foundation inspires current and future chefs through educational programs and culinary scholarships. James Beard was the founder of American cuisine as we know it and was a pioneer in all aspects of his life, from setting up canteens in World War II to penning countless cookbooks that are still in print today.

Although the race didn’t start until 5:45 PM, we arrived early and I’m so glad we did. We were among the first in line at the photo booth and at one of the many pop-up bars in the event space, where they served spiked sweet teas, mint julips and regular mixed drinks (for those not in the Southern spirit). Sunnyside Up, a Chicago-based bluegrass band, was also on hand cranking out classic hits.

We noshed on hors d’oeuvres like chicken and biscuit sliders while joining in on one of the whiskey wheel tastings held throughout the afternoon. An expert was on-hand to talk about Woodford’s signature bourbon and the best way to enjoy it with a variety of eclectic food pairings.

Let’s face it – what’s a Derby party without critiquing the outfit choices of party guests? Judging from the number of selfies and photo ops, attire for the Derby is almost as important as the race itself. A best-dressed contest was obviously the only way to end the afternoon and was the culmination of an amazing event hosted by the Woodford Reserve.

All in all, if you can’t make it to the races, you can’t beat a stylish Derby fête in Chicago!