From mint juleps to pickled shrimp toast, the Valley is hopping with festive Kentucky Derby parties dishing up fantastic Southern-inspired eats. Reserve your spot at one of the following Derby events to experience “the most exciting two minutes in sports” in utmost style.
“The most exciting two minutes in sports” will be celebrated in grand Southern style at Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess with a Kentucky Derby brunch and lawn party, 1 to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, May 6. Inspired by “Millionaire’s Row” at Churchill Downs, each guest will enjoy the traditions of the Derby atmosphere, including frosty mint juleps, live blues music, Bulleit Bourbon tastings and activities on the “Winner’s Circle” lawn. The brunch menu will be filled with Southern flair, featuring Kentucky Derby hot browns, Benedictine dip, pickled shrimp toasts, sweet tea brined fried chicken, buttermilk oyster sliders, house-smoked Andouille sausage and much more. The brunch includes a commemorative Kentucky Derby glass and three complimentary cocktails. Race-watchers can also get in the spirit by enjoying a classic mint julep prepared with Bourbon Steak’s exclusive Bulleit 10-year bourbon. erby fans cheer on their favorites during the world’s premier horse-racing event on plasma screens indoors and out, with complete Derby coverage from 1 to 4 p.m. and the estimated race time at 3:34 p.m., Arizona time. There will also be a sing-a-long of “My Old Kentucky Home” just before the post parade. Women are encouraged to complete their Derby look with their most stylish hats, while dapper gents might sport seersucker, both with a chance to win prizes from an esteemed panel of judges. Prizes include dinner for two in Bourbon Steak and a weekend getaway to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Reservations are suggested by calling 480.585.2694. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.
Southern Rail in Phoenix will celebrate “the most exciting two minutes in sports” on Saturday, May 6, from 1 to 5 p.m. Sip on $7 mint juleps while you cheer on your favorite horse and enjoy a special Derby Day menu crafted by Chef Justin Beckett (in addition to regular lunch and dinner menu). Patrons are inspired to wear their best Derby inspired attire. Prizes will be awarded for the best men’s and women’s derby hats, as well as best dressed overall. Reservations are recommended; call 602.200.0085 or visit http://southernrailaz.com/.
On Saturday, May 6, Padre Murphy’s will be opening its doors at 8:30 a.m. to celebrate the 143rd Annual Kentucky Derby. Beginning with breakfast (served until 11:30 a.m.), the celebration will include a variety of Derby Day drink specials (think mint juleps and peach mimosas), off-track betting, a live telecast of the Kentucky Derby (airing from 11:30 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. MST) on 90-plus TV’s and a Derby Day hat contest at 2 p.m. Winning hats will receive a $100 happy hour at Padre Murphy’s for first place, a $50 gift card to Gaston Jewelry for second place and a dozen red roses for third place.
Stella Artois Derby DayClub opens at 10:30 a.m. with live racing at Turf Paradise starting at 11:30 p.m.. Place your bets for the races or for the Kentucky Derby, which will be broadcast live at the track and in the Derby DayClub at 3:24 p.m. Sit track-side inside the exclusive air-conditioned Stella Artois Derby DayClub where you can watch all the finish line action, track-side betting terminals, and a no-host bar including Mint Juleps, beer, wine and cocktails, DJ and 65-inch TV’ss to watch the Kentucky Derby. General admission DayClub tickets start at $25 or reserve your spot now inside the Sanderson Lincoln Black Label VIP Lounge – $100 in advance or $110 at the door, which includes complimentary food and cocktails. Individual reserved seats are available for an additional $25 per seat. Both ticketing options also provide access to the Hefeweizen Beer Garden, presented by Hensley Beverage Company. Experience horse racing like never before with a reserved table, including eight tickets and a complimentary bottle of Chandon champagne. Sanderson Lincoln Black Label VIP Lounge tables are $1,100 (first-row), $1,000 (second-row) and $900 (third-row). DayClub tables are $500 (first-row), $400 (second-row) and $300 (third-row).
Bevvy in Scottsdale is hosting a blowout Kentucky Derby party on Saturday, May 6, with doors opening at 10 a.m. Get in on all the action with onsite off-track-betting, as well as watch (and hear) the race on the 30-plus flat-screen TV’s. Derby-themed festivities include contests for “Best Hat” and “Best Dressed” (male and female) with winners receiving amazing prizes. Bevvy will be draped with racing silks, or elaborate, colorful decorative fabrics, and gorgeous flowers to make guests feel as if they are at the Derby itself. Plus, Bevvy will be expanding their patios featuring extra seating and mobile bars and will be mixing up special Kentucky Derby cocktails for the day featuring Bulleit bourbon.
On Saturday, May 6, stop by Kelly’s at Southbridge to watch the derby and enjoy $7 mint juleps and $10 glasses of Mumm Champagne. Don’t forget to come dressed to the nines as Kelly’s will be giving away prizes for the best Kentucky Derby inspired hat.
Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill will be in the Kentucky Derby spirit and will serve mint juleps all day at all three Thirsty Lion locations as well as show all of the derby races.
On Saturday, May 6, enjoy the Kentucky Derby at Pomelo. Come dressed in a derby hat and enjoy $5 mint juleps and $5 glasses of Champagne. Stick around for brunch both Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to enjoy $5 mimosa, Bloody Marys or sangria.
Kentucky Derby Dining in Phoenix 2017
