LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Forty-six days and counting. That’s how long we have before the eyes of the sports world turn to Louisville to watch the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby.

What You Need To Know

  • Chef Kenneth Hardiman helped create the official menu

  • It features Kentucky's finest foods

  • The menu also includs beverages

  • Churchill Downs is sharing the recipes

The Derby is as well known for the food as it is the horses. For a second consecutive year, Chef Kenneth Hardiman has created the official menu for the Kentucky Oaks and Derby.

The offerings on this year’s menu promise to “elevate classic Kentucky dishes with a fresh twist.” The food will be prepared using locally sourced dairy and produce to highlight Louisville’s unique place in the culinary world.

 “Leading the culinary team at the Kentucky Derby is one of the highest honors a chef can have, and I’m excited for the opportunity to add to the Kentucky Derby’s rich culinary legacy again this year,” said Chef Kenneth Hardiman in a statement. Hardiman will work closely with the track’s hospitality partner, Levy.

Hardiman added, “Moments like the Kentucky Derby challenge and motivate us chefs to be at our best, to focus on all of the details, from the seasonal ingredients we source all the way down to the garnishes, in order to create amazing food and beverage experiences for our guests who enjoy the event in different ways.”

 The Official Kentucky Derby 149 Food Menu

    Kentucky Bibb Greens

  • Seasonal berry, toasted almond, poppy seed, raspberry vinaigrette

     Heirloom Grain Salad

  • Sundried cherry and apricot, carrot, pepita, citrus vinaigrette

    Mashed Sweet Potatoes

  • Woodford Reserve Bourbon® brown butter, herb, candied spiced pecan

    Cheesy Creamed Corn

  • Crispy jalapeno, Kenny’s Cheddar Cheese, pimento

     Glazed Spring Vegetables

  • Spring squash, carrot, parsnip, pomegranate seed

     Seared Chicken Breast

  • Local honey glaze, scallion, benne seed, citrus

    Roasted Sliced Pork Loin Medallions

  • Sweet Onion, green peppercorn demi-glace

 Kentucky Derby 149 Beverage Menu

     Old Forester Mint Julep

  • Old Forester, simple syrup, fresh mint, crushed ice

    Finlandia® Oaks Lily®

  • Finlandia, sweet and sour, Triple Sec, cranberry juice, blackberries, lemon wedge, crushed ice

    Woodford Reserve Spire

  • Woodford Reserve, lemonade, cranberry juice, lemon twist, ice

    Herradura Horseshoe Margarita

  • Herradura Silver, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, lime wheel, ice

     2020 Kendall-Jackson Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County

     2021 Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay Mendocino County

Hardiman’s journey at Churchill Downs began in 2022 during Derby 148. He was a culinary leader with Levy and has more than a decade of experience. His food award-winning food and beverage creations have been served in several well-known venues, including the Fiserv Forum, which is home to the Milwaukee Bucks.

If you would like the recipes for the official Derby 149 menu, you can see them on this website.

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