Yes, I know: EVERYONE within a hundred-mile radius of Louisville is familiar with the Kentucky Oaks, but just in case outsiders are tuning in, here’s a pertinent refresher.
The Kentucky Oaks race is hosted annually in Louisville, Kentucky at Churchill Downs. The race dates back to 1875 when it was founded by Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr., who also founded the Kentucky Derby, the Clark Handicap and the Falls City Handicap. Both the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby have been held at Churchill Downs since they were established and remain the oldest continuously run sporting events in American history. Each year, the Kentucky Oaks takes place the Friday before the Kentucky Derby.
In 2023, Derby Day is Saturday, May 6, so Oaks Day is Friday, May 5. Happily, Kegs and Eggs (said to have originated at the Highlands BoomBozz in 2011 or 2012) is back on the festive morning party docket for a third annual “comeback” edition on Oaks Day, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., providing an opportunity for “nutrition and nuance” during Derby Week.
This year there are two venues: Lou Lou Food + Drink in St. Matthews (108 Sears Avenue; 502-893-7776), and Lou Lou on Market (812 East Market Street; 505-515-9699) in NuLu.
There is no admission fee or cover charge, and a percentage of the proceeds will go to benefit APRON Inc. Be aware that advance reservations are recommended for indoor dining, so call your Lou Lou of choice to reserve space. There’ll be live music at both sites.
Following are various Kegs and Eggs menu enticements:
- Lou Lou’s Famous Hot Brown
- Hot Brown Pizza
- Shrimp ‘n’ Grits with an Over Easy Egg, Bacon and Syrup
- Country Ham & Biscuits (by Chef Ellen Gill McCarty)
- Cajun Eggs Benedict
- Cajun Omelet
- Biscuits with Crawfish Swamp Gravy
On the libations end, Kegs and Eggs offers “Freshly Screwed Squeeze Drivers,” Monk’s Road Gin Q’s, a Chocolate Bacon Old Fashioned, the “bloodiest” of Bloody Marys, coffee concoctions, and bourbon-barrel beers from Against the Grain.
Note: David H. Green (“Starvin Artist”) will be showcasing and selling his artwork at Lou Lou on Market during May (in the Stave Basement Bar), with 10% of the proceeds going to APRON Inc.
