Paula Deen eats fashion at the Kentucky Derby, she says it’s more than food and drink
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Paula Deen says her favorite Kentucky Derby tradition has nothing to do with food.
With the Kentucky Derby set for Saturday, tens of thousands flock to Louisville to enjoy the horse racing and the event’s signature mint juleps, made with Kentucky bourbon, simple syrup, crushed ice and lots of mint sprigs.
The celebrity chef told Fox News Digital that, while the Derby is known for its strong drinks and delicious Southern food, he’s more interested in its fashion.
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Deen has been to the Kentucky Derby before and says his ideal spot is at the gate, facing the crowd.
“If I had my wish,” said Deen, “I would get myself a comfortable chair and put it down.” [it] outside the entrance gate.”
Paula Deen says her favorite Kentucky Derby tradition centers on the fashion, not the food, during Louisville’s annual event. (Leandro Lozada/AFP via Getty Images; Fox News Digital)
“I like to watch ladies and gentlemen,” he added. “I mean, they go to the South and the Old South with their clothes too. The men – they look dapper. But I like to look at all the hats and clothes.”
Dressed in her own Derby Day outfit as she spoke to Fox News Digital in an interview from Savannah, Georgia, Deen recalled visiting Churchill Downs in the mud when she was even invited to the track.
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“You could feel those horses’ hooves on your body and mud moving everywhere,” she said. “They say, often, it rains on Derby Day.”
While the race is all about the horses, the Derby’s signature food and drinks are a tradition unto themselves.
Celebrity chef Paula Deen described mint juleps as “the star of the Derby,” highlighting the cocktail’s longstanding role in the event’s traditions. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images; Fox News Digital)
Deen described mint juleps as “the star of the Derby” but recommended a lesser-known dish called Kentucky Hot Browns.
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Hot Browns are open-faced sandwiches made with roasted turkey, crusty bread, bacon and Mornay sauce.
The dish was developed at a hotel in Louisville in the 1920s, Deen said, and has been a Southern favorite ever since.
“Why would you think there is a lot of butter?”
“You know, kind of a messy sandwich,” Deen said. “You have to eat it with a knife and fork. So, in one of my cookbooks, we turned it into a Hot Brown casserole, which makes it a lot easier to eat.”
His perfect Derby menu will feature mint juleps, Hot Browns, hot cheese dips, fresh fruit and fried chicken.
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“The fried chicken is always good,” she said. “I don’t care what kind of party you throw.”
When asked if there is such a thing as too much butter at the Kentucky Derby, Deen was quick to shoot down the idea.
Kentucky Hot Browns, made with turkey, bacon and Mornay sauce, remain a Southern favorite. (Stock)
“Why would you think there’s a lot of butter?” Deen replied, pulling out a butter-shaped depressant.
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Deen’s ideal Derby Day, he said, comes down to good weather and a good race.
Paula Deen described Derby Day style as “Old South,” praising the polished look worn by both men and women. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images; Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for IMDb)
“I was supposed to go two years ago and the weather was perfect,” Deen recalled of his recent trip.
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“That’s what you hope for when it’s Derby time – that two minutes of an amazing race goes away.”
