In case you’d like to start planning where you’ll be drinking mint juleps while donning a big hat and seersucker on Saturday May 3rd for the greatest two minutes in sports, aka the 140th Kentucky Derby, here are some options for you.
From 12pm-4pm, ~COMSTOCK SALOON~ will serve made-to-order Bulleit Bourbon mint juleps, Dickel Rye Derby cocktails, and a Dickel White “Deep” Southside cocktail ($6 each). Executive chef Ronnie New will offer a $20 three-course prix-fixe menu, which will include a Hot Brown, an open-faced turkey and bacon sandwich made famous in Louisville in the 1920s, along with Comstock’s famous bourbon pudding.
Comstock’s Kentucky Derby party is a charity event benefitting the Make-A-Wish Foundation—for every $10 donated at the door, guests will receive one betting card on which to wager first-, second-, and third-place winning horses. There will also be a best hat competition for the ladies and a “dandiest fellow” for best dressed gentleman. Prizes include spa gift certificates, Bulleit Bourbon gift baskets, winery tours and tastings, as well as a VIP experience at Golden Gate Fields. Space is limited so early arrival is strongly suggested.
~HOG & ROCKS~ will be open starting at 11:30am, offering a raw oyster bar, hand-carved ham station, a po’boy station (take your pick of fried oyster, roast pork, or veggie), and more, plus mint juleps (of course), old-fashioneds, and other things to drink. $30, available via Sosh (includes entrance, one mint julep, and $20 of Hogs & Rocks poker chips, redeemable against food, beverages, and experiences). Additional poker chips available for purchase. There will be an opportunity to bet on all 11 races (the Kentucky Derby is the 11th race of the day), and there will also be a Derby Day outfit contest and an oyster shuck and suck contest.
The STARLIGHT ROOM will be hosting its annual Derby Day party, with bottomless Piper mimosas, a Kentucky Derby grand buffet (1:30pm-3:30pm), and music from Belle Monroe & Her Brewglass Boys. (Plus that great view, of course.) Tickets are $55 and include a complimentary mint julep as well. There will be a contest and prizes for best dressed couple and best hat. 1pm-4:30pm. Sir Francis Drake Hotel, 21st floor, 450 Powell St. at Sutter, 415-395-8595.
