When the Kentucky Derby takes place tomorrow, we’ll watch with rapt attention as a bunch of four-legged steeds hoof it around a racetrack for two minutes. Those may be the greatest two minutes in horse sports, but they are, after all, only two minutes. You and a few Derby Day drinkers could turn the afternoon into a mint julep marathon, but the people at Hendricks BBQ have organized a party that involves much more than just sipping out of silver-plated julep cups.
Tomorrow, May 4, from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., the restaurant located at 1200 S. Main St., in historic St. Charles, is hosting its first annual Derby Day Celebration. The five-hour fete will include a handful of contests. Of course there will be the obligatory derby hat and derby suit competitions, but you can also head to four different mint julep stations manned by bartenders from around town. Taste each cocktail, and then cast your vote for your favorite. Thirsty for more competition? Step outside to watch Run for the Rosé, a foot race among employees from restaurants on Main Street who’ll be jogging with a wine-filled glass in hand.
The alcohol of the day, however, will be bourbon. The spirit of Kentucky will be poured in whiskey tastings; its storied past recounted in whiskey classes. Bourbon will also find its way into the all-you-can-eat passed appetizers and buffet items on a menu prepared by Hendricks BBQ’s exec chef Wil Pelly.
With all the fun, you’ll wonder where the day went when it’s finally time to grab a seat and watch the equine action live on a big screen.
All-inclusive tickets for the celebration are sold at Hendricks BBQ and its sister restaurants Sanctuaria, Café Ventana and Diablitos Cantina. There are no online ticket sales. More information about the event is available here. Get your ticket today and it’ll cost you $85. Get it tomorrow at the door for $90.
OR get two tickets for free by winning Sauce’s giveaway today! Entries start now and last until 3 p.m., then we’ll email the winner and announce he and she on our blog and our Facebook page. Enter to win by clicking here.
***Jessica Aubuchon, you are our winner! Watch for an email from the Sauce crew. Everyone else, thanks for playing! Tickets are still available (for purchase) for this Derby Day celebration!***
This article appears in May 2013.